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. 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.

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. The Portofino 10ft inflatable stand-up paddle board kit is an eminently affordable, robust, easy-to-use board that works very well on calmer waters. A broad nose and wide, flat tail add stability, making the Portofino even more beginner-friendly, and a drop-stitched core gives it a uniform shape that helps it move efficiently over the water. As you'd expect, the bundle includes everything you need to get started SUPing, and you can even add a kayak conversion kit (sold separately) to make it more versatile. 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.Whether you plan on stand up paddle boarding in the Lake District, the River Cam, Strangford Lough, around Barafundle Bay or another superb SUP spot in Britain, below are the best inflatable stand up paddle boards you can buy online in the UK right now. How do you choose the right inflatable paddle board for you? 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. They're considered more durable than hard boards, which can require expensive repairs to dings and dents. For beginners and general leisure paddling, inflatable paddle boards offer a few benefits over the narrower hard SUP boards.

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Top 10 best inflatable kayaks to buy

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.

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 Inflatable paddle boards are easier to store once deflated too, and you can roll them up with ease to carry on your travels at home and abroad. Ask yourself whether you'll be paddling on flat water (lakes and calm rivers), touring (long distances in bays and oceans) or if you'd like the flexibility to cover all types of water.Bottom chamber in bridge construction for comfortable seat, high stability and insulation against cold