What board should a beginner buy?
I quite often see posts where people are asking. What should I get for my first beginner board?
That’s actually two questions.
What should I get for my first board?
What’s a good beginner board?.
Now that is where a huge contradiction is in place.
Most people buy a board at the budget end of the spectrum for their first board, it will be 6 in thick and inflate to around 15 psi.
Unfortunately, the fact is these boards do not make a good beginner board. Former beginner they need a board that is rigid not floppy, they need a board that will make self-rescue straightforward. They need a board where if they break the fin they can replace it easily.
Much as I wouldn’t walk into a fine restaurant and ask for an oil change on my van, because that’s not their field of expertise, why would anybody assume that a shop that sells bicycle parts, maps and hiking shoes would have expert knowledge for paddle boards?
There are some absolute experts in their fields in the UK, and some very highly qualified and experienced instructors and coaches. Ask the opinions of those people about paddle boards and you will get a vastly different reply than you would do asking on a Facebook group
Www.mcconks.com
www.supinflatables.co.uk
www.fatstickboards.com
All the above not only have a great selection of boards for sale but also have a deep knowledge and can give advice.
If your in the Yorkshire area,
www.everythingawesome.co.uk
These guys won’t try to sell you a board, but can help with beginner lessons.
As will many others in your local area