Because paddle boarding is a low-impact activity, it’s also great for individuals who deal with arthritis or are recovering from an injury, Smith says. Also, just like when running, you can choose your pace and duration while paddle boarding, so you always have the option to turn a leisure paddle into an endurance event and get that intense workout and increased heart rate, Smith says. Just be careful not to overdo it if it’s your first time paddling, so you’re not too sore at the end of the day. Beginner boards tend to be super-stable, which does compromise speed and wave handling but are much more tractable for casual use. If you're planning extended trips around the coast, then choosing a dual-chamber touring style board adds an essential layer of safety, too, something that isn't as useful in the surf and closes inshore.

While the nose of the board is rounded for stability, the tail is narrow, which makes it easy to manoeuvre. It has a good glide on flat water but is also very stable. There’s no reason why you couldn’t use this Jobe board in gentle surf and choppier water. Roll on a trip to Scotland, I had hidden the SUP in its bag under various bits of camping gear and two dogs in the car waiting to see if I could find the ideal spot. Oh my goodness did I find it! Shieldaig on the west coast, complete with an island to SUP around. There was no chance I was going to fall in here, the water was full of amazing jelly fish to look down at. I also learnt to not wobble, the answer being look forward not down. Then my second vision came from above and I found out the paddle is adjustable, so with the paddle now actually allowing me to stand properly upright life was much easier. My favourite SUP moment and a turning point in balance and style, from here on SUPing has been a breeze. If you are willing to spend a little bit more than a budget model but don't want to have to baby your board whenever you are moving it around, the TOUGH-TEC Cross is the perfect choice. This board is fantastic for families, novices, or anyone who doesn't want to worry about their board getting damaged from a single moment of carelessness. While there are other boards that can match this one when it comes to toughness, none of the other products paddle quite as well, with the TOUGH-TEC actually holding its own with the top-tier boards when it comes to paddling performance. Value Then came standing up, to this day after many more outings I have never fallen off the board. Dinghy sailing and skiing, my two favourite sports involve a level of balance so I know I am not a total disaster at staying upright but certainly very far from a gymnast.

Racing boards are long and narrow - designed for speed, they’re less stable, but glide through the water faster, with less drag. They’re great once you’ve gained confidence and experience.

You should be able to dip the entire blade comfortably into the water while standing (with a slight bend in your knees) on the board. Stand tall and strongRemember that all our estimated delivery times are quoted in "working days". Weekends and bank holidays are not included in estimated timescales. Smith says for cross training, runners can take up a 30-minute paddle boarding session anywhere from one to three days a week. And says the mental determination required for long paddling sessions is similar to that of long endurance runs.