If budget is less of an issue, you might like to read our article about the best beginner paddleboards. Best budget SUP’s – 7 cheap inflatables & 1 hard board Wave Tourer Decathlon probably needs no introduction, you’ll know them as a French company who have sports stores all around Europe. They make and sell decent gear at very affordable prices, which is exactly how you could describe their main range of paddle boards.

We are only including well known, reputable brands and most on this list are inflatables, which generally cost less to manufacture, store and sell. Paddle boards are a great way to have fun, get fit and explore the world. However, not all paddle boards are created equal! For a true budget inflatable paddle board, you won’t find many better than the Wave Tourer. Based up in Newcastle, Wave SUPs produce great value inflatable gear to get you on the water. What’s great about Decathlon is you can guarantee their customer support will help you if something goes wrong with the board, which comes with a 2-year warranty.

I’ve inflated and used the Wave Tourer a few times now without any issues, but it’s very different using it a handful of times compared to a few seasons. With the construction and overall price, you wouldn’t expect it to last as long as more expensive brands, but I could be wrong. I’d love to hear from anyone who has used the board for a few years because if it does last, this board becomes almost unbeatable for value. Along with beginners, this board makes for a great all-round family board. The 11ft is big and stable enough for an adult and small kid to play on. I’ve chosen the Aquaplanet Pace because it’s a little bit different in terms of shape, which I really like. Whilst I’d still class it as a beginner board, it lends itself to better progression because the width is a bit narrower than most beginner boards. The pointer, narrower shape means the board will cut through the water and glide much better than rounded, wide boards. From the pump, to paddle and installing the fin, everything was super simple to use, even if you have never paddle boarded before.

The board only has a 1 year warranty, so that gives you an idea of how much confidence Aquaplant has in the board construction. I think it’s worth bearing that in mind when you’re weighing up your options. The Portofino 10ft inflatable stand-up paddle board kit is an eminently affordable, robust, easy-to-use board that works very well on calmer waters. A broad nose and wide, flat tail add stability, making the Portofino even more beginner-friendly, and a drop-stitched core gives it a uniform shape that helps it move efficiently over the water. As you'd expect, the bundle includes everything you need to get started SUPing, and you can even add a kayak conversion kit (sold separately) to make it more versatile. So, if you’re looking for a budget paddle board that you want to last for a very long, then the Tahe is 100% for you.I’m sure paddle boards aren’t the easiest thing to make, and sometimes it does go wrong where the glue doesn’t set or there is a random fault with a component that the manufacturer has little control over. Hopefully, when you buy your board it’s perfect, but these things can happen so having a warranty gives you that peace of mind. Other boards on the list, like the Bluefin and Aquaplanet, can hold up to 17 PSI whereas the Wave Tourer can only go up to a maximum 12 PSI. Going to a higher pressure normally means more rigidity, stability and performance, so the Wave Tourer does feel a little bit soft on the water.