Paddleboarder and stand-up paddleboard instructor, Duncan Slater, takes a look at some of the best paddleboard options on the market Given its huge surge in popularity over recent years, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) will need little introduction to anyone that spends time on the water. If you want to get into the world\u2019s fastest growing sport too, here are seven of the best paddleboard options for entry-level and all-round use\u2026
\nWhat size of paddleboard do I need?
\nIn SUP, as in surfing, measurements are generally imperial. In a nutshell, an average all-round paddleboard is around 11 feet long and 32 inches wide. The wider the board the more stability it has \u2013 but that width is also drag, so a narrower board will be faster yet tippier.
\nTaller, heavier riders generally appreciate a little more width for comfort. A 32\u201d wide board is a sensible beginner \/ all-round option \u2013 although a lighter or more progressive rider might prefer a 30\u201d, while heavier or more nervous paddlers may appreciate a full 34\u201d.
\nThe longer the board, the better it will glide in a straight line, but the harder it will be to turn. All-round boards tend to be 10\u2019 to 11\u20194\u201d in length; longer will be more satisfying for flat-water \u2018touring\u2019, shorter more suited to \u2018messing about\u2019 in choppier water and even catching small surf.
\nBest paddleboard brands
\nThe massive growth in paddleboarding over recent years has also seen un upsurge in frankly substandard brands looking to \u2018cash in\u2019 on the sport\u2019s popularity.
\nMost reputable brands are sold via dealer networks, although there are a few notable small independents selling direct on the domestic market. Many of the best paddleboard brands were borne from the windsurfing industry; Starboard, Naish, Fanatic, JP \u2013 and in fact the inflatable market leaders Red Paddle were founded by Tushingham Sails down in Devon.
\nSolid or inflatable?
\nAlthough the best paddleboard for top-end surfing and racing is still generally of solid construction, inflatable paddleboards are justifiably more popular for most recreational uses. A good quality inflatable (ie; well constructed and able to pump up to sufficiently high pressure) has minimal performance disadvantages, yet will be much more resistant to damage from the inevitable knocks and scrapes.
\nOften more pertinently, storage and transport is much easier with an inflatable that packs down into a backpack than a relatively delicate solid board. This is particularly true for sailors, who increasingly have a paddleboard onboard as a boating accessory.
\nBest paddleboards<\/p>\n
Best paddleboard for beginners
\nRed Paddle Ride 10\u20196\u2033
\nThere\u2019s no overlooking the world\u2019s best-selling paddleboard \u2013 the Red Paddle Ride is undoubtedly the finest inflatable beginner board you\u2019ll find.
\nAt 10\u20196\u2033 x 32\u2033 and 10\u20198\u2033 x 34\u201d, both bigger sizes of Ride are floaty and wide so offer plenty of stability for learning how to SUP. Red also offer a smaller 9\u20198\u2033 x 31\u2033 version for children and super-lightweights.
\nBuild quality is of the high standard Red are renowned for, guaranteed with their 5-year warranty and sold complete with top-end pump, paddle, and bag.
\nThis size and shape of board is great for learning the basics and extremely easy to paddle, yet intermediate paddlers may prefer something a little more dynamic\u2026
\nRRP: \u00a3999
\nBuy it now from Red Paddle Co
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Red Paddle Sport 11\u2032
\nOnce you\u2019re comfortable standing up and paddling, in all but the very choppiest of waters a more progressive shape such as the Red Paddle Sport range will perform better than a shorter, wider \u2018beginner platform\u2019.
\nThis 11\u2032 x 30\u2033 is an ideal all-rounder for flatter water and\/or lighter paddlers; alternatively the 11\u20193\u2033 x 32\u2033 will suit larger riders and\/or choppier waters, while the 12\u20196\u2033 x 30\u2033 is slightly more specialised towards flat-water \u2018touring\u2019.
\nThe stiffening side battens, rubberised hard-release \u2018speed tail\u2019 and slightly racier outline make the Sport glide satisfyingly well between strokes. An incredibly rigid feeling inflatable, sold complete and suitable for a broad range of use.
\nRRP: \u00a31,149
\nBuy it now from Red Paddle Co
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Best paddleboard on a budget
\nItiWit 11\u2032
\nIf you\u2019re on a super-tight budget, Decathlon\u2019s own-brand ItiWit offers an adequate inflatable range for the money and this 11\u2032 x 34\u2033 would be a fair choice for a heavier or less confident rider.
\nHowever, the recommended 15psi of air pressure isn\u2019t great \u2013 some rigidity achieved by increased board thickness, which makes it ride high in the water so harder to climb back onto and prone to getting blown around.
\nWhile the overall build quality is the best you\u2019ll find at this budget, fittings such as the slide-in fin system are poor. Although sold with a leash, be advised that the pump and paddle aren\u2019t included: you can select these at a \u2018bundle\u2019 discount.
\nRRP: \u00a3349.99 (board only) or \u00a3385.17 (complete bundle)
\nBuy it now from Decathlon<\/p>\n
Starboard Whopper 10\u2032 ASAP
\nStarboard\u2019s 10\u2032 x 34\u2033 Whopper is a little too short and wide to be ideal for covering much distance, but it\u2019s a really stable and forgiving design \u2013 and this solid board really comes into its own in \u2018real-world\u2019 waves, as it loves to catch everything from ankle-slapping mush to head-high surf.
\nASAP (As Strong As Possible) construction means a full-length deckpad, plus impact-resistant high-density EVA wraps the whole rail to protect both board and rider from bumps and dings.
\nExtra fibreglass, epoxy resin and Australian pine reinforce the layup too, although this does all add up to make it fairly heavy. Sold board only, so you\u2019ll need a leash and paddle to go with it.
\nRRP: \u00a31,099 (board only)
\nBuy it now from SupCo
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
TAHE 10\u20196\u2033 Beach Performer
\nBiC Sport \u2013 the watersports subsidiary of the famous biro company \u2013 rebranded as TAHE following a 2019 merger. BiC\u2019s surfing and windsurfing reputation has long been for virtually indestructible, mass-market products, and TAHE paddleboards follow that theme.
\nThis 10\u20196\u201d x 31.5\u201d is a no-frills, versatile solid that looks wave-friendly and should be fun in flat water too.
\nConstructed in thermoformed \u2019Tough-Tec\u2019, an extremely strong outer polyethylene skin wraps a watertight EPS foam core for maximum impact resistance, but that comes at the price of weight \u2013 a hefty 14.5kg.
\nSolid value for money, but supplied without a leash or paddle.
\nRRP: \u00a3699.99
\nBuy it now from Decathlon
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gladiator 11\u20192\u2033 Pro
\nWhile many \u2018more affordable\u2019 brands can be a false economy, as the build standard can be terrible, there are some well-made inflatables available at lower price-points.
\nGladiator is the best example, offering the highest quality package around for price-conscious buyers. Akin to the Red Paddle Sport, this Gladiator 11\u20192\u2033 x 30\u201d doesn\u2019t have the top-spec accessories or super-plush finish but would really suit a lighter paddler looking for a decent board that won\u2019t break the bank.
\nFor larger riders, this board\u2019s bigger sibling the 11\u20194\u2033 is similarly impressive. The sleek outline suits flat-water use yet the shape isn\u2019t so specialised that it won\u2019t perform well in all conditions.
\nRRP: \u00a3535
\nBuy it now from Gladiator paddleboards<\/p>\n
Freshwater Bay Classic 10\u20196\u2033
\nIf surf\u2019s your thing, then this 10\u20196\u2033 x 32\u2033 could be ideal. On the south-western coast of the Isle of Wight, Freshwater Bay itself scores great Atlantic groundswell earning this little brand a genuine surf pedigree.
\nThe longboard shape will really help you catch waves, while classic all-round measurements mean it will work perfectly well on flat water too.
\nConstructed in wood-sandwich with added carbon underfoot and kevlar around the rails, nose and tail, you\u2019ll still need to look after this stick more carefully than the others featured here \u2013 hence, alongside a carbon paddle and the essential leash, the \u2018bundle\u2019 includes a padded boardbag for storage and transport.
\nRRP: \u00a3945 (board only) or \u00a31,170 (complete bundle)
\nBuy it now on freshwaterbaypaddleboards.co.uk
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.
\nThe post Best paddleboard: 7 of the best SUPs on the market appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Paddleboarder and stand-up paddleboard instructor, Duncan Slater, takes a look at some of the best paddleboard options on the market Given its huge surge in popularity over recent years, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) will need little introduction to anyone that spends … <\/p>\n