Paddle boarding has taken the world by storm. From the ocean where it started to lakes, rivers, and just about any body of water, you can find people on SUPs (stand up paddle boards). Not only is it a great workout, but it’s an excellent way to enjoy the water and the outdoors.
Since you’re here, chances are you’re a SUP beginner and looking to experience the body toning world of paddle boarding for the first time. However, in order to do so, you need the right board.
Things to Keep in Mind With Paddle Boards
We’ll dive into today’s top beginner SUPs in just a minute, but before we do, let’s have a look at some important things to keep in mind.
Paddle Board Length
When shopping for paddle boards, you’ll notice they come in various lengths ranging from 8-15 feet. Longer boards are less maneuverable, but they’re better for tracking and speed. Shorter boards, on the other hand, are easy to maneuver and steer. However, they’re slower and more difficult to keep in a straight line.
If you’re new to paddle boarding, you should opt for a mid-size model from nine to 12 feet in length. SUPs in this range do everything well, making them ideal for beginners.
Paddle Board Weight
If you opt for a solid board, you’ll need to lift it on and off the roof of your car. However, even if you choose an inflatable SUP, you’re going to need to pick it up and carry it at some point.
Regardless of which type of board you go with, the weight of the board should play a role in your buying decision. In nearly all cases, the lighter the board, the better.
Solid vs Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards
Paddle boards come in two types: solid and inflatable. Both work equally well in the water, and there are pros and cons of each. The type you choose is largely a matter of personal preference.
Most solid SUPs feature an EPS foam core and a fiberglass and epoxy exterior. Not only are they sturdy and durable, but they’re reasonably lightweight as well.
Inflatable SUPs feature drop-stitch construction and PVC exteriors. Rather than foam, the core is nothing but air. They come with easy-to-use pumps designed to inflate them in no time at all.
While solid stand up paddle boards have been around for a while and remain quite popular, more and more people are opting for inflatable SUPs due to their portability and compact size. Some even come with a handy backpack, so they take up minimal space. Solid SUPs, on the other hand, require a roof rack and must be carried down to the launch spot.
Now that we have that out of the way and your bases covered, let’s dive headfirst into today’s best beginner SUPs.
Best Paddle Boards for Beginners
1. Tower 10’4” iSUP Adventurer 2
Tower is known for making quality boards that won’t break the bank, and they’re a great choice for SUP beginners. Of all Tower paddle boards, this is one of the most popular.
Measuring 10’4”when inflated, the iSUP Adventurer 2 is a medium-length board that delivers the perfect combination of stability, steering, and speed. As such, it’s suitable for men, women, and kids under 6’5”.
That being said, one of the things paddlers like most about this board is the package of goodies it comes with. In addition to the board itself, it comes with a fin, lightweight fiberglass paddle, two handles for easy carrying, and a convenient bungee rope on the front for securing your water bottle, waterproof Bluetooth speaker, or anything else.
If you choose this iSUP, however, you may want to buy a leash as well. While its package includes almost everything else, it lacks a leash. While a leash isn’t necessary, it will keep you from getting separated from your board if you happen to fall off.
SUP Specs:
• Type – Inflatable SUP
• Length – 10’4”
• Weight – 26 pounds
• Warranty – Two years
Our Verdict
The Tower iSUP Adventurer 2 is a quality entry-level paddle board and a standout favorite for paddlers for several reasons. One of the biggest reasons is its durable, rugged design. Unlike many other boards, there’s no need to worry about scrapes and dings. This is especially important for beginners, who sometimes find themselves in rough waters.
The Adventurer 2 is also priced right, and since its inflatable, it’s surprisingly compact when deflated. That’s right; there’s no need to worry about strapping it to your roof rack or trying to find enough storage space. In fact, it will easily fit in your closet or the backseat of your car.
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2. ISLE 10’5” Versa Stand Up Paddle Board
Next up on our list is the ISLE Versa Epoxy Paddle Board. Made by one of the industry’s first paddle board manufacturers, this solid epoxy SUP measures 10’5” and is super stable and highly maneuverable, making it an ideal board for beginners.
With an EPS foam core, it’s very rigid and easy to paddle. However, since it’s a solid SUP, it’s prone to scratching and chipping. So, just keep this mind. Nonetheless, it glides over the water a little easier than an inflatable.
The ISLE Versa also has a thick and comfortable traction pad, which is a nice feature for long paddling workouts adventures. The comfort grip handle in the center of the board is also a nice touch as it makes it easier to handle and transport.
Like the Tower Adventurer 2 above, it’s also a package deal, which is great for beginners. Although it also lacks a leash, it includes a fin and an adjustable paddle. Plus, it comes with a “30 Day Ride It and Love It Guarantee.” If you don’t love it, or paddle boarding for that matter, you can just send it back for a full refund. Talk about a sweet deal!
SUP Specs:
• Type – Solid SUP
• Length – 10’5”
• Weight – 27 pounds
• Warranty – 180 days
Our Verdict
The ISLE Versa is a great paddle board for beginners looking for a solid SUP that’s easy to maneuver and made to last. Although you’ll need somewhere to store it and a way to transport it to the water, it comes with everything else needed for some serious fun in the water.
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3. Z-Ray 9’9” X1 Paddle Board
First of all, this inflatable paddle board just looks cool. At under 10 feet and just over 16 pounds, it’s also one of the shorter and lighter boards on this list. Not only does this give it excellent maneuverability, but it also makes it easy to carry.
Best of all, it comes with a few extras the other boards simply don’t offer. Aside from a pump and paddle, the folks at Z-Ray threw in a backpack as well, which you can use to store it when deflated and not in use.
Our favorite extra, however, is this iSUP’s optional removeable seat. With it, you can transform it into a kayak whenever you want. Talk about beginner-friendly! Whether you want to fish from it, work your way up to standing and paddling, or simply sit and relax, its a great addition for doing any of the above.
SUP Specs:
• Type – Inflatable SUP
• Length – 9’9”
• Weight – 16.3 pounds
• Warranty – One year
Our Verdict
Perfect for beginners and paddlers of smaller stature, this versatile paddle board is compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. With a ton of extra features as well, it’s also a good value. If you love a good deal and getting a lot of bang for your buck, this Z-Ray may be for you.
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4. Tower 9’10” iSUP Adventurer
The Tower 9’10” iSUP Adventurer looks just like the Adventurer 2 we talked about above, only shorter. This makes it lighter, more compact and easier to maneuver.
Everything else, however, is pretty much the same. It even comes with the same accessories. While it would be nice if a backpack was included, its maneuverability and stability separate it from the pack and make it a great option for beginning boarders.
Why is it so stable? Well, for starters, it’s a generous 32 inches wide. However, it also has a rounded nose and three-fin design that improves its tracking as well. With a bargain price and Tower’s awesome two-year warranty to boot, it’s definitely worth checking out.
SUP Specs:
• Type – Inflatable SUP
• Length – 9’10”
• Weight – 26 pounds
• Warranty – Two years
Our Verdict
This popular iSUP is a great beginner board for a variety of reasons. It’s durable, tough, and shorter in length for greater control and maneuverability, which are two things every SUP beginner definitely needs.
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
5. PEAK 10’6” iSUP
Another great beginner-friendly inflatable is the Peak 10’6” iSUP. Its quality is apparent the moment you lay eyes on it. With smooth curves, it represents the latest in inflatable innovation. Plus, it simply looks cool.
While it’s very stable and tracks really well, the features of the board and extras it comes with are also worth noting. In addition to a convenient carry bag, it also comes with a handy leash to keep you from losing your board if you happen to fall off.
The pump of this iSUP is particularly impressive. Despite the size of the board, it can inflate it in just a few minutes and it also has a PSI gauge to make sure it’s inflated to just the right pressure.
SUP Specs:
• Type – Inflatable SUP
• Length – 10’6”
• Weight – 29 pounds
• Warranty – One year
Our Verdict
This iSUP checks a lot of boxes, plus it inflates super fast to get you out on the water and ready for action in no time at all. If you want a paddle board that looks great and performs even better, this entry-level board might be right up your alley.
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
6. Ten Toes Weekender SUP
Last up, we have the Ten Toes Weekender. In addition to its cool name, it’s received a lot of great reviews, and for good reason.
One of the first things you’ll discover when checking out this board is the bevy of color options available. Most paddle boards only come with a few color options at best, so we were shocked to see this board comes with nine different color and style options. Needless to say, we knew we were onto a winner from the very start.
As far as everything else goes, this board also hits the mark. At 30 inches wide and 10 feet in length, it tracks well and offers plenty of space. With a military-grade PVC construction, it’s also built to last.
SUP Specs:
• Type – Inflatable SUP
• Length – 10’
• Weight – 27 pounds
• Warranty – One year
Our Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the Ten Toes Weekender. Not only does it look great and offer plenty of design options, but it performs well and is made to last for years. If you’re a beginner looking to get your feet wet in paddle boarding (pun very much intended), this board offers everything you need to get a great workout on the water and have some fun too!
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Final SUP Thoughts
These are just our top 6 stand up paddle board choices if you are a beginner. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t other SUP boards out there that would be great as well, it just means these are our favorites and what so many people are pleased with. You will find that it is not just us, but other users as well that rate these boards 4.3-5 stars in reviews as well. As a beginner, just remember that a wider paddle board will be more forgiving until you get good at balancing. Outside of that, all boards can be fun and use your best judgement based on the kind of paddle boarding you intend to do.
Also, be sure to check out some of our other stand up paddleboard reviews as you may find other boards that stand out to you a little more.
Thanks for reading and be sure to leave any thoughts or comments below.
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Reviews
