A SUP on the higher end of many budgets out there, Red Equipment's paddle board more than delivers on the grand you'll spend on it. And with learning to balance being one of the hardest obstacles to overcome, this makes it one of the best paddle boards for beginners. Better suited to long-distance, intermediate paddleboarders, this slightly longer board boasts a pointed nose common among touring boards. Each board has its own weight limit and it is recommended that very tall users (taller people tend to weigh more) begin with a long, wider touring inflatable stand-up paddle board with a high weight capacity and at least eleven feet long.

Even more affordable than its tourer, Wave Spas' classic SUP is perfect for getting to grips with balance thanks to large traction footpads. The Portofino’s padded travel bag features a full zip front to easily pack it away and an internal strap to secure it in place. It's stable, beginner-friendly and comes with everything you need to get on the water, and its neat cargo system means that it's easy to take all your stuff with you too.Clearly that thought has driven the design of the Trail Outdoor Leisure Portofino because the dimensions of this all-rounder SUP should suit as many riders as possible, making it an easy choice as your first paddleboard. It comes with a pump, paddle, a coiled leash and travel bag, plus it can be converted into an inflatable kayak. It's super-easy to use and moves across the water far more rapidly than when stand-up paddling, making it a good option for less able water-users or when travelling longer distances. I've surfed all my life but discovered paddleboarding four years ago on a river in Wales, and instantly fell in love with the anywhere, anytime nature of the sport.

If you’ve been to the seaside, a local lake or river recently, you’ll have likely seen someone on a stand-up paddleboard. Unlike many 6” SUPs, which rely on thickness alone for their strength and durability, the Portofino has been designed with extra-tough base materials, including an ultra-tough laminated skin and internal and external rails for unparalleled strength and tension. It's designed for cruising small waves, with a versatile pointed shape, and is easy to transport in the carry bag. In time more serious paddlers will probably want to upgrade some parts like the pump and paddle, but the included kit suits newbies and occasional use perfectly.Verdict: Since I first tried the Portofino paddleboard in 2021 it has been relaunched with a new colour - you can now get it in red as well as blue - plus I've done some serious mileage on it in all sorts of conditions. I tested the Portofino on a river and in the sea (even though it says it’s not really for waves, but they were only small, promise) to get a good idea of how it works as an a If the inflatable SUP board is large enough and has a good weight limit, it can then be used as a tandem board for two people to enjoy the water together and you will need an extra adjustable paddle for your partner to use. While they’ve traditionally been seen as limited for recreational use, the increasingly fast designs of inflatable SUPs mean they’re even being used in races, highlighting how high performance they’ve become. Goosehill's inflatable paddle board package includes a SUP that's lightweight, measures 10 feet and six inches, and comes with everything you need to get started: a storage backpack, 3-piece paddle, a coiled SUP leash, a removable centre fin, a repair kit, and a double-action pump.

That means this all-rounder works for everyone: it’s light enough for a child to carry, stable and easy to manoeuvre, and solidly supports up to 200kg in weight. It’s built to withstand considerable weight, and its ergonomic tubular handles make for excellent maneuverability. This 11-feet inflatable paddle board from Vast, a brand that was born in South Wales, is an excellent option if you're looking for a home-grown brand. inch depth – meaning that while very light or heavy users might find it cumbersome or wobbly respectively, the majority of people who fall into the middle will get on just fine. Satisfied paddlers rate if for the quality and value, with one saying: "As a competent paddler I bought this as a convenient alternative to poodle about with friends on lazy days.

Bluefin's complete SUP package comes with pretty much all the items you need to enjoy your time out on the water, with fibre-glass paddles, a padded seat for kayak conversion, bag, pump, fins, coils and more. You'll have an eminently balanced experience with the Portofino inflatable SUP, which is 10ft of inflatable excellence. Measuring up at 34in wide and 8in thick, the dependable Voyager Tandem will see you and your adventure partner gliding along waterfronts in no time, with some extra space and adjustable bungee straps for touring essentials. In their review of the Portofino, What’s The Best described its travel bag as one of the best thought-out bits of its design. The inflatable board is robust enough to take touring for up to half a day, while being stable and supportive enough for beginners to brave.

When it comes to making more sustainable purchases and lifestyle choices, reduction should always come before recycling. Put simply, anyone can hop on a stand up paddle board (SUP) and hit the water – regardless of their location!

Read our guide on how to recycle household items, furniture, electronics, beauty waste, fashion and tech.