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Best Paddle Board for Beginners – Overview
One of the best things about Stand Up Paddle Boarding is its accessibility. You don’t need much to get started, and the learning curve for beginners is very friendly. But what makes the Best Paddle Board for Beginners?
The most common concern with beginner paddlers is, “Will I be able to stand up?” That’s a very fair question. Our criteria for the best beginner paddle boards includes excellent stability while matching your size and how you plan to use the board. Of course, we also recommend working with a certified instructor or experienced paddler to help shorten the learning curve, but with the right size and shape board you’ll feel more confident and comfortable from day one.
One of the many wonderful things about the paddle boards on our Best Beginner iSUP list is that they are great all-around iSUPs to keep even if you decide to upgrade later on. Then, it becomes a great way to get your friends and family on the water with you!
The iSUPs on this list are hand-picked to meet your various needs. All of them have one thing in common — we wouldn’t hesitate to put a brand-new paddler on any of them.
Best Beginner Paddle Boards Comparison Chart
| section-hd | Best iSUPs under $500 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOARD | PRICE | DIMENSIONS | CAPACITY | WARRANTY | |
| iRocker Cruiser Ultra | iRocker Cruiser Ultra
| Read ReviewCheck Best Price | 10’6” x 33" x 6" 20 pounds | 300 lbs | 3-years, 45-day return period |
| Honu Byron | Honu Byron
| Read ReviewCheck Best Price | 10’6”x 31.5" x 4.7"" 17.6 pounds | 240 lbs | 2+2-years, 30-day return period |
| Bluefin Cruise 10’ 8” | Bluefin Cruise 10’ 8”
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'8” x 32" x 6" 33 pounds | 330 lbs | 5-years, 60-day return period |
| Nixy Venice G5 | Nixy Venice G5
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10’6”x 34" x 6" 23 pounds | 400 lbs | 3-years, 30-day return period |
| Thurso Waterwalker 132 | Thurso Waterwalker 132
| Read ReviewCheck Best Price | 11”x 31" x 6" 24.5 pounds | 400 lbs | 2-years, 30-day return period |
| Retrospec Weekender Plus | Retrospec Weekender Plus
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'6" x 33" x 6" 22 pounds | 300 lbs | 2-years, 50-day return period |
| Glide O2 Retro 3.0 | Glide O2 Retro 3.0
| Read ReviewCheck Best Price | 10’6” x 33.5" x 6" 21.8 pounds | 400 lbs | 10-years, 30-day return period |
| Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX | Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX
| Read ReviewCheck Best Price | 10'6" x 32" x 6" 18 pounds | 250 lbs | 10-years, 30-day return period |
iRocker Cruiser Ultra
10’6” x 33” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
For several reasons, the iRocker Cruiser Ultra tops the list of our Best Beginner Paddle Boards.
First, the Cruiser Ultra is extremely stable. Not only is it 33″ wide, but it also has a wide nose and wide, square tail that increase the board volume and stability far beyond more tapered shapes.
Next, the Cruiser is well built with a double-layer PVC construction and has many onboard features. It’s also compatible with kayak seats, has a lot of cargo storage, and has multiple threaded accessory mounts.
Last but not least, the Cruiser Ultra is a complete kit that includes an electric pump—and it’s a compact iSUP! The lightweight Cruiser Ultra folds into a package just over half the size of a standard iSUP for easy transportation and storage.
Bottom Line:The iRocker Cruiser Ultra is a stable and compact iSUP with a great accessory kit, perfect for beginners.
Honu Byron
10’6” x 31.5” x 4.7”
Availability: US, Australia
Read Full Review Here
The Honu Byron is a performance-oriented all-around iSUP. If you like to dive deep with great equipment, the Byron is for you. The woven drop stitch core, fusion PVC shell, and 4.7″ thick profile give the Byron a sporty but easy-going feel on the water.
It’s also a great option for coastal paddlers who want to play in the surf. The thinner rail profile, narrower tail shape, and Universal Standard (US) fin box make the Byron great for learning to SUP surf.
While it is on the expensive side, the high-quality construction is designed for excellent longevity, and Honu’s paddles won’t leave you wanting an upgrade next season. I even use them for racing!
Bottom Line: The Honu Byron is great for beginners who want an exciting, responsive, and sporty all-around paddle board.
Bluefin Cruise 10’8”
10’8” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, UK, Europe, Australia
Read Full Review Here
Durability and stiffness are the rallying cries of the Bluefin Cruise 10’8”. Bluefin uses high-density drop stitch materials to support an 18 psi inflation pressure to make the Cruise a stable board that won’t let you down or sag under a heavy load. It has ample cargo room in the front of the board, tons of D-rings, and includes kid’s safety grab handles and a front action mount.
Did we mention accessories? The Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ also comes standard with a kayak conversion kit, double-action pump, triple flip-lock fins, and fiberglass/nylon paddle.
For taller paddlers or those who want to bring lots of camping equipment or another passenger, the Bluefin Cruise is also available in a 12′ version and even a 15′ tandem option.
Bottom Line: The Bluefin Cruise 10’8” is the heaviest board on this list, but it’s so stable and offers such a great value that it’s easy to overlook its weight.
Nixy Venice G5
10’6” x 34” 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
The Nixy Venice G5 is a lightweight and stable cruiser/yoga paddle board. At 34″ wide with a new, wider tail shape, it offers incredible stability in a small package. The full-length deck pad and cargo/accessory mounting options make the Venice G5 a great board for an on-water picnic or stretching out for some SUP yoga.
Nixy’s new kit-builder tool lets you pick the accessories you want with your board. We love the Nixy carbon fiber hybrid “kit” paddle, but the Nixy Pro carbon fiber paddles are a definite step above. Now, you can skip the cost of buying a kit paddle and get straight into a high-quality paddle (in a color of your choice).
Bottom Line: The Nixy Venice G5 is stable, versatile, and paddles well. You could not ask for much more in a high-quality iSUP for beginners.
Thurso Waterwalker 132
11’ x 31” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada, UK, Europe
Read Full Review Here
The Thurso Water Walker 132’s fusion PVC construction with carbon fiber rails and long, parallel shape with gentle tapers at the front and back of the board keep it stable under foot and fast in the water.
While the Water Walker 132 is a little narrower than other boards on this list (31″ wide), if you are a beginner looking for a little more speed without sacrificing much stability, this is your board. While the rounded nose may not look the fastest, the rest of the Waterwalker 132’s shape helps to maximize how much glide you get per stroke, making it an efficient paddler.
The large cargo area in the front is complemented by a GoPro-ready action mount, paddle holder, and more D-rings along the board for extra cargo or a kayak seat. Thurso was able to place all of these options on the board while still keeping a clean look with a very well-done subtle wood grain graphic on the deck.
Bottom Line: The Thurso Waterwalker 132 is one of my favorite all-around SUPs. It feels great to paddle, is user-friendly, and I regularly recommend it to beginner paddlers.
Retrospec Weekender Plus
10’6” x 33” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Our Full Review Here
Like any other outdoor sport, stand up paddle boarding can get expensive. As a beginner, it makes sense to dip your toes into a new sport before diving in head first. The Retrospec Weekender Plus hybrid iSUP/Kayak gives you a high-quality, beginner-friendly option at an incredible price point.
The Weekender Plus’s dual-layer PVC shell and wide outline (33″) make it very stable on the water. The cargo areas and threaded action mount let you bring everything you need for a full day on the water. If you don’t feel like standing the whole time, the Weekender Plus comes with a complete kayak conversion kit, including a very comfortable inflatable seat and a convertible SUP/kayak paddle.
Bottom Line:The Retrospec Weekender Plus offers the most versatile and complete package for a beginner paddle boarder at a very beginner-friendly price.
Glide O2 Retro 3.0
10’6” x 33.5” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Our Full Review Here
The Glide O2 Retro 3.0 combines great stability, excellent construction, and a shape that performs far better on the water than its size indicates.
At 33.5″ wide, the Retro seems to be quite big. And while the wide nose and gentle curving shape do provide excellent stability, the rigid construction and smartly-tapered tail also give it fantastic glide and speed performance on the water.
The Retro 3.0 also comes with an inflatable kayak seat for those who want a hybrid paddleboard/kayak and a full-length deck pad for comfortable cruising with a passenger or pet or trying out some SUP yoga.
Bottom Line:The Glide O2 Retro 3.0 is a performance-cruiser iSUP that combines stability and efficiency.
Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX
10’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN, AUS
Read Full Review Here
While it is the most expensive board on this list, the Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX combines the latest generation of iSUP materials with a classic all-around shape and the eye-catching artwork Sea Gods is known for.
The CX (Cross-Woven) construction makes the Elemental Wave CX incredibly lightweight without sacrificing rigidity (which improves both performance and stability). The classic longboard shape has a wide nose and medium-sized tail with plenty of width in between.
The Elemental Wave is compatible with an optional kayak seat, has two cargo areas to carry everything you need for a full day on the water, and two threaded accessory mounts for cameras, fishing rod holders, and other small accessories. It’s also backed by Sea Gods’ lifetime warranty.
Bottom Line: The Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX is a classic all-around iSUP with next-level construction and artwork.
Best Beginner Paddle Board FAQs
What is a Beginner SUP?
A beginner SUP is a paddle board that is very stable and easy to use. Our goal with choosing Beginner SUPs is to pick the ones that will get you out on the water and paddling comfortably as quickly as possible. This usually means wider boards with a medium length.
How big of a Paddle Board do I need?
Inflatable SUPs fit a large range of paddler sizes and take the guessing game out of board sizing found with hard boards. There are still some sizing considerations to take into account. In our experience, shorter and lighter paddlers prefer boards that are a little bit shorter in length, while taller and heavier paddlers prefer longer boards. A longer board has more buoyancy and weight capacity but is more difficult to handle on the water. Wider boards offer even more volume and stability but may be more difficult for new paddlers to use efficiently. Stronger paddlers may not experience this difference.
Most paddlers between 5’4″ and 6′ tall and 120-220 lbs will usually be comfortable on boards roughly 10’6″ – 11’6″ long and around 32″ wide. Shorter paddlers may want a board 10′ – 10’6″ long. Taller and/or heavier paddlers may be more comfortable on a board closer to 34″ wide.
How Durable are Inflatable Paddle Boards?
Believe it or not, inflatable SUPs are more durable than hard boards in most cases. Because they are made of a flexible PVC material, the board will bend slightly to absorb that impact and bounce off if you run into a rock, dock, or duck. Boards made with additional layers of PVC material will be more damage-resistant than those with fewer layers. All iSUPs are susceptible to sharp objects and abrasion. Take care where you set your board down (glass in a parking lot or beach is a big concern!), and never drag your SUP. With a little TLC, your iSUP will last you a lifetime.
How do I store my Inflatable Paddle Board?
Always clean and dry your SUP completely before storage. Once your board is dry, roll your board just tight enough to fit into its storage bag. Rolling your board too tightly can crease it, which can create weak points over time. Store your board in its bag in a dry location out of the sun, and avoid excessively hot or cold conditions. If your board is stored around or below freezing temperatures, allow your board to warm up to room temperature before unrolling. If storing in a garage, attic, or other non-residential location, consider storing it in a hard plastic tub to deter potential pests.
How Much Should I Spend on My First Paddle Board?
The best thing to do is find the best quality SUP that fits your needs and is within your budget. We have included several Budget Beginner Boards in this list under $500. If these boards are out of reach financially, we recommend two other routes:
- Rent a SUP from a local outfitter if you will only be paddling a few times per year
- Buy a quality SUP used if you will be paddling frequently
We do not recommend buying significantly cheaper new boards from large online retailers or big-box stores. A quality SUP requires a certain base level of cost. These very cheap boards cut corners in production and are usually not backed up with any kind of manufacturer warranty if something goes wrong.
Recommended Gear for Beginner Stand-Up Paddleboards
While all-around SUP kits include everything the paddle board needs to get you out on the water, a few accessories will give you a better and safer experience on your new SUP.
- PFD – A PFD (Personal Flotation Device), sometimes called a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a critical piece of safety equipment while on your SUP and may be required by local law. Most PFDs will have chest measurement sizes, and many XXL options have quite a bit of adjustability. Fishing-specific PFDs are also commonly found in larger sizes. A quality, well-fit PFD is not noticeable when being worn. See our Best SUP PFD reviews here.
- Dry Bag – Not everything we bring on our SUPs should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. Dry bags come in various shapes and sizes to fit your needs. See our Best SUP Dry Bag reviews here.
- Coolers – Whether you are keeping your drinks cold or your catch fresh, a great cooler can make the difference after hours in the sun. Plus, hard coolers make a great seat to take a break from standing! See our Best SUP Cooler reviews here.
- Electric Pumps – Using a hand pump with your board is a great way to warm up for your day paddling. But now and then, it’s nice to relax while getting ready. Electric SUP pumps are easy to use and let you focus on other things while inflating your board. See our Best Electric SUP Pump reviews here.
Final Thoughts – Best Beginner Paddle Boards
Beginner SUPs don’t have to be low-quality or poor-performing paddle boards! Beginners will benefit more from higher-quality SUPs, as they will be stiffer and stable and easier to paddle than low-quality SUP-shaped objects you might find at a big-box store. And they don’t have to break the bank! We’re confident that as a beginner paddle boarder, you’ll thoroughly enjoy any of the SUPs we’ve recommended here—because we enjoy them too!
Editor’s Note
After seeing our list above, you may be asking yourself “what about XYZ brand or model?” First and foremost, we will only review and recommend products we have personally tested. You won’t find spec-only reviews and blind recommendations here. You may notice a few highly rated boards in our reviews are not on this list. While we stand by our reviews and ratings of those boards, last year several companies ceased their affiliate programs. This prevents us from being compensated for the hours, days, and weeks we spend with these products for testing and reviewing (though they still receive the benefit of our content). If you enjoy our content or find it helpful, we ask that you help support Inflatable Boarder by considering brands that continue to support us first. You can read more about how we make money and the reviewing industry as a whole in our recent blog post.
Safecastle says
the best way to choose an iSUP is to try out a few different boards to see what feels best for you. But this article is a great place to start your research!