Racing boards are long and narrow - designed for speed, they’re less stable, but glide through the water faster, with less drag. They’re great once you’ve gained confidence and experience. However, there are plenty of all-rounder boards that'll see you comfortable taking on the challenges and enjoying the pleasures of SUP life without compromising on much at all. This new process is done at the raw material stage which speeds up the process. The result being a more consistent and high-level cosmetic finish that has all of benefits of durability and strength found previously only on traditional double layer construction. One of the draws of paddle boarding is that you can enjoy it in any body of water, from big oceans to small lakes. And it’s a great workout you can do outdoors. What are the benefits of paddle boarding for runners?

Finding the right inflatable paddle board can seem like a daunting task,” says qualified coach Jo Taylor, co-founder of Paddle Cabin on the River Medway. “But an all-rounder board is a great way to get started. They’re wide (generally around 30 to 34 inches), stable and easy to turn. We teach beginners on Red Paddle Co ‘Ride’ boards which are 10ft 6in long and 32 inches wide. They’re super stable and sturdy for paddlers of all weights, abilities, and balance.” The paddle slots together, the fin slides in and the leash attaches very easily. Then you attach the pump….. OK so there is no gain without pain. The pain for an inflatable SUP it seems is pumping, be prepared for this bit to take a while with the GUL pump. 5 mins of sweat later you realise maybe the gym is a good idea after all. The board should get to around 12PSI, my first attempt fell well short of this, maybe 8PSI. It does get easier. Please remember it is your responsibility to inspect and confirm that the goods are in perfect condition before signing. If the goods are damaged and not signed for as such, we are afraid that we cannot accept any liability and the item will not be replaced or reimbursed. Because paddle boarding is a low-impact activity, it’s also great for individuals who deal with arthritis or are recovering from an injury, Smith says. Roll on a trip to Scotland, I had hidden the SUP in its bag under various bits of camping gear and two dogs in the car waiting to see if I could find the ideal spot. Oh my goodness did I find it! Shieldaig on the west coast, complete with an island to SUP around. There was no chance I was going to fall in here, the water was full of amazing jelly fish to look down at. I also learnt to not wobble, the answer being look forward not down. Then my second vision came from above and I found out the paddle is adjustable, so with the paddle now actually allowing me to stand properly upright life was much easier. My favourite SUP moment and a turning point in balance and style, from here on SUPing has been a breeze.Large, super stable and available for a good price, the Two Bare Feet Entradia 10’ 10” is one of the best SUP boards for beginners and bigger paddlers on the market, but it’s more than just that. It’s tons of fun even for more experienced paddlers, especially if conditions are lumpy or if you have small family members that want to get on board. The kit is really nicely put together too. Smith says for cross training, runners can take up a 30-minute paddle boarding session anywhere from one to three days a week. And says the mental determination required for long paddling sessions is similar to that of long endurance runs.

There are many different types of blow-up paddle boards, so as well as your ability-level it’s worth considering whether you’ll be paddling on flat water like lakes, touring long distances with lots of kit, racing or trying SUP yoga. Think of paddle boarding as a hybrid between kayaking and surfing. You’re standing upright on a board, similar to a surfboard, but dipping one long paddle (like an oar) into the water to propel you through the water, performing strokes like you would on a kayak or canoe. Position your feet hip width apart either side of the handle in the centre of the board, look ahead (not down) and keep your knees soft and your core engaged. The sooner you start paddling, the more stable you will be, although that might feel scary at first.”Also, just like when running, you can choose your pace and duration while paddle boarding, so you always have the option to turn a leisure paddle into an endurance event and get that intense workout and increased heart rate, Smith says. Just be careful not to overdo it if it’s your first time paddling, so you’re not too sore at the end of the day. Moving the board around on land involved grabbing the central handle with long arms, pop it on the water and it becomes much easier, light, easy to handle and relatively stable. The surface is grippy and leg friendly so within 30 seconds I was happily sat down or kneeling on the board and having a great time. A 10ft 6in or 10ft 8in length board with a width of 30 to 34 inches is generally the most popular size for beginners, and for the whole family to enjoy. Is it OK to leave an inflatable paddle board inflated?