Fanatic

Fanatic SUP Advice

Fanatic Paddleboards Buying Guide

Need more help choosing the right Fanatic SUP? Open the sections below for advice on Fanatic inflatable paddleboards, touring boards, paddles, accessories and trying before you buy.

Which Fanatic paddleboard should you choose?

Fanatic covers a wide range of paddling styles, from stable all-round inflatable SUPs through to faster touring boards and performance hard boards. The right choice depends on your weight, ability, storage, transport and where you paddle most often.

Fanatic all-round paddleboards

If you want one board to cover relaxed paddling, learning, family use, kids, dogs and mixed ability sessions, look at Fanatic’s stable all-round shapes such as the Fly Air style boards.

Fanatic touring paddleboards

If you want to paddle further with less effort, choose a longer touring shape such as the Ray Air style boards. They track straighter, glide better and feel more efficient over distance.

Fanatic performance inflatable SUPs

For paddlers who want more pace, better glide and a more efficient feel without moving straight into a twitchy race board, Fanatic’s faster touring and training shapes are a strong option.

Fanatic surf paddleboards

If waves are your focus, Fanatic surf SUP shapes are designed to turn properly, carry speed and feel lively on a wave face.

Shop Fanatic by category

Use these links to narrow the Fanatic range by board type, paddle choice and key accessories.

Fanatic inflatable paddleboards — easy-to-store boards for beginners, families, touring and travel.

Fanatic hard boards — composite SUPs for speed, surf, glide and direct board feel.

Fanatic SUP paddles — from practical adjustable paddles to lighter performance upgrades.

SUP pumps — make inflation easier and faster.

SUP leashes — stay connected to your board in the right way for your paddling location.

SUP fins — improve tracking, turning and board feel.

Board bags — protect your board in storage and transport.

Fanatic Fly Air vs Ray Air: what is the difference?

Two of the most common Fanatic questions are whether to choose a Fly Air or a Ray Air, and whether a touring board is worth it for general paddling.

Choose Fanatic Fly Air if...

You want maximum stability, easy handling, relaxed paddling and a board that works well for family use, first-time paddlers and mixed ability sessions.

Choose Fanatic Ray Air if...

You want better glide, straighter tracking and more efficiency over distance. It is the better choice for touring, fitness paddling and longer relaxed exploring.

The simple rule: choose Fly Air for stability and easy fun. Choose Ray Air for glide, tracking and distance.

What size Fanatic paddleboard do you need?

Size matters more than most people expect. A board that is too small or too narrow will feel unstable, tiring and frustrating, especially in UK wind, tide or choppy water.

Beginner and family use

Prioritise width, volume and stability. A slightly bigger board is usually more enjoyable than a board that feels too small too soon.

Touring and distance

Longer boards glide better and track straighter. Choose enough width for confidence, but avoid going overly wide if speed and efficiency matter.

Performance paddling

If you want faster paddling, the goal is to reduce drag without losing too much stability. This is where demoing boards back-to-back can really help.

Need help choosing?

Tell us your height, weight, experience, where you paddle and whether you prioritise stability, speed, family use or distance. We can help narrow the choice quickly.

Can you try a Fanatic board before buying?

Yes. If you want to feel the difference between Fanatic board shapes, sizes or paddles before committing, book a session at our SUP Test Centre in Southampton.

It is the simplest way to choose with confidence, especially if you are between two sizes or upgrading to something faster. You can try suitable boards and paddles on sheltered water with expert advice from The SUP Company team.

Explore the Woodmill SUP Test Centre

Helpful related links

Quick Answers

Fanatic FAQs

Are Fanatic inflatable paddleboards good for beginners?

Yes. Fanatic’s all-round inflatable paddleboards are very beginner-friendly when sized correctly. The key is choosing enough width and volume for your weight, ability and typical UK paddling conditions.

What is the difference between Fanatic Fly Air and Ray Air?

Fly Air is the stable all-round option for easy paddling, family use and general fun. Ray Air is the touring shape, designed to glide better, track straighter and feel more efficient over distance.

Do I need to upgrade my Fanatic paddle?

If you paddle regularly, a lighter and stiffer paddle is one of the best upgrades you can make. It reduces fatigue, improves efficiency and helps you hold speed more comfortably on longer paddles.

Can I try a Fanatic board before buying?

Yes. You can book the SUP Test Centre at Woodmill in Southampton and try suitable boards and paddles on sheltered water before you commit. It is ideal if you are choosing between sizes or upgrading to a faster shape.

What essentials do I need with a Fanatic paddleboard?

At minimum you need the board, paddle, pump and leash. We also recommend the right fin setup, a suitable buoyancy aid, a board bag for protection and a waterproof bag or phone case for UK paddling.

Expert SUP Advice

Need help choosing a Fanatic SUP?

Tell us your height, weight, experience level, where you paddle and whether you want stability, distance, speed, surf or family use. We will help you choose the right Fanatic board, paddle and accessories first time.

View as

Compare /5

Loading...