Best Paddle Board 2023: The Best Paddle Boards For Beginners to Buy in 2023

Are you new to SUP and still getting the hang of it? Here are the top beginner paddle boards, with prices to fit any budget.

Best Paddle Board 2023: The Best Paddle Boards For Beginners to Buy in 2023
Best Paddle Board 2023

Looking for the best stand-up paddle board for beginners? You're not by yourself. Since stand-up paddle boarding (also known as SUP) has grown in popularity, calm-water beaches are frequently crowded with SUPers getting comfortable with new boards. Because SUP is more difficult than some people make it seem, choosing the best beginner SUP board for you is essential for building confidence and mastering the proper technique when you're just getting started.

There is much to be excited about in the world of SUP, whether you want to take a tour of your local waterways, travel farther, or get some Instagram-gold standard SUP yoga shots. It's a fantastic sport in and of itself, giving you a great core workout and a decent cardio workout in addition to being a great way to travel.

Standing at your full height will give you a great view of the surroundings and a heads-up on any potential dangers. You gain a new level of visibility into the underwater world thanks to that same elevated viewpoint, which is excellent for spotting wildlife.

It's worth browsing the deals in our guide to the Black Friday Sales since a SUP board is not a cheap purchase to see if you can find a deal on one of the best stand-up paddle boards for beginners, which are listed below.

Because there are so many breathtaking locations you can visit while paddling a SUP board, SUP has really taken off in the UK. Wherever you are, there will be inspiring and exciting SUP opportunities close by, from the vast canal network to a huge variety of reservoirs and lakes and, of course, the hundreds of miles of coastline.

If you want more information, read the guide at the bottom of this article to find out if inflatable paddle boards are suitable for beginners and what to look for in a beginner's SUP. While the majority of these kits come with everything you need to get on the water, if you plan to SUP frequently, you may want to make an investment in a few extras. The best life jacket is a crucial safety measure, the best dry bag will protect anything you want to bring on board, and the best water shoes are a necessity for easily entering and exiting the water.

The majority of paddle boarders wear sportswear or swimwear, but for added warmth (especially if you think you might end up in the water), a wetsuit might be a good idea. Let's look at the best paddle boards for beginners right away.

Also Read: Best Mattress Brands 2023: How to Select Best Mattress

The Best Paddle Boards For Beginners to Buy in 2023

1. RED PADDLE CO 10'6" RIDE MSL SUP INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARD PACKAGE

The best inflatable paddle board package for keen beginners

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for quality and versatility
Size: 10' 6"
Type: inflatable
Weight limit: not stated

REASONS TO BUY

+
High quality and well-designed
+
Everything you need to get started
+
Very stable to ride

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Expensive for occasional users

The Red Paddle Co 10'6" Ride MSL SUP inflatable paddle board package is the best stand-up paddle board for beginners if quality and adaptability are what you're after. The Ride MSL inflatable paddle board packages are part of Red Paddle Co's "All round" range and are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different paddler weights. As such, they are both beginner- and all-purpose paddler-friendly. Everything you need to get on the water is included, including a paddle board, backpack, pump, paddle, bungee leash, and repair kit. Everything has been carefully thought out and feels high quality, and there is a 5-year warranty.

Although it's not the cheapest paddle board available, this one is a wise purchase if you intend to use your board frequently. Visit our Red Paddle Co Ride MSL review to learn more, or check out our Red Paddle Co Ride MSL vs M.Y PointBreak inflatable paddle board comparison to see how it stacks up against a significantly less expensive alternative.

2. TWO BARE FEET ENTRADIA 10'10" STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD

An excellent, stable, and affordable inflatable SUP for families, beginners, and bigger paddlers

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for: Stability and affordability
Length: 330cm / 10ft 10in
Weight: 9.9kg / 22lb
Max carry weight: 210kg / 460lb
Colours available: Aqua / Blue / Red / Pink

REASONS TO BUY

+
Excellent buoyancy and stability
+
Good for beginners and bigger paddlers
+
The large size is good for families
+
Great price
+
Comes with decent kit
+
Ideal for SUP yoga

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Less maneuverability than smaller boards
-
Not brilliant on waves
-
Detachable fin can be lost
-
The starter kit paddle is a bit basic
-
Slower than sleeker boards

The Two Bare Feet Entradia 10' 10" inflatable SUP board is one of the best for beginners and larger paddlers because it is generously proportioned, incredibly stable, and reasonably priced, but it is also more than that. Even for more seasoned paddlers, it's a tonne of fun, especially if the water is choppy or if you want to bring along young family members. The kit is also very well put together.

The Entrada 10' 10" is a longboard that is made of incredibly lightweight DWF Double Wall PVC and equipped with a single high-density air chamber. The extra few inches that separate these boards from the more common 10'6" boards make a surprising difference, but more factors contribute to these boards' excellent buoyancy than just their length. The 10' 10" board's 6in (15cm) thickness, which is 114 in/3 cm larger than the 10' 6" SUPs' 34in/86cm thickness, is where the extra stability really comes from.

The board has a large (9in/23cm) central fin that must be added after inflation and two small (2.5in/6cm) side-bite fins that are permanently attached to the stern of the board. It's simple to attach and clips firmly into place to prevent falling off in the water, but when you disassemble the board, you must be careful not to lose this fin. It has a carry handle in the middle for lone use and two additional carry handles—one on each end—for two-person carrying.

The standing and kneeling zone, which spans about two-thirds of the length of the board, from the valve at the stern to just beyond the central carry handle, has a substantial textured area (made from EVA padding with a 5mm grip pattern), which provides more grip than the smoother surface elsewhere.

You can thread the ankle leash through either the tail-mounted leash attachment or one of the carry handles, depending on your preferred riding position. Additionally, there are a number of D-rings for attaching items as well as a towing ring under the nose. Additionally, there is a bungee storage area on the front of the board where you can store items like water bottles, snorkeling equipment, a dry bag with supplies, or even a cag in case you get cold.

Also Read: Best Dishwashers | Best Dishwasher in India 2023 With Price

The starter kit also includes a fold-down top 90-liter backpack designed to resemble a huge drybag and a standard aluminium 3-piece SUP paddle that can be easily adjusted to your preferred length and weighs 1080g. Our Two Bare Feet Entradia 10'10" Stand-up Paddleboard review has all the details.

3. SURFSTAR 10'6" ADVANCE STAR INFLATABLE STAND UP PADDLEBOARD

The best value paddle board for beginners

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for: value and stability
Size: 10' 6''
Type: inflatable
Weight limit: 145kg

REASONS TO BUY

+
Stable and robust
+
Action camera mount

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Light colours get dirty easily
-
Single action pumpThe Red Ride MSL is an excellent paddle board for beginners, but those who are just starting out might be put off by its price. The Surfstar 10'6" Advance Star is the same size as the Red Ride MSL (and is actually slightly thicker, giving you a higher centre of gravity), and it feels brilliantly stable in use if you want to spend considerably less on your first SUP without sacrificing quality.

A paddle, pump, ankle leash, removable fin, repair kit, waterproof phone case, and backpack are all included with the Advance Star so you can get right out on the water. Even better, you won't typically find an action camera mount on less expensive boards.

4. PORTOFINO 10FT INFLATABLE STAND UP PADDLE BOARD

The best cheap paddle board kit for beginners

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for: beginners
Size: 10ft
Type: inflatable
Weight limit: 120kg

REASONS TO BUY

+
Wide and stable
+
Low price
+
Kayak conversion kit available

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Paddle could be better designed

The Portofino 10' inflatable SUP board kit is a superbly affordable, sturdy, and user-friendly board that performs admirably in calmer waters. The Portofino is even more beginner-friendly thanks to its wide nose, flat tail, and added stability. Its drop-stitched core gives it a uniform shape that makes it move over the water with ease. The package comes with everything you need to start SUPing, as you might expect, and you can even add a kayak conversion kit (sold separately) to give it more versatility.

You'll need to be willing to give up a few things in exchange for the lower price. We found a few minor problems with the paddle: the interconnected sections twist slightly when pushing through the water, it's a little heavy, and there's a little sag underfoot that you won't find with more expensive boards that can withstand higher inflation pressures. Overall, the Portofino 10ft inflatable stand-up paddle board kit is a great option if you want to get out on the water without breaking the bank.

Best Paddle Board 2023: The Best Paddle Boards For Beginners to Buy in 2023 

Also Read: Best Gaming Laptops Under 70000 in India (2023)

5. DECATHLON X100 10FT INFLATABLE TOURING SUP

The best touring paddle board for beginners

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for: touring
Size: 10ft (9ft and 11ft also available)
Type: inflatable
Weight limit: 230kg

REASONS TO BUY

+
Surprisingly speedy
+
Decent grip
+
Instructions printed on inside of bag

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Pump and paddle not included
-
Handle is flimsy

If you want to try SUP touring, the Decathlon X100 touring stand-up paddle board could be a good place to start. This 10ft inflatable SUP is impressively well made for its low price; it feels sturdy (aside from the flimsy handle), is stable, grippy, and fun to paddle on. It's wide enough to provide beginner-friendly stability, but the narrower nose allows you to accelerate quickly. Even the first time you do it, setup and packing are a breeze, thanks in part to Decathlon's printed instructions on the inside of the carry bag. We wish that every SUP manufacturer did this.

Unlike most paddle board kits, the pump and paddle are not included, so make sure to include them in your basket as well, or you'll be disappointed when you arrive at your SUPing destination. Our tester recommends the Decathlon X100 stand-up paddle board as a good fuss-free choice for touring beginners or those looking to progress on flat water in our Decathlon X100 stand-up paddle board.

6. WAVE WOODY SUP PACKAGE

A beginner-friendly paddle board at a bargain price

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for intermediates/beginners
Size: 10ft/11ft
Type: Inflatable
Weight limit: 130kg

REASONS TO BUY

+
Easy to inflate
+
Looks good
+
Great quality

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Too wide and rounded for experienced paddlers

While the Wave Woody SUP package is aimed at intermediate paddlers, after extensive river testing, we can confidently state that it is also an excellent paddle board for beginners. It's wide and stable, comes in two sizes, and comes with all the accessories you'll need. For the price, it's an absolute steal.

It's simple to inflate, so once unpacked, you'll be pumped up and on the water in about five minutes, and its thoughtful design ensures you won't be lacking in features. There's a GoPro mount on the front, D rings for extra storage or even attaching a chair to the back, and a comfortable ankle strap that won't slip off for hours. Best of all, it deflates quickly once you're finished, leaving enough space in the backpack to quickly store everything. And, unlike other cheap inflatable boards, it appears to be well-made.

Also Read: Best Phones Under 10000 in India (2023) 91Smarttech

7. BLUEFIN SUP 10′8″ AURA FIT SUP

A wide and super stable board for beginners

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for: Stability
Size: 10ft 8in
Type: Inflatable
Weight limit: 160kg

REASONS TO BUY

+
Includes everything you need
+
Nice and stable 
+
Great for yoga

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Not a speedy board

The most important factor for SUP beginners and yoga enthusiasts alike is stability, not the Instagram-friendly camera mount. This Bluefin SUP is an excellent board designed specifically for water-based yoga and Pilates, but its width and stability make it ideal for a general newcomer to the sport.

Another benefit of the yoga specialization is the extra wide (91cm) grippy deck and gentle, rounded profile. A three-fin setup improves stability and watermanship, while the fiberglass paddle and polyurethane blade weigh 45% less than standard paddles. The kit also includes a double action pump, leash, and rucksack for transport, allowing you to explore waterways near and far.

Best Paddle Board 2023: The Best Paddle Boards For Beginners to Buy in 2023 

8. BLUEFIN CRUISE SUP PACKAGE 10'8"

The best versatile paddle board that converts into a kayak

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for: versatility
Size: 10'8"
Type: Inflatable
Weight limit: 130kg

REASONS TO BUY

+
Tough and stable build
+
GoPro mount and kick pad for quick turns
+
Includes optional seat for kayaking

The Bluefin Cruise SUP package 10'8" offers a lot for a low price. The board is built to be tough, rigid, and stable. The design incorporates neoprene handles at the nose, back, and center for easy maneuverability, a kick pad for quick turns, and an integrated GoPro mount on the nose to help you capture your watery adventures.

The extras have also been thought through: the 2-piece fiberglass paddle is ultra-light and floats on water, the pump has a double-action function that allows you to quickly deflate the board, and the backpack is padded for extra comfort. This paddle board kit also includes a seat and an extra specialized paddle, allowing it to be converted into a kayak. Full marks for adaptability.

Also Read: Best Phone Under 15000 in India 2023 91SmartTech

9. RED 15'0 TANDEM MSL INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARD

The perfect paddle board for two

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for: friends
Size: 15'
Type: Inflatable
Weight limit: 110Kgs+ per rider

REASONS TO BUY

+
Well-designed and stable
+
Easy to maneuver in the water

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Awkward on dry land

The Red 15'0 Tandem MSL Inflatable Paddle Board is an excellent, if pricey, option if you want to go paddle boarding with a friend but don't want to end up in the inevitable situation where one of you goes faster and you get split up. It's a tandem touring board that's perfect for exploring with a companion while having a laid-back and chatty time. Neither of you will have to slow down or stop if one of you needs to take a break if you get tired.

It's stable, beginner-friendly, and comes with everything you need to get on the water, and its clever cargo system makes it simple to transport all of your belongings. The only real drawback (aside from the steep price) is that, while it's a blast in the water, it's a lot less fun to maneuver on dry land; however, Red has done everything possible to make this as painless as possible. If tandem paddling is your thing, this is the board for you; 

10. M.Y POINTBREAK 10' PADDLE BOARD KIT

Another good cheap stand-up paddle board kit

SPECIFICATIONS

Best for Occasional paddlers and beginners
Size: 10'
Type: inflatable
Weight limit: 130kg

REASONS TO BUY

+
Kit contains everything you need
+
Does the job
+
Great price

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Cheaper build quality
-
Not the most stable

The M.Y PointBreak 10' paddle board kit is well worth a look if you want an occasional board or something to play around with while you find your sea legs. Everything you need to get started with paddle boarding is included in one convenient backpack that is (relatively) easy to transport. While the board itself is understandably less premium than other more expensive options, it does the job admirably and is a great, affordable way to get started with this hobby.

Also Read: Upcoming Smartphones 2023: Upcoming Smartphones 2023 in India

ARE INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARDS SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

Construction is an important consideration, but it is usually a simple one. The days of stand-up paddle boards made primarily of solid fiberglass or expanded foam are long gone. If you have a campervan or live near water, solid construction makes sense because it is nearly indestructible and performs much better in the water. But if that's not the case (and it probably won't be for most people), then you'll want to check out the new breed of inflatable SUPs.

Although we have a separate guide to the best inflatable paddle boards, they are also included in this list of beginner's paddle boards. These can be packed down into compact(ish) bags and thus transported and stored easily when not in use. They are the obvious choice for urban SUP addicts, as well as for vacations where the SUP may be used occasionally.

BEST PADDLE BOARD FOR BEGINNERS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR

There are boards to suit all tastes and budgets (as you'll see in our ranking), but the key factor in selecting the best paddle board for beginners is to choose something you can stand up on easily. While staying up can be difficult in and of itself, there are a number of factors that will influence how stable the board will be. Aside from ensuring that the board can support your weight (usually indicated by a weight limit indicator), you should also consider the width and length of the board, as well as its shape.

Longer boards are less maneuverable but more buoyant; wider boards are more stable but slower in the water. The overall shape varies between bulbous and slim and shark-like. The slimmer and shakier the board, the better it is for racing and surf-style activities, but these are fairly advanced operations, so start with stability rather than flashiness. To begin, you'll want an all-arounder or a touring-style SUP if you intend to travel longer distances, but either should be relatively stable and tractable for learning the basics.

Also Read: How to Start a Cash For Gold Business

Also Read: Best Web Hosting For Small Business

Also Read: How to Make Money Online for Beginners Step-By-Step

Also Read: Personal Injury Lawyers: Top Rated Personal Injury Lawyers

Price is one last thing to think about. As with anything, you get what you pay for, and in our ranking, we've chosen beginner's paddle boards ranging from the downright cheap to the spendy-but-tempting. Remember that good quality, desirable beginner boards are always popular in the used market, so investing wisely will pay off in both cash and enjoyment later on.