The Aqua Marina Dhyana is 36 inches wide and, with a solid 296-litre volume, I found it super stable and perfect for practicing beginner moves and balance-training exercises. It would also suit more advanced paddle board yogis. The illustrated mandala design on the board not only looks the part but helped me to find my centre of balance. There is no middle handle to get in the way when doing yoga in the board; instead, the carry handles are either side. A 10ft 6in or 10ft 8in length board with a width of 30 to 34 inches is generally the most popular size for beginners, and for the whole family to enjoy. Is it OK to leave an inflatable paddle board inflated?

Although I’m taller and heavier than them, I found I was also able to keep my balance – although it was less stable for me than a 10ft 6in,. The pointed shape of the nose and tail makes it easy to turn, so it’s a good investment for juniors who are building up their confidence. Key specs – Total weight: 11kg Length: 327cm; Width: 79cm; Volume: 192L; How much can it carry? 100kg; Accessories? Not included.Aside from the board, to SUP, you’ll also need a paddle – it’s in the name, after all. Paddles can be fixed in length, detachable (so they break down into smaller pieces for easier transport) or adjustable, depending on your height or use.

Stand-up paddle boarding is often described as the fastest-growing sport in the world, and while we have no idea how to judge that particular statistic, it’s unquestionably increasingly popular in the UK. Trail Outdoor Leisure says it has seen sales of paddle boards increase by 117% this year. READ NEXT: The best inflatable paddle boards The best paddle boards you can buy in 2023 1. Tahe Outdoor Beach Performer: The best hard-body SUP for hitting the beach Key specs – Total weight: 14.5kg; Length: 320cm; Width: 80cm; Volume: 185L; How much can it carry? 60 to 80kg, upgrade to the larger model if over 80kg; Accessories? Does not come with paddles or leash.The longboard design means the Bamboo Bullet is ideal for touring as well as surfing, while the wide shape makes it easy to control, even for beginners, meaning this board works well for anyone. Made from a foam core surrounded by bamboo and coated in three layers of epoxy glass, this is a board that can take a beating. If the materials sound a bit slippery when wet, don’t worry: there’s a full-length traction pad on the top to keep feet in place.

Paddle boarding is an easy way to hit the water for a relaxing float on a sunny day, for a new way to work out, or to explore nature. Lessons aren’t strictly necessary, but taking an introductory course or at least renting a board before buying will give you a better idea of what you actually need. Prices of SUPs have come down, helped by advancements in inflatable technology, meaning even those without a garage for storage or van to transport their board can still take up this relaxing sport. Starboard’s GO range is much wider than this one board. There’s a variety of lengths and widths, so you can choose the right balance of support and performance to match your skill and weight, as well as a selection of materials and designs. Carbon Top is extra light, Tikhine is decorated with ocean artwork, Starlight supports windsurfing equipment, ASAP stands for “as strong as possible”, and Lite Tech is strong and comes at budget prices. Tandem boards for two are a fun option on which you can take the whole family and a picnic on one board, but they’re too heavy to paddle on your own.”Key specs – Total weight: 11.kg; Length: 427cm; Width: 55cm; Volume: 265L; How much can it carry? Not available, but there’s a range of larger models if necessary; Accessories? Leash and fin included Finding the right inflatable paddle board can seem like a daunting task,” says qualified coach Jo Taylor, co-founder of Paddle Cabin on the River Medway. “But an all-rounder board is a great way to get started. They’re wide (generally around 30 to 34 inches), stable and easy to turn. We teach beginners on Red Paddle Co ‘Ride’ boards which are 10ft 6in long and 32 inches wide. They’re super stable and sturdy for paddlers of all weights, abilities, and balance.” Position your feet hip width apart either side of the handle in the centre of the board, look ahead (not down) and keep your knees soft and your core engaged. The sooner you start paddling, the more stable you will be, although that might feel scary at first.” A paddle should be taller than you, coming to roughly the height of your wrist if you hold your arm over your head. For most of us, that’s about 15cm to 30cm above our height, although longer paddles are ideal for faster speeds and shorter paddles are considered best for hitting the surf. What else do you need?

There are many different types of blow-up paddle boards, so as well as your ability-level it’s worth considering whether you’ll be paddling on flat water like lakes, touring long distances with lots of kit, racing or trying SUP yoga.Storage is another key consideration. Stand-up paddle boards are long and bulky, so think about where you’ll keep it and how you’ll transport it to the water. If you’re short on space, an inflatable paddle board may be a better idea. How do you choose a paddle? Touring boards are longer, at upwards of 12 feet in length, and have a larger volume,” says paddle board coach Jo Taylor. “They’re intended for exploring and adventures where you can put lots of equipment on your board and take it with you on your journeys. Wear a buoyancy aid or an airbelt personal floatation device (PFD) when you paddle,” says Taylor. “It is like wearing a seat belt in your car, you don’t expect to need it, but you wear it just in case.” Racing boards are long and narrow - designed for speed, they’re less stable, but glide through the water faster, with less drag. They’re great once you’ve gained confidence and experience. This sustainable British brand not only makes boards from bamboo but plants a tree for each one sold. That won’t help you when out on the water, but get used to fellow paddlers admiring your kit, because the Bamboo Bullet is beautiful.