Being a water baby, I love to experience water sports, and I have gone rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.
Paddle boarding tops my 2025 resolution list, and I’m saving up for it.
List of Best Paddle Board For Beginners
I researched to find the best paddle board that are beginner friendly and here are my top picks.
iROCKER Cruiser Ultra 2.0
iROCKER is one of the best inflatable paddle boards for beginners and a great travel-friendly option for those who prioritize portability. When not in use, you can easily deflate and store it.
This inflatable SUP is lightweight, impressively stiff build & can support a heavier load without losing much in performance
What I like the most about this stand-up paddle board is that it folds down to half its size. iROCKER has a deck pad so its easier to store.
iROCKER Nautical 10’6
If you’re low on a budget, Nautical is hands down the best beginner SUP. Let me tell you why: It is priced very affordably, stable enough to create gentle curves, and comes with advanced features like Cruiser Ultra.
What makes the board perfect is its features like action mount, kayak seat attachments, and grab handles, that are only available on pricier boards.
Nautical is lightweight but still performs fairly well. I’m also impressed with the board’s rigidity, which adds to its durability, enabling you to get a few more seasons out of it than other similarly priced SUPs.
Blackfin Model X
This beginner board is very stable and has a high weight capacity, making it a great introductory level board for beginners to advanced paddlers.
Blackfin is rigid and durable due to a triple-layer PVC and a carbon fiber rail. It is 35 inches wide, so you can rock and roll without tipping over.
It’s an easy 2+1 click-in and locking fin system, and the most interesting thing for people like me is that there are six different fun color options to choose from.
Sea Gods Skylla
Though Sea Gods is longer and narrower board but can still pick up speed, similar to a touring board. Its minimal yet versatile, including four integrated action mounts, two cargo areas, and kayak seat compatibility.
It is super lightweight, at just 19.5 lbs which makes it easy to get out on the water and maneuver the board.
It’s pretty expensive, but a lifetime warranty from Sea Gods backs it.
Thurso Surf Waterwalker 126
Among the most rigid SUPs I’ve known, this construction if this paddleboard is impressively robust. The board ensures stability for beginners, its relatively fast and maneuverable.
This SUP has an impressive gliding feel to it. Though all accessories included are great quality, the paddle is one of my favorites.
Its important for beginners to look for the durable option rather choosing from looks. Also, it is heavy, so consider only if you can handle.
GILI Air
As many beginners don’t want to spend much to get started with, this board is best in terms of price and the features like two action mounts, kayak seat compatibility, and a velcro paddle holder.
I think a new brand embossed deck pad is a nice touch for a board at this price point. The upgraded shape makes this board a little bit faster without losing any stability.
Single layer construction might not be as stiff as others. I’d say larger paddlers may experience more flex and feel less stable. So know that before buying.
GILI Meno 10’6
GILI Meno is extremely wider board and stable , what I know for sure is entry level paddlers will face little to no learning curve at all.
It comes with versatile features since this SUP is equipped for SUP fishing with its Scotty mounts, action mounts, and paddle holder.
The carbon fiber rail layers add a touch of extra durability and slightly increase rigidity. Also, there’s plenty of space on this SUP to bring along child passengers, pets, or a slew of gear.
Glide Retro
Glide Retro board offers full length board width that makes this a multi-functional SUP whether that be for SUP yoga, or bringing your pet on board.
That being said, its very stable and has a classic all-around paddle plus high-quality construction that makes it stiff.
Retro is best for a smooth glide on the water conditions. Last but not the least, it has an awesome look and I love the vibrant colors used on Glide boards.
BOTE Breeze Aero 10’8
BOTE Breze is lightweight but still stable enough for beginners. It is more minimal yet classic, and the deck pad space is clear of mounts that sometimes get in the way.
Aero also has a cup holder that is a nice touch to keep your drink still. Its reasonably priced, but well constructed.
However, it doesn’t come with a leash, which you’ll have to purchase separately.
Red Paddle Co. Ride MSL 10’6
Among other beginner SUP paddle boarders, Red Paddle Co. Ride is extremely well constructed. I’d say the construction is one of the best in the industry, though it is pricier than others.
The minimal features of Red Paddle don’t create distractions for beginner paddlers and leave plenty of space for moving around on the board.
Its 4.75″ thickness means more stability in boat wake.
Choose The Best Beginner Paddle Board!
Choosing paddle boards depends on your personal preference. Look for things like stability and maneuverability, and whether you need a larger board or a smaller board, etc.
If you’re new and want to paddle just once, you might also try renting a SUP of your choice!
