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Whether you’re a paddling pro or boarding beginner, these are the best SUPs to buy
This year, on the UK’s beaches, riverbanks and lakeshores, the sound of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) being inflated is likely to be as common as that of the howling toddler who’s just dropped their ice cream.
It’s easy to see why, too, as inflatable boards have made paddleboarding inclusive, inexpensive and lots of fun, no matter what your experience level. If you are just starting out, the whole thing might seem a bit daunting, but you just have to make sure you’re standing on the right kind of board for your body type and skill level.
Minimising the wobble factor is important when you first step on – stability is key when it comes to relaxing and building confidence, so you can concentrate on your paddling technique. This usually means a shorter, wider board with lots of volume, so it sits higher on the water and doesn’t sink into the drink. Generally, every board comes with a capacity measurement or max rider weight. If you’re within 50lbs of a board’s listed capacity, you should look at choosing another board with a larger capacity.
As you progress and start to find your sea legs, you’ll need less volume but more length and a thinner deck, so you can really cut through the water at speed. This way, you’ll easily be able to cover lots of distance quickly.
No matter how experienced you are, some attributes should be common to every SUP. They need to be quick to inflate and deflate, with intelligently located handles for good portability in and out of the water. When you are on the water, you’re going to want a good non-slip deck that’s comfortable to stand on, as well as cargo areas (in the form of bungee straps) to transport everything you want to take with you.
If you want to know which SUP to buy, let us guide you to some of the boards that have really got us pumped this year.
We took to the water off the South Devon coastline, setting off from the beach, paddling to an estuary and on up the river, so we could truly test the boards in different kinds of water.
Obviously, inflation systems (yes, we mean the pump) are pretty important when it comes to an inflatable paddleboard, but pumps have come a long way from the days when blowing up an inflatable on the beach would leave you a sweaty mess. All the boards included below were easy and quick to inflate, especially those that came with high-pressure double-action pumps.
The main decision you will have to make when picking the right board for you is whether you want an inflatable board or a solid one. Inflatable boards are excellent for those with limited storage space, for the same reason they are also easier to transport, and tend to be on the more affordable side. Surprisingly, inflatable boards are actually more durable than solid ones – due to quality boards being made of super-duper strong materials, they won't dent or scratch in the same way solid boards might. That being said, in terms of performance, solid boards tend to have the edge. They have a more agile approach to gliding through the water and, for those interested in SUP surfing, they are better at catching waves.
The general rule for SUPs is the larger the board is, the faster it is, whereas shorter boards are better for manoeuvrability, so the choice of size depends on your plans. Your height also plays a part – short boards (less than 10ft) are best for kids or those wanting to surf. Medium (10-12ft) is the most popular size, and best for general use as well as SUP yoga. Longboards (12-14ft) are ideal for fast-paced paddling or long-haul adventures.
First of all, we have to advise wearing safety gear before you hit the water. With waves and weather being so unpredictable, personal floatation devices of any kind can be vital. When it’s summer, your favourite swimsuits will do just fine, but in the winter (because SUP is a year-round all-weather sport) wetsuits, dry suits and some water shoes are good ideas. Rash vests are also a good idea year-round, to protect yourself from the environment. Of course, SPF is always a must, no matter the month.
Looking for a board that will grow with you as you progress your paddling skills? The Two Bare Feet sport air will boost your confidence, while still challenging you to progress your technique every time you go out. It comes with a great package, hardy construction, and, if you’re thinking of taking out the family pet (not the cat, obviously), this was one of the most dog-friendly boards we tested.
If your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far, we also love the Wave woody SUP. It’s well-equipped to take you wherever you want to go, whether that’s exploring the coast from the water, going point to point or just messing about with some friends.
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