Heading to the beach? Don’t forget your SUP. The ideal socially distanced sport, stand up paddle boarding has taken the nation by storm – thankfully not literally as calm waters are just what you need for a successful ride.

Unlike cheaper boards that can resemble a giant floating banana, the Portofino's drop-stitched core (nylon threads that run between the upper and lower faces of the board) give it a very uniform shape that helps it move efficiently over the water.To inflate the board you twist one end of a plastic tube onto the valve and the other screws into the pump – this is a single-cylinder, single-action pump (meaning it only pushes air into the board on the downstroke) and so takes about 5-10 minutes to see the desired 15psi on the gauge. This is one area you might want to upgrade if you find yourself paddling every weekend. It soon gets a bit tiresome inflating it manually. Whether the Paddle Boards will be small sports equipment or large sports equipment will depend on the type of board and obviously the airline you are flying with. Best pizza oven 2023: top outdoor and indoor pizza ovens for your patio, garden, balcony or kitchen How to choose the best inflatable paddle board for you Why choose an inflatable stand-up paddle board? Choose well, buy better and save money using our expert tips Get our Weekly Scoop newsletter – it's free

Key specs – Total weight: 11kg; Length: 385cm; Width: 76cm; Height: 12cm; Air pressure: 20-25psi; Volume: 280L; How much can it carry:180kg; Accessories: Pump, bag, leash, paddle, fins and waterproof phone holder. Quality boards tend to hold their price when selling second hand if you look after them and you will have a better idea of what kind of paddler you want to become. Size is your friend when it comes to many water-based board sports – in general, the larger the board, the easier it will be to climb aboard. Look for a unit that has plenty of volume, with chunkier rails along the side to increase stability.If your family is learning how to enjoy the wonderful world of the inflatable stand up paddle for the first time, then you might want a model that can suit all of you. This versatile Aquaplanet option is perfect for all ages, no matter what your skill level might be. Features The Sierra Designs 800 20 is all designed to make nights in the great outdoors more comfortable – no zips required! This is a great all-round, amazing quality board from Red - an exclusively ISUP (Inflatable stand-up paddle board) brand that were the first to revolutionise the market compatible model. When the board is rolled up and stored in its bag it is half the size of all other ISUPS. It's great on flat water and on the sea with small waves.

We found one stand-out paddleboard that everyone agreed was the best. The best inflatable paddleboards They also hurt less if you fall on them and while hard boards are known for offering better performance and speed, an inflatable board has numerous advantages - including cost. We live within 5 minutes of the sea and within 5 minutes of a Marine Lake which is perfect for beginners to practice kayaking or to take out their SUP’s.

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For beginners and general leisure paddling, inflatable paddle boards offer a few benefits over the narrower hard SUP boards. The Portofino comes with a three-piece aluminium paddle which is adjustable from 167cm to 217cm to comfortably use depending on your height. Because it’s made from aluminium, it’s lightweight to easily handle and floats if you drop it to easily retrieve it from the water. Also, paddle boards used to be made out of wood, making them difficult to store away. But nowadays, most SUPs are inflatable to take up minimal space in storage.

Pippa also arranges pre-paddle pilates sessions to work on core development which aid SUP progress & help gain confidence in ability. From riding small waves to touring flat waters, the Portofino 10ft SUP is an excellent all-rounder and a perfect choice for beginners and advanced paddle boarders alike.If you want to go out paddle boarding with a friend but don't want to end up in the inevitable situation where one of you goes faster, and you get split up, the Red 15'0 Tandem MSL Inflatable Paddle Board is a great – if expensive – choice. It's a tandem touring board that's ideal for exploring with a partner while having a relaxed and chatty time, and it means that either of you can take a break if you get tired without the other having to slow down or stop.