One final factor to consider is price. As with anything, you get what you pay for, and in our ranking, we've chosen beginner's paddle boards that range from the downright bargainous through to the spendy-but-tempting. Bear in mind that good quality, desirable beginner boards are always popular in the second-hand market, so buying well will pay dividends later in cash as well as enjoyment. How we test the best the best stand-up paddle boards for beginners

Consider whether you want one or two seats, how much weight the kayak needs to carry, and how you’ll store and transport the boat. If you’ll be carrying the boat yourself, make sure it’s light enough to lift and folds up small enough to manage easily. Able to withstand class III and IV rapids, it features eight self-bailing ports, ample tie-down points and a front action camera mount to capture it all. Construction is a key consideration, but usually an easily resolved one. The days of stand-up paddle boards being mainly solid fibreglass or expanded foam have long gone. If you have a campervan or live next to the water, then a solid construction will make sense, as these are almost indestructible and perform much better in the water. But if that's not the case (which it won't be for most), then you'll want one of the new breeds of inflatable SUPs.If you want to go out paddle boarding with a friend but don't want to end up in the inevitable situation where one of you goes faster, and you get split up, the Red 15'0 Tandem MSL Inflatable Paddle Board is a great – if expensive – choice. It's a tandem touring board that's ideal for exploring with a partner while having a relaxed and chatty time, and it means that either of you can take a break if you get tired without the other having to slow down or stop. Another material used in higher-end boats is “drop-stitch”, a strengthened PVC that allows for much higher pressure inflation. These kayaks feel much more like hard-body boats, but are also much more expensive. What else do I need? It relies on three separate bladders to keep things afloat, for a start, in which two large tubes flank an inflatable flat floor, all of which require just a few PSI to get them ready for action. This saves on the sweaty job of manually pumping to ridiculous pressures.

It's stable, beginner-friendly and comes with everything you need to get on the water, and its neat cargo system means that it's easy to take all your stuff with you too. The only real downside (apart from the steep price) is that while it's a delight in the water, it's a lot less fun to manoeuvre on dry land; however, Red has done all it can to make this as painless as possible. If tandem paddling feels like your thing, this is definitely the way to do it.They also hurt less if you fall on them and while hard boards are known for offering better performance and speed, an inflatable board has numerous advantages - including cost. Look out for the right paddle board for your weight (and the weight of your gear you're carrying) as you'll want to make sure your board sits properly on the water and not too low if you're too heavy for it. Some paddle boards are perfect for those who like to go on adventures with their dog ( like this one), or a few friends to paddle together ( like this large 10-person design). Experienced paddlers who can handle both calm and choppy water might choose a touring SUP board, or one that's fit for yoga or fishing. But those without the luxury of a garage or car may find the portability of an inflatable a necessary trade-off. Inflatable kayaks take up very little space when deflated, are light to carry, can be easily transported, and can rival many standard models for robustness. They can be an incredibly practical option. Before buying a SUP board, you'll need to consider your skill level and the type of riding you plan on doing. You'll also want to think about the board's weight, capacity, price and size.

Paddling on the surface of the water isn't all they're good for either. SUP yoga and Pilates are other ways to use a stand up paddle board, while some convert to inflatable kayaks so you can experience a more comfortable, seated adventure. They also take time to inflate before you can head out on the water. You'll want to buy an electric pump for ease. As our appreciation for outdoor adventures continues to grow, with lakes and mountain holidays and camping trips with the family as appealing as ever, we can't think of a better time to invest in a stand-up paddle board to get exploring. For the lower price, you'll need to be prepared to make a few concessions. In our review, we noted a few minor issues with the paddle – the interconnected sections twist slightly when pushing through the water, and it's a little on the heavy side – and there's a little sag underfoot that you won't find with pricier boards that can handle higher inflation pressures. Overall though, if you're looking to take to the waters without spending a fortune, the Portofino 10ft inflatable stand-up paddle board kit is well worth a look. You could spend your sunny days on land – or you could kayak. Whether your dream paddle is a slow meander across glassy water or a multi-day trek exploring Britain’s network of canals, inflatable kayaks could be the boat for you. But regardless of whether you’re a novice or an expert, navigating the many available inflatable options is tougher than Class IV rapids.

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Wider boards are more stable but slower in the water; longer boards are less manoeuvrable but more buoyant. The overall shape ranges from bulbous to slim and shark-like. The slimmer and sharkier the board, the more suitable it is for racing and surf-style activities, but these are fairly advanced operations, so choose based on stability rather than flashiness, to begin with. To start out, you'll be looking for either an all-rounder or a touring-style SUP if you plan to travel longer distances, but either should be relatively stable and tractable to learn the basics on. Of course, there are downsides to choosing an inflatable paddle board over a solid one. They're lighter than solid boards so they're slower in windy conditions.

The outdoor water sport sees a rider stand on a large, floating SUP board and use their paddle to move across the water. Excellent for all ages and great for working on your balance and core strength, stand up paddle boarding is now more accessible than ever. READ NOW What are the best inflatable paddle boards for 2023? Trail Outdoor Portofino Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

Though unlikely to happen, it's essential to be aware of punctures, the RNLI advises, and it's important to keep an eye on the seams over time. Rinsing the boards after they've been in salt water and keeping them out of the sun when they're not being used is advisable. Bottom chamber in bridge construction for comfortable seat, high stability and insulation against cold Your skill level could also determine the type of board you buy. Inflatable paddle boards are ideal for beginners and often come in wider designs, which newbies prefer. Generously proportioned, super stable and available at a sensible price, the Two Bare Feet Entradia 10’ 10” is one of the best inflatable SUP boards for beginners and bigger paddlers, but it’s more than just that. It’s tons of fun even for more experienced paddlers, especially if conditions are lumpy or if you have small family members that want to get on board. The kit is really nicely put together too.