They also take time to inflate before you can head out on the water. You'll want to buy an electric pump for ease ( try this one). An inflatable paddle board is normally better for the newcomer, as they are easier to transport, more affordable and – with less focus on performance – easier to get on with.

Swimming shorts and swim trunks at the ready, for no matter how cloudy the UK insists upon being, it's still a very balmy 20 degrees in many bodies of water out there right now: warm enough to jump from your SUP without a wetsuit, and even sans changing robe. What’s more, it boasts cargo carrying areas at both the front and rear, while the additional length in the nose means it stays perfectly balanced even when loaded up with a dry bag or a picnic at the front. Aqua Marina products cleverly blend good quality components with eye-catching design, meaning these affordable options compete with far more expensive rivals when it comes to style on the water.Quality of the accessories: A good SUP is more than just the board. We rated the paddles, pumps and carry bags of every paddleboard we tested. As well as shoddy pumps that could cause blisters or extra effort when pumping up the boards, we found paddles that were very wobbly, or easily broken. The best paddleboards that we recommend come with sturdy paddles, high quality pumps and durable carry bags. All that makes it particularly good for children to use, as it’s easy to manoeuvre and paddle, while still remaining suitable for adults weighing less than 120kg. The adjustable paddle, kayak conversion seat and suitability for a range of people of all shapes and sizes mean this kayak is a good flexible option for families: let the kids play on it at the beach, and take it out yourself for a sunset paddle when they’ve gone to bed. Seeing as you probably aren’t going to take the thing racing, feel free to give up the more performance-oriented attributes for increased stability. Anything that is designed to maximise each paddle stroke and reward with greater forward momentum is a bonus. How much should I spend on a beginner paddle board?

Feeling inspired to take to Britain's coastlines or waterways for an active adventure this autumn? You'll want to know the best inflatable paddle boards to buy right now.The old adage “buy cheap, buy twice” applies, and although advances in stand-up paddle board technology have generally made boards much better and more robust, there’s still the increased risk of punctures and poor performance if you really scrimp. It's always worth trying out as many boards as possible before choosing the right one that feels right for your ability. You can do this by taking some initial lessons or by hiring boards. The Portofino 10ft SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is easy to pump up, took us about 6-7 minutes and also easy to deflate (a similar time, perhaps less). Stability As you gain confidence in your ability you may want to progress with doing longer distances and want to go faster. The less width and longer the board, the faster you will go. Start with a good all-round board to gain your confidence in relation to your body size and consider upgrading if you find your passion grow for the sport.