Inflatable Paddle Board Buyers Guide for Beginners UK – Loco

New to stand-up paddle boarding? Start with our inflatable SUPs at Loco Surfing. These boards pack down small for easy trips to UK spots like rivers or coasts.

Inflatable SUPs fit well into daily life here. They roll up to fit in a car boot or backpack. Once pumped up, they hold shape on choppy seas or flat lakes. Drop-stitch cores link thousands of threads for a firm ride at 15-20 PSI. PVC layers wrap around for puncture resistance. This setup lasts through scrapes on rocks or docks.

UK paddlers often pick inflatables over solid ones. No roof straps needed for transport. They store in a closet or under a bed. Market share hit 66.9% for inflatables in 2025. Solid boards suit race pros, but most folks want the carry ease.

Match Board Size to Your Build and Plans

Size sets how the board feels underfoot. Length runs from 9 to 14 feet. Width hits 30 to 35 inches. Thickness stays at 4 to 6 inches.

Rider weight guides picks. Up to 150 pounds? A 10-foot board works fine. Over 200 pounds needs 11 feet or more for float. Taller folks over 6 feet gain from longer lengths for stride room.

Beginners favor 10'6" to 11' boards. These glide steady without much wobble. Shorter 9-foot options turn quick for waves. Longer 12'6" cuts through distance on open water.

Our Amigo Air at 10'6" x 32" x 6" suits most adults up to 220 pounds. It floats high for calm starts.

Board Shapes for River Runs or Wave Rides

Shape affects turns and speed. All-round boards round off at nose and tail. They handle lakes, mild surf, or yoga mats fine. Width stays even for balance.

Touring shapes narrow at the ends. Pointed noses slice wind better. Squared tails add cargo spots for day kits. Good for canal stretches or bay crosses.

Surf styles shorten up with tail kicks. Three fins grip waves for sharp cuts. Rocker curves lift the ends off water to drop into swells.

The Loco Shred Air brings surf rocker to our lineup. At 9'8", it flips quick on Cornish breaks.

Fins matter too. One center fin tracks straight on tours. Three-finner setups pivot fast in surf.

Build Quality That Holds Up to UK Weather

Drops of rain or salt spray test materials. Military-grade PVC shrugs off UV fade and scrapes. Double layers on rails block dings from docks.

Fusion welds join seams without glue gaps. This cuts weight while sealing tight. Single layers save cash but flex more under load.

Inflate to full PSI for board firmness. Low air sags the middle and slows you down. Our Loco Motion Air uses fusion for 20 PSI stiffness on long hauls.

Warranties flag solid builds. Five years means trust in the stitch and skin.

Top Picks from Loco Surfing Lineup

We test our boards on local waters. Here's how they stack for common needs:

These come with pumps, leashes, and bags. Kid sizes like Amigo Air Kids start at 8 feet.

Stay Safe and Check Local Rules

Wear a buoyancy aid every time. It floats you quick if you slip. Coiled leashes keep boards close without drag.

England and Wales need licenses for over 4,500 km of canals and rivers. Get one from Paddle UK for £47 yearly. Scotland and Northern Ireland skip this—public waters stay open.

Watch tides on coasts via apps. Winds over 10 knots call for shore days. Tell a friend your route.

Get Started on Your Local Waters

A good inflatable SUP opens up rivers like the Thames or lochs in Scotland. Start wide for balance, then narrow for speed. Loco boards match UK needs with tough builds.

Browse our full collection and pick one. Pump up, clip on, and push off. What's your first paddle spot? Share in comments.