If you are looking to get into paddleboarding in the UK, you’ve likely noticed that the market is flooded. From supermarket aisles to high-end specialist shops like ours, the price of an inflatable SUP (iSUP) can range from £150 to over £1,500. It is a confusing landscape, and the stakes are higher than they look. In the UK, we aren't just paddling on flat, tropical lagoons; we are dealing with tidal flows, coastal chop, and gusty winds. Your board isn't just a toy; it is your flotation device and your vehicle.
At The SUP Company, we’ve spent years testing boards at our Woodmill Test Centre. We know which seams fail in a heatwave and which boards flex when the water gets messy. This guide is designed to cut through the marketing fluff and help you invest in gear that will actually improve your time on the water.
1. Choose Your Shape: Where Are You Paddling?
The "All-Rounder" is the most popular starting point, but it’s not always the right one. Before you commit, you need to be honest about your goals. Are you looking for family fun at the beach, or do you want to cover distance down a local canal or river?
- All-Round (e.g., Red Paddle Co Ride, Starboard iGO): Typically 10'4" to 10'8" long and 32" to 34" wide. These are the most stable option for beginners and families but "push" water rather than cutting through it.
- Touring (e.g., Red Voyager, Fanatic Ray Air): Usually 11'6" to 14'0" long and slightly narrower (28" to 31"). The pointed nose cuts through chop and helps the board track straight. Check out our Best Touring Paddleboards for 2026 for a deeper dive.
Unsure which category you fit into? Read our guide on how to choose the right paddleboard for your skill level.
2. Construction: What’s Under the Skin?
This is where the price difference lives. A high-quality iSUP isn't just a balloon; it’s a complex piece of engineering. We only stock brands that we trust: Red Paddle Co, Starboard, JP Australia, Fanatic (Duotone), and Jobe.
- MSL (Red Paddle Co): Monocoque Structural Laminate. It’s light, incredibly stiff, and legendary for its durability. It’s why Red offers a 5-year warranty.
- Welded Rails (Starboard): Most boards are glued. Starboard welds their seams with heat, creating a mechanical bond that is far less likely to fail over time.
- Woven Dropstitch (JP Australia & Starboard): The latest tech for 2026. These boards are up to 2kg lighter and significantly stiffer than traditional knitted boards.
If you're still debating whether an inflatable is even the right choice, see our comparison of iSUP vs Hard Boards.
3. The Paddle: The Often-Forgotten "Engine"
We say this to every customer: The paddle is half the experience. This is a paddle sport, yet many people spend £800 on a board and use a heavy, "free" alloy paddle that weighs as much as a small sledgehammer.
- Alloy: Durable but heavy. Fine for the kids, but frustrating for anything longer than 15 minutes.
- Glassfibre: The "Intermediate" choice. Offers a bit of flex which is easier on the joints.
- Carbon: The "Professional" choice. Ultra-light and stiff. Once you use a carbon paddle from a brand like Starboard or Jobe, you will never go back.
4. Spotting Genuine Value (The "Fake RRP" Warning)
Be wary of "deals" from generic brands. You will often see boards listed at "£800 - Now £250." In many cases, those boards were never sold at £800; the RRP is fabricated to make a low-quality, single-layer board look like a bargain. These boards often flex (the "banana" effect), making them difficult to paddle.
At The SUP Company, our sales are genuine. When we offer a JP Allround Air SL at £199 or a Fanatic Pure Fly Air at a discount, you are getting world-class engineering from a reputable brand at a legitimate clearance price.
5. Get Expert Advice Before You Buy
Choosing the right kit is a big decision, and we are here to make sure you get it right the first time. Whether you want to talk through construction types or need to know which board suits your weight, our team of specialists is ready to help.
Need a hand choosing?
Our experts are on the water every week and know this kit inside out. Give us a shout for honest, no-nonsense advice.
Visit our Test Centre: Woodmill Activity Centre, Woodmill Lane, Southampton, SO18 2JR
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on my first iSUP?
For a safe, rigid board, expect to spend £400-£900. If you find a clearance deal on a brand like JP or Fanatic, you might get premium tech for less, but be cautious of any generic board under £300.
Is a 10'6" board right for everyone?
It fits most adults up to 95kg perfectly. If you are taller, heavier, or want to carry a passenger, consider a 10'8" or 11'0" for the extra volume.
How long does it take to inflate a board?
With a high-quality pump like the Red Paddle Co Titan II, it takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Electric pumps are a popular choice to save your energy for the water!