Searching for your first SUP board can seem like an intimidating task, but once you know what to look for in that perfect beginner stand up paddleboard board, the decision gets much easier. We’ve put together a list of boards that we recommend for first timers looking for a great all around board. These boards will be a little bit wider and more stable so getting comfortable on your board will be easy.
From affordable soft tops to top of the line, beautiful wood boards, we’ve got something for every budget. If you have been thinking about a board but didn’t know where to start, we’ll make it easy for you, you can start right here.
C4 Beachboy Paddle Board 10’6
Hands down, one of our favorite boards to recommend for beginner is the C4 Beachboy Paddle Board. This beautiful board has a classic longboard look and everything a beginner needs to get out there and have a great time on the water. Certainly one of the higher end boards on our list due to the quality construction and versatile shape but nonetheless, a perfect board for a beginner to learn and grow on and enjoy for many years to come. 10’6 x 32″ wide with a highly stable, very flat footing area which makes it very easy and comfortable to balance on. Weighing just 23.2lbs, almost anyone can carry this board easily. Plus, there is a space for tie downs at the nose so if you are carrying some gear or want to tuck away your life vest and get a tan, you’ve got somewhere to put it. For one board that the entire family will enjoy for years to come, we recommend the C4 Beachboy.
C4 Holo Holo
If you like how the Beachboy sounds but are interested in something a little less expensive and slightly more durable, then the C4 Holo Holo Paddle Board is the board for you. With all the same dimensions and “insides” but with a full soft top, this board offers great tech at an awesome price. The full soft top handles dings and dents like a pro and it gives a softer overall feel so you’ve got great grip no matter where you’re standing on the board. If you want to paddle tandem with a friend, it’s much more comfortable to sit on a soft top board. Softtops are also great for SUP yoga. Available in two sizes, so if the rider weight is over 250, check out the 11’6. Get the most bang for your buck with the C4 Holo Holo.
Naish Nalu Paddle Board 10’10”
We can’t have a “best of” list without mentioning the Naish Nalu Paddle Board 10’10. Another board that we would consider to be a higher end beginner board, the Nalu is the namesake of the Naish lineup. It is available in several sizes but the 10’10 is what we really recommend for beginners, or anyone looking for an amazing all-around, stable board. Something specific to the 10’10 size is the multi-channel concave bottom. There are grooved ridges in the base of the board that channel the water under the board so the rider gets a sturdy, smooth ride no matter the conditions. The 10’10 Nalu is also wider than some of the other Nalu sizes, coming in at 32″ inches wide and a volume of 200 liters, it can hold up to 240 lbs and has an extremely sturdy overall feel. Top of the line quality and construction with a shape that literally anyone can ride – the Naish Nalu 10’10 is the perfect board for the beginner who wants the best.
Naish Odysseus Paddle Board 9’8
Another board that we are very excited about this year that is perfect for beginners is the Naish Odysseus Paddle Board 9’8. A trend that we are seeing this season is shorter and wider boards. These boards are great because they offer a ton of stability thanks to the extra width but are super easy to maneuver since they are generally just under 10 feet long. The Odysseus is stable enough for a first timer but can also be a ton of fun in the surf once you get the hang of it. With a recessed deck pad and a 34″ width at it’s widest point, the rider has a large, comfortable footing area and the soft deck pad offers a ton of grip so you can stay on your feet even in rough conditions. For families looking for extra durability, the Odysseus also comes in a full soft top version so you can let the kids run it into the dock without worrying about major dings. If an almost 12 foot board sounds like way too much work for you, consider the short and sweet Naish Odysseus.
Naish Mana Soft Top Paddle Board 11’0
Another great option for beginner from the Naish lineup is the Naish Mana Soft Top. The Mana series of boards is a collection of wider, more stable all around boards that are great for any kind of paddling from cruising to surfing. There are traditional boards, soft tops and inflatables in this collection and they are great for so many different paddlers. The wider profile creates a large stable area to stand so even taller paddlers with a wider stance can feel comfortable and the all over deck pad on this soft top makes is highly durable so it can handle the wear and tear of novice paddlers. We also highly recommend this board for those beginners that are interested in trying SUP yoga as the soft tops are much more comfortable to sit and lay on and the all over grip is helpful for balance. Truly the one board that anyone in the family would enjoy paddling, the Naish Mana Soft Top is always a great choice.
Starboard Atlas Paddle Board 12’0
For the bigger paddlers looking for a great all around board to learn and grow on, the Starboard Atlas Paddle Board is a great option. This big beauty is 12′ x 33″ wide and is available in a slew of options when it comes to the construction. The construction pictured (wood) is our personal favorite but you can also get the Atlas in an inflatable option, a soft top or in Starboard’s signature Starshot construction which is a little less expensive and also extra durable. The overall shape is perfect for any kind of paddling and the 33″ width gives the paddler a nice wide platform for easy balancing. The slimmer, V shaped tail creates a smooth gliding feeling that is also quicker thru the water. Once you get comfortable with paddling, you can also take the Atlas into some smaller waves or head on a longer distance journey and enjoy the fast, smooth glide that the board offers. Finally, for the really big guys or those looking for some additional width, opt for the Atlas Extra which has a width of 36″ that literally anyone, including your cousin who has terrible balance, can paddle with ease.
Shop the Starboard Atlas 12’0 Wood
Shop the Starboard Atlas 12’0 Starshot
Shop the Starboard Atlas 12’0 Soft Top
Shop the Starboard Atlas 12’0 Extra
Riviera Select Series
One of the best looking boards on our list comes from the Riviera Select Series. These classy and classic looking boards can handle any condition and are great for beginners. The quintessential all-around board that is fun in flat water or surf, highly stable and also lightweight so it’s easy to carry and transport. Available in two sizes: 10’6 x 32″ or 11’6 x 33″ so there is a perfect shape for every rider. Riviera’s Select Construction features materials like bamboo and carbon fiber, making these boards extremely durable and very lightweight. When fully stocked, they are available in several different colors and they all have the exposed wood veneer top sheet so you get that classic look with each color.
Bic Sport SUP Air Inflatable 10’6
For the beginner paddler that lacks storage space, an inflatable stand up paddle board is a great option. The most inexpensive way to get into a great inflatable is with the Bic Sport SUP Air 10’6. This great looking board is 10’6 x 33″ and can handle a rider up to about 230 lbs so it can potentially work for the whole fam. The slightly wider profile makes it perfect for novice paddlers and the durability is incredible. You can knock an inflatable around all day and dings will never be an issue. Inflatables are also great for travelers. You can check the bag at the airport and take it with you on your next adventure. Tie downs at the nose so you can stash your life vest or extra gear and the soft deck pad offers great grip for an easy-to-balance feel. The best way to get into SUP without taking up much space, is with the Bic Sport SUP Air 10’6. Take a look at our guide to the best inflatable stand up paddle boards for 2015 for more information on good inflatable board choices.
This article should give you a great place to start your search and a good idea of what to look for in that first board. For more information, stop into the shop or contact us and we will be happy to answer more questions for you. Good luck with your purchase and we will see you on the water!