Paddle Boards for Beginners: Your Quick Guide to Buy

Welcome to the world of stand up paddle boarding (SUP), a fantastic way to get out and explore the UK’s incredible coastline and waterways. If you’re just starting out, finding the right paddle board for beginners is refreshingly simple. Look for a stable, wide, all-around board – usually an inflatable model – that makes learning easy and fun from your very first session. For example, a board like the Loco Amigo Air is specifically designed to be forgiving and confidence-inspiring for newcomers.

Why Stand Up Paddle Boarding Is for Everyone

Have you ever seen someone gliding effortlessly across a calm lake or sheltered bay and thought, "I wish I could do that"? The good news is, you absolutely can. Stand up paddle boarding is one of the most accessible and rewarding water sports out there, offering a unique blend of gentle exercise, outdoor adventure, and a peaceful connection with nature.

Forget any ideas about needing immense strength or perfect balance from the get-go. The beauty of SUP lies in its gentle learning curve. Unlike sports that demand hours of practice just to get the basics down, most newcomers find their footing and are paddling confidently within their first hour. It’s an activity that truly adapts to you, whether you’re after a full-body workout that strengthens your core or just a serene escape from the daily grind.

A Sport for Every Body and Every Goal

One of the biggest draws of paddle boarding is just how inclusive it is. It's an activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy together. It's not even just about standing; you can paddle perfectly well from a kneeling or seated position, making it comfortable for anyone. This adaptability means you can set your own pace and goals. For example, a family could paddle together on a calm canal, with younger kids sitting on the front of a parent's board, while a fitness enthusiast might aim to complete a 5km loop around a local reservoir.

The core appeal of modern SUP is its simplicity. With a board, a paddle, and a bit of open water, you have everything you need for an adventure. This low barrier to entry is why it has become a favourite pastime for families, fitness enthusiasts, and explorers alike.

The UK's passion for paddle boarding is clear from its growing market. The overall water sports equipment market is projected to hit around £94 million in 2025, with SUP claiming an ever-larger slice of the pie. With over 19,000 km of coastline, it's easy to see why inflatable SUP kits have become such a hit with first-time paddlers. You can find more insights on UK water sports market trends from Statista.

More Than Just a Workout

While SUP provides an excellent low-impact workout, its benefits go way beyond physical fitness. It's a chance to explore hidden coves, navigate peaceful rivers, and see your local landscape from a completely new perspective. Imagine paddling alongside the stunning cliffs of the Jurassic Coast or exploring the tranquil waters of the Lake District.

For those curious about how paddle boarding fits into the wider world of water activities, this Vancouver Water Adventures Guide offers some great inspiration for all kinds of aquatic fun. A solid beginner board, like a stable all-rounder from the Loco Amigo range, is your ticket to these experiences, giving you the confidence you need to get out there and explore.

Inflatable vs Hard Boards: The First Big Decision

One of the first big choices you’ll make on your SUP journey is whether to go for an inflatable or a hard board. It feels like a massive decision, but it's actually much simpler than you'd think once you get the lowdown on what separates them. For most people just starting out, there’s a clear winner.

Inflatable stand-up paddle boards, or ‘iSUPs’ as they’re often called, have pretty much taken over the beginner market here in the UK, and for good reason. The old myth about them being little more than glorified pool toys is long gone. Today’s iSUPs, like those from Loco Surfing, are built using incredible technology that creates a board so rigid and stable, you’ll be amazed it all came out of a backpack.

This simple infographic sums up the choice nicely. Ready for an adventure?

As the graphic shows, a paddle board is your ticket to getting out there and exploring, an idea that fits perfectly with the freedom an inflatable gives you.

To help you see the differences at a glance, here’s a quick comparison of the two main types of paddle boards. This table breaks down the key features, making it easier to see which one aligns with your lifestyle and paddling goals.

Inflatable vs Hard SUP: A Beginner's Comparison

Feature	Inflatable SUP (iSUP)	Hard SUP (Rigid Board)
Portability	Excellent. Deflates to fit in a backpack.	Poor. Requires a roof rack and is cumbersome to carry.
Storage	Easy. Fits in a cupboard or car boot.	Difficult. Needs significant space like a garage or shed.
Durability	Very high. Bounces off rocks and obstacles.	Moderate. Prone to dings, scratches, and cracks.
Best For	Beginners, all-around paddling, travel, limited storage.	Performance, SUP surfing, racing, experienced paddlers.
Cost	More affordable. Quality packages start around £300-£500.	More expensive. Typically starts from £800 upwards.
Performance	Good for most uses; slightly less glide than a hard board.	Excellent. Better speed, a better glide, and more responsiveness.

This table highlights the practical advantages of an iSUP for anyone new to the sport, but let's dive into what these points mean in the real world.

The Portability and Storage Game-Changer

The single biggest win for inflatables is convenience. Let’s paint a picture: you’ve just had a brilliant paddle at Studland Bay. You let the air out of your Loco iSUP, roll it up, and pop it into its backpack. From there, it slides into the boot of your car or a cupboard at home. Simple.

Now, imagine doing that with a 10-foot rigid fibreglass board. You’ll need a roof rack on your car and a dedicated spot in a garage or shed. If you're set on a hard board, you might even need to look into dedicated equipment storage solutions just to keep it safe. This difference alone makes iSUPs the only practical choice for countless people living in flats or with smaller cars.

Durability and Your Wallet

When you’re learning, you’re going to have a few bumps and scrapes. It’s inevitable. You might knock your board against some rocks getting into the water or drop it on the car park floor. A hard board will show every single one of these knocks as a ding, scratch, or even a crack that can be expensive to fix.

A high-quality inflatable, on the other hand, is ridiculously tough. Made from military-grade PVC, these boards are designed to simply bounce off obstacles that would leave a nasty mark on a rigid board. For example, if you accidentally drift into a wooden pier post, a Loco inflatable board will likely just rebound without damage. This makes them far more forgiving and stress-free for beginners.

For a newcomer, having a board that can take a few knocks without any drama is huge. It lets you relax and focus on finding your balance and having fun, not on worrying about every little bump.

On top of that, they’re just friendlier on the bank balance. It’s no surprise that iSUPs dominate the UK market, making up an estimated 70–80% of all beginner SUP sales. This is mostly down to their lower price—you can get a fantastic starter package for £300–£500, whereas hard boards usually start at around £800.

So, What's the Catch with Performance?

If inflatables are easier to move, tougher, and cheaper, there must be a trade-off, right? Well, historically, it was performance. Hard boards are completely rigid, so they cut through the water more efficiently, giving you better glide and speed. They’re also the undisputed champions for specific disciplines like SUP surfing, where you need those sharp, shaped rails to carve into a wave. A Loco hard SUP, for instance, offers precision for wave riding that inflatables can't match.

However, modern iSUP technology has closed that gap in a huge way. Brands like Loco have perfected construction methods that let you pump an inflatable up to a seriously high pressure (15-20 PSI). The result is a rock-solid platform that performs brilliantly for all-around paddling, touring, and even SUP yoga.

For a beginner, the slight difference in performance is often barely noticeable, and it’s a tiny price to pay for the massive advantages in convenience and durability. While hard boards absolutely have their place for serious racers or surfers, the all-around benefits of an inflatable make it the hands-down winner for most people starting their SUP adventure. If you're still curious about the performance side, you can learn more about why you might choose a hard board over an inflatable.

How to Choose the Right Board Size and Shape

Walking into the world of paddle boards can feel a bit overwhelming at first. You’ll hear terms like 'volume', 'length', and 'width' thrown around, and it might seem like a new language. But honestly, it’s much simpler than it sounds.

Think of it like choosing a car. A wide, stable board is your trusty people carrier—safe, steady, and perfect for a family day out. On the other hand, a narrow, pointy board is the sports car of the SUP world, built for pure speed and sharp handling.

As a newcomer, your number one goal is to feel secure and balanced. The three dimensions that really matter are length, width, and thickness. Getting your head around how these work together is the key to picking that perfect first board and skipping the wobbly frustration that comes from a bad match. Let’s break down what these numbers actually mean for you on the water.

Take a look at a board designed specifically with beginners in mind, the Loco Amigo Air.

This image shows the board's key specs, and you can see it has a generous width and a couple of length options. These are the crucial ingredients for a stable, forgiving ride that will have you paddling with a smile on your face.

Why Width Is Your Best Friend

If there’s one dimension to obsess over as a beginner, it's the width. It’s simple, really: a wider board gives you a more stable platform, making it massively easier to find your balance and stand up for the first time. Imagine trying to balance on a narrow plank versus a wide raft—the raft wins every time for stability.

For most adults just starting out, a board between 32 and 34 inches wide is the sweet spot. This width gives you fantastic stability without making the board feel sluggish or difficult to paddle. For instance, the popular Loco Amigo Air is available in a 32" width, which is spot on for lighter riders, and a 34" width for heavier paddlers or anyone who wants maximum confidence on the water.

A wider, more stable board builds confidence quickly. It lets you focus on learning your paddle stroke and enjoying the view, rather than constantly fighting to stay upright. This is the foundation for a brilliant first experience.

Picking a board that’s too narrow is one of the most common mistakes we see beginners make. That sleek, skinny board might look fast, but it will feel tippy and unforgiving, and that’s a recipe for a frustrating day.

Understanding Length and Thickness

While width is all about stability, a board's length affects how well it tracks (travels in a straight line) and its overall speed. Longer boards, usually over 11 feet, are often called 'touring' boards. They glide through the water beautifully and are great for covering distance, but they can be a bit harder to turn. For a practical example, a touring board is perfect for a multi-hour paddle down the River Wye, but less ideal for playing in small, tight coves.

For a beginner, an all-rounder board somewhere between 10' and 11' feet long is pretty much perfect. This length hits that sweet spot between straight-line stability and manoeuvrability, making it versatile enough for you to explore all sorts of different waterways.

Then there’s thickness, usually measured in inches. This determines the board's volume and how stiff it is. A thicker board (around 6 inches) will be more rigid and ride higher in the water, which is great for keeping you and any gear you have with you dry. This is especially important for inflatable boards, as it stops them from sagging in the middle like a sad banana. The entire Loco Air iSUP range uses a 6" thickness for optimal stiffness and performance.

Matching Board Volume to Your Weight

Finally, let's touch on volume, which is measured in litres. This number basically tells you how well the board can float with weight on it. A good rule of thumb is to pick a board with enough volume to comfortably support your body weight, plus any kit you plan to bring along.

Here’s a quick guide to help you match board size to your weight:

• Under 75kg (approx. 165 lbs): A board around 10’6” long and 32” wide is a fantastic starting point. A practical choice would be the Loco Amigo Air 10'6" x 32".
• 75kg - 95kg (approx. 165 - 210 lbs): Look for something around 10'6" to 11' long and 33-34" wide for plenty of stability.
• Over 95kg (approx. 210 lbs+): An 11' or longer board that’s 34" wide will give you the best support and performance. The Loco Amigo Air 11' x 34" is an excellent example for this category.

Choosing the right size is a massive step, so we've put together a detailed resource to make sure you get it right. You can find more specific recommendations in Loco's complete size guide for paddleboarding. By picking a board that fits your body and what you want to do, you're setting yourself up for success right from day one.

Must-Have Gear for a Perfect Day on the Board

Right, you’ve picked out the perfect board and you’re buzzing to get out on the water. But hold on a second – a great board is only half the story. To have a genuinely brilliant (and safe) day out there, you need a few other essential bits of kit.

Think of it this way: your board is the car, but your gear is the seatbelt, steering wheel, and satnav. You wouldn't get far without them.

Let's build your perfect beginner kit from the ground up, starting with the two items every single paddler needs, no exceptions: your paddle and your leash. These aren't just nice-to-haves; they are absolutely fundamental to your safety and enjoyment.

Your Engine and Your Lifeline

First up, the paddle. This is your engine. It’s what turns your effort into forward motion across the water. Use one that’s too short, and you'll be hunched over and uncomfortable. Too long, and it'll feel clumsy and totally inefficient.

A good rule of thumb is that your paddle should be about 6-8 inches taller than you. Luckily, many beginner packages, like the ones we put together at Loco, come with adjustable paddles. They’re perfect for letting you dial in that sweet spot.

Just as critical is your leash. This is the coiled cord that tethers your ankle to the board, and it is completely non-negotiable. It's your lifeline. If you fall off – and you will, it’s all part of the learning curve – the wind and current can whip your board away from you in seconds. Your board is a massive floatation device, and that leash makes sure it stays with you when you need it most.

Staying Safe with the Right Equipment

Once you've got your paddle and leash sorted, the next thing to think about is a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). While it’s not always a legal must-have for adults on every bit of UK water, safety bodies like the RNLI strongly recommend wearing one.

A PFD is one of those things you hope you'll never need, but you'll be incredibly glad you have it if you do. For beginners, it’s a massive confidence booster, letting you relax and focus on technique without that nagging worry in the back of your mind.

You don't have to go for a bulky, traditional life jacket either. Loads of paddlers prefer a sleeker buoyancy aid or even a waist-belt PFD that inflates if you need it. The main thing is to find something you find comfortable enough to wear every single time you go out.

Beyond these core three, a few other bits of gear will make your life a whole lot easier, especially if you’ve gone for an inflatable board.

• A High-Quality Pump: Most inflatable packages come with a manual pump. A good dual-action one will get the job done much faster. For ultimate ease, lots of paddlers eventually get an electric pump that plugs into their car's 12V socket. It’s a game-changer.
• A Dry Bag: A simple waterproof bag that keeps your phone, keys, and snacks from getting soaked. For example, a 10-litre dry bag is perfect for stashing your car keys, phone (in a waterproof case), and a cereal bar.
• Appropriate Clothing: The golden rule in the UK is simple: dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. In the height of summer, quick-drying sportswear might be fine. For the rest of the year, a wetsuit is a smart choice to keep you warm and safe.

Putting together a full kit can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but brands like Loco Surfing often bundle comprehensive accessory packages with everything a beginner needs. These kits take the guesswork out of it, ensuring you have quality, compatible gear from day one. If you want to get really granular on paddles, have a look at our full guide on selecting the perfect SUP paddle.

Your First Day on the Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

The moment has finally arrived. You've picked out your board, sorted your gear, and now you’re stood at the water's edge, ready for your first proper paddle. This is where the real adventure kicks off, and with just a few simple steps, you'll be gliding across the water feeling like a pro.

Think of this section as your personal coach, here to walk you through every moment of your first session. We'll cover it all, from simply getting your board in the water to standing up and mastering that first powerful stroke.

Getting Started: Launching Your Board

Before you even get your toes wet, a little prep goes a seriously long way. Find a calm, sheltered spot to launch, well away from any strong winds, currents, or boat traffic. A sandy beach or a gently sloping grassy bank is perfect for beginners.

Carrying your board is easy. Most boards, including the Loco Amigo Air, have a handle right in the centre. Just lift it from there and tuck it under your arm like a giant surfboard. Inflatable boards are so light that this is usually pretty comfortable.

Once you're at the water's edge, launching smoothly is simple:

1. Check Your Fin: Make sure the water is deep enough so your fin doesn’t scrape along the bottom. You’ll need at least knee-deep water for this.
2. Place the Board: Lay your board gently on the water's surface, nose pointing away from the shore.
3. Attach Your Leash: This is a non-negotiable safety step. Secure the leash cuff snugly around your ankle or calf before you even think about getting on.
4. Kneel First: Don't try to be a hero and stand up straight away. Place your paddle across the board in front of you and climb on, settling into a stable kneeling position right in the middle of the board.

From here, just take a moment. Get a feel for the board's stability and gently rock from side to side to get used to how it feels to balance on the water.

From Kneeling to Standing

Paddling on your knees is a brilliant way to build that initial confidence. It lowers your centre of gravity, which makes you feel incredibly stable. Take your first few paddle strokes from this position to get a sense of how the board moves and turns.

When you feel ready to stand, the process is methodical. Don't rush it; slow and steady movements are your best friends here.

1. Position Your Hands: Place your hands on the board in front of you, about shoulder-width apart, with your paddle still lying across the deck.
2. Bring One Foot Up: Slowly bring one foot forward, placing it flat where your knee just was.
3. Bring the Other Foot Up: Carefully repeat with your other foot. You should now be in a low crouch with your feet parallel and about hip-width apart.
4. Rise Slowly: Keep your back straight and your knees bent, then extend your legs to stand up, picking up your paddle as you come up.

The single most important tip for balance? Keep your eyes fixed on the horizon, not down at your feet. Looking down will throw your balance off in an instant. Trust your feet; they know what they’re doing!

Mastering the Paddle Stroke

Right, you're standing! Now it's time to learn how to move with purpose. A classic beginner mistake is "arm paddling"—only using your arm muscles to pull the paddle through the water. It’s exhausting and surprisingly weak.

The real secret to a powerful paddle stroke is to engage your core. Think of your arms and shoulders as a frame, and let your torso do the heavy lifting.

• Reach Forward: Extend your arms and plant the paddle blade fully into the water as far forward as you can comfortably reach.
• Pull with Your Core: Instead of yanking with your arms, twist your torso to pull the blade back through the water towards your feet.
• Exit at Your Feet: Once the paddle reaches your feet, lift it cleanly out of the water and get ready for the next stroke.

This technique uses your larger, stronger core muscles, meaning you can paddle for longer with more power and less fatigue. Just remember to switch sides every few strokes to keep your board tracking in a straight line. For example, do five strokes on your right side, then swap your hand positions and do five strokes on your left.

Beginner's First Paddle Checklist

This table breaks down your first session into manageable steps, from pre-launch checks to those first few strokes. Follow it, and you'll be paddling confidently in no time.

Step	Action	Key Tip
1. Pre-Launch	Find a calm spot. Check your fin depth. Attach your leash securely to your ankle.	Safety first! Never get on the water without your leash attached. It’s your lifeline to the board.
2. Launching	Place the board on the water, climb on, and get into a stable kneeling position.	Don't rush. Take a minute to just feel the board's stability before you even pick up your paddle.
3. First Strokes	While kneeling, take a few gentle paddle strokes on each side.	Focus on keeping the paddle vertical. This will help you travel in a straight line.
4. Standing Up	Place hands on the deck, bring one foot up at a time, and slowly rise to a stand.	Keep your eyes locked on the horizon, not your feet. This is the golden rule of balance.
5. Paddling	Use your core to pull the paddle through the water. Switch sides every 3-4 strokes.	It's a twist, not an arm pull. Feel the power come from your stomach and back muscles.
6. The Fall	Practise falling away from the board and getting back on in shallow water.	Embrace the fall! Knowing you can get back on easily removes the fear and lets you relax.

Think of this checklist as your on-the-water cheat sheet. It’s all about building good habits from the very beginning.

How to Fall and Get Back On

Listen, falling is a completely normal, expected part of learning to SUP. The trick is to know how to do it safely and get back on your board without any fuss.

When you feel yourself losing balance, try to fall away from the board into the water. The water is much softer than the hard surface of your board!

Getting back on is far easier than you might think. Here’s how you do it:

1. Position Yourself: Swim to the side of your board, near the central carry handle.
2. Grab the Handle: Hold onto the handle with one hand and the opposite edge (the rail) of the board with the other.
3. Kick and Pull: Give a powerful kick with your legs in the water while pulling yourself up and sliding your belly onto the board.
4. Swing a Leg Over: Once your torso is on the board, simply swing one leg over and reposition yourself back into a kneeling position.

Give this a go in shallow water a few times. Knowing you can get back on easily is a massive confidence booster, freeing you up to relax and truly enjoy your first day on your new paddle board for beginners. For more expert guidance, it's always worth checking out the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's excellent SUP safety advice.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Jumping into the world of paddle boarding is brilliant, but it’s totally normal to have a few questions buzzing around your head. From figuring out the right size board to wondering what on earth to wear, getting straight answers is the fastest way to build your confidence. We’ve rounded up the most common queries we hear from newcomers to give you the practical advice you need to get going.

Think of this as your friendly pre-paddle checklist, designed to clear up those uncertainties so you can stop worrying and start looking forward to getting on the water.

What Size Paddle Board Should I Get as a Complete Beginner?

When you're starting out, one word is king: stability. The best thing you can do is grab an 'all-around' board that’s somewhere between 10' and 11' feet long and, crucially, 32 to 34 inches wide. That extra width is your best friend in the early days. It creates a steady, forgiving platform that makes finding your balance a whole lot easier.

Your weight plays a big part in this, too.

• Lighter riders (under 75kg): A board around the 10'6" mark and 32" wide will be perfect. Something like the Loco Amigo Air 10'6'' x 32'' is a fantastic starting point.
• Heavier riders (over 90kg): You’ll want a board with a bit more volume to support you properly. Look for something closer to 11' long and 34" wide. This will ensure it feels stable and doesn’t sit too low in the water.

Seriously, choosing a board with plenty of width and volume is the single best decision you can make for a successful first paddle.

Is It Difficult to Learn to Stand Up Paddle Board?

Honestly, not at all! It’s one of the big reasons SUP has exploded in popularity. Most people find their feet and are paddling around within the first hour, especially if they start on calm, flat water. The secret is to not rush it. Start on your knees to get a feel for the board’s balance and how it reacts to your movements.

Once you feel comfortable, you can move to standing up, one foot at a time. The learning curve is surprisingly gentle, and a wide, stable beginner board makes the whole process feel much less wobbly.

Don't be afraid to fall in—it's just water! Embracing the splash is part of the fun. Once you realise you can hop back on easily, any fear melts away and you can just relax and enjoy it.

Do I Need to Wear a Wetsuit for Paddle Boarding in the UK?

This really comes down to the time of year and how much you feel the cold. On a properly warm, sunny day in July or August, you might be absolutely fine in just shorts and a t-shirt or your swimwear.

For the rest of the year, though, a wetsuit is a very good idea. The UK's waters stay pretty chilly, even when the sun is out.

• Summer: A 'shorty' wetsuit (short legs and arms) is often all you need.
• Spring & Autumn: You'll be much happier in a full-length 3/2mm or even a 5/3mm wetsuit.
• Winter: This is for the dedicated! You’ll need a thick winter wetsuit, along with neoprene boots and gloves, to stay warm and safe.

Here's a golden rule: always dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

Where Are the Best Places for a Beginner to Paddle Board in the UK?

For your first few trips, you want to find a spot that’s as calm and flat as possible, with minimal wind or current. You’re looking for sheltered water where you can focus on getting the hang of things without fighting the elements.

Ideal spots for beginners include:

• Sheltered coastal bays at high tide: Places like Studland Bay in Dorset or Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex are great because they’re protected from the open sea.
• Slow-moving rivers and canals: The River Wye or the Kennet and Avon Canal offer lovely long stretches of flat water that are perfect for learning the ropes.
• Lakes and reservoirs: Many of the UK's lakes, like those in the Lake District, or the lochs in Scotland, have designated areas for water sports and are beautifully calm.

Stay well away from the open sea, breaking waves, and strong offshore winds until you've got a lot more experience under your belt. A quick search for 'beginner paddle boarding near me' or a chat with a local water sports centre will point you to safe launch spots. Always, always check a reliable wind forecast and the tide times before you go. Getting to grips with the conditions is a fundamental safety skill, as explained in fantastic resources like the RNLI's guide to reading coastal conditions.

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Ready to kick off your paddle boarding adventure with gear that won’t let you down? At Loco Surfing, we design high-quality, stable, and durable paddle boards specifically with beginners in mind. Check out our beginner-friendly packages and find the perfect board to get you on the water with a massive smile on your face. https://www.locosurfing.com