Key takeaways
- Inflatable SUPs roll up to backpack size, so you don’t need roof bars or a garage to store one.
- Most complete kits under £250 include the board, paddle, pump, leash, fins and a carry bag.
- Wider boards, around 32 inches and up, are far easier to balance on for first-timers.
- A 6-inch thick board feels stiffer underfoot and carries more weight than a cheap 4-inch one.
Paddleboarding has gone from niche to everywhere, and this summer’s run of hot weather has pushed it further. UK retailers reported inflatable paddleboard sales doubling during the May heatwave, and with more 30-degree days forecast, the demand has carried on. An inflatable board is the easy way in: it packs down small, costs a fraction of a hard board, and a full kit lands ready to use. Here are six we’d happily get on the water, each picked for a different kind of paddler.
How we picked these
We leaned on width and thickness first, because they decide how stable a board feels and how much weight it takes. A 6-inch thick deck and a width of 32 inches or more makes learning far less wobbly. After that we looked at how complete each kit is, since a board that ships with a paddle, pump, leash, fins and bag saves you buying extras. We also weighed up real buyer ratings on Amazon UK and how each brand has held up over time, then matched boards to the jobs people actually buy them for, from travel to family days to paddleboard yoga.
At a glance
| Board | Best for | Size | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FBSPORT 6-inch inflatable SUP | all-round family use | 10’6 / 6″ thick | around £200 | 4.7 |
| Triclicks beginner SUP kit | a first board on a budget | 10ft / 10’6 | around £117 | 4.4 |
| FunWater ultralight SUP | travel and packing light | Ultralight, packs to a backpack | around £140 | 4.8 |
| iTAOSTAR Adventure extra-wide SUP | nervous beginners and bigger riders | 12′ x 35″/39″ wide | around £250 | 4.5 |
| Aqua Spirit Barracuda ISUP and kayak kit | doubling as a kayak | 10’6 x 32″ | around £210 | 4.5 |
| AKSPORT 11ft wide SUP | yoga and all-day stability | 11′ x 34″ wide | around £198 | 5.0 |
The boards
FBSPORT 6-inch inflatable SUP
Best for all-round family useThis is the board most families will get the most days out of. The 6-inch thickness keeps it stiff under an adult, the deck is wide enough to feel steady, and the kit has everything you need to get on the water the same day it arrives.
The catch: It’s heavier than the ultralight travel boards, so carrying it any distance to the water is a bit of a slog.
10’6 / 6″ thick · around £200
Check price on Amazon →Triclicks beginner SUP kit
Best for a first board on a budgetIf you just want to try paddleboarding without spending much, this kit covers the basics for not a lot of money. It comes with the paddle, pump, leash and a bag, so there’s nothing else to buy before your first outing.
The catch: The pump is hand-powered and slow, and the paddle feels flexy compared with pricier boards. Fine to learn on, less fun for long sessions.
10ft / 10’6 · around £117
Check price on Amazon →FunWater ultralight SUP
Best for travel and packing lightFunWater’s board rolls down small and weighs little, so it’s the easy one to throw in a car boot or check in as luggage. For day trips, festivals and holidays it’s the least hassle to move around.
The catch: Being light and thin, it flexes more under heavier riders, so anyone over about 16 stone will want something stiffer.
Ultralight, packs to a backpack · around £140
Check price on Amazon →iTAOSTAR Adventure extra-wide SUP
Best for nervous beginners and bigger ridersThe extra width makes a real difference if you’re worried about falling in. It’s far harder to tip, takes more weight, and comes with a seat so you can sit and paddle when your legs have had enough.
The catch: All that width makes it slower to turn and harder to store, and it’s the priciest board here.
12′ x 35″/39″ wide · around £250
Check price on Amazon →Aqua Spirit Barracuda ISUP and kayak kit
Best for doubling as a kayakThis one converts between a paddleboard and a sit-down kayak with a clip-on seat and a second paddle blade. Handy if some of your group want to sit and others want to stand, all from one purchase.
The catch: The conversion kit adds bits to keep track of, and as a kayak it isn’t as capable as a dedicated one.
10’6 x 32″ · around £210
Check price on Amazon →AKSPORT 11ft wide SUP
Best for yoga and all-day stabilityThe long, wide deck gives you a stable platform that suits slow cruising, fishing or paddleboard yoga. The reviews are strong and the kit is more complete than most at this price.
The catch: It’s a big board to inflate and carry on your own, so it’s less suited to quick solo trips.
11′ x 34″ wide · around £198
Check price on Amazon →Paddle board FAQs
Are inflatable paddle boards as good as hard ones?
For most people, yes. Modern inflatable boards use drop-stitch construction that gets very stiff once pumped to the right pressure, and they roll up to backpack size for storage. Hard boards still edge ahead for racing and surf, but inflatables win on price, storage and durability when they bump into rocks.
What size paddle board should a beginner get?
Look for width first. A board around 32 to 35 inches wide is much easier to balance on than a narrow one. A length of 10 to 11 feet suits most adults, and a 6-inch thickness keeps the board stiff under your weight.
Do you need a licence to paddleboard in the UK?
On most English and Welsh canals and rivers managed by the Canal & River Trust you need a waterways licence, which is included with British Canoeing membership. The sea and many lakes are free to paddle. Always check the rules for the specific water you’re heading to.
How long does an inflatable SUP take to pump up?
With the hand pump that comes in most kits, expect about 7 to 10 minutes to reach the recommended pressure. An electric pump cuts that to a few minutes with no effort, and is a popular first upgrade.
Related reading
- Best cool boxes UK for keeping drinks cold at the water’s edge
- Best insulated water bottles UK to stay hydrated on the board
- Best sunscreen UK for long days out in the sun