Best Paddle Boards for Beginners: Our Top 6 Picks

Paddle boarding is a popular water sport that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. It’s a fun and exciting way to explore the water and get some exercise at the same time. If you’re new to paddle boarding, finding the right board can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different types and brands to choose from. That’s why we’ve done the research and put together a list of the best paddle boards for beginners.

When it comes to choosing a paddle board, there are a few things you should consider. The first is the type of paddle board you want. There are three main types: all-around, touring, and surfing. All-around boards are great for beginners because they’re stable and easy to maneuver. Touring boards are designed for longer distances and are more efficient, but they’re not as stable. Surfing boards are designed for waves and are not recommended for beginners.

The next thing to consider is the size of the board. A larger board will be more stable, but it will also be harder to maneuver. A smaller board will be more maneuverable, but it will be less stable. The size of the board you choose will depend on your weight and height. Bringing kids or a dog or other animal on board?  Think bigger.  However, larger boards are harder to maneuver and carry, so think about your priorities.

We spent countless hours researching and testing different paddle boards to identify the ones that are perfect for beginners. Our top picks are based on stability, maneuverability, durability, and overall value. Whether you’re looking to explore calm lakes or ride small waves, we’ve got you covered.

Best Paddle Boards for Beginners

As avid paddleboarders ourselves, we know that finding the right board can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. That’s why we’ve taken the time to research and test various paddle boards to bring you our top picks for the best paddle boards for beginners. Whether you’re looking for stability, maneuverability, or ease of use, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the perfect paddle board to start your adventure on the water.

Run Wave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

If you're looking for an inflatable paddle board that's easy to carry and provides superior stability, then the Runwave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is the one for you.
Our experience with the Runwave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board has been great. The high-quality PVC material makes the board lightweight and easy to carry, while the non-slip top deck provides a secure grip, making it perfect for beginners. The wide SUP design provides superior stability and balance while standing, making it easy to maneuver through the water. However, the pump can be a bit difficult to use, especially for beginners. The backpack can also be a bit bulky, making it difficult to carry around. Lastly, the board can take up to 10 minutes to inflate, which can be a bit time-consuming. Overall, we highly recommend the Runwave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for anyone looking for a durable and stable inflatable paddle board.
Pros:
• The high-quality PVC material makes this board lightweight and durable.
• The non-slip top deck provides a secure grip, making it ideal for beginners.
• The wide SUP design provides superior stability and balance while standing.
Cons:
• The pump can be a bit difficult to use, especially for beginners.
• The backpack can be a bit bulky, making it difficult to carry around.
• The board can take up to 10 minutes to inflate, which can be a bit time-consuming.
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FBSPORT Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

If you're looking for a versatile and portable paddle board that can be used in different water areas, the FBSPORT Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a great choice for beginners. With its generous deck and highly durable PVC material, this paddle board is perfect for enjoying yourself, adventure, and exploration in the water.
The FBSPORT Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a fun and versatile board that can be used in different water including bays, lakes, calm rivers, and other bodies of water. With D-rings that are compatible with a kayak seat, this paddle board is suitable for variety of water sports activities like fishing, yoga, recreational paddling, and more. The paddle board is packed with all necessary accessories including a big carry-on backpack that you can easily store and transport anywhere you want to go. The lightweight adjustable aluminum paddles can be adjusted to your own size as needed. If you're looking for a beginner-friendly and convenient surfboard, the FBSPORT Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board may be just the ticket.
Pros:
• Comes with a newly upgraded electric air pump that allows you to install your paddle board without any hassle
• Extra bigger size of 11'x33"x6" and about 350LBS weight capacity give you stable, comfortable, and relaxed states
• Triple bottom panel fins help boards improve overall speed, maneuverability, steering, and stability
Cons:
• The Amazon description says 400lbs and the booklet that it comes with says 280lbs
• Takes a minute to figure out how to quickly remove the pump and cap it without losing air
• The big fin is removable, but the two small fins are unremovable which are fixed on the board
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South Bay Board Co. - 10’4 Big Cruiser

We highly recommend the Big Cruiser Stand Up Paddle Board Package for beginners due to its ease of use and durable design. This is an excellent board for larger people, or those who need a larger surface area for yoga, or other passengers like kids and dogs.
The Big Cruiser Stand Up Paddle Board Package from South Bay Board Co. is perfect for beginners who want a durable, easy-to-use paddle board. The board's wide, rounded out nose and widened chest area make it easy for beginners to balance while paddling. The Wax-Free ‘Fingerprint’ foam grip is comfortable to grip and the Triple Stringer + Bamboo Body Armor system provides heavy-duty durability. South Bay Board Co. also has excellent customer service and is always available to help with any customer needs. However, at 30lbs, the board may be slightly heavy for some users to carry and it may not be suitable for advanced users who are looking for more speed and maneuverability. Additionally, the board comes in only one color, which may not be to everyone's taste.
Pros:
• The wide, rounded out nose provides extra float and the widened chest area offers extra stability, making it easier for beginners to balance.
• The Wax-Free ‘Fingerprint’ foam grip makes it easier to grip and the Triple Stringer + Bamboo Body Armor system provides heavy-duty durability.
• South Bay Board Co. has excellent customer service and is always available to help with any customer needs.
Cons:
• At 30lbs, the board may be slightly heavy for some users to carry.
• The board may not be suitable for advanced users who are looking for more speed and maneuverability.
• The board comes in only one color, which may not be to everyone's taste.
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ATONON Paddle Board

If you're looking for an affordable and portable paddle board that's perfect for beginners, the ATONON Paddle Board may be the right choice for you. Here's what we thought after giving it a try. This is a great looking board with a bright floral design.
The ATONON Paddle Board is made of high-quality PVC material that's thick, high-intensity, and lightweight. It comes with a backpack, foot leash, pump, fin, and paddle, so you have everything you need to get started. The inflatable design makes it easy to transport and store, and it only takes about 5 minutes to inflate or deflate using the double-action pump.
We found the ATONON Paddle Board to be stable and easy to maneuver, even in choppy water. The non-slip top deck provided good traction, and the foot leash kept us safe and secure while surfing. The wide SUP design made it easy to balance while standing, and the lotus pattern added a nice touch of style. Overall, we think the ATONON Paddle Board is a great choice for beginners who want an affordable and portable paddle board that's easy to use and transport.
Pros:
• The double-deck design makes it safer and thicker than other paddle boards we've tried.
• The non-slip top deck and wide SUP design improve stability and balance while standing, making it ideal for beginners.
• The bright and colorful lotus pattern adds a nice touch and makes it easy to spot in the water.
Cons:
• The pump isn't very accurate, so you may need to purchase an adapter to get the right PSI.
• The backpack isn't very comfortable, so you may want to invest in a better one if you plan on carrying it for long distances.
• The paddle isn't adjustable, so it may not be suitable for all users.
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SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

We highly recommend the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for beginners looking for a reliable and versatile board that is easy to transport and store.
The SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a portable and inflatable SUP board that is 100% travel-friendly, making it perfect for those who have a knack for adventure. It comes complete with must-have paddle board accessories, including a coiled ankle cuff safety leash, upgraded aluminum paddle, manual air pump, and storage bag.
The board is made of high-quality polyvinyl chloride and features a beautiful aqua color. It has a thickness of 6 inches and is suitable for both youth and adult users. The board is easy to maneuver and provides exceptional stability, making it perfect for beginners. It is also suitable for SUP paddling and surfing.
Overall, the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a reliable, versatile, and easy-to-use board. It is portable, inflatable, and comes with all the necessary accessories, making it a great investment for anyone looking to explore the water in style.
Pros:
• The extra-wide design measuring 10’6 feet long & 32 inches wide provides excellent balance and stability, making it easy to stabilize on top of the board.
• The soft, stable & anti-slip top deck is perfect for beginners and cushions your fall when slips or accidents occur.
• The triple bottom panel fins provide exceptional surf control, making it easy to steer and handle the board in the water.
• Comes in a LOT of colors - check the link to see them all.
Cons:
• The manual air pump can be time-consuming to inflate the board fully.
• The board may not be suitable for advanced paddlers looking for a more challenging experience.
• The board is only recommended for users weighing up to 275 pounds, which may not be suitable for all users.
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Filap Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

We highly recommend the Filap Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board as it's a great choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-use, durable and portable paddle board with a unique and fun design.
The Filap Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is incredibly durable and portable, making it ideal for beginners who want to explore the water with ease. The non-slip deck provides excellent grip even when wet, and the three bottom panel fins improve maneuverability and speed, making it easy for kids, teens, and adults alike to use and control.
The paddle board's unique animal design adds a fun touch to your water adventures, and the package includes all the necessary accessories, so you don't have to purchase anything separately. The paddle board is easy to inflate and deflate, making it convenient to store and transport. Overall, the Filap Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a reliable, durable, and fun paddle board.
Pros:
• The ultra-wide design of the inflatable paddle board provides improved stability and balance while standing, making it suitable for all skill levels.
• The paddle board is made of high-quality PVC material, which makes it lighter and stronger. Even if you encounter underwater rocks, you don't have to worry about paddle board damage.
• The paddle board comes with all the necessary accessories, including a hand pump, paddle, fin, backpack, leash, and toolkit of patch.
Cons:
• The ultra-wide design of the inflatable paddle board provides improved stability and balance while standing, making it suitable for all skill levels.
• The paddle board is made of high-quality PVC material, which makes it lighter and stronger. Even if you encounter underwater rocks, you don't have to worry about paddle board damage.
• The paddle board comes with all the necessary accessories, including a hand pump, paddle, fin, backpack, leash, and toolkit of patch.
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Buying Guide

Choosing the best paddle board for beginners can be a daunting task, but we are here to help you make an informed decision. Here are some important features to consider when buying a paddle board:

Board Type

There are three main types of paddle boards: all-around, touring, and surfing. All-around boards are versatile and great for beginners as they are stable and easy to maneuver. Touring boards are longer and faster, making them ideal for longer trips. Surfing boards are shorter and designed for catching waves. Consider your intended use when selecting a board type.

Board Size

Board size is determined by your weight and skill level. Generally, the bigger the board, the more stable it will be. A wider and thicker board will provide more stability and support for beginners. As you gain more experience, you can move to a smaller board for increased maneuverability.

Board Material

Paddle boards are made of different materials, including foam, inflatable, and hard plastic. Foam boards are the most affordable and durable option, while inflatable boards are easy to transport and store. Hard plastic boards are the most expensive and offer the best performance.

Paddle

The paddle is an essential part of paddle boarding. Choose a paddle that is the right length and weight for your height and strength. A paddle that is too long or heavy can cause fatigue and strain, while a paddle that is too short can affect your stroke efficiency.

Accessories

Consider purchasing accessories such as a leash, life jacket, and carrying bag for your paddle board. A leash will keep you attached to your board in case you fall off, while a life jacket will provide added safety. A carrying bag will make it easier to transport and store your board.