Whenever you start a new hobby, investing a lot of money can seem very daunting. I personally prefer to buy entry-level equipment, to make sure I don’t spend too much money on a hobby I might not stick with. The following is a guide to the best budget SUPs you can buy in the UK today.
If you’re in a hurry, here is my top pick:
No.32 Beginners Inflatable SUP Board
This SUP is very reasonably priced at around £250 and comes with a ton of accessories to get you going on your first paddleboarding adventure.
Are Cheap Paddleboards Any Good?
If you’re looking for a cheap paddleboard the chances are you are probably a beginner who doesn’t want to commit to spending a fortune on something that might end up in the back of a cupboard.
A cheap (budget) paddleboard will be fine for those just starting out to get used to paddleboarding as a hobby. It is likely that, if used regularly, you will need to invest in a better paddleboard in the near future, but for a beginner, a cheap paddleboard will be fine.
How Much is a Cheap Paddleboard?
Paddleboards can be expensive, with some paddleboards costing in excess of £1,500! In terms of budget, we’re talking about paddleboards that are below £300.
At this price range there are a few compromises that you are likely to be making:
- Material quality is likely to be lower than more expensive paddeboards
- Build quality is likely to be lower than high end paddleboards
- Fewer features, such as extra tail fins
What to Consider When Buying a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)?
Length
Longer paddleboards are ideal for beginners as the extra surface area will help provide more stability than a shorter board. They are also easier to paddle than shorter boards as they glide more easily through the water.
Width
Wider paddleboards will be more stable than a narrow paddleboard as the increased surface area provides more stability. A narrower paddleboard will cut through the water easier than wider boards, which will make then easier to paddle.
Thickness
Thicker paddleboards are designed to carry more weight than thinner boards. This means that if you are on the heavier side, you should look to get a thicker board. However, thicker boards will ride higher on the water than a thinner board and this can result in more side to side wobble.
For beginners, this could be a little off-putting so going for a board that is as thin as possible for your weight is a good idea.
Packed Dimensions
The packed dimension will make a big difference on where you will be able to paddleboard. If you want to head to somewhere that is not convenient for parking, such as a stunning loch or lake, a smaller, lighter pack size will make it easier to head to such an idyllic spot.
Weight
Just like with packed dimensions, the weight of the board will make a difference to the convenience of being able to paddle somewhere that isn’t right next to your car. Even heading down to the beach, getting a paddleboard that it too heavy for you to carry there will make the experience far less enjoyable than if you can carry it.
Accessories
Whilst the paddleboard itself is the most important piece of kit, there are a few other things you will need when paddleboarding, such as:
- Paddle
- Carry Bag
- Coil Leash
- Pump
Some of the boards on the market will come with a mix of these items and others will come just as the board itself. Check what accessories your SUP is likely to come with and make sure you get these before you go paddleboarding.
Another useful accessory is a kayak seat, which is great for those who might want some flexibility when paddleboarding and they want to sit down and not stand the whole time.
Best Budget SUP UK
The following SUPs are all under £300 and are available to buy in the UK.
No.32 Beginners Inflatable SUP Board – My Recommended Budget Paddleboard
Key Features:
- RRP = £249.99
- Length = 300cm/10ft
- Width = 76cm
- Thickness = 15cm
- Packsize = 85cm x 40cm x 30cm
- Weight = 12kg
- Also Included: Adjustable Paddle, Hand Pump, Kayak Seat, Removable Fin, Coil Leash, Backpack, Repair Kit
The No.32 Beginners Inflatable SUP Board is my recommended paddleboard for those looking for a budget paddleboard in the UK.
Not only is this paddleboard very reasonably priced compared to others on the market, but you also get a lot of extras thrown in, including your Adjustable Paddle and Coil Lease, which you would have to add to the price of any “board only” options.
At 300cm (10ft) long and 76cm wide, this board have a generous surface area, providing a great level of stability for those up to 158kg (25 stone) in weight.
Weighing in at 12kg, this board is just above the average for all the boards on my list. The included rucksack should make this paddleboard easy to carry with all the accessories you need as well, in spite of the weight.
Bestway Hydro-force SUP – Cheapest Budget Paddleboard
Key Features:
- RRP = £199.99
- Length = 274cm/9ft
- Width = 76cm
- Thickness = 12cm
- Packsize = 84cm x 41cm x 23cm
- Weight = 9.5kg
- Also Included: Adjustable Paddle, Hand Pump, Removable Fin, Coil Leash, Backpack
If you are looking for a cheap paddleboard with all the kit you’ll need to go out paddleboarding, the Bestway Hydro-force SUP is a great choice.
Costing under £200, you get a 9ft paddleboard as well as an adjustable paddle, pump, coil leash and backpack. The only thing you will also need is the right clothing to wear.
FunWater SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – Biggest Budget Paddleboard
Key Features:
- RRP = £289.95
- Length = 335cm/11ft
- Width = 84cm
- Thickness = 15cm
- Packsize = 90cm x 40cm x 22cm
- Weight = 14.7kg
- Also Included: Adjustable Paddle, Hand Pump, Removable Fins, Coil Leash, Backpack, Waterproof Phone Bag
If you’re on the “heavier” side, you should look to get a larger paddleboard as the longer and wider the board the more stable it will be. The FunWater SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is the largest board on the list and will provide you with great stability.
ITIWIT Beginner Touring SUP – 8 Feet – Lightest Budget Paddleboard
Key Features:
- RRP = £249.99
- Length = 244cm/8ft
- Width = 76cm
- Thickness = 12.5cm
- Packsize = 48cm x 31cm x 19cm
- Weight = 6kg
- Also Included: Leash, Backpack
If you’re after a light paddleboard that is easy to carry fro your car to the water, the ITIWIT Beginner Touring SUP (8 feet) is a great choice.
Weighing just 6kg, this is a very light board compared to other options. It also comes with a backpack, making it even easier to carry.
This board doesn’t come with any accessories, so the overall cast might be a little higher than other options. Something you should consider when thinking about your budget.
Other Budget SUPS
Nemaxx SUP Board – PB300
Key Features:
- RRP = £220.00
- Length = 300cm/10ft
- Width = 76cm
- Thickness = 15cm
- Packsize = Unknown
- Weight = 12kg
- Also Included: Hand Pump, Adjustable Paddle, Backpack, Coil Leash, Repair Kit
Triclicks Beginners Inflatable SUP
Key Features:
- RRP = £239.00
- Length = 300cm/10ft
- Width = 75cm
- Thickness = 15cm
- Packsize = 80cm x 30cm x 28cm
- Weight = 11kg
- Also Included: Hand Pump, Adjustable Paddle, Backpack, Coil Leash, Repair Kit
GEEZY Inflatable SUP
Key Features:
- RRP = £239.99
- Length = 320cm/10.5ft
- Width = 76cm
- Thickness = 15cm
- Packsize = Unknown
- Weight = 12kg
- Also Included: Hand Pump, Adjustable Paddle, Backpack, Leash, Repair Kit
ITIWIT Beginner Touring SUP – 9 Feet
Key Features:
- RRP = £249.99
- Length = 274cm/9ft
- Width = 73.5cm
- Thickness = 12.5cm
- Packsize = 80cm x 40cm x 16cm
- Weight = 7kg
- Also Included: Backpack, Leash, Repair Kit
FAYEAN Stand Up Paddle Board
Key Features:
- RRP = £259.99
- Length = 305cm/10ft
- Width = 71cm
- Thickness = 15cm
- Packsize = 80cm x 40cm x 22cm
- Weight = 7.4kg
- Also Included: Hand Pump, Adjustable Paddle, Backpack, Leash, Repair Kit, Waterproof Phone Holder
Redder Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Key Features:
- RRP = £269.99
- Length = 305cm/10ft
- Width = 79cm
- Thickness = 12cm
- Packsize = 89cm x 45cm x 25cm
- Weight = 7.7kg
- Also Included: Hand Pump, Adjustable Paddle, Backpack, Leash, Repair Kit
HIKS SUP Set
Key Features:
- RRP = £269.99
- Length = 305cm/10ft
- Width = 71cm
- Thickness = 10cm
- Packsize = 86cm x 37cm x 25cm
- Weight = 11.5kg
- Also Included: Hand Pump, Adjustable Paddle, Backpack, Leash, Repair Kit
AQUAPLANET ALLROUND TEN SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Kit
Key Features:
- RRP = £289.99
- Length = 305cm/10ft
- Width = 76cm
- Thickness = 12cm
- Packsize = 84cm x 39cm x 12cm
- Weight = 12.5kg
- Also Included: Hand Pump, Adjustable Paddle, Backpack, Coil Leash, Repair Kit, Waterproof Sack
ITIWIT Beginner Touring SUP – 10 Feet
Key Features:
- RRP = £299.99
- Length = 305cm/10ft
- Width = 81.5cm
- Thickness = 12.5cm
- Packsize = 90cm x 40cm x 16cm
- Weight = 9kg
- Also Included: Backpack, Leash
Leader Accessoris Inflatable Stand up Board
Key Features:
- RRP = £299.99
- Length = 320cm/11ft
- Width = 81cm
- Thickness = 15cm
- Packsize = 90cm x 42cm x 26cm
- Weight = 13kg
- Also Included: Hand Pump, Adjustable Paddle, Backpack, Coil Leash, Repair Kit
Summary
Have you found your perfect budget SUP? If you want a SUP that comes with all the accessories you will need, then for me the No.32 Beginners Inflatable SUP Board is a great choice.
Don’t forget, once you’ve got your board, you’ll need to make sure you have the right clothes to wear as well.
