Paddle Boarding At The Beach - Which Inflatable Paddle Board Should You Take?

Summer is now in full swing, and it’s safe to say we are delighted about it. The sun’s out, holidays are upcoming, and it really is the perfect opportunity to spend time by the water. Whether you’re heading off on a coastal day trip with the family or preparing for a longer holiday, paddle boarding at the beach simply has to form part of your plans to make the most of this season.

With inflatable paddle boards available everywhere you look, it can be tricky to know which one is right for paddle boarding at the beach. Some boards are designed specifically for calm and inland waters, while others are poorly made and should be avoided altogether. You'll need an ocean paddle board built to provide the stability you need for the conditions you might encounter at the beach. 

With this in mind, we’ve put together this short guide to paddle boarding at the beach, summarising the considerations you should make and our recommendations for the perfect ocean paddle board.

Considerations For Paddle Boarding At The Beach

Paddle boarding at the beach is richly rewarding, offering a great way to spend time as a family or group and explore the water in a new way. However, it also brings its own challenges. Compared to calmer, inland paddling, ocean paddle boarding is dynamic with currents, tides, and even light surf to contend with from time to time. 

Preparation for ocean paddle board conditions is non-negotiable, and you should always check the weather and tide times before heading out, avoiding paddling if the winds are strong or if lifeguard advice is to not enter the water. It’s also advisable to paddle where somebody can see you from the shore.

Your chosen inflatable paddle board and wider SUP setup also play an important role when paddle boarding at the beach. Sea conditions demand a board that is stable and rigid so that you stay balanced even if it’s choppy or when navigating a surf. Features like reinforced rails and a grippy deckpad will also give you greater confidence that you can enjoy your time on the water safely, and avoid falling in the water (although there’s something quite refreshing about making a splash on a hot summer’s day!).

Our Ocean Paddle Board Recommendations

To help you take the considerations outlined above into account as you find the perfect inflatable paddle board for paddle boarding at the beach, we have hand-selected the top ocean paddle boards from the market-leading Red range:

11’3” Sport Inflatable Paddle Board

If your idea of paddle boarding at the beach involves harnessing your sense of adventure and exploring hidden environments, the 11’3” Sport is a great pick. This inflatable paddle board is designed for touring and those wanting to go further (and faster), with a construction particularly suited to the ocean. The wide deck delivers stability in choppier waters, while the advanced MSL 800 double-drop-stitch construction makes it lighter, stiffer, and more responsive to the conditions you might face. 

As you venture beyond the shore to hidden coves and nearby bays, you’ll notice the difference immediately. The 11’3” Sport is exceptionally easy to handle, with a grippy embossed deckpad and raised tail to give you full control. It really is a dream for paddle boarding at the beach.

10’6” Ride Inflatable Paddle Board

If your trip to the beach is centred around family time and keeping everyone entertained, an all-round inflatable paddle board is a worthy choice. The 10’6” Ride is our best-selling board for a reason, and ideal if you are staying within view of the shore and want something versatile that everyone can splash around on.

This SUP offers a great balance of stability and manoeuvrability, so kids and beginners should have no problems using it as their route to explore the ocean. It’s also constructed from our incredibly tough MSL material, with virtually indestructible fins that can hold up to the wear and tear of regular beach use. This inflatable paddle board will certainly see you through your time paddle boarding at the beach, both this summer and the summers to come. 

11’0” Compact Inflatable Paddle Board

For those travelling some distance to the beach or taking their paddle board on holiday, the 11’0” Compact is an ultra-portable answer. This SUP is designed to pack down into a half-size backpack without compromising on full-size performance, making it perfect for beach holidays, road trips, and even spontaneous SUP sessions.

Despite its compact nature, this inflatable paddle board is exceptionally stable, with added stiffness and control thanks to the inclusion of our Quad Stringer System. You won’t have to waste any time when you get to the beach either, as setup is quick and easy with twin Click Fins. 

Choosing the right inflatable paddle board for ocean paddle boarding will undoubtedly make a lot of difference to your experience this summer, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need any further advice or want more information about the boards we have recommended.