It’s clear that stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become a very popular beginner friendly hobby to many Brits, and is now argued to be ‘one of the fastest growing sports in the world’. One of the reasons for the popularity is the versatility of the boards. From recreational paddling, stand up paddle surfing, downwind SUP, SUP fitness, yoga and many more.
When you are buying your first SUP paddleboard, there are a lot of deciding factors to think about, and it can be a little overwhelming if you are new to the sport. Especially if you are searching phrases like top paddle boards in the UK online, a lot of information can be missed out beyond deciding on your next board.
Keep on reading to find out what to look for when buying a SUP paddleboard, as well as what to avoid. These tips and tricks will help you to make the most out of your new sport.
Some of the main tips when buying a SUP paddleboard can include:
SUP paddleboard kit. As well as the board, kits can include a paddle, pump, rucksack, shoulder strap, leash, repair kit, and more. The boards sold with these kits often include the best middle-ground board that’s going to benefit both beginners and intermediates and can be used on many kinds of waters. These kits will also be budget and beginner friendly, and would normally cost a lot more if you were to buy all these accessories separately. Perfect for a beginner collecting their SUP kit!
A board that gives a good balance. If you are a beginner, having a wider board can help keep good balance, and this will help you learn paddleboarding skills more quickly.
Purchasing the wrong paddleboard for your needs. It’s important the board is right for you, ranging from balance and the activity you plan on using the board for. For example, this can range from casual paddling, long-distance racing, surfing, and yoga.
Choosing a hard paddleboard over an inflatable one, if you don’t have the storage room. If you don’t have significant storage, you may struggle to store a hard paddleboard, Therefore, it may be beneficial to choose an inflatable one, which will be much easier to store. For example, if you have a campervan, an inflatable paddleboard can be packed away in the bag.
Too small a paddleboard for your skill level. The number one rule for stand-up paddleboards includes the bigger and wider the board, the more stable it is. Therefore if you are a beginner, it wouldn't be suitable to choose a smaller board as this may be harder to learn.
Cheap paddleboards. It’s important to ensure your paddleboard is of decent quality, not only for ease of use but also for safety. You don’t want to purchase an inflatable board that won’t hold its air like it’s supposed to. Therefore, set yourself a sensible budget. There are many options out there suited to your price range.
To make the most out of your new hobby, It’s important to choose the right board, based on quality, price, features and of course, looks. If you are yet to embark on stand up paddleboarding, we have got you covered with a wide range of paddle boards.
Take a look at our comprehensive list of the top 5 paddle boards available in the UK right now, and get your SUP adventures off on the right track (or river!).
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The 10 '6'' board from Aquaplanet gains the top spot as the best paddleboard in the UK due to its ease of use for both beginners and intermediates, and value for money. As Aquaplanet’s best selling inflatable board, it can be used on many types of water from calm rivers to choppier waters, therefore can be beneficial to all types of SUP lovers.
The purchase of this kit includes everything you need, including the inflatable board, rucksack, pump, paddle, surf sack, shoulder strap and leash. If that's not enough, it also includes a repair kit to keep your board in the best possible condition. The board comes in 3 different colours too, from Rainbow, Orange and Blue.
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The Red Paddle Co 11 '0 is a great paddle board for those looking for a higher quality board that comes in at a slightly higher price than the other top paddle boards in the UK. Despite the price point, it's still a worthwhile investment and will pay off in the long run with good build quality and ride comfort. Red call this the ‘drop top roadster’ of their SUP range, so for those looking for a great board with a sportier feel, this may well be the perfect option.
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The Portofino Paddle Board comes in as one of the top inflatable paddleboards in the UK due to its affordability, and standing as a top all rounder for inexperienced and experienced SUP’s alike. The board comes with a complete starter kit, including a pressure gauge, telescopic aluminium our, travel bag, coil leash and repair packages. No need to worry if you are a beginner and need to touch up your new board. The paddle board can be easily converted into a kayak, using the kayak conversion kit (sold separately). Perfect if you are unsure regarding which hobby to dive into.
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This paddleboard makes our list due to its durability over our other mentions in this list. This stand up paddle board is great for a variety of sizes and uses. The shape of this paddle board is suitable for touring and surfing small waves. If you are looking for the perfect SUP at a reasonable price range, this will give you everything you need.
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The Aqua Marina Dhyana Inflatable SUP Package makes our list as one of the top paddle boards in the UK due to its extra large dimensions, which make this paddle board perfect for an uninterrupted workout or yoga sessions in the water. Or even on the beach, enjoying the breathtaking beach and sea views with friends and family. The paddle board also comes with a full deck for crocodile grooving, allowing for the maximum amount of grip when partaking in yoga moves.
As you can see, from this list there are a range of paddle boards available for your taste, ranging from features, size, price, material and purpose. Despite there being a range of paddle boards that would be beneficial for many SUP enthusiasts, we believe the Aquaplanet MAX SUP Package is the ultimate choice due to its all in one package, affordability balance and more. It’s even Aquaplanet’s best selling paddle board!
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