Which type of SUP board is best for beginners?
Learning to stand-up paddle board (or SUP) is loads of fun, and here at Wetsuit Outlet, we pride ourselves in having a wide variety of the best boards on the market. The downside of this is that with so many different brands and shapes available, it can be a bit daunting for a newbie. Since we’re really keen on SUP and want everyone to jump on our wave (quite literally!), we’ve put together this super useful guide to help you make the best choice for you.
First up, types of SUP board
Much like people, SUP boards come in all shapes and sizes, but the two main categories are inflatable SUPs and hard SUPs. Generally, hard SUPs are a little pricier, as well as being harder to transport and store, hence inflatable SUPs are extremely popular right now and are what Wetsuit Outlet recommends for anyone new to the sport.
Within these two categories, there are different shaped boards to be aware of that have been designed for different types of paddling.
These SUP boards are by far the most popular. They come in various lengths and widths to fit with the individual’s weight, ability and use. They generally glide easily and are very stable without compromising on manoeuvrability, making them suitable to all types of paddling. (Hence the name!)
With 80% of stand-up paddle boarders preferring flat water, the explorer/tourer boards are another popular choice. They’re especially designed for exploring rivers, lakes and coastlines, but won’t do so well on the waves. They’re slightly longer than an all-rounder for extra glide, but remain wide enough to provide a lot of stability when you’re new to the sport. If you already know you won’t want to surf your board, a touring board is a good shout for a beginner.
Wave SUPs are short, and therefore very fast to turn. They have less volume, which makes them less stable, and their short length makes them harder to paddle in a straight line. These boards are best suited for paddlers looking to spend the majority of their time surfing, and even if you do plan to try surfing one day, it’s worth starting on a larger board until you’re comfortable paddling around.
As the name suggests, this is the fastest of all SUP boards. The length and narrowness of Racing SUPs allow for maximum glide and minimal resistance, but, being narrower, they tend to be less stable.
So, which SUP board is best for a beginner?
The most suitable board for a beginner is either an all-rounder or a touring SUP. The most suitable board for a beginner is either an all-rounder or a touring SUP. If you’ve recently got into SUP and want a board with more versatility, then an all-rounder is for you. If you’re convinced that the only thing you’ll be needing your SUP for is to explore calm waters, go for a tourer. Both are ideal for beginners, but touring SUPs are slightly more focused on one paddling discipline.
Other factors to consider before buying your first SUP board
Once you've established what type of SUP board is best for your paddling needs, you need to think about budget. Are you planning to make a big investment into a top-of-the-market board, or would to prefer to go cheaper for now while you test the water?
This will also influence whether you decide to get a hard or inflatable SUP. More information on this can be found in our guide to choosing a SUP board.
Gul, Typhoon and JOBE offer great deals on affordable stand-up paddle boards, whereas Red Paddle Co. and Naish have a selection of more premium, specialised boards for bigger budgets.
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Want to hear more from the experts? See what Wetsuit Will has to say about finding your perfect SUP in the video below!
For any further guidance on what watersports kit to buy, give us a call on 0044 1702 295678 and have a chat with one of our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team.
And if you need a few tips on how to up your SUP game, check out our guide to improving your SUP skills.
@Wetsuitoutlet
Updated on 6th July 2023
Originally published on 5th October 2018 in SUP
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