What Paddleboard Is For Me? | Poole Harbour Watersports

18. květen 2026 Jamie Ziegler

If you’re thinking about getting into paddleboarding, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:

Which inflatable SUP is right for me?

With so many sizes, shapes, and constructions available, choosing your first board can feel overwhelming. The good news is that the right board depends less on finding the “best” SUP and more on finding the right one for your style of paddling.

Here at Poole Harbour Watersports, we’ve helped paddlers of every level get onto the water, from complete beginners exploring Poole Harbour for the first time to experienced riders chasing longer touring adventures along the Dorset coastline. Whether you want relaxed family paddles, fitness sessions, coastal exploration, or all-around versatility, here’s how to choose the inflatable SUP that suits you best.

Why Choose an Inflatable SUP?

Modern inflatable boards use advanced drop-stitch construction and reinforced PVC layers, making them surprisingly rigid and durable when inflated correctly.
They’re also incredibly practical in comparison to a solid board, they are easy to store at home, and when transporting, they can fit in the boot of almost any car. They are softer and more forgiving for beginners, but also super durable for all conditions (but also with kids!).
For most people, an inflatable SUP is the perfect blend of convenience, stability, and performance.

inflatable duotone paddleboard in rucksack on a man's back

Now you know you want an inflatable SUP, let's start with your type of paddling!

The first thing to think about is how you’ll actually use your paddleboard.

1. Casual Cruising & Family Fun

If your goal is leisurely paddling around calm waters like Poole Harbour, you’ll want an all-round inflatable SUP. All-rounders are perfect if you are not a confident or experienced paddler and want a comfortable experience, they are perfect for families and a range of riders (including kids and dogs) and therefore the more popular option, particularly if your main use will be holidays and beach days.

These boards are usually:

Around 10’6” long
Wide and stable
Easy to turn
Great for beginners
Rounded nose (good when on the sea with small waves)

Here at Poole Harbour Watersports, beginner-friendly inflatable SUP packages are among the most popular options because they offer stability and confidence from your very first session.

ALL-ROUND SHAPE

(RED RIDE 10.8 SUP)

TOURING SHAPE

(RED TOURING 11.3)

2. Touring & Exploring

If you’re planning to go out for longer paddles (generally over 1.5 hours) across Poole Harbour, up and down rivers, or coastal routes, a touring SUP (one with a pointed nose) would be a better fit.

Touring boards are:

Longer (typically 11’6”– 14’)
Narrower and faster
Designed to glide efficiently
Better for distance paddling
Pointed nose (good for cutting through chop and water smoothly)

These boards track straighter through the water, meaning fewer paddle strokes are wasted correcting your direction. They’re ideal for fitness paddling and adventure days exploring Dorset’s coastline.

How do I know what size paddleboard?

Board size matters more than most people realise, it can affect your stability, the movement of the board through the water, and how easy it is to turn. As we mention above, there are different shape boards (all-round and touring), but as a rule of thumb for starting out, the heavier the rider, the bigger the board, the smaller the rider, the shorter the board.

Length

> Under 10’6” → More manoeuvrable, ideal for smaller riders (kids and adults <60kg) wanting an all-rounder shape.

> 10’6”–11’6” → Best all-round size for all adults. Good directional stability combined with manoeuvrability.

> 11’6” + → Touring and speed with added length. Harder to turn quickly and suited to larger, taller riders (or those wanting speed).

Width

> 32”–34” → Maximum stability for heavier riders or those finding it more difficult to stand.

> 30”–32” → Balanced performance. Stable platform to stand shoulder-width apart, but not too wide to reach over to put paddle in water.

> Under 30” → Faster but less stable, ideal for more experienced paddlers, or lighter and smaller riders.

Thickness

Most inflatable SUPs are either 5” or 6” thick. Thicker boards usually support more weight and feel stiffer on the water, most boards will be 6" thick. 5" thick is more common in boards shorter in length, or designed for lighter riders (kids or <60kg).

If you are someone who is new to paddleboarding and wants something reliable that will get you out paddleboarding all summer, then our top recommendation is the RED Ride 10.8 SUP - 34" wide for ultimate stability, premium construction that is super stiff, and a good size for all riders and conditions.

Shop the RED Ride NOW!

If you want to get your first board, but have aspirations to go on the rivers or out for longer paddles, then we would recommend a touring board. The Starboard Touring One is new for 2026 and due in June, this model incorporates the added glide of the 12'6" length, but still stable at 30" wide for the more confident paddler, whilst remaining stiff and light with the premium construction from Starboard.

Shop the Starboard Touring ONE Sup NOW!