What is the Best Paddle Board for Beginners? [2022 Buying Guide]

Paddle Board Length

Paddle boards generally range in length from 8 to 15 feet. Your board length is an important factor to consider based on your skill level and intended uses for the board.  A very basic overview is that shorter boards are more maneuverable and longer boards are faster. The following is a basic guide on board length for your consideration:

• Short Boards (9 feet and under): Shorter boards are easier to steer, handle and maneuver, however they are harder to maintain on a straight line and will be slower in the water.  Individuals who will be surfing find the shorter board to be a good choice because of their maneuverability. Eight foot boards are typically designed for kids.
• Medium Boards (10 to 12 feet): For beginners a medium board is typically the length that works the best.  This length board works well for all paddlers. Not as maneuverable as the short board and not as fast as the longer board, they do provide a balance and the best of both worlds.
• Longboards (12 feet and longer): Long boards are usually the choice for racing or touring.  Maneuverability is not a primary consideration when purchasing a longboard. The key factors are speed and tracking.  This board is not the best option for beginners.

Additional factors to consider regarding the length of your board, especially solid boards, is transporting, storing and carrying your board (wind can make managing your board a challenge).  

Paddle Board Width

Paddle boards come in a variety of widths, ranging from approximately 25 to 36 inches.  The width of a board significantly impacts the stability of your SUP.  

A narrow board of 30 inches or less will be faster but are not recommended for beginners because they are less stable.  A wider board over 30 inches makes it easier to balance yourself, however are slower and if too wide, for your height, can make paddling more difficult.  

Wider boards are generally recommended for beginners but you should also consider the following: 

• Paddle Board Uses: Are you looking for a good workout, a leisurely paddle, touring, or doing some SUP yoga?  Going for a long paddle will make speed and tracking (a narrower board) a priority. If your a beginner or planning to do SUP yoga a wider board will provide more stability and space.  If you are going to try surfing a narrower board will work the best. Give some consideration to how you plan to use your board.  
• Body Size: A general guideline is that a smaller or shorter person has a lower center of gravity and thus able to balance on a narrower board more easily.  In contrast, it makes sense that a larger or taller person should choose a wider board. Additionally, smaller individuals may find a wider board more challenging to paddle.
• Skill Level: Your skill level and general athletic ability (balance) should be factored.  If you’re new to the sport extra width will support your skill development. A more experienced paddler can opt for a narrower board.

Paddle Board Thickness

A third consideration, relative to board size, is the board’s thickness.  A simple principle for understanding the thickness of a SUP is that the thicker the board the more weight it can support.  You want to find a board that is appropriate for your weight to ensure the most efficient and productive outcomes for your experiences.  

Using your weight, combined with your skill level allows you to calculate the volume of a SUP you should be considering.  Manufactures provide a volume rating for their boards that can help guide your decision.  

SBS boards provide a calculator to determine the volume, in liters, that is ideal for you.  To convert your weight from pounds to kilograms divide your weight by 2.2.  For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, divide your weight by 2.2 = 81 kilograms.  The calculator shows that the ideal board for an individual weighing 81 kilograms has a volume of 164 liters.

Paddle Board Nose Rocker

A paddle board nose rocker refers to the shape or angle of the front of your paddle board.  If you plan to go in rougher water or go surfing, you will want more nose rocker. Boards with less of a rocker are more likely to have water come up over the nose in rougher water and potentially submerge your board.  

Paddle Board Fins

The primary benefit of fins on a paddle board is they create stability and aid in tracking.  Generally speaking, the larger the fin and the wider the base the more stable and better the tracking of your board.  Oppositely, the smaller the fin the easier it is to handle and maneuver.

There are a variety of configurations for paddle board fins and the following are three of the more common fin designs:

• Single Fin: A single fin provides tracking for you SUP and produces minimal drag, which makes it a good choice for calmer, flatwater paddling.
• 2+1 Fins: This configuration has one larger center fin with 2 smaller fins, one on each side of the board.  This design is ideal for surfing.
• 3 Fins: The purpose of this configuration is optimize the paddleboards tracking and supports better control when surfing.  The fins are typically of the same proportions.

Fins are available on both solid and inflatable SUPs.  The differences you may find is that an ISUP may feature an attached rubberized fin or a detachable rigid fin(s).  Most fins are removable and either use a nut and bolt to attach or have a channel the fin locks into. Detachable fins help with storage and transporting your board and allow you to change the style or size of fins.

Paddle Board Accessories

As a beginner you may not have a need for a lot of additional accessories or gear but a few items you may want to consider, especially as you gain more experience and skills:

Paddle: Not really an accessory.  You aren’t going to have much success without a paddle.  Not all boards come with a paddle and of those that do, you may not be getting the best quality paddle.  You can always upgrade your paddle. A lighter paddle makes paddling easier and less tiring, which makes carbon fiber paddles a popular choice.  

To determine the best length of paddle for you is to simply hold the paddle vertically, with the paddle blade on the ground.  Holding the paddle, raise one arm to reach the top of the paddle. If your fingers can cup over the blade, you have a paddle that will likely be a good fit for you. 

Bungees Straps and D-rings: Located on the front, rear or side of your board, a bungee system allows you to store and secure equipment, while D-rings provide attachment points for things like a kayak seat.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Paddle boards are classified as a vessel by the US Coast Guard and as such a PFD is required to go paddling.  

Ankle Leash: Some paddle boards include a leash, others do not.  A leash should be considered an essential accessory if not included in your purchase.  The leash secures your board to your ankle. Due to the obvious potential for falling, being attached to your SUP is important; for your safety, as well as to save you time and energy tracking down your board when you fall off, a leash is a great idea.

Backpack: This is only necessary when you choose an ISUP.  For both storing and transporting your ISUP a backpack becomes an important piece of gear.

Electric Air Pump: Although not a necessity, a nice upgrade is an electric air pump that will both save you energy and ensure you can get the proper PSI for your ISUP.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right stand up paddle board?

There really is no easy answer for this question.  The factors you need to consider include: 

• Your experience/skill level; 
• How you intend to use your SUP; 
• Your body type/size; 
• The conditions and bodies of water you intend to paddle board on; 
• Will others be using the SUP; 
• Do you have a means to transport and/or store a solid SUP;
• And how much you intend to spend on purchasing a SUP and additional accessories.

How much does a stand up paddle board weigh?

Due to the fact that paddle boards come both as a solid board and as an inflatable, as well as varying lengths, widths and thicknesses the weight will vary.  Inflatable boards are generally lighter than a solid board. A typical SUP will weight between 15 pounds on the lighter side and as much as 50 pounds on the heavier side.

How do I know if stand up paddle boarding is something I can do?

You will really not know unless you try it. A simple option is to go to a rental shop and give it a try. The great thing about paddle boarding is that just about everyone can pick up the basics on their first time out.  If you can find a relatively safe body of water, wear your PFD and have someone along to help out, what's the worst that might happen?  You take a fall and make a big splash? Give it a try.

Is it important to try out a paddle board before buying one?

You will be making a significant investment when you purchase a SUP. You’ve taken a good first step by reading this article. But your work is not done.  Nothing beats a first hand experience. Would you consider purchasing a car without trying it out? Not quite the same type of investment but still a good practice to do the same as you would with purchasing a vehicle.

Do your due diligence and research. Dealers sometimes offer demonstration models you can try out or you may have friends who have and will let you try their boards. Go to a rental shop and ask to try out a variety of boards and talk to the experts. 

The effort is worth it to ensure you get the board you desire and make a wise investment.