Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a super popular hobby where I live, and when we moved here, we had no idea how to get started as beginners. It’s the #1 question I see in beginner paddling communities — how do I get started and what do I need?
The first Airbnb we rented in our new city came with two foam paddleboards. We strapped them to the roof of our car (easier than you think), but carrying them to the lake from our car was torture, and by the time we got on the water, we were exhausted from lugging those things around. It also probably didn’t help that we were still adjusting to the elevation out here.
After that first month, I was envious of all the people showing up to the lake with their inflatable boards and didn’t break a sweat carrying them to the water (which can sometimes be a long walk because the lakes are busy and remote).
Because I have paddling experience and am well-versed in paddling strokes as well as water safety, we felt comfortable teaching ourselves how to paddle and be on the water. For anyone who knows basic paddling strokes, it can be pretty easy to get the hang of a SUP (even the standing part). If you’re a beginner, I recommend looking for a beginner lesson in your area, or renting a board at a small lake/state park where you’re likely to get some beginner instruction and can observe a lot of other people working on their strokes.
Choosing a paddle board
Choosing a paddle board can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never done it or have only done it a few times. I recommend going to a lake where you can rent one to see what you like and don’t like about a particular model. Here are some things to consider:
Hard paddle boards
Pros: Nice ride, no setup time, heavier in the water so they’re a bit more stable and track easier, and less affected by winds.
Cons: Can be heavy and hard to transport without a car roof rack. It can also be difficult to carry the board from your car to the lake for solo paddlers.
Inflatable Paddle Boards (iSUP)
Pros: Lightweight, easy to transport in any vehicle or in a backpack for hiking or biking.
Cons: Take time to inflate, can be damaged easier, lighter on the water so can be carried by wind easier.
My favorites: The FunWater brand consistently impresses me with their price point and quality. We now have 3 of the FunWater Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board and can’t recommend them enough.
PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
A PFD (personal flotation device, aka a life jacket) is the most important accessory you’ll need to take on the water with you every time you head out. Although paddle boards are hard to capsize, it’s easy to fall off, especially in unexpected wind, and this can become dangerous quickly without a PFD. Most local laws will require you to carry a PFD on your board. To find a good PFD:
- Make sure it’s your size and fits well.
- Ensure it’s comfortable.
- Verify it’s a US Coast Guard-approved PFD.
The best PFD for you is the one you’ll wear.
Wet Bag/Deck Bag
If you’ve been shopping around, you know there are endless paddleboard accessories for sale out there. Many of them aren’t necessary for comfort, but I do recommend a dry bag, especially if you’re just starting out. Your board will get wet, and it’s a lot easier to learn if you’re not worried about your belongings getting ruined.
Look for a wet bag that has a strap or can otherwise be clipped to your board. If you end up falling off, you’ll want to make sure everything else is secured to your board.
Overall, paddle boarding has a low barrier to entry and can be a fun activity for the whole family regardless of fitness level or balance. Many beginners sit on their boards and paddle them like a kayak, or even use them as a floating tanning platform in the middle of the lake. For beginners, I highly recommend the FunWater Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Kit because it has everything you need (except a PFD) to get on the water, and the backpack can be used to hike to alpine lakes or more remote paddle spots.
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