Beginner’s SUP Board: How To Choose Your First Gear Without Getting Discouraged

Stand-up paddling? Haven’t heard of this activity yet? During your summer trips to the sea or lake, you’'re likely to spot people gliding on SUP boards. It’s not a new way to enjoy your leisure time, but it’s gaining popularity each year with enthusiastic SUP fans. Interested in trying it out? Discover how to select your first board.

 

Stand-up paddleboarding offers a unique way to spend time on the water. Moreover, an SUP board isn’t just for standing; it can transform into a kayak, serve as a platform for yoga, or even a platform for fishing. Depending on your preferred activity, you’ll need a different type of SUP. Whether you want to paddle leisurely, plan long excursions, enjoy river descents, or compete in races, the right board is key. If you’re just beginning your SUP journey, read our guide to find the best beginner-friendly gear.


What Is the Best SUP Board for Beginners?

 

SUP boards can be categorised based on their intended use, which influences their features, shape, and materials. When choosing an SUP, consider your weight, height, and skill level. Decide whether you prefer a rigid or inflatable board, and whether you’ll be paddling solo or with family. Selecting your first stand-up paddleboard involves considering several factors:

 

Choosing the Right SUP Board: Where and How Will You Paddle?

 

When selecting an SUP board, it’s essential to consider your intended use. Are you planning a leisurely paddle on a calm lake, or are you gearing up for fast-paced river adventures or tackling ocean waves?

 

Types of SUP Boards: Rigid vs. Inflatable

 

Decide whether a rigid or inflatable SUP suits your needs. The inflatable SUP offers significant advantages in terms of ease of transport and storage, making it a popular choice for many.

 

Board Size: Key Parameters

 

Pay attention to the board’s length, width, and buoyancy. These factors are crucial in determining the right fit for your paddling experience.

 

Understanding that choosing an SUP board is not a decision to be made lightly is vital. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the equipment and its key features to make an informed choice.

 

Movino GARDA Allround 10'10'' (navy blue-green)

Which SUP To Start With: All-Round or Touring?

 

The two most popular SUP board types are all-round and touring. The all-round board is considered the most versatile, suitable for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. It’s stable, easy to manoeuvre, and features a slightly raised, rounded nose. This model is perfect for recreational paddling or even practising yoga on the water. However, paddling on an all-round requires a bit more effort compared to a touring board.

 

The touring board is designed for longer water excursions, making it a favourite among adventure seekers. While it might present a steeper learning curve for beginners—being slightly more demanding than the all-round—the rewarding experience of paddling on a touring board makes it worthwhile. It is narrower and longer, with a pointed nose, allowing for greater speed and the capacity to carry more gear for extended trips. You’ll exert less effort paddling on a touring board.

 

So, which type of board should you choose? There isn’t a definitive answer. Both the all-round and touring boards will help you find your rhythm and fall in love with this water sport.

 

Movino ONTARIO Touring 12'16'' (navy blue-lime)

 

Beginner’s SUP Board—Important Dimensions

 

Why are the dimensions of an SUP board so crucial? A board that’s too narrow and short offers less stability. Choosing such a model might quickly discourage you from paddleboarding, which is not what you want. Remember, the right length will help you achieve the speed you desire. Here’s how to select the board dimensions based on your height and weight:

 

  • **Length** – A well-chosen board length will help you reach the desired speed and will also affect the board’s maneuvrability and stability. Petite individuals and children should opt for a 9-10’ SUP, while taller and heavier individuals should consider boards over 12’. SUPs ranging from 10-12’ are ideal for learning, leisurely outings, or practising yoga.

  • **Width** – This determines the board’s stability. The narrower the SUP, the less stable it is, which is why beginners are advised to choose models with a width of over 70 cm.

  • **Thickness** – Boards with a thickness of 9-12 cm are suitable for children and petite individuals, while a 15 cm thick SUP is a good choice for more robust users.

  • **Buoyancy** – Each board indicates the maximum user weight, which should not be exceeded. Experts recommend subtracting 25% from the declared maximum weight. It’s also important to consider the weight of any gear you’re carrying, not just the user’s weight.

Always choose a board that matches your skill level. If you’re a beginner, opt for stable equipment that makes you feel safe and confident. Once you advance, you can transition to more specialised models like race or surf.

 

Which SUP To Start With? Inflatable or Rigid Board?

 

When choosing your SUP, you might face another dilemma—should you buy an inflatable board or a rigid one? The advantage of inflatable boards is their hassle-free transport and easy storage—you don’t need much space at home to store your SUP when the season ends. Inflatable boards are very durable, resistant, and stiff. This is thanks to the special technology used in their construction—Drop Stitch, which involves thousands of nylon fibres connecting two layers of material. Once inflated, the board becomes rigid, and the pressure inside is uniform throughout. For learning, recreational paddling, and calm excursions, an inflatable board is the best choice.

 

What about rigid boards? They offer excellent performance and are great to paddle on, but they aren’t practical. Transporting them (on a car roof) and storing them can be challenging—you’ll need ample space at home to store such a board.

 

If you’re looking for a board and already know the key features of an SUP, visit Movino’s website and choose your model. SUPs from Movino offer good quality, attention to detail, and your safety.