While the first paddleboard may have been made in Hawaii in the 1940s, the sport has sky-rocketed in popularity following the pandemic.
So much so, it’s estimated more than 4.5 million Brits have tried paddleboarding, while a 2023 survey by the Royal Yachting Association predicts 1.6 million people in the UK own a SUP. British Canoeing has launched a guide for beginners to help the surge of new adopters understand water safety while stand up paddleboarding (often shortened to SUP).
And no wonder: it’s great exercise, engages all the senses and beats sweating in the gym. The downside? They’re not exactly small and can lead to storage headaches.
Enter, inflatable boards, many of which can be rolled into a backpack or a holdall.
SUP is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and makers of this coveted kit have responded accordingly. There’s now a wide array of inflatable boards on the market, from the budget to luxe, There are different boards for your size, ability and activity preference; whether you want to practice yoga on a board, surf the waves, or paddle into the sunset with your significant other - there’s a board for that.
What are the advantages of an inflatable SUP?
Gary Willingham of FC UP Sports Ltd, a leading distributor and retailer of watersports for the last 30 years, says: ‘‘Inflatable boards have many advantages over composite paddle boards. They are much easier to store and transport, more hardwearing, and cost quite a bit less, while composite boards do come into their own in the top-level surf and race market.’
What to look for in a SUP
“The way inflatable paddleboards are made differs massively in terms of size, style and materials,” says Willingham. “One size board doesn’t fit all. It’s very similar to buying a bike.
“Ultimately, the height of the rider will determine the width of the board that’s needed, while weight is linked to the thickness of the board and performance is related to the length of the board. The shorter the board, the more manoeuvrable it is. The longer the board, the easier it stays in a straight line. Look for a brand that is offering the same model in different widths and thicknesses, and can advise on your height and weight,’ recommends Willingham.
A 10”6 board is typically seen as a great beginner board, but Willingham suggests if you’re a rider looking to paddle a longer distance or for over an hour on a river, lake or coastline, a 10’6 board might be too slow. In this case, consider a performance all round board, or a touring board that’s 12’6 long so you can glide with ease.
Any advice for people just getting started with paddleboarding?
‘Consider having a lesson with a paddleboarding school to learn,” advises Willingham. “It's always important to check local wind, weather and tides before going out too; the two biggest dangers are offshore winds and fast currents (water moving down a river, estuaries or around piers, groins or headlands).
Always use the appropriate safety equipment – RNLI is a great source of information. If paddling alone, pop your phone in a waterproof phone case and tell someone where you are going. Tracking apps are also useful for added peace of mind.’
Why has paddleboarding become so popular?
‘It’s fantastic fun, and can be picked up with relative ease and enjoyed by every age group,’ says Willingham. ‘When you’re out on the water, there is a calmness and a feeling of zen that can be difficult to find in other hobbies.’
Best inflatable stand up paddleboards at a glance
- Best for surfers or young children: Shark All Round 3-in-1 Wind SUP Paddleboard - £424.99, Decathlon
- Best for style and aesthetics: Wave Woody SUP - £269.99, Amazon
- Best for paddleboarders looking to get into racing: Red Paddle Co. 14’0” Sport+ MSL Inflatable Paddle Board - £949, Red Equipment
- Best for those looking to give paddleboarding a try: Freespirit Dagon 10ft Convertible Stand-up Paddle Board Set - £400, Go Outdoors
- Best for yoga lovers and fitness fanatics: Shark Yoga 10’ x 34” - £399, Decathlon
- Best for children and young paddlers: Gladiator Origin Kids 9’6 x 28” - £399, Decathlon
- Best for tandem travellers and larger groups: Red Paddle Co. 15 ft Voyager Tandem - £1,249, Red Equipment
- Best for beginners on a budget: FBSPORT Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board - £127, Amazon
- Best for an all-rounder with added oomph: Gladiator Elite 11’4 x 32” Paddleboard - £549, Decathlon
Below we take a look at the best inflatable paddleboards.
Ready, set, paddle!
Shark All Round 3-in-1 Wind SUP Paddleboard
Best for: surfers or young children
This compact, light and extremely manoeuvrable surf-come-paddleboard hybrid is brilliant for keen surfers wanting to avoid lugging a huge board around while they hunt for the next wave.
The deflated board and its accessories (including a pump) fit comfortably into a neatly designed backpack - which comes on wheels as a welcome bonus.
The signature wide nose and tail lend it a rigid stability and its swift manoeuvrability is great for quick and sharp turns. The nifty size and light yet rigid structure make it a great choice for small children to learn on too.
Buy now £424.99, Decathlon
Wave Woody SUP
Best for: style and aesthetics
If board aesthetics is a top priority when it comes to paddleboard selection, look no further than this beautiful board with its raw, organic wood effect design. Coming with everything you need to hit the water right away, it inflates and deflates in under five minutes, making it perfect for on-the-go paddlers. A stylish backpack comfortably houses all the relevant accessories and a kayak conversion kit is available as well, should you want to sit down and cruise.
Buy now £269.99, Amazon
Red Paddle Co. 14’0” Sport+ MSL Inflatable Paddle Board
Best for: paddleboarders looking to get into racing
If you’re looking to break a personal best or love to breeze past slower paddlers, this 14-foot speedy tourer is the perfect board.
It’s designed to slice through water, offering an optimum glide for seasoned riders looking for an extra boost. Don’t let its speed-optimised specifications put you off if you’re just a conservative and steady paddler, though.
We found its sturdy stability and features such as a variable traction deckpad and Rocker Stiffening System make it a brilliant board for paddlers looking to cover long distances, competitively or not.
Buy now £949.00, Red Paddle Co.
Freespirit Dagon 10ft Convertible Stand-up Paddle Board Set
Best for: those looking to give paddleboarding a try
This package comes with everything a beginner needs to get started on paddleboarding, including a paddle, leash, pump, kayak converter seat and carry bag.
Its slightly smaller length but wider width makes it a comfortable, robust board that offers a lot of stability, making it great for first-timers who haven’t quite mastered their standing stance yet. It takes just five minutes to inflate and can be converted into a kayak thanks to its included seat.
Buy now £400.00, Go Outdoors
Shark Yoga 10’ x 34”
Best for: yoga lovers and fitness fanatics
Shark has designed a superbly buoyant paddleboard with generous width that acts as the ultimate platform to practice yoga and other fitness activities.
The handles on the side of the board are a useful addition, allowing users to keep themselves steady during or in between tricky yoga postures. The gridded deckpad – which is well-designed and ultra-comfortable – serves as a useful visual aid for placing feet and hands.
It would be just as suited to a paddle as it would be to practising yoga.
Buy now £399.00, Decathlon
Gladiator Origin Kids 9’6 x 28”
Best for: children and young paddlers
Gladiator is known across the board as a premium quality paddleboard brand, and its Origin range is renowned for offering budget-friendly options without compromising on materials and construction. This paddleboard is purpose-made for young paddlers, with its durability, smaller size and weight making it an ideal option for flatwater paddling or wavy seas. Gladiator states that it supports riders up to 5’4” in height and 90kg in weight. There are plenty of carrying handles – located on the front, rear and centre of the raft – which is useful, as kids tend to jump off the board regularly when messaging around in the water, and the ample handles allow them to easily grab and keep hold of it.
Buy now £399.00, Decathlon
Red Paddle Co. 15 ft Voyager Tandem
Best for: tandem travellers and larger groups
For those wanting to share the experience of paddling with loved ones, friends or the kids and the dog, say hello to the ultimate SUP design.
The board’s generous 723L of volume and eight-inch thickness makes it feel undeniably stable and secure, even when carrying a family flotilla. The six-point cargo system works well, too, providing ample space to store away luggage and valuables.
Buy now £1249.00, Red Paddle Co.
FBSPORT Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Best for: Beginners on a budget
This board offers a good quality paddling experience at a very low price, with all of the essential items to get paddling included. Its width makes it ideal for beginners, while its sporty shape paired with a sturdy thickness allows for an easy steering experience but a stable and comfortable standing paddle. It’s a great board for either well-travelled paddlers or first-timers alike.
Buy now £127.00, Amazon
Gladiator Elite 11’4 x 32” Paddleboard
Best for: an all-rounder with added oomph
This board by Gladiator is tailor-made for beginners who learn quickly.
Specially developed to provide a strong all-round experience, it also has a performance edge – thanks to its well-built refined nose edge, lending the board extra glide and forward motion.
There are boards to suit different sizes, with varying widths and thickness available to ensure everyone can experience the same level of performance when paddleboarding regardless of height or weight.
Buy now £549.00, Decathlon
