Welcome to the exciting world of paddleboarding, where adventure meets tranquility, and the call of the open water beckons to both your body and soul! You’ve come to the right place if you’re ready to dive into this fantastic hobby.
Today, we’ll explore the best paddle boards for beginners to start riding, so you can make a confident and informed decision when embarking on your new passion.
Whether you’re seeking the serenity of a quiet lake or chasing the thrill of riding waves, we’ve got you covered. With our carefully curated list of beginner-friendly boards, you’ll quickly be gliding across the water’s surface.
So, grab your life vest, slather on some sunscreen, and join us as we help you find the perfect board to transform you from landlubber to water warrior! Let the journey begin!
Best Paddle Boards for Beginners
Before we dive into our top pick, it’s essential to consider the key factors that make a paddle board ideal for beginners: stability, durability, and ease of use.
We’ve considered these crucial aspects while selecting the best options for your paddleboarding journey; you can always check out our buyer’s guide below for more details.
RED PADDLE CO 10’6″ RIDE MSL
This package includes everything you need to start your paddleboarding adventure: the paddle board, a backpack, a pump, a paddle, a bungee leash, and a repair kit.
All these items are well-made and carefully designed, and they even come with a 5-year warranty.
While this paddle board might not be the most affordable option, it’s an excellent investment if you spend a lot of time on the water, as it’s built to last and will give you a great paddling experience.
Ride MSL Cons
Ride MSL Cons
Surfstar Inflatable Paddle Board
The Red paddle board is excellent for beginners, but its price might be too high for some people just starting. If you want a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, we recommend the Surfstar 10’6″ Advance Star.
It’s the same size as the Red Ride MSL and even a bit thicker, providing a higher center of gravity. This makes it feel very stable, ensuring an excellent experience for beginners.
Surfstar Cons
Surfstar Cons
iRocker CRUISER ULTRA™
With an extra-wide 33″ base and broad tail, this board is perfect for beginners, SUP yogis, families, and those seeking a leisurely ride.
Whether you’re a solo rider with extra cargo or sharing the adventure with a partner, there’s ample room to enjoy.
Experience unparalleled stability, making this SUP the ultimate choice for a smooth and steady ride.
Unleash your inner explorer and make unforgettable memories with the CRUISER ULTRA™ Inflatable Paddle Board!
CRUISER ULTRA Pros
CRUISER ULTRA Cons
RED PADDLE 12′ ALL RIDE MSL
Customize your experience with moveable handles, multiple attachment points, and compatibility with various SUP seats.
The unique, color-coded, and multi-textured deck pad provides visual and physical guidance for optimal positioning.
Enjoy ultimate accessibility and comfort, as our board is designed for easy entry and exit, unobstructed recovery, and features a clear deck for sitting or lying down.
Experience the freedom of the water with the 12’0″ All Ride paddleboard!
RED 12′ All Ride Pros
RED 12′ All Ride Cons
RED 22’0″ DRAGON MSL
It has eight lateral handles for ease of transport, has four valves for fast inflation, and is covered in an extra large deck pad with a large dragon design, warning other competitors to watch out if they don’t want to get smoked!
The board is supplied with a glass fiber race fin, designed to provide minimal drag and prevent any debris from getting caught whilst paddling.
Don’t be duped by its size though: this is one fast machine and with the power of eight arms driving paddles through the water, it is one of the fastest SUPs on the planet!
RED 25′ Dragon Pros
RED 25′ Dragon Cons
Buyers Guide for Paddle Boards
This guide intends to help you choose the perfect board for your needs. It’s essential to consider your weight, experience level, and many more things to ensure you make the right decision before purchasing.
You’ll also want to consider storage and transportation options, budget, and the type of water you’ll use the board in.
Type of Board
Regarding paddleboards, there are a few different types to choose from. The most popular types are all-around, touring, and racing.
- All-around paddleboards are the most versatile and can be used for a variety of activities such as yoga, fishing, and even surfing.
- Touring paddleboards are designed for longer trips and have extra features for storage and transportation.
- Racing paddle boards are the fastest and most agile, making them perfect for competitive racing.
Board Size
The next thing to consider is the size of the board. The length and width of the board will determine how stable it is and how easy it is to maneuver.
Generally, a longer and wider board is more stable, while a shorter and narrower board is more agile.
Board Weight
Choosing a board that’s the right weight for you is also important. A heavier board will be more difficult to move and maneuver, while a lighter board will be easier to transport and move around.
Durability
There are many materials that can be used to make a paddleboard, and each has its own pros and cons. The most popular materials are fiberglass, polyethylene, and carbon fiber.
- Fiberglass is the lightest material, but it’s also the most fragile.
- Polyethylene is the most durable material, but it’s also the heaviest.
- Carbon fiber is somewhere in between, offering a good balance of weight and durability.
Storage and Transportation
Another important consideration is how you’ll be storing and transporting your board. If you live in an apartment or don’t have a lot of space, you’ll need to find a board that’s easy to store and transport.
Some boards come with carrying handles and straps that make them easy to take with you wherever you go.
Budget
Finally, you’ll want to consider your budget when choosing a paddleboard. Boards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget.
Weight Limit
Your weight is also an important factor to consider when choosing a paddleboard. A heavier person will need a larger and wider board for stability, while a lighter person can get away with a smaller board.
Some boards will have a maximum weight and the board will become far less stable.
Inflatable
Hard boards are more durable but require more care. Inflatable paddleboards are becoming increasingly popular because they’re much lighter and can be easily transported when deflated.
Use Area
The last thing to consider is how you’re going to be using the board. Are you going to be doing yoga on it? Surfing? Fishing?
All of these activities require different types of boards. For example, a yoga board will be much wider and more stable than a racing board.
When you know how you’re going to be using the board, it will be much easier to find the right one for you.