If you vacationed near a body of water recently or live in an area where water sports are popular, you’re probably familiar with paddle boarding. Developed in Hawaii, this sport has increased in popularity in recent years among people of all ages and can be enjoyed just about anywhere water is found.
Table of Contents
- Why so popular?
- Learning to paddle board
- What to look for in an inflatable paddle board?
- Best inflatable paddle boards
The most popular form of paddle boarding is stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), and its premise is simple. You stand on an inflatable or solid board and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water. Unlike surfing, you can go to waves instead of waiting for them to come along, or you can choose a calmer spot through which to paddle.
Getting started in this sport is easy when you know what kind of beginner stand-up paddle board to look for and aren’t afraid of taking a few tumbles into the water as you learn the ins and outs of maneuvering. If you’re ready for a fresh adventure out on the water, stand-up paddle boarding could become your new favorite activity.
Why is Paddle Boarding So Popular?
Although the concept has been around for a long time, interest in paddle boarding exploded in 2013, making it “the outdoor sporting activity with the most first-time participants in the United States that year.” In 2011, around 1.2 million people tried the sport for the first time, and participation grew 120 percent between 2013 and 2016. When compared to other water sports, paddle boarding is just about the only one showing a recent upward trend in Google searches.
One likely reason for this sudden popularity is the accessibility of paddle boarding. Unlike more vigorous forms of exercise and some high-impact sports, there are few barriers to getting started. You don’t need a gym membership or an excessive amount of expensive equipment to learn to paddle board. Paddle boarding is low-impact, so it doesn’t put strain on your joints. At the same time, the activity provides a total body workout suitable for those looking to lose weight, build strength, and increase endurance. All age levels can participate and enjoy a sense of community and camaraderie with fellow paddle board enthusiasts.
How Can You Learn to Paddle Board?
Because paddling has become so popular, there are likely classes or groups centered around the sport in your area. Joining one of these is preferable if you prefer hands-on instruction. However, if you can’t find a local instructor, there are plenty of online resources to get you started with paddle boarding.
A quick YouTube search turns up multiple “how to” videos, including the most popular instructional primers for beginning paddle boarders. Once you’ve watched a few of these, it’s time to take what you learn and put it into practice. Learning by doing is the best way to get started with many activities, including paddle boarding, so don’t be afraid to jump right in.
To get a feel for paddling, start out practicing your technique with your board resting on the sand. This will make it easier to maneuver the board when you officially hit the water. Everyone falls down a few times when they’re first learning, meaning you have to be prepared to get wet during your first attempts. Just be sure to angle your body away from the board as you fall so that you don’t hit it on the way down.
What Should You Look For in an Inflatable Paddle Board?
When you start shopping for a paddle board, you’ll find both solid and inflatable models. Inflatable boards are generally the best choice for beginners and people who travel a lot, and you have multiple size and shape options from which to choose.
Ask yourself these questions before shopping for inflatable paddle boards:
- Where are you going to paddle?
- What types of water will you spend the most time in?
- Are you taking up paddle boarding for adventure, leisure or exercise?
Your answers help you determine the characteristics your board should have to provide maximum efficiency. Length and width are the main considerations. A board of 9 feet to 11.5 feet in length is appropriate for the average paddle boarder. If you want to race, go for a board between 12.5 feet and 14 feet. Longer boards are also useful for lengthy paddling sessions.
Most paddle boards come in widths between 25 and 31 inches. The wider the board, the more stable the ride. Narrower boards are faster and more versatile. As a beginner, a wide board is best for preventing you from falling into the water. Wide boards also give you space to carry extra gear and are more comfortable for leisurely trips and the growing practice of paddle board yoga.
Board volume, which is measured in liters, expresses how well a board will float and how low it will sit in the water when you’re on it. You also need to pay attention to weight capacity, which tells you how many pounds the board can hold. Remember to include not only your own body weight but also the weight of the paddle and any other gear you intend to bring along on your paddling sessions so that you purchase a beginner stand-up paddle board with enough support.
If you want to get the best performance out of your board, the right hull shape is important. There are two types of hulls:
- Planing hulls are flat and wide, similar to the shape of a surfboard
- Displacement hulls have pointed bows like kayaks to “slice” through the water
Choose a displacement hull if your main bodies of water for paddling are calm or you’re up for some racing. For catching waves or other types of paddling where stability and lift is desired, go for a board with a planing hull.
The final consideration when buying inflatable paddle boards is fin configuration. Fins serve to stabilize the board and make it easier to steer. Although some boards don’t have any fins at all, you’re better off starting out with something to keep you steady as you paddle. Fins for inflatable boards are generally made of rubber or another semi-rigid material. The most common setups are:
- A single fin in the center of the board
- 2+1 fins featuring a large center fin with two smaller side fins
- 4+1 or quad fins with two larger inner and two small outer fins
It might be helpful to have an experienced paddle boarder shop with you when buying your first board. You can also try out different types of paddle boards if you have friends who are into the sport to find the right size, hull shape and fin setup.
Don’t forget about accessories for your paddle board experience. A leash is an absolute necessity for the times when you fall into the water when learning to paddle or first taking on rough waters. Leashes ensure your board never drifts too far, leaving you without something to which you can cling.
It’s also important to invest in a personal floatation device (PFD) for added safety when paddling. The paddle itself should be made of high-quality but lightweight material to prevent injuries and make it easier to maneuver your board through the water.
The Benefits of Inflatable Paddle Boards
Whether it’s your first time paddling or you’ve been into the sport for a while and are looking for a board suitable for multiple different environments, an inflatable board has several advantages:
- The price is more affordable compared to a solid board
- The material can withstand minor impacts without becoming damaged
- Being able to deflate the board makes it easier to transport
- The light weight allows you to carry the board anywhere
- You can store your board even if you don’t have a lot of room in your home
- You can take your board into remote areas for a more adventurous paddling experience
- It doesn’t hurt as much as a solid board if you accidentally fall on it when learning
When Not to Use an Inflatable Board
Inflatable paddle boards aren’t right for all types of paddling. Some activities require a solid board made using a foam core covered with a fiberglass outer layer. You should consider buying a solid board if you want:
- More shape and size options to cater to your paddling style
- Optimal performance in all types of water
- To begin participating in competitions
- Easier maneuverability
- Better balance
- To avoid the time necessary to inflate and deflate your board when moving between bodies of water
If you do decide on a solid board, make sure you have enough room to store it in a place where it won’t become damaged. You’ll also need a rack for your car and a reliable way to secure the board during transport when you head out to seek your next paddle-boarding adventure.
6 Top Inflatable Paddle Boards to Consider
By now, you should have a good idea of what kind of board would be best for the type of paddling you want to do. These six boards are highly rated by SUP enthusiasts and come with a variety of accessories to give you all you need for the best paddle-boarding experience.
Red Paddle Co. Ride 10’6′
The Red Paddle Co Ride 10’6″ is the world’s best-selling inflatable SUP, due entirely to its versatility and super high build quality. It is suitable and ready for just about any paddler or situation.
At 4″ thick, 32″ wide, and just under 10kgs in weight it is maneuverable enough for riders of almost any size, as well as being super stable on flat water and manageable in the surf.
Red Paddle SUPs are not the cheapest on the market, but they are the best-selling because they are genuinely great quality and come with really great quality accessories including the award-winning Titan pump which promises to inflate your board in half the time of similar pumps on the market. The board also comes with Red’s all-terrain backpack which makes getting the board in and out of remote spots super easy. All the boards listed here are great, but given the choice, this is the board we’d buy.
Atoll 11-Foot iSUP
This complete paddle board package from Atoll features an 11-foot inflatable board, a hand pump and an adjustable aluminum alloy paddle. At 6 inches thick and 32 inches wide, this board is just right if you’re a beginner or if you’re more experienced but prefer to take a leisurely approach to your excursions.
Whether you’re on a camping trip or looking for adventure, the Atoll board offers a balance between rigidity and lightness. Dual layers of PVC fabric add durability without weighing the board down. The tri-fin design increases stability, and the included leash ensures you’re never separated from your board. Pack everything up in the handy backpack to get ready for your next excursion.
iRocker CRUISER
The CRUISER paddle board from iRocker is 10.5 feet long, 33 inches wide, and 6 inches thick, making it suitable for all experience levels. Boasting an “extra wide” tail end, the board gives you the stability you need while learning and when venturing into rougher waters. Use the included fiberglass paddle to maneuver wherever your paddle-boarding travels take you.
Lightweight and durable, the CRUISER cuts through calm waters, rides waves, and handles whitewater conditions without any trouble. With the included hand pump and carrying bag, your board can easily go anywhere you do.
XTERRA Premium SUP Bundle
For the true adventurer seeking a sleek board designed to inflate and deflate quickly, this bundle pack from XTERRA is the way to go. You get a paddle, ankle leash, hand pump and repair kit along with your board, so you’re ready to go from the moment you open the box.
The board inflates in five minutes and includes a valve for quick air release, allowing you to move from one body of water to another without slowing down. With its generous 10-foot length and tapered body reminiscent of a kayak, the XTERRA inflatable board is ready to carry you through even the most challenging bodies of water.
Thurso Surf Waterwalker
Do you like to make paddle boarding an all-day affair or take long camping trips to check out new waterways? Try the Thurso Surf Waterwalker. Available in 10.5-foot and 11-foot lengths with a thickness of 6 inches, the Waterwalker is built for lengthy excursions.
This pack provides all the gear you need, including a paddle, pump, backpack and leash. A 2+1 fin design stabilizes the board as you paddle, and a deck bag provides space for food, water, and anything else you want to take along to fuel your adventures.
The military-grade PVC fabric exterior sports an attractive wood design on top, so you’ll not only have a strong and durable board but also an eye-catching presence whenever you’re out on the water.
Isle Airtech Inflatable Explorer
When you just can’t wait to get going on a paddle boarding trip, grab the Isle Airtech Inflatable Explorer. This bundle includes an 11-foot by 32-inch by 6-inch board, a pump, a paddle, and a carrying bag. Crafted for durability, the Airtech is sized just right for beginners and includes extra space for storing additional gear.
With so many boards available and new frontiers to explore, paddle boarding has a wide appeal. Why does the sport interest you? What are you looking for in a paddle board, and do you prefer inflatable boards or solid models? Share your thoughts in the comments.
