5 Best Stand-Up Paddle Boards For Beginners In 2022 Reviews
Do you want to start paddleboarding?
Then you should read this review. Here you can find a lot of useful information which is important to know before you buy your first paddleboard. There are different types, dimensions, weight capacity and other factors that you need to consider.
Short Beginner Paddleboard Buying Guide
Rigid & Inflatable Paddleboard
First, there are two main paddleboard types, rigid paddleboard and inflatable paddleboard. The inflatable paddleboards are easy to storage, just deflate it and put it wherever you want. But you need to inflate it and deflate it all the time. They are incredible though because they are made of military-grade PVC material. The rigid paddleboards are faster than iSUP, they are great for surfing, you can easily turn and maneuver.
Which Length Is Right For You?
There is a wide range of lengths of the paddleboard, they can be less than 9 feet long and more than 15 feet long. The shortboard is slower, but you can surf on them and control it easily. The standard length is from 9 to 12 feet, these paddleboards are great for beginners, they have a good performance. The boards over 12 feet are designed for racing and touring, they are very fast.
Width, Thickness & Rocker
If we talk about thickness, for rigid paddleboards it’s 4 to 5 inches and for inflatable boards, it’s about 6 inches. There is a paddleboard’s width. The wider paddleboard is more stable than the narrow board. For beginners, the best is the board with more than 31 inches. The small rocker is intended for flat water and large rocker is for waves.
Paddleboard Accessories
This sport doesn’t require a lot of accessories. If you decide to buy a rigid paddleboard, all you need to have, except the board, is a paddle and safety leash. It is important for all beginners if you paddle and fall into the water, the safety leash will keep your board near you. If you buy an inflatable paddleboard, the package should contain paddle, pump, safety leash, fins and backpack.
Where To Buy It?
If you already search paddleboard online, you’ll see that these paddleboards are expensive. The materials and manufacturing process cost a lot. But once you buy a paddleboard, it will last for many years. You can buy it in your local store which sells paddleboards. If you buying online, visit Amazon, there is a wide offering.
5 Best Stand-up Paddleboards For Beginners
Best Inflatable Paddleboard For Beginners
Tower Inflatable Paddleboard
Inflatable Paddleboard
The Tower paddleboard is inflatable paddleboard, it is easy to inflate it and store it, it’s very practical. This paddleboard is 10.4 feet long, 32 inches wide and 6 inches thick. This wide platform is great for balance. It has three fins, one is removable and they improve speed and steering.
Sturdy Construction
This board is ideal for kids, teens and beginners. This inflatable SUP paddleboard is made of military-grade PVC material and has a drop-stitch construction. The top deck is covered with quality EVA pad, it is soft and comfortable, so you can paddle all day.
Adjustable Paddle
Use this paddleboard not only in the ocean but in the river and lake. It is impact resistant and you can’t damage it easily. This paddleboard for beginners comes with an adjustable paddle, high-pressure pump, removable center fin, handhold strap and roll-up carrying strap.
2-years Of Warranty
On this inflatable paddleboard for beginners, you can fishing, touring, yoga, sunbathing and more. This board’s rigidity is tested, it is almost impossible to break it. This inflatable paddleboard has an affordable price and the manufacturer offers two years of warranty.
- great dimensions for beginners
- all included the package
- durable paddleboard
- 2-year warranty
- a repair kit isn’t included
- not for a fast ride
Best All-around Paddleboard For Beginners
Gili Meno Paddleboard
Two Colors
The Gili paddleboard is a sturdy paddleboard type. There are two sizes available, 10.6 feet and 11 feet. Also, there are two colors, blue and bright green colors. It has a wide platform, it’s 35 inches. It is stable and you can easily balance on it. The price is affordable.
Mount The Camera
You can use it in the rivers, the ocean and the lake. This model is excellent for beginners, but if you are an intermediate or advanced paddler, you can use it for fun. On the nose of the paddleboard, you can mount the camera and record all your adventures.
Reinforced Rails
The Gili Meno uses fusion technology and has three layers of laminated military-grade PVC material. The rails are reinforced with carbon material. This paddleboard for beginners is 6 inches thick. These materials make the paddleboard durable and lightweight. It weighs 22 pounds. It has three handles, on the front, rear and in the center.
Save The Sea
The Gili beginner inflatable paddleboard supports over 450 pounds. You can take your dog, friend, a kid with you and have more fun. The package includes carbon fiber paddle, fin box with 5 fins, safety leash, storage bag and hand pump. For each buy, the company donates money for endangered sea creatures and ocean. The warranty lasts 2 years.
- durable paddleboard
- all included
- lightweight
- 2 years of warranty
- a repair kit isn’t included
- not for waves
Best Cheap Paddleboard For Beginners
Serenelife SUP Paddleboard
Multiple Colors
The Serenelife is available in multiple colors, aqua, black, black and grey, blue and olive green. It is 10.6 feet long, 30 inches wide and 6 inches thick. This paddleboard for beginners is lightweight, it ahs 19 pounds. You can easily transport it, there is one handle in the center of the paddleboard.
UV Resistant Coating
This paddleboard is made of military-grade PVC material and it has a double sidewall for better impact resistance. The coating is UV resistant, so the sun won’t damage the board. The top deck is covered with EVA soft pad, it is comfortable for your legs. The surface is slip-resistant.
Three Fins
There are three fins on the bottom. The center fin is removable. The package includes three bottom fins, foldable paddle, manual pump, safety leash and storage bag. This board is stable so it’s great for beginners. It weighs 19.6 pounds. The maximal rider weight capacity is 275 pounds. Use this board for touring, exploring, yoga and fishing.
Budget-friendly Option
You can use it for surf excursions, but t’s not for big waves. The warranty lasts a year. If some of the accessories come damaged, call the service and they will repair it or send you a new part. This stand-up paddleboard for beginners has a low price so if you looking for a budget-friendly paddleboard, this model is a good choice.
- low price
- for touring, yoga, fishing
- pump, paddle, safety leash and bag included
- 1-year warranty
- not for rough water
Best Rigid Paddleboard For Beginners
Tava Solid Paddleboard
Minimalistic Design
The Tava is a new paddleboard company on the market, they produce inflatable and rigid paddleboards. It has a minimalistic design, there are two colors, bright violet and white color. This model is rigid. If you want to learn paddleboarding on the rigid paddleboard, this model is an excellent choice.
Retractable Paddleboard
The Tava dimensions are 11.2 feet long, 33 inches wide and 5 inches thick. Its volume is 215 liters. This rigid paddleboard for beginners weighs 30 pounds. The rigid paddleboards are usually heavier than inflatable paddleboards. The Tava has a retractable handle in the middle of the board, it won’t disturb you during paddleboarding.
Paddleboard For Surf
This beginner paddleboard is a great all-around paddleboard for flat water. Also, you can use it for surfing. It has a high weight capacity, so it can handle the paddler of 300 pounds. That means you can take your dog or friend and ride together.
Fiberglass & Epoxy Resin
The Tava has three fins, two side fins and one removable big fin. The paddle is included in the package, it is made of plastic. You can adjust it to your height. This beginner’s paddleboard is made of fiberglass and epoxy resin, the core is made of EPS. It has a high gloss finish.
- durable construction
- for surfing
- high weight capacity
- adjustable paddle
- heavy paddleboard
- storage problems
Best Recreational Paddleboard For Beginners
Boardworks SUP Paddleboard
Light Rigid Paddleboard
The Boardworks is also a rigid paddleboard. It is 10.6 feet long and 32.5 inches wide. The surface is wide and stable. The paddleboard’s thickness is 4.7 inches. This rigid paddleboard isn’t so heavy, it weighs 23 pounds. The price is affordable The warranty lasts one year.
Extended Polystyrene
The Boardworks core is made of EPS, which stands for extended polystyrene. The construction is made of fiberglass and epoxy resin. It has a slick high-density polyethylene material. These materials provide durability and rigidity. The top deck is soft and comfortable.
Bungee Storage
The Boardworks is an ideal entry-level board for beginners. You can use it in flat water and for small waves. It has an integrated handle with locking ability. On the front is dual tie-downs with bungee cordage for some gear. This stand-up paddleboard for beginners has a center fin for better speed.
Capacity & Experience
The weight capacity depends on the paddler experience. If you are a beginner, the weight limit is 190 pounds. For intermediate paddlers, it’s 216 pounds and for advanced riders, the max weight capacity is 245 pounds. The adjustable paddle is included in the package.
- light paddleboard
- paddle included
- ideal paddleboard for family
- center fin
- no warranty
Conclusion: Which Two Beginner’s Paddleboards Are The Best?
You need to choose which paddleboard is the best for you. I recommend one rigid and one inflatable paddleboard: the Tava paddleboard and the Gili Meno paddleboard. The Tava is a rigid paddleboard, it has high weight capacity and it’s great for surfing. The Gili is inflatable paddleboard, all accessories are included and it has an affordable price.
If you want to read more about SUP paddleboards, read the review of the best stand up paddleboards. If you want to start surfing, you can check out the post about the best SUPs for surfing. If you want to buy a rigid paddleboard, I suggest you read the post about epoxy paddleboards.