Stand paddleboarding is a fantastic way to stay fit, make new friends, and enjoy Australia’s beautiful waterways. If you're new to the scene, this guide will walk you through the different types of paddleboarding, how to choose the right board and gear, and a few essential tips to get you started with confidence.
Recreational Paddleboarding
A recreational SUP is where most beginners start. It’s all about relaxed paddling on flat water, such as lakes, bays, or calm rivers. You don’t need to be particularly fit or experienced; just grab a board and paddle and enjoy the ride. However, you’ll need to wear a leg leash and ideally a well-fitted life jacket (PFD) and practice getting on and off the board. If possible, start with a more experienced paddler or even book a couple of lessons
Paddleboarding is also a great workout, helping to improve core strength, balance, posture, and cardiovascular health. What’s more, it’s good for the mind. As we covered in a recent article, regular paddling can help reduce stress, clear your head, and leave you feeling more grounded.
If you’re just starting out, look for a stable, all-around board. Inflatable paddleboards are particularly popular with beginners because they’re lightweight, easy to store, and comfortable underfoot.
Yoga Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding takes traditional yoga and gives it a refreshing twist. Practising yoga on a paddleboard forces you to engage more stabiliser muscles, especially through your core. Each pose requires more control and concentration, which then enhances your level of balance, strength, and focus.
Along with the physical benefits, it’s a calming and mindful way to connect with your surroundings. Floating on calm water while moving through your flow brings a whole new dimension to your practice.
Yoga paddleboards are typically wider and have a grippy, soft deck that acts like a yoga mat. If you already practise yoga and enjoy being on the water, this is a combination worth trying.
Group Paddleboarding
SUPing can also be a great social activity. Group paddleboarding is perfect for those who want to share the experience, meet new people, or simply have a laugh on the water. You can join a guided tour, take a group fitness class, or go for a casual paddle with friends.
Being in a group can make learning feel less intimidating. You get to pick up tips from more experienced paddlers and enjoy a bit of camaraderie along the way. Some boards are even designed for multiple paddlers, making them ideal for families or team-building events.
Other SUP Types
As you get more comfortable on the water, you may want to explore different SUP styles that suit your interests or local conditions.
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Touring SUP: These boards are built for longer distances. They’re usually longer and narrower, which helps with speed and tracking. Touring boards are great for exploring coastlines or going on paddling adventures.
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Racing SUP: Sleek, fast, and performance-focused, these are for experienced paddlers who want to compete or train for speed. They offer less stability but more glide.
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Fishing SUP: A growing trend among anglers, fishing boards are wider and more stable, with storage options and mounting points for rods, tackle, and coolers.
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Surf SUP: These boards are shorter and more manoeuvrable, perfect for catching waves at the beach. They require solid balance and technique but are a great challenge for confident paddlers.
Finding the Right Board
Selecting the right board is one of the most important steps for anyone who’s just starting out. As we covered in our beginner’s guide, the key is to match the board to your body size, skill level, and paddling goals.
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Size and weight: Heavier or taller paddlers need boards with more volume to stay afloat. A wider and thicker board adds more stability, which is great when you’re still learning.
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Purpose: For most people starting out, an all-around board will be the most versatile. If you're planning long-distance trips, go for a touring board. For yoga, choose a board with a wide deck and soft grip surface.
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Inflatable vs hardboard: Inflatable boards are portable, easy to store, and softer underfoot. Hardboards are typically more responsive and suited for performance or surf, but they take up more room and require careful handling.
Look for packages that include a paddle, pump, carry bag and leash. That way, you’re ready to go from day one.
Inflatable vs Rigid Paddleboards
In terms of construction, paddleboards are available in two major styles, rigid and inflatable. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect with both of these options:
Inflatable Paddleboards (iSUPs)
Inflatable boards are made from durable materials like PVC and are designed to be inflated for use. They’re lightweight, portable, and easy to store. iSUPs are ideal for people with limited space for storage or those who want a board that’s easy to transport.
They are also more forgiving when it comes to impact, making them a great choice for beginners. However, they might not offer the same level of performance as rigid boards, especially in rougher conditions.
Shark iSUP All Round Ride 10 Foot 6 Inch - Available Right Now at PaddleZone
Rigid Paddleboards
Typically made from hard materials like fiberglass or carbon, rigid boards are known for offering excellent performance, speed, and stability. They’re typically faster and more responsive in the water, which is what makes them so ideal for racing or surfing.
Rigid boards tend to be more durable and provide a more “traditional” SUP experience. However, they are a little more heavy and bulky than inflatable boards, so keep in mind that they are harder to transport and store.
ECS Inception Painted SUP 10'6
Important Accessories
The right accessories will make your paddleboarding experience safer and more enjoyable.
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SUP Paddles: Adjustable paddles are ideal for beginners. Make sure the height is right for your body to prevent fatigue and improve paddling efficiency.
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Leash: A SUP leash keeps you connected to your board if you fall in. It’s a simple but essential piece of safety gear.
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Personal flotation device (PFD): A properly fitted life jacket or PFD is required in many areas. Choose a low-profile model designed for paddle sports.
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Dry bags: Handy for keeping your valuables safe and dry while you're out on the water.
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Sun protection: A hat, sunglasses with straps, and sunscreen will protect you on sunny days. Polarised lenses are especially helpful for reducing glare.
5 Tips to Stay Stable on Your SUP
After you’ve found a new board, the next step is to learn how to stay balanced on the board. The last thing you want is to fall into the water! Here are five key tips to keep your balance:
Choose the right conditions
Stick to calm, flat water when you’re learning. Avoid waves and wind until you’ve built up your skills and confidence.
Stand in the correct position
Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, straddling the centre carry handle. Keep your knees slightly bent and your posture relaxed.
Look ahead, not down
Focusing on the horizon helps you stay centred. Looking at your feet can throw off your balance.
Engage your core
Use your core muscles to stay stable and steer the board. Avoid relying just on your arms when paddling.
Practice falling and getting back on
Falling off is normal, especially when learning. Practise climbing back onto your board so you can recover quickly and keep going.
If your board still feels too wobbly, it might be too narrow or not suited to your body weight. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or upgrade your board once you know what works best for you.
Get Everything You Need at PaddleZone
At PaddleZone, we stock a range of inflatable and rigid paddleboards that are beginner-friendly, durable, and designed for Australian conditions. This includes fantastic options from both Shark SUP and ECS.
From health benefits and gear guides to stability advice and product recommendations, PaddleZone is a great place to start your paddleboarding journey. Ready to hit the water? Explore our full range of canoes, paddle boards, kayaks, SUP paddles, and a whole lot more!
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