Inflatable boards sit higher on the water, which can decrease tracking ability, so the hull nose increases the speed and tracking. When it’s summer, your favourite swimsuits will do just fine, but in the winter (because SUP is a year-round all-weather sport) wetsuits, dry suits and some water shoes are good ideas.

To start with, they’re usually significantly lighter and can be carried in a bag or backpack, making storage and transport much easier than a 10ft or longer hard paddle board. It strikes a good balance between width, volume and narrowness, so it’s easy for smaller ones to get their paddle in the water and make progress. One of the biggest pros (and possibly cons) is the lack of a manual pump: Ultra instead included a 12V electric pump for faster setup. Like kayaks, there are even tandem-specific models out there (ranging from 12 to 15 feet in length).They have a more agile approach to gliding through the water and, for those interested in SUP surfing, they are better at catching waves. The design also offers tons of creative storage solutions, like the paddle sheath, a slot on the nose that holds the blade of your paddle so you can free up your hands — perfect for anglers. But the HD Aero has a redesigned deck and grab handle, updated side rails, and the brand’s HD construction. If you're looking for a fast board which can turn quickly then the Freespirit Dagon is a great choice. Are you going on a longer trip and maybe even combine your paddle board adventure with camping, then a bigger paddle board cooler is very recommended.

It offered good maneuverability and a comfortable soft EVA deck pad — one of the best we’ve felt on an inflatable SUP. The Bluefin Aura Fit’s extra-wide 91cm width makes it particularly amenable for yogis and pilates-heads alike, providing room for manoeuvre and stability for balance (Bluefin’s boards can hold up to 28 PSI, making them extra rigid). It has a unique progressive rocker profile, meaning a slight upward curve from the tail to the nose of the board helps the board more easily and aggressively maneuver and surf whitewater and waves. There’s a new swallow-tail design, too, which allows for some easy turning, even in some quite messy waters.We took these SUPs on meandering river outings, through turbulent whitewater, and on calm waterways through canyons.