You need to not only take length into consideration when selecting a board, SUP boards are usually quoted by width and volume and this plays a vital part and some brands also list tail measurements.

For example: some 9ft SUPs can be just as stable as 10ft+ SUPs. We recommend going for something between 9ft-10’6ft as a longer board will give you more glide (or momentum) as well as giving you a a slightly better track (point) which means less corrective strokes. However, you can over board with length and end up with something that you find difficult to turn.

For those on the lighter side (under 80kg) you can go for widths a little less than 30” – although you shouldn’t go too narrow! For someone bigger boned then 32” would be a better choice.

Around 190L is good starting point for larger individuals and 150L-170L for lighter paddlers.

It’s our expertl opinion that if you are a beginner you should choose something billed as “all round”. An all round board normally have a rounded nose and a wide tail. But don’t need to worry too much about this.

You will see boards marketed for their pointy bow boards as being ‘do it alls’ and while this might be a good shape if you’re only looking to paddle on flat water, it would be wise to choose a board designed to handle small waves. It’s early days in your paddling career so you don’t want to specialise or limit yourself , it’s best to experience all that SUP has to offer first.