What To Look For When Buying Your First Inflatable Paddleboard

If you’ve tried paddleboarding over the summer and want to take your new hobby to the next level, it’s probably time to invest in your own paddleboard. Whether you’ve been borrowing a SUP from a friend or taking lessons with board hire included, there inevitably comes a time when it makes sense to have your own board to level up your paddling skills. Inflatable paddleboards are the perfect first SUP for beginners, thanks to their convenience, portability and promise of all-round performance on all kinds of adventures.

However, the price and quality of an inflatable paddleboard can vary significantly and there are lots of factors to consider when making your investment. Knowing what to prioritise will not only ensure that you choose a board that stands the test of time but also is equipped with features that can help you to stay balanced and improve your technique. 

Board Size

One of the most important factors to consider when buying your first inflatable paddleboard is the size. The size of an inflatable SUP directly affects your stability and this is one of the most crucial skills to master when you’re still getting used to spending time on the water. With a board too small, you’re much more likely to find yourself unbalanced and falling in!

There are two key factors to consider when it comes to the size of your first inflatable paddleboard: the length and the width. Typically, beginners are advised to go for a slightly wider board - one that is at least 32” wide - as this will offer a more stable platform and help you maintain your balance. The most appropriate length will depend on your height but we’d suggest looking at boards between 10 and 11 feet as a starting point. This kind of length will offer additional stability without compromising speed with unnecessary drag.

Nose & Tail Profiles

The shape of the nose (front) and tail (back) of an inflatable paddleboard also influence how it performs and therefore how easy it is for you to get to grips with as a beginner. When shopping around for your first SUP, consider boards with a rounder or wider nose like our all-round Ride range as this width helps to promote stability in the range of conditions you may encounter as a beginner. At the tail end of things, wider is also better for beginners. The tail of an inflatable board helps to promote balance when turning or pivoting and therefore a wider tail gives you a little extra help as you start to get more confident in your technique.

Construction & Materials

When you’re new to paddleboarding, it can be tempting to shop cheaply to get on the water as quickly as possible. However, it’s important to put quality first and make a worthwhile investment in a well-constructed board - even if this initially costs you a little bit more! The durability and rigidity of your inflatable paddleboard largely depend on the quality of the materials used; if you buy a cheap board, it’s likely that the materials will be cheap too and the board won’t last or offer the rigidity you need to stay standing.

A high-quality inflatable paddleboard will be one that is made from durable materials like our innovative and incredibly tough MSL technology. This industry-leading material utilises high density drop-stitch to create a stiff and reinforced paddleboard that’s easier to balance and paddle on and much less prone to failure and will improve your experience.You should also pay good attention to how the rails have been constructed. Look for rounded rails over square rails as these provide greater protection along the highest wearing parts of the board.

Fin Type

One of the biggest challenges faced by new paddleboarders is getting to grips with paddling in a straight line. Working on your technique is key in getting better at controlling the direction of travel, but you can also make the whole process a lot easier by choosing the right fin configuration from your first inflatable paddleboard. The fin setup directly affects how it handles on the water; most will have one single fin but a twin setup will give you enhanced tracking and is well worth investing in. 

Ease Of Storage

The beauty of an inflatable paddleboard is that they are naturally easy to store and transport compared to hard boards. By their very nature, most will pack down neatly but it’s still worth considering how portable your chosen SUP is when purchasing your first. Look for a board that comes with or is compatible with a high-quality storage bag like our ATB Transformer Board Bag. Ultimately you want a board that is easy to pack away as this will also be a board that isn’t a pain to unpack and set up! This will ensure that you get as much use out of it as possible, without it taking up precious space in your car, garage or cupboard. 

At Red Equipment, we’re proud to have created an extensive range of inflatable paddleboards perfect for first-time owners. Whether you’re set on our Ride range or exploring all of your options, we’re sure we’ll have the perfect inflatable SUP for you. Get in touch if you need any advice on the right board for your needs or use our online guide to find out more about our range.