Buying a paddleboard (also called a SUP) is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways you can choose to get afloat, whether paddling on the coast, or along placid lakes, rivers and canals.
There are quite a few choices to make. For example, you can opt for a rugged hard SUP board, but buyers often now opt for
inflatable paddle boards that are remarkably rigid when inflated and easily transported and stored when deflated. You'll also see there are several styles of paddle board. All round models tend to be a good first time pick, with more specialist options for touring, racing and surfing. You can even sail some paddle boards using a windsup kit. Read our
guide to board types.