We called on the help of paddle boarding expert, Michael Robinson, who's based in Durham, to give us the lowdown. What follows is his guide to paddle boarding for beginners, written by him...

Being on the water, whether sea, lake or river, will inevitably involve you spending a lot of time being out in the elements- getting the most enjoyment, mindfulness and fun out of these situations is a lot easier if you have the right clothing. Although in reality getting the right size is a bit less fiddly with an inflatable SUP because they’re already pretty buoyant, and because you’re likely to be paddling at a steady pace on flat water rather than carving down the face of a wave. But it should still be a consideration, and the best beginner boards will favour stability over outright manoeuvrability and pace.Our team of testers included beginners, more experienced paddleboarders, and qualified stand-up paddleboard instructors. Construction is a key consideration, but usually an easily resolved one. The days of stand-up paddle boards being mainly solid fibreglass or expanded foam have long gone. If you have a campervan or live next to the water, then a solid construction will make sense, as these are almost indestructible and perform much better in the water. But if that's not the case (which it won't be for most), then you'll want one of the new breeds of inflatable SUPs.

Like most of Aqua Marina’s line-up, this great little board comes with a bag, pump, leash, and the required fins to get you going – although you’ll have to provide the paddle. Shark also cleverly offers most of its boards with either 5in or 6in rail heights, which allow riders to make a judgement call on how much buoyancy and stability they need for their height and weight. The shorter the rail, the lighter (and often shorter) the rider should be. We were impressed with this board considering its price, with minimal flex, despite only requiring 15psi to inflate. Some rivals require 20psi or higher, which can be quite labour intensive. Key specs – Total weight: 9kg; Length: 323cm; Width: 81cm; Height: 15cm; Air pressure: 12-15PSI; Volume: 300L; How much can it carry? 200kg; Accessories? Includes adjustable paddle, pump, leash, fin and carrying bag Ask yourself whether you'll be paddling on flat water (lakes and calm rivers), touring (long distances in bays and oceans) or if you'd like the flexibility to cover all types of water.

What's the best paddle board to buy?

Though unlikely to happen, it's essential to be aware of punctures, the RNLI advises, and it's important to keep an eye on the seams over time. Rinsing the boards after they've been in salt water and keeping them out of the sun when they're not being used is advisable. If you’re searching for an inflatable SUP but don’t know where to start, our Portofino 10ft Paddleboard is an excellent option. Capable of handling all types of recreational condition, it comes with all the kit your need to get paddling, including a bag, pump, aluminium paddle, and leash. It’s a top all-rounder for beginners and intermediate paddleboarders alike. In short, yes. If you’re going to go down the route of an inflatable board, you will need a good pump, a carry bag, the fin (for added stability in the water), a leash to attach the board safely to your leg, and a paddle. Another solid option for those just starting out, this rigid is made from a tough polyethylene that wraps around a watertight foam core for excellent buoyancy and stability on the water.