5 Best Beginner SUPs

Standup paddleboarding is a water sport that is taking the world by storm. Participants stand on a board called a standup paddleboard (SUP) in a manner similar to a surfboard and use long paddles for steering and directional control.

What to Look for When Buying a Paddleboard as a Beginner

When buying your first paddleboard as a beginner, there are several important factors to consider. The most important include size, price, and accessories, and there’s a major difference between solid and inflatable SUPs for beginners, as well.

• Size: The length and width of an SUP ultimately determines how it will handle. A longer board will allow for an increase in volume and capacity, which can make it feel more stable. Shorter boards tend to be easier to manuever. In terms of width, a wider board will always provide the stability that beginners need to learn proper SUP techniques.
• Price: SUPs can range in price from just under $200 to $1000 or more depending on the materials used to manufacture them and their quality. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for with SUPs, so it’s important to balance quality with price and find an option that fits your budget.
• Accessories: Brand-new standup paddleboarders can benefit from SUP packages that include a beginner’s accessory pack. These usually include a leash of some sort, a paddle, and a carrying bag. Inflatable SUPs may come with a pump, and premium boards may include a kayak seat and paddle attachment.
• Inflatable vs. Solid: Inflatable SUPs are best for beginners who travel frequently or who have limited storage space. As you get better at standup paddleboarding, you may choose to upgrade to a solid board, which is more rigid and offers better overall performance.

If you are a beginner and you’re ready to take the plunge into SUPs, the five options listed below provide exceptional stability, versatility, and construction.

5 Best Paddleboards for Beginners

The best paddleboards for beginners range in price, size, and shape, and many come with all the accessories you need to get started.

Roc Inflatable SUP with Premium Accessories

This SUP from Roc is an excellent choice for beginners. When fully inflated, it is 10 feet long, 33 inches wide, and six inches thick. The additional width offers extra stability for those who are learning to paddleboard. It is available in several fun colors, including black, lime, aqua, charcoal, desert, navy, ocean, violet, and royal, and it comes with or without a kayak seat.

This SUP features a premium accessory pack that consists of a dual-action pump, a valve wrench, a collapsible three-piece paddle with kayak attachment, a heavy-duty backpack, a waterproof dry bag, and a detachable fin. It is rated for boarders up to 350 pounds.

Runwave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Premium SUP Accessories

The best beginner SUP from Runwave is 11 feet long, 33 inches wide, and six inches thick when fully inflated. It features an extra wide stance and fins along the bottom for some additional stability and control. Runwave manufactures its SUP with high-quality PVC that is both lightweight and durable, and their signature high intensity layer offers superior air retention. The non-slip deck is favored among paddleboard beginners as it provides additional traction.

Runwave includes a premium accessory pack with an air pump, fin, leash, adjustable paddle, and backpack – everything a beginner needs for their first excursion into the water. It comes in several fun color and pattern combinations including Kohala Blue, Arrow Blue, Lotus Pink, Parrot, and Sunshine Blue.

South Bay Board Co. Big Cruiser SUP Package

South Bay Board Co. (SBBC) offers the Big Cruiser, which is one of the best beginner SUPs for adults. The rounded nose offers extra float and the nose rocker allows for exceptional glide. Four-inch rails make this SUP incredibly durable and sturdy, as well. The Big Cruiser is 124 inches long, 32 inches wide, and five inches thick when inflated, and it only weighs 30 pounds with all of the gear included.

SBBC’s SUP features an EPC closed-cell foam core coated with an epoxy resin laminate, a bamboo layer, and a custom fingerprint texture wax-free EVA foam top deck. The HDPE bottom deck features diamond weave netting for incredible damage prevention. Available in aqua or white, the kit comes with the board, adjustable paddle, and 11-foot SUP board bag.

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Premium Accessories

SereneLife’s inflatable SUP for beginners is 10.5 feet long and 32 inches wide, so there’s plenty of room for beginners with wider stances. The board’s three bottom fins help with speed and handling, which makes this one of the easiest boards to use despite age, size, or experience level. The non-slip finish of the soft top deck prevents injuries during inevitable falls, but the shape of the board shortens the learning curve significantly. The SereneLife inflatable SUP is lightweight and easy to prep, and it features military-grade materials for durability.

The premium accessory kit includes everything a SUP beginner needs to get started, including a coiled ankle leash, paddle, manual pump, patch repair kit, and a storage bag for portability. It also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects.

Bluefin Cruise SUP Package

Bluefin’s Cruise is a best beginner SUP for watersports enthusiasts who care about quality materials and design. It comes in several sizes, including kids’ size, 10.8 feet, 12 feet, and 15 feet. The SUP is made with carbon composite rails, pro-weave drop stitching, and quality surface lamination for rigidity. The unique carbon composite works to reduce flex, which can cause stability issues among beginners, and it features Inflation Loop Air Duo, which is a modern advancement that keeps the board solid and rigid.

Bluefin is environmentally conscious, and they plant a tree for every SUP purchased. The Cruise features two cargo areas, a fixed camera mount, D-rings for customization, and paddle stays. Accessories include the triple-action pump, a carbon fiber paddle featuring the US Box Fin system, and a coiled ankle leash.

Learn More about SUPs with WakeScout

The best beginner SUPs vary significantly in size, style, and accessories, but they each offer something unique that can help first-time or new paddleboarders discover the excitement the sport can offer. To discover the best locations for standup paddleboarding, check out WakeScout’s global directory of resorts, wake parks, watersports clubs, and more. We can help you find the best location, whether you want to stay close to home or travel the world.