The 5 best paddle boards for beginners

Paddle boarding is a fun and exciting activity suitable for anyone who loves getting out on the water. Whether you dream of touring along coastlines, gliding down serene rivers, or enjoying family fun on summer days, there’s a beginner’s paddle board that’s perfect for you and will help start some new adventures.

In this guide, we share how to choose your first paddle board and highlight some of the best boards for beginners, so you can make the right choice for your requirements and start learning how to paddle board.

What size paddle board is best for beginners?

Typically, the longer and wider a paddle board is, the more stability it offers. With this in mind, paddle boards between 10-12 feet in length and between 30-34 inches in width are best for beginners. You may be able to find longer, wider boards, but they can become slow and sluggish with size, which may make them less fun to use.

If you’re comfortable with your ability to balance and not too worried about stability, longer, narrower boards are faster. Longer paddle boards are also recommended if you’re planning on paddling for longer trips, as they require fewer paddle strokes and are more comfortable over lengthy distances.

How do I choose my first paddle board?

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing your first paddle board. These include:

• Stability: As previously mentioned, longer, wider boards are best if you’re seeking stability, while narrow boards are quicker. A paddle board with a wide, rounded nose is also good for stability, while pointed noses will enable you to glide through the water faster.
• Weight capacity: Paddle boards have weight restrictions, so it’s important to check these before making your purchase. If you’re planning on paddling with a friend, child or dog on board, ensure you consider this when making weight calculations.
• Inflatable vs solid: Inflatable paddle boards are ideal if you’re struggling for storage space at home and are far easier to transport to the water than solid boards. However, solid boards are typically more durable and boast better performance.
• Budget: Paddle boards can cost anything from less than £100 to thousands of pounds, so budget is an important consideration when choosing yours. Keep in mind that a cheaper board is likely to have lower quality stitching, may be heavier, and won’t typically last as long as a more expensive option. You don’t need to break the bank to buy a great quality board, and those priced at around £300 - £400 are usually a suitable option for beginners.

Is it worth buying a cheap paddle board?

It can be tempting to buy a cheap paddle board, and this can be a great option for beginners who aren’t sure of how much they’re going to use it. You can always upgrade at a later date if you find that you’re getting lots of use out of your cheap board and you’d prefer a higher quality option. Paddle board rental companies often sell their boards at reduced prices as the summer comes to a close, so it’s sometimes possible to snap up a high-quality board for an affordable price.

5 of the best paddle boards for beginners

Here are five of the best boards, ideal to help kickstart your paddle board journey.

1. Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX - £671

First on our list is the Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX. It’s high-quality, stable, and beautiful to look at. Plus, this paddle board offers the durability and reliability you’d expect from a great board. Able to support weights of up to 100kgs and boasting a streamlined shape that makes it easy to paddle, it comes with some great accessories, including a paddle, hand pump, a microfibre landing mat, and a wheelie bag, which makes it easy to transport. We think it’s one of the best inflatable stand-up paddle boards for beginners.

Pros:

• Durable and reliable
• Lightweight
• Stable and rigid
• Beautiful, limited edition artwork
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Expensive

2. Fanatic Ray Air 12’6 - £399

An affordable paddle board for beginners, the Fanatic Ray Air 12’6 has a long body, which gives it great stability and means you’ll be able to move quickly and smoothly through the water. The board comes with a backpack, fin, and board leash, plus there’s an integrated net which can be used to keep your belongings secure. However, you will need to purchase a paddle separately. This board comes in a choice of blue or red and has a comfortable, diamond groove footpad which offers excellent grip while paddling.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Sporty yet stable
• Integrated net
• Choice of two colours

Cons:

• Stitching is not as durable as other options

3. Red Paddle Co Sport 11’3 - £799.95

Easy to handle, stable, and boasting excellent manoeuvrability, the Red Paddle Co Sport 11’3 is a great paddle board when you’re just starting out. Perfect if you’re looking for a board that’s speedy without compromising on stability, this popular option is rigid and durable thanks to being made using high-quality material with a dense drop-stitch core. The Red Paddle Co Sport 11’3 comes with a Titan II pump, coiled leash, US box fin, repair kit, phone case, and a backpack. You can choose whether or not to add a paddle when you make your purchase.

Pros:

• Rigid and durable
• Great control in choppy conditions
• High-quality pump
• Choice of two colours
• Excellent accessory package

Cons:

• Expensive

4. Goosehill Sailor 10’6 - £199.99

If you’re simply looking for a paddle board to take down to the beach for summer fun, the Goosehill Sailor 10’6 could be perfect for you. Lightweight and easy to carry, this board is ideal for a cheap and cheerful option – although it isn’t suitable for long adventures. It comes with a basic package featuring everything you need, including a backpack, adjustable paddle, coiled leash, removable centre fin, repair kit, and double-action pump. It has to be one of the best budget paddle boards for beginners on the market.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Easy to carry
• Great accessory package
• Perfect for beach fun

Cons:

• Not really suitable for touring

5. Tahe Beach Performer 11’6 - £449

While inflatable paddle boards are ideal for beginners due to their convenience, the Tahe Beach Performer 11’6 is perfect if you’d prefer a solid board. Suitable for both flat water and wave surfing, this attractive board boasts durable construction, a removable centre fin, and is described by Tahe as being ‘practically ding-proof’. The foam deck pad offers grip and comfort, and the carry handle has been designed with comfort in mind, too. This product includes only the board and fin with no other accessories included.

Pros:

• Durable and rigid
• Suitable for flat water and waves
• Attachment points for securing belongings
• Removable centre fin

Cons:

• Heavy

Specialist paddle board insurance through Insure4Boats

Whether you’re a beginner paddle boarder or a well-seasoned pro, you may want to consider getting specialist paddle board insurance before your next trip out on the water.

Through Insure4Boats, the cover is designed to protect you and your paddle board against third-party claims as well as theft, loss, and damage to your board.

Learn more about specialist paddle board insurance through Insure4Boats or get an online quote today.