Beginner’s Guide: The Best Inflatable Paddleboards for beginners.

Beginner’s Guide: The Best Inflatable Paddleboards for beginners. 

Getting your first inflatable SUP right makes learning faster, drier, and way more fun. Below is a clear, beginner-friendly guide to three excellent choices—how they’re built, how they ride on lakes/rivers and at the seaside, and what you get in the box.

Quick take

• Best all-rounder for glide on flat water: JP Australia Allround Air — slightly pointier nose for easy tracking and smooth glide.

• Best for personality and choice: Beachbum New Dawn — heaps of colours, confidence-boosting stability, great value package.

• Best lightweight premium feel: Fanatic Fly Air SLT — super light construction; pricier but with a nicer bag and paddle.

1) JP Australia Allround Air — smooth, confidence-building glide

Was £479 - Now £249  SHOP NOW

Shape & stability

• A touch pointier in the nose than many beginner boards. That “touring-ish” tip helps the board cut through flat water and hold a straight line, so you’ll take fewer corrective strokes.

• Width and tail remain friendly, so you still get good stability when you’re starting out.

On inland water vs seaside

• Inland (lakes/canals/rivers): This is where it shines—efficient glide for easy cruising and longer sessions with less effort.

• Seaside: Calm bays and light chop are no problem; the pointier nose helps it pierce small wind ripples. As conditions bump up, step back on the tail to keep the nose clear.

Package & accessories

• Typically includes a quality pump, leash, repair kit, and a practical travel bag; fins are usually a tool-free center fin (plus side bites on some sizes).

• Paddle quality varies by package—look for a fiberglass or carbon-blend upgrade if you can.

Who it suits

• Beginners who want a board that feels stable but rewards good technique with straighter tracking and better glide—your “bike for all waters” that can grow with you.

2) Beachbum New Dawn — colour, comfort, and easy progress

Were £399, Now £299 with Free Changing Robe SHOP NOW

Shape & stability

• Classic all-round outline with a fuller nose for predictable stability when you step on and off.

• Friendly rocker keeps the nose clear in small seaside swell without feeling sluggish on the flat.

On inland water vs seaside

• Inland: Super steady platform for first lessons, family paddles, yoga, and taking a passenger (kid/dog).

• Seaside: Great for sheltered beaches. The fuller nose pops over small chop; keep to lighter winds while you’re learning.

Package & accessories

• “Great package” value is the New Dawn’s calling card: board, pump, leash, repair kit, good entry paddle, and a roll-along bag that’s easy to live with.

• Vast colour choice—pick a style you actually love (you’ll paddle more, promise).

Who it suits

• First-timers prioritising stability, value, and style. If you want a fun, confidence-boosting first board that looks the part, this is it.

3) Fanatic Fly Air SLT — premium, super-light, travel-friendly

SHOP NOW  Now £469

Shape & stability

• Balanced all-round outline—stable but a touch livelier thanks to the super-light construction.

• Feels snappy off the paddle; easy to carry and accelerate.

On inland water vs seaside

• Inland: Light weight = less swing mass, so it feels nimble and efficient for cruising and fitness paddles.

• Seaside: Great for calm to moderate conditions; the lighter build feels lively in small bumps.

Package & accessories

• You pay more, but you get better accessories: a higher-quality bag (comfier straps, nicer materials, smarter pockets) and a nicer paddle (stiffer/lighter), which genuinely improves the on-water feel and reduces fatigue.

Who it suits

• Beginners who value light weight, premium finish, and travel ease, and are happy to spend a little more for accessories that will last longer and feel better.

How to choose: three simple questions

1. Where will you paddle most?

   • Mostly flat, inland water and you like the idea of covering distance? → JP Allround Air for that pointy-nose glide.

   • Mixed use with family and friends, maximum stability and fun colours? → Beachbum New Dawn.

   • You’ll carry it a lot (stairs, car-to-water), travel frequently, or just want top-tier fit/finish? → Fanatic Fly Air SLT.

2. Do you value premium accessories out of the box?

   • If “yes,” the Fanatic package (bag + paddle) is worth the higher ticket.

   • If “I just want great value,” Beachbum hits the sweet spot.

   • If you want to prioritise the board’s on-water glide and can upgrade the paddle later, JP is a smart play.

3. What size should a beginner pick?

   • As a rule of thumb, look for 10’4”–10’8” length and 32–34” width for easy stability, with volume to match body weight (often 280–320 L for most adults). If in doubt, err slightly wider/longer for your first board.

Accessory checklist (what actually matters)

• Paddle: A fiberglass or carbon-blend shaft is a big upgrade over basic aluminum—lighter and kinder on shoulders.

• Bag: Padded straps, wheels if you travel, and durable zips. The Fanatic wins here.

• Pump: Dual- or triple-action pumps get you on the water faster.

• Fin system: Tool-free center fin is easiest; a US-box gives you upgrade options.

• Leash & PFD: Always use a leash; on moving water (rivers) use a quick-release waist leash. Pair with a suitable buoyancy aid/PFD.

Best Picks

• Glide & progression: JP Australia Allround Air

• Value & colour choice: Beachbum New Dawn

• Lightweight premium kit: Fanatic Fly Air SLT (better bag and paddle, higher price)