Looking For an Entry-Level SUP – Here Are The Top Models on The Market in 2023

by John Wren
Looking For an Entry-Level SUP - Here Are The Top Models on The Market

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past couple of years, you will have undoubtedly witnessed the meteoric rise in popularity we have seen for paddle boards. Since you’re reading this I am going to go ahead and assume you are somewhat of a SUP beginner (SUP stands for  Stand Up Paddle Board).

I will also assume that you are keen to get involved in this great sport and reap the rewards it offers which range from amazing scenery to a toned upper and lower body.

Before we dive into our best paddle boards for beginners, let’s take a look at some of the key elements you need to consider before buying.

Length

You will notice when you read on that paddleboards come in various lengths, if you are taller it makes sense to go for a longer model and those of us on the shorter side should opt for the shorter style. Don’t forget you will need to navigate this across large bodies of water and if sea paddling there will be the possibility of waves both natural and those created by boats etc.

The larger the board the more surface area there will be for any ‘chop’ to hit it and cause instability.

Weight

You’re going to have to pick up your paddle board and carry it at least some distance and often you will have to either hoist it onto the roof of your vehicle, for the solid boards or into your boot for inflatable ones. Either way, the weight will play its part of your buying decision.

Solid or Inflatable SUP

There are two types of paddle boards, solid and inflatable. Which you choose is really down to personal preference and the both have their pros and cons.

Typically people opt for an inflatable board for their compact size when storing and transporting to their ideal spot, the pumps are easy to use and they inflate in no time. others prefer the solid boards since they are considered more robust so if you have the possibility of encountering submerged rocks and coral this may be the route you choose.

Portability is a concern with solid boards since you will need a roof rack or trailer to get them to your launch spot. Now that we’ve covered the 3-key areas to consider, let’s jump into the best beginner sup’s shall we?

Best Beginner Stand Up Paddle Boards 2023

Bestseller No. 1
WAVESTORM 9ft6 SUP Kayak Hybrid Stand Up Paddleboard Foam Soft Top SUP for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Paddling Kayak & 8ft Junior Stand Up Paddleboard | Superior Foam Construction with Stringers
  • Product 1: EPS Foam Core with 3 Stringers with WBS (Water Barrier Skin) top deck
  • Product 1: Textured deck traction on top deck
  • Product 1: Storage accessory straps
  • Product 1: Collapsing and removable foot rests and adjustable seat
  • Product 2: FOR ALL CONDITIONS AND SKILL LEVELS - The Wavestorm 8ft Junior Stand Up Paddleboard is excellent for smaller beginning paddlers. A scaled down paddleboard will create an improved sense of...
Bestseller No. 2
FunWater SUP Inflatable Paddle Board Stand Up Ultra-Light Inflatable Paddleboard with Inflatable SUP Accessories, Fin, Adjustable Paddle, Pump, Backpack, Leash, Waterproof Phone Bag
  • 【User Scenarios】Funwater paddle boards is your first choice for water sports.Funwater inflatable paddle boards (SUP) are suitable for all skill Levels to enjoy themselves, explore, or adventure in...
  • 【Materials and Parameters】The new ultra light military grade double wall PVC is 35% lighter than similar size products , with excellent wear resistance, toughness and long service life. The...
  • 【Design and Use】 Funwater's unique ergonomic handle design allows you to inflate your paddle more easily in a shorter time. The sensitive barometer ensures that you can read the sup inflation...
  • 【Package Including】1×inflatable paddle board, 3-piece length-adjustable floating paddle ,1×fin , 1×sup pump , 1×backpack , 1×waterproof phone bag, 1×leash.
  • 【Customer Service】 If you have any questions about the products, we will provide you with solutions at the first time. We provide 30-day no-hassle return service, 3-years warranty for paddle...
Bestseller No. 3
BOTE Wulf Aero Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Kit Includes Accessories Adjustable Paddle iSUP Travel Bag Blow Up Pump Safety SUP Velcro Leash Multiple Sizes
  • Explore the WULF Aero Inflatable Paddle Board by BOTE - a beginner-friendly, lightweight board with MAGNEPOD compatibility for ultimate water adventures.
  • Dimensions: 10′4″ L × 34″ W × 6″ D
  • Capacity: 250 LBS
  • Board Weight: 20 LBS
  • One (1) WULF Aero 10′4″ Inflatable Paddle Board One (1) 3-Piece Adjustable Aluminum SUP Paddle One (1) Coiled Leash One (1) Removable 10″ Aero Center Fin One (1) Aero Hand Pump One (1) Fabric...
Bestseller No. 4
COOLCAA Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Premium SUP Paddle Board Accessories, 440lb Max Capacity, Stable Design, Non-Slip Comfort Deck for Adults & Youth of All Skill Levels
  • BEST TRAVEL PADDLE BOARD: The COOLCAA inflatable paddle board is a great choice for beginners and advanced paddlers. The paddle board is 10.6 feet long, 33 inches wide, and can hold up to 440 pounds....
  • CARBON FIBER PADDLE: The 3-piece carbon fiber paddle is super lightweight, only 1.5 lbs, floatable, 3K flat design carbon fiber shaft enhances stiffness and rigidity, making your paddling action...
  • 4 ACTION MOUNTS AND 20 D-RINGS: 4 action mounts can be used to attach your Go-Pro, cell phone holder, camera, fishing rod, etc. to record the happy moments of your enjoyable trips, which will be a...
  • MILITARY GRADE MATERIAL: Made of super strong and durable military grade material with 3-layer PVC fusion technology, it is stronger and lasts longer than other 2-layer ISUPs on the market. Thickened...
  • PACKAGE CONTENT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE: COOLCAA paddle board comes with a full accessory kit: high quality inflatable paddle board, 3-piece carbon fiber paddle, premium roller storage bag, 3 removable...
Bestseller No. 5
Drift Aero Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board - SUP Paddle Board & Accessories, Including Pump, Paddle, and More - Native Floral, Adult, 10'8"
  • Complete Paddle Board Kit: This inflatable paddle board comes with all essential paddle board accessories, including a coiled leash, removable fin, repair kit, paddle, pump, and carrying bag
  • Stand Up Paddle Board Features: The Drift paddle features a wide deck and performance shape that makes for fast, fun paddling for all skill levels; it also has an EVA foam deck pad, bungee straps, and...
  • Convenient Inflatable Paddle Board: This paddle board quickly inflates or deflates and packs down to 38" x 18" x 12" and 19 pounds for easy storage and travel in the included backpack
  • High-Quality Paddle Board: Drift's durable, inflatable stand up paddle board made from military-grade PVC and composite drop-stitch fibers for a rock-solid platform
  • Paddle Board Warranty: At Drift, we stand by the quality of our boards; all paddle boards are covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty at no additional cost

Now Get Out and Try It

In conclusion, an entry-level stand up paddleboard (SUP) is a crucial investment for beginner paddle boarders for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a stable platform for learning the basics of paddling and balance, allowing them to focus on improving their technique without worrying about falling into the water. Secondly, entry-level SUPs are often more affordable compared to more advanced boards, making them an accessible option for those who are just starting out. Lastly, they are usually made of durable materials and are designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular use, ensuring that beginner paddle boarders can enjoy their new hobby for years to come. With all these benefits, an entry-level SUP is an essential purchase for anyone looking to get into stand up paddleboarding.

You may also like

Outdoors Magazine

Embracing the Great Outdoors is a compelling blog dedicated to celebrating the beauty and thrill of outdoor activities, weaving tales of awe-inspiring hiking trails, serene fishing spots, strategic hunting expeditions, and invigorating camping adventures to inspire and guide like-minded enthusiasts.

Edtior's Picks

Latest Articles

©2023 Outdoors Magazine. All Right Reserved.