This sustainable British brand not only makes boards from bamboo but plants a tree for each one sold. That won’t help you when out on the water, but get used to fellow paddlers admiring your kit, because the Bamboo Bullet is beautiful. No, paddle boards can be either hard-bodied or inflatable- the choice is yours when it comes to selecting the right kind of board. While hard paddle boards have a range of benefits, such as minimal setup and a robust exterior, inflatable paddle boards stand out when it comes to more convenient storage, weight, and travel. Explore our range of Paddle board equipment and accessories, designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced SUP levels by watersports experts in Dorset, UK. Construction is a key consideration, but usually an easily resolved one. The days of stand-up paddle boards being mainly solid fibreglass or expanded foam have long gone. If you have a campervan or live next to the water, then a solid construction will make sense, as these are almost indestructible and perform much better in the water. But if that's not the case (which it won't be for most), then you'll want one of the new breeds of inflatable SUPs.

Key specs – Total weight: 11.kg; Length: 427cm; Width: 55cm; Volume: 265L; How much can it carry? Not available, but there’s a range of larger models if necessary; Accessories? Leash and fin includedThe Portofino 10ft inflatable stand-up paddle board kit is an eminently affordable, robust, easy-to-use board that works very well on calmer waters. A broad nose and wide, flat tail add stability, making the Portofino even more beginner-friendly, and a drop-stitched core gives it a uniform shape that helps it move efficiently over the water. As you'd expect, the bundle includes everything you need to get started SUPing, and you can even add a kayak conversion kit (sold separately) to make it more versatile. Wider boards are more stable but slower in the water; longer boards are less manoeuvrable but more buoyant. The overall shape ranges from bulbous to slim and shark-like. The slimmer and sharkier the board, the more suitable it is for racing and surf-style activities, but these are fairly advanced operations, so choose based on stability rather than flashiness, to begin with. To start out, you'll be looking for either an all-rounder or a touring-style SUP if you plan to travel longer distances, but either should be relatively stable and tractable to learn the basics on. Get started with the best in-house brand that watersport has to offer with Decathlon’s very own — Itiwit. Our specialist team is made up of SUP enthusiasts that know stand-up paddling inside-out, including the unique demands paddlers face on the open water, whether it’s for touring, racing or surfing. Suitable for all ages at L302 x W72cm, and able to keep beginners confident when standing thanks to its textured non-slip EVA at the centre of the board, the HOMCOM Inflatable Surfboard also has a rear fin that aids stability in the water.

Finally, inflatable paddle boards are great for jet-setters that like to hit the beach in their spare holiday time, as they can easily be rolled up and placed into a carry bag or luggage compartment. Hard paddle boards, on the other hand, are often heavy and more awkward to carry when you have additional airport luggage. Generally speaking, inflatable paddle boards are convenient and great for beginners, whereas hard alternatives are better for professionals who require a more durable board. How to select the perfect paddle board If you want to go out 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, the Red 15'0 Tandem MSL Inflatable Paddle Board is a great – if expensive – choice. It's a tandem touring board that's ideal for exploring with a partner while having a relaxed and chatty time, and it means that either of you can take a break if you get tired without the other having to slow down or stop.For the lower price, you'll need to be prepared to make a few concessions. In our review, we noted a few minor issues with the paddle – the interconnected sections twist slightly when pushing through the water, and it's a little on the heavy side – and there's a little sag underfoot that you won't find with pricier boards that can handle higher inflation pressures. Overall though, if you're looking to take to the waters without spending a fortune, the Portofino 10ft inflatable stand-up paddle board kit is well worth a look. READ NEXT: The best inflatable paddle boards The best paddle boards you can buy in 2023 1. Tahe Outdoor Beach Performer: The best hard-body SUP for hitting the beach All of that, alongside the price, mean this isn’t a paddleboard for beginners but for experienced paddlers who are looking for top speeds in waves or flat water. Despite the thin profile and fast design, it’s also known for solid stability. Beyond performance in the water, the SIC has nice touches including easy-to-grab handles and a bungee strap for essentials closer to the middle of the board. Storage is another key consideration. Stand-up paddle boards are long and bulky, so think about where you’ll keep it and how you’ll transport it to the water. If you’re short on space, an inflatable paddle board may be a better idea. How do you choose a paddle? Paddle boarding is much more than just a water sport; it's a holistic experience that provides a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. From improving physical fitness and mental well-being to fostering a sense of community and connection with nature, paddleboarding offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a new way to stay active, paddleboarding is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that can enrich your life in countless ways. So, grab a paddle, hop on your SUP board, and embark on a journey of wellness and discovery on the water. Paddleboarding allows you to explore and discover new places, from hidden coves and waterways to remote islands. SUP trips offer a unique perspective of your surroundings and encourages a sense of adventure and exploration.

Indeed, due to their inflatable nature, they can easily be deflated and rolled up to allow for storage in even the smallest of spaces, unlike hard paddle boards that can require a significant storage area - especially if they're a full-sized model. Inflatable paddle boards are also much lighter, which typically makes them easier for children to carry to and from the beach. Plus, lightweight paddle boards are likely to be used more frequently, allowing you to get the most for your money. The longboard design means the Bamboo Bullet is ideal for touring as well as surfing, while the wide shape makes it easy to control, even for beginners, meaning this board works well for anyone. Made from a foam core surrounded by bamboo and coated in three layers of epoxy glass, this is a board that can take a beating. If the materials sound a bit slippery when wet, don’t worry: there’s a full-length traction pad on the top to keep feet in place. Stand-up paddle boarding is often described as the fastest-growing sport in the world, and while we have no idea how to judge that particular statistic, it’s unquestionably increasingly popular in the UK. Trail Outdoor Leisure says it has seen sales of paddle boards increase by 117% this year.One final factor to consider is price. As with anything, you get what you pay for, and in our ranking, we've chosen beginner's paddle boards that range from the downright bargainous through to the spendy-but-tempting. Bear in mind that good quality, desirable beginner boards are always popular in the second-hand market, so buying well will pay dividends later in cash as well as enjoyment. How we test the best the best stand-up paddle boards for beginners Aside from the board, to SUP, you’ll also need a paddle – it’s in the name, after all. Paddles can be fixed in length, detachable (so they break down into smaller pieces for easier transport) or adjustable, depending on your height or use. You can also adjust the length of the included paddle to suit your height, meaning everyone has a reason to have a go. Easily deflating and folding away in its bag at the end of a session by the sea, this paddle board is a downtempo, relaxing way to get newcomers to surfing used to the waves - or help experienced surfers take a more chill approach to their beach day fitness.

A paddle should be taller than you, coming to roughly the height of your wrist if you hold your arm over your head. For most of us, that’s about 15cm to 30cm above our height, although longer paddles are ideal for faster speeds and shorter paddles are considered best for hitting the surf. What else do you need?Key specs – Total weight: 14.5kg; Length: 320cm; Width: 80cm; Volume: 185L; How much can it carry? 60 to 80kg, upgrade to the larger model if over 80kg; Accessories? Does not come with paddles or leash. The X100 is a good compromise between a beginner-friendly wide width and a narrower nose, which allows you to reach a decent speed when you get going. Rounder noses usually offer better manoeuvrability, but this board didn't feel tough to turn – it's easy to start out on but will also still be great fun as you progress. On top of the board, tactile rubber panels offer good grip if you're standing up and are comfy to kneel on, and I liked the added indentations where your feet go, so that you can feel where to place them when you transition to standing without having to look down. Bungee cords at the top of the board help to secure a dry bag to the board. Bluefin has a wide range of specialist boards: there’s the Aura for yoga, the Tandem for two paddlers, and the Mammoth to carry all your friends and family, alongside SUPs focused on touring and beginners. The Voyage piles together everything into one board, making it a water-based platform for all your lake activities. I've used the X100 about six times, and so far it's been pleasingly robust. A few other reviewers have reported eventual leaks, although there is an included repair patch if this does happen, and I think with good care this board should last for a few summers of adventures. Decathlon X100 touring paddle board review: alternatives to consider