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verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Bluefin has a wide range of specialist boards: there’s the Aura for yoga, the Tandem for two paddlers, and the Mammoth to carry all your friends and family, alongside SUPs focused on touring and beginners. The Voyage piles together everything into one board, making it a water-based platform for all your lake activities.
READ NEXT: The best inflatable paddle boards The best paddle boards you can buy in 2023 1. Tahe Outdoor Beach Performer: The best hard-body SUP for hitting the beach Finding the right inflatable paddle board can seem like a daunting task,” says qualified coach Jo Taylor, co-founder of Paddle Cabin on the River Medway. “But an all-rounder board is a great way to get started. They’re wide (generally around 30 to 34 inches), stable and easy to turn. We teach beginners on Red Paddle Co ‘Ride’ boards which are 10ft 6in long and 32 inches wide. They’re super stable and sturdy for paddlers of all weights, abilities, and balance.” While the nose of the board is rounded for stability, the tail is narrow, which makes it easy to manoeuvre. It has a good glide on flat water but is also very stable. There’s no reason why you couldn’t use this Jobe board in gentle surf and choppier water.Ensure you have proper safety equipment, notably a leash that connects your ankle to the SUP so there’s no risk of losing it in case you fall off, as well as a personal flotation device. If you’re paddling at night, bring waterproof lights so you can be seen by boats, and if you’re taking along valuables such as keys or your phone, consider purchasing a dry bag. Paddleboards are big, unwieldy items, so it may be worth buying a strap to make carrying it easier. Stand-up paddle boarding is often described as the fastest-growing sport in the world, and while we have no idea how to judge that particular statistic, it’s unquestionably increasingly popular in the UK. Trail Outdoor Leisure says it has seen sales of paddle boards increase by 117% this year. Key specs – Total weight: 11.kg; Length: 427cm; Width: 55cm; Volume: 265L; How much can it carry? Not available, but there’s a range of larger models if necessary; Accessories? Leash and fin included Paddle boarding is an easy way to hit the water for a relaxing float on a sunny day, for a new way to work out, or to explore nature. Lessons aren’t strictly necessary, but taking an introductory course or at least renting a board before buying will give you a better idea of what you actually need. Prices of SUPs have come down, helped by advancements in inflatable technology, meaning even those without a garage for storage or van to transport their board can still take up this relaxing sport.
Key specs – Total weight: 11kg Length: 327cm; Width: 79cm; Volume: 192L; How much can it carry? 100kg; Accessories? Not included. The longboard design means the Bamboo Bullet is ideal for touring as well as surfing, while the wide shape makes it easy to control, even for beginners, meaning this board works well for anyone. Made from a foam core surrounded by bamboo and coated in three layers of epoxy glass, this is a board that can take a beating. If the materials sound a bit slippery when wet, don’t worry: there’s a full-length traction pad on the top to keep feet in place. Although I’m taller and heavier than them, I found I was also able to keep my balance – although it was less stable for me than a 10ft 6in,. The pointed shape of the nose and tail makes it easy to turn, so it’s a good investment for juniors who are building up their confidence. A paddle should be taller than you, coming to roughly the height of your wrist if you hold your arm over your head. For most of us, that’s about 15cm to 30cm above our height, although longer paddles are ideal for faster speeds and shorter paddles are considered best for hitting the surf. What else do you need?
Compare Similar Products to (Black) DJ Sports SUP Paddle Board
A 10ft 6in or 10ft 8in length board with a width of 30 to 34 inches is generally the most popular size for beginners, and for the whole family to enjoy. Is it OK to leave an inflatable paddle board inflated? Storage is another key consideration. Stand-up paddle boards are long and bulky, so think about where you’ll keep it and how you’ll transport it to the water. If you’re short on space, an inflatable paddle board may be a better idea. How do you choose a paddle? The Aqua Marina Dhyana is 36 inches wide and, with a solid 296-litre volume, I found it super stable and perfect for practicing beginner moves and balance-training exercises. It would also suit more advanced paddle board yogis. The illustrated mandala design on the board not only looks the part but helped me to find my centre of balance. There is no middle handle to get in the way when doing yoga in the board; instead, the carry handles are either side. Wear a buoyancy aid or an airbelt personal floatation device (PFD) when you paddle,” says Taylor. “It is like wearing a seat belt in your car, you don’t expect to need it, but you wear it just in case.”
All of that, alongside the price, mean this isn’t a paddleboard for beginners but for experienced paddlers who are looking for top speeds in waves or flat water. Despite the thin profile and fast design, it’s also known for solid stability. Beyond performance in the water, the SIC has nice touches including easy-to-grab handles and a bungee strap for essentials closer to the middle of the board. Tandem boards for two are a fun option on which you can take the whole family and a picnic on one board, but they’re too heavy to paddle on your own.” Starboard’s GO range is much wider than this one board. There’s a variety of lengths and widths, so you can choose the right balance of support and performance to match your skill and weight, as well as a selection of materials and designs. Carbon Top is extra light, Tikhine is decorated with ocean artwork, Starlight supports windsurfing equipment, ASAP stands for “as strong as possible”, and Lite Tech is strong and comes at budget prices.Touring boards are longer, at upwards of 12 feet in length, and have a larger volume,” says paddle board coach Jo Taylor. “They’re intended for exploring and adventures where you can put lots of equipment on your board and take it with you on your journeys. Position your feet hip width apart either side of the handle in the centre of the board, look ahead (not down) and keep your knees soft and your core engaged. The sooner you start paddling, the more stable you will be, although that might feel scary at first.” Aside from the board, to SUP, you’ll also need a paddle – it’s in the name, after all. Paddles can be fixed in length, detachable (so they break down into smaller pieces for easier transport) or adjustable, depending on your height or use. It’s best to rinse your board with fresh water and store it deflated in its bag in a cool place out of sunlight. However, it’s also fine to leave it inflated between uses - with a few caveats. Racing boards are long and narrow - designed for speed, they’re less stable, but glide through the water faster, with less drag. They’re great once you’ve gained confidence and experience.