Picking up a hobby has got to be one of the hardest things and especially when that entails investing significant cash. Hence, paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S because it is safe, adventurous and most importantly it is fun. However, once you decide to give it a shot, you are faced with a bunch of obstacles headed by selecting the appropriate paddle board.
So, what is a good board for a beginning paddler? How does one find his / her match and how much do you have to spend to get a decent entry level board?
These are all questions that we will try to answer in the following review through suggesting a 2-part list of the best paddle boards for beginners. Accordingly, the first list will target quality despite the price while the second will focus more on budget entry-level boards with high potential.
Top 10 Best Paddle Boards for Beginners
First, the list below was processed through a fine filter that prioritizes quality and performance rather than price which is why you might notice that the following boards are rather expensive. However, expensive paddle boards are necessarily better since you’ll be getting a life-time companion that you would never regret. So, let us begin.
#1- iRocker Cruiser
iRocker could just be the biggest brand in the industry. Now, numbers aren’t disclosed but you can tell a lot about a brand’s reputation from the response of customers. Thus, the iRocker cruisers might just be a great choice for first-time paddlers and this is why.
First, the iSUP at hand measures an impressive 10 feet 6 inches in length, giving it the advantage of catering most paddlers out there. Further, the Cruiser stands at 33 inches in width which can easily be labeled an excellent width for first-time paddlers.
Indeed, with extra width comes extra stability and that is something every beginner needs to maintain balance and stay on deck at all cost.
Moreover, the entry level iRocker at hand comes at a universal 6 inches which makes it capable of handling up to 400 pounds at once.
Quality is a big contributor to a brand’s reputation and iRocker knows the exact value of that. In fact, this board is a prime example of what the brand thinks an inflatable paddle board should be like and it’s impressive.
Undeniably, the Cruiser wouldn’t be well-suited for for first-time paddlers if it didn’t feature a multi layered PVC coat similar to that white-wash rafts are made of. Furthermore, to reinforce the hull, iRocker goes for a machine-orchestrated double drop stitching process that seals the core then the coat perfectly, leaving no room for human error.
As far as features go, you can easily tell that this board was developed with a beginner in mind just by looking at it. Indeed, the Cruiser exhibits some of the highest value specs to help you integrate easily and be comfortable on your board.
Hence, the first card the Cruiser plays is that of the extending soft foam gripping pad which will grant you a firm grip and better command over the board.
Also, the board at hand features a 6 D-rings cargo net installation to help secure your personal belongings under your eye instead of leaving them at bay.
The Cruiser also exhibits more D-rings around around the pad for a removable kayak seat attachment, and on the tail for leash attachment.
Beyond that, to ensure that you get the best welcome, the Cruiser comes with :
- A high quality adjustable paddle
- A high pressure hand pump with gauge
- A back pack carry bag
- An ankle leash
#2- Tower Adventurer
Tower Paddle Boards might not be the biggest brand out there but it might have created the best beginner sup board. Indeed, the Tower iSUP in question is a phenomena in the market of entry-level boards because it seems that everybody loves it. So, what is it about this board that makes it so popular?
Primarily, in order to attain more people, you must create a size that fits all and that is exactly what this Tower did. Hence, the iSUP at hand is featured at a universal 9 feet 10 inches in length, making it the best match for pretty much anybody above 16 years of age.
Since this is a beginner paddle board, the brand went for a decent 32 inches in width to ensure further stability and easier balance for you as a paddler Moreover, the brand intended for this board to lead by example which is why it comes at 6 inches in thickness and a 300 pounds maximum capacity.
Tower is one of the few brands out there that takes quality too seriously which is why you’ll see it putting its boards to extreme tests just to prove how durable they are.
Indeed, the Adventurer 1 is an example of that dedication since it features a high-density layered PVC material similar to that on zodiacs, river rafts and bullet-proof vests. But that’s not enough for Tower which is why they reinforce the hull with a thousand-fiber drop stitching technology that connects the top to the bottom deck perfectly. Hence, to prove the efficiency of this process, Tower hands you a 2 years warranty life through which you can put this board to the extreme test yourself.
In terms of features, you’ll notice that the Adventurer 1 is rather minimalistic as it tends to maintain an authentic paddle board profile but is that a good thing?
Well, for a beginner, you’ll definitely appreciate the foam gripping pad that will enable you to grip the board tightly and remain in control. However, you might miss the absent cargo net, which definitely comes in handy in diverse situations.
Nonetheless, the entry-level board at hand still features a couple D-rings on both ends for leash attachment / towing the board & a splendid triple-fin navigation system that will prove to be the best asset for a beginner.
Tower Adventurer 1 comes with :
- An adjustable fiberglass paddle
- A high-pressure hand pump
- A roll-up strap but that’s about it
#3- ISLE 10’6″ All Around
This list wouldn’t have been complete without ISLE Surf
& SUP anyway. So, take a moment to admire the paddle boarding wonder that is their entry level board. At this point, you might be thinking that we are slightly bias but wait till you see what this board has to offer.
We aren’t saying that the ISLE All-around iSUP at hand is the best inflatable paddle board on this list but it is definitely amongst the best looking ones. Indeed, design is a high currency for ISLE in general and especially for this board since it is the face of the brand.
Nonetheless, looks aren’t everything which is why this ISLE measures 10 feet 6 inches in length, making it a universal board fit for young & adult paddlers.
Moreover, the board stands at a steady 31 inches to confirm stability and grant you enough space to move around on top.
Last, at 6 inches in thickness you can’t go wrong because that raises the maximum weight capacity on this ISLE to 240 pounds.
Quality is a big deal for anyone looking for a serious board and even though this is a beginner board, ISLE makes sure it rises to the highest standards.
Hence, the board at hand sports the brand’s signature Airtech Fusion Lite Construction, featuring multiple layers of industrial grade PVC reinforced via drop stitching on multiple levels. Thus, the brand will literally ask you to run the board over using your vehicle and even throwing it off the roof to prove it can endure any and every environment.
To be one of the top rated inflatable paddle boards for novice paddlers, a board must be equipped with the necessary features that every beginner needs. Hence, it is no surprise that this ISLE ranks high in terms of practicality.
Accordingly, despite its small size, the board at hand features a decent gripping pad that will keep you steady in command consistently. On top of that, this ISLE comes with a neat net that will keep your cargo secure at all times.
Further, to help you move the board on land, the brand features a central carry handle for individual use and an extra handle on the nose for assistance or simply to tow / secure your board.
No board is complete without its accessories which is why ISLE decided to go big and include everything you’ll need to enjoy this board:
- High quality adjustable paddle
- Carry backpack
- High-pressure hand pump
- Ankle leash
- Repair kit
#4- Peak 10’6″ All-Around iSUP
Accordingly, the one thing every entry-level paddle board has to master is size and Peak is fully aware of that. Hence, the all around stand up paddle board at hand measures a standard 10 feet 6 inches in length to ensure quality performance and coverage of the majority of paddlers out there.
Also, to make the board even more stable, Peak goes for 31 inches to reduce shake and grant you better control.
To wrap it up, this board had to aim for 6 inches in thickness to make the board tough enough to be able to handle up to 250 pounds.
Since reputation relies more on quality than anything else, Peak had to play tough in a highly competitive market.
Indeed, once inflated, you wouldn’t believe that this Peak was soft at one point and that’s because it is made of dense and mesh layers of military grade PVC fused together via an industrial drop stitch construction. Hence, you can expect this board to exhibit the resilience of a white water raft and that can’t be defeated.
To be the best sup for beginners entails more than just resilience. In fact, in order to make it on this list, Peak had to bring it when it comes to specs and let’s just say it nailed it.
Indeed, this board features a splendid gripping pad that covers most of the platform to give you a better grip and command over the board. Also, the board features an impressive 6 D-rings cargo net for your paddle, fishing rod or even your shoes when it comes down to it.
For further comfort, the board comes with two carry handles to make carrying this board possible once inflated. Nonetheless, this Peak goes for a single fin navigation system, which is highly responsive. However, that is not necessarily good for complete beginners.
So, to make up for that this board will come packed with all the accessories you’ll need to enjoy your experience & that includes:
- Resilient adjustable paddle
- Carry backpack
- Coil leash
- High-pressure hand pump
- Waterproof phone case
#5- Ten Toes Weekender
If you’re still reluctant, you can always play it safe and go for a Ten Toes paddle board. Indeed, Ten Toes has been the brand for achievements this year and that is built on top of a solid reputation. However, is reputation enough to blindly make a purchase that might cost upwards of $500?
Well, sometimes it isn’t such a bad idea to do that and this board proves us right. Ten Toes has been very consistent with its boards and that places the Weekender amongst the best beginner sup boards. However, to stay there, this board had to deliver on various fronts, starting at size.
Accordingly, this board measures exactly 10 feet in length which limits the range of users to young and medium sized adults. However, Ten Toes doesn’t take any chances in terms of width and goes for a standard 30 inches to guarantee stability and reduce the risk of shaking to the minimum.
Further, to wrap things up, the Weekender comes at an undisputed 6 inches in thickness that will prevent the board from bending and raise maximum capacity to 250 pounds.
If there is one thing that Ten Toes gets to wave in your face it would be its quality and that is something you can observe simply by inspecting the board.
Indeed, the finishing touch on this board makes it clear that it is a well-built product. So, to accomplish that, this brand goes for high density military grade PVC material which is further enhanced via an indestructible drop stitch construction, making the board virtually indestructible.
Lastly, to complete the circle, this board had to invest in the accessories that every beginning paddler out there needs and that entails:
- 3 piece adjustable paddle
- 3 removable nylon fins
- High pressure hand pump
- Carry backpack
Best Paddle Boards for Beginners on a Budget
While we all love the sport, not all of us carry the same credit and that’s where our next category falls in place. In that respect, if you are seeking a reasonably priced iSUP to get initiated into paddle boarding then you’ve struck gold since we selected some of the best beginner sup boards that won’t hurt your wallet.
#6- SereneLife 10’5″ Premium iSUP
Starting with one of the best budget brands in the industry. SereneLife has accomplished so much in so little time and its great asset is customer priority.
Indeed, this brand has created a a few great paddle boards to enrich the market and satisfy the diverse needs of many paddlers out there. However, how good is their entry-level board?
From first look, the Premium iSUP by SereneLife looks like a standard board with a flat profile. Nonetheless, it is that which makes it so good for beginners. Indeed, the board at hand is built to attain young and adult paddlers in one platform, which explains so much, but mainly its length.
Accordingly, to perfectly balance out its 10 feet 5 inches in length, the board sticks to the universal 30” for width as it maintains stability without fringing on performance.
Further, the SereneLife Premium comes at 6 inches in thickness, making it extremely resilient & also capable of handling up to 275 pounds.
In terms of quality, the brand at hand does not pretend to be the best but it definitely isn’t much less than that.
In fact, SereneLife is one of the few brands at this price range that still matches the big sharks’ build quality. Hence, the board at hand is completely dependent on rugged PVC material put together via industrial stitching, making it virtually indestructible.
For a better experience, the brand goes for a simple yet rich set of features that evolves around authenticity and practicality.
Accordingly, the this SereneLife Premium iSUP features a rather small gripping pad to help you maintain your balance.
Also, to make sure your belongings are safe, this iSUP will come with a nifty cargo net installation.
Finally, to wrap it up the paddle board in question features a set of extra D- rings for a removable kayak seat and a central carry handle for easy transportation.
To complete the beginner pack, the brand had to include all you’ll need as a beginner to enjoy your experience and that entails:
- An adjustable paddle
- Removable central fin
- High-pressure hand pump
- Ankle leash
- & carry bag backpack
#7- Pathfinder P73
If you really love this sport but can’t keep up with the high prices of big name brands then you’ll probably feel a lot warmer looking at the price tag of the Pathfinder at hand.
In fact, not only is this board very affordable but it could be the best inflatable paddle board for beginners in its price range.
Since that is such a big claim, you’d expect to see proof and that’s what you’ll get.
Indeed, the board at hand is designed specifically for a beginner profile because it measures 9 feet 9 inches in length.
At this length, the board rounds up the ratio by striking a complete 30 inches in width, making it chubby but also very stable.
Moreover, the Pathfinder takes a step back and goes for 5 inches in thickness, reducing its maximum weight capacity to 240 pounds.
Quality is definitely not as premium as something like a iRocker and Tower but the Pathfinder at hand promises similar durability.
Indeed, this board is also developed via multi layered PVC coats and high-density drop stitching technology that puts it amongst the toughest. However, it is still slightly behind as a final product and that can be seen through minor details.
Features are not the brand’s weakness as it ships this board with pretty much all the specs you’ll need as a beginner.
Accordingly, the Pathfinder will feature a large gripping pad to enhance stability and grip. Further, you won’t be missing on cargo nets since this iSUP features an adjustable one. Finally, to make transportation easier, the board comes with a central carry handle.
#8- Vilano Journey
Once you get through the specialists, you tend to get into the cyclone of secondhand brands that do multiple products. However, that is not always a bad thing.
Indeed, one look at the Vilano Journey will give you the impression that this brand is solely focused on making iSUPs while it excels at bikes and accessories.
What is one quality of the best isup for beginners, you might wonder. Well, size is easily the highest commodity here as it impacts your experience as a paddler as well as the board’s performance.
In fact, the Vilano Journey is intentionally produced at 9 feet 8 inches in length to cater for young as well as adult paddlers. Moreover, the board at hand stands at 30 inches in width, which is stable and ample.
Finally, to wrap things up, Vilano goes for a humble 5 inches in thickness on the Journey which enables the board to handle up to 200 pounds.
Similar to bigger brands, the Vilano Journey is built to last and that can be deduced from its dense coat. Indeed, the board is made of multi-layered PVC material that engulfs the core as well as a Korean drop stitch construction, making this board as rigid as an authentic hard board.
As far as features go, the Vilano Journey is no different from the previously reviewed boards as it features a splendid gripping pad, multiple D-rings, a central carry handle and a neat cargo net for your personal belongings.
Eventually, to complete the profile of a true budget-friendly beginner paddle board, the Journey comes equipped with an adjustable paddle, a carry bag backpack and a high pressure gauge with pressure meter.
#9- Zray A1
Zray is a native brand that excels in diverse areas within the range of water sports but especially in inflatable paddle boards. Indeed, the brand at hand has created some of the best beginner sup boards in the budget category and a prime example is the A1 iSUP.
The entry-level Zray A1 is a complete iSUP that is fully aware of its role and that is often disguised as all around board.
Indeed, the board at hand measures 9 feet 10 inches in length which is great for performance and a nice match for young adult and adult paddlers.
Also, to enhance stability, the brand goes for an exact 30 inches in width, enabling any beginner to easily handle their environment.
Moreover, like most pricey entry-level boards, this Zray actually goes for a 6 inches thick hull, pushing the weight limit up to 250 pounds.
Details are the biggest giveaway that this Zray is built with care. In fact, you can understand a lot more about the board once you learn that the brand regularly applies military grade PVC to all their creations. Also, to make the bond even stronger, Zray reinforces it with a drop stitch construction, resulting in a rugged board that will last you many years to come.
Features are a big deal for Zray and that is something that goes really well with beginners. Indeed, you’re going to love the large gripping pad on this board as it grants you a better grip / command over the board.
Also, this iSUP features an extended cargo net for large items, a central carry handle and a removable kayak seat.
To complete the circle, the Zray A1 iSUP comes with a backpack carry bag, an adjustable paddle, a high pressure hand pump, a removable fin and a strap for storage.
#10- Aqua Marina Fusion
If you’re thinking that we saved the best budget entry-level paddle board for last then you’re probably right. Undeniably, Aqua Marina is a beast in the industry of inflatable paddle boards as it has brought out every style, type and shape iSUP you can imagine and in a variety of prices that makes them accessible to everyone.
Since size is everything is this category, Aqua Marina decided to go with the anticipated 10 feet 10 inches in length in order to cater for a majority of paddlers out there.
Further, the brand goes for the universal 30 inches in width, securing stability and granting you ample space to move around.
Finally, any decent boards knows that the perfect thickness is 6 inches as it enhances strength as well as weight capacity, which reaches 270 pounds on the Fusion.
If you’re a beginner then you’ll truly appreciate a solid board especially if your environment is rough. Indeed, the Fusion is designed to endure harsh circumstances thanks to its double-layered PVC coat.
Also, to pull those seams perfectly together, Aqua Marina goes for a a rigid drop stitching technology, making this board essentially indestructible.
If it’s features that lure you in then you’ll definitely fall for this Aqua Marina as it harbors every little spec you desire.
Indeed, the best feature on this board has got to be the splendid gripping pad that covers 80% of the platform, making it impossible for you to slip off.
Also, the board comes with a central carry handle for individual transportation, a wholesome cargo net for personal storage and a rear D-ring to help you secure / tow the board when needed.
To conclude, the Fusion makes one last claim for the throne of best beginner sup board by delivering a decent package that includes:
- A high-pressure hand pump with gauge
- A stylish adjustable paddle
- A backpack carry bag
- A removable fin
- An action camera mount base
