These boards are all great options for those looking to buy their first paddleboard, they are stable, durable, and designed for beginners with the capacity for progression. They are also made with high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.

It's a good idea to rent or borrow a paddleboard before making a purchase, this will allow you to try a variety of boards and find one that is comfortable and works for you. By choosing the right paddle board and equipment, you'll have a more enjoyable experience on your journey of learning to paddleboard.

A SUP paddle is the next piece of equipment on the list. You’ll want to choose a paddle that is the right length, has a comfortable grip and is lightweight. Here are the things to consider when buying a paddle:

Type: There are adjustable paddles and fixed paddles, adjustable paddles allow you to adjust the length of the paddle shaft, while fixed paddles cannot be adjusted in length. The adjustable type of paddle is a great option for those starting out that haven't quite perfected their length-to-paddle-comfort ratio yet, they also make a great option for families and couples who will be sharing equipment. Fixed-length SUP paddles tend to be lighter as they do not have the adjustment part, and are usually made from more expensive materials and require cutting the paddle down to the correct size before setting it permanently.

Length: Getting the length of your SUP paddle right is important as a correctly sized paddle will be more comfortable and efficient to paddle with, helping to maximize your time on the water.

If it's hot and sunny it's important to wear clothing that will protect you from the sun and material that performs well in the water, a rash guard and swim shorts are a perfect combo. If you choose just to wear a swimsuit, be sure to team it with a high factor sunscreen that is waterproof and re-apply it often. A sun cap and sunglasses attached to a retainer will help protect you from the glare off the water too.

If the temperatures are more mild you can opt for a wetsuit, drysuit or thicker layers with neoprene booties. Try to avoid materials like cotton that have minimal insulating properties.

Now that you have acquired the right equipment, let's look at the basics of paddle boarding technique. We do recommend you seek the guidance of a seasoned instructor during your initial attempts at paddle boarding, as they have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can prove invaluable in correcting and refining your technique. Head to our SUP Schools & Instructors page to find an instructor near you:

Always launch your paddleboard in calm, flat waters. Carry your paddleboard into knee deep water using the central carry handle, be sure that the fin is clear of any underwater obstacles or rocks. Once in the water, carefully place your paddle horizontally on the board, between the middle and the nose, climb onto the board assuming a kneeling position with both hands placed over the top of the shaft in a shoulder width position.

Beginners may choose to paddle the board in a kneeling position initially, while they gain stability and confidence. If you feel ready to try standing on the board, paddle in the kneeling position a few strokes away from the shore into deeper water before attempting to stand. This way in the event that you fall off the board, you’ll have deep water to land in. Slowly begin to stand up by placing the paddle back to the horizontal position across the board and placing both hands, shoulder width apart over the shaft. From here, lift your chest and bring one foot forwards, shoulder width apart around the center of the board. Stabilize yourself and then bring the other foot to match. Take hold of your paddle and begin to rise, engaging your core and straightening your back. Continue until you are standing but keep a slight bend in the knees, this is important so you can absorb small waves and movements without falling off.

Pro Tip: It helps to look ahead rather than at your feet when standing up!

Maintaining balance while paddling is key to staying on the board, here are some pointers to help you stay on top of the water.

• Carefully position your feet so that they are parallel, hip-width apart and over the center of the board. Make sure they are spaced evenly over the deck so as to distribute your weight equally.
• Keep your toes pointing forward, your knees slightly bent and your back straight. Keeping the knees soft will allow you to absorb small waves and impacts.
• Try to maintain a gaze that is in the distance, looking ahead rather than down at your feet. This will help massively with your balance. Try to look ahead where you want to go.
• When paddling your feet should remain in the same position, try to move at the hips through each paddle stroke.

The forward paddle stroke is the basic stroke that will move your board forwards through the water.

1. Your hands should be shoulder width apart down the paddle shaft. If you will be paddling on the right side your right hand will be lower on the shaft with your left hand on the T-grip at the top of the shaft. If you plan to paddle on the left, the opposite will be true.
2. Start the stroke by reaching as far forwards with your bottom hand, lifting the top hand back towards you to keep the shaft vertically aligned. As you extend forwards, twist your core to allow maximum reach. Keep your head raised with your focus on a static object in the distance and the knees soft with a slight bend.
3. Next, plant the stroke by driving the whole blade of the paddle into the water, keeping your back straight, core engaged and still focusing in the distance. Your hands should be stacked vertically on top of each other.
4. Now pull the paddle through the water, twisting your core and driving through the stroke with your top hand. Once the paddle blade is in line with your hips,exit the stroke and return to the starting position.

Pro Tip: Keeping the stroke close to the rail of the board will help prevent the board from turning and keep you tracking straight.

It's good to practice paddling on both sides, as when you start to paddle for longer distances you’ll want to change sides periodically to reduce fatigue or match the conditions.

The sweep stroke is a technique used to change the direction of the paddleboard when paddling. You can perform forwards and backwards sweep strokes in order to control the direction of your SUP.

To perform the backwards sweep stroke, apply the same technique but in reverse. The backwards sweep stroke it performed on the same side that you want the direction of turn to be in. i.e if you want the board to turn to the left you can make a backwards sweep stroke to bring the nose of the board to the left.

Draw strokes move the board sideways through the water, this stroke is particularly helpful when trying to saddle up parallel to something such as a dock or another paddleboard.

To execute the draw stroke, rotate your shoulders and chest to the side of the paddleboard you will be performing the stroke on. Extend your arms out and bury the paddle blade in the water so the blade face is parallel to the rail of the board. Pull the paddle towards you in order to move the board in the direction of the paddle. Lift the blade from the water and return to the starting position.

As your career in paddle boarding progresses, you may want to try different variations of paddleboarding. Below are some of the most popular styles of paddleboarding.