Your stand-up paddle board questions answered Which is the best stand-up paddle board?Looking for a board that will grow with you as you progress your paddling skills? The Quroc allwater 12ft 6in touring SUP packagewill boost your confidence, while still challenging you to progress your technique every time you go out. It comes with a great package and hardy construction.If your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far, I also love the Wave tourer 2.0. It’s well-equipped to take you wherever you want to go, whether that’s exploring the coast from the water, going point to point, or just messing about with some friends. Now you can get your hands on the newer model, the tourer 3.0. How I tested stand-up paddle boardI tested each of these paddle boards under the same conditions. The testing period followed three main criteria:Real-world testing – I took to the water off the South Devon coastline, setting off from the beach, paddling to an estuary, then paddling up the river so I could test each board in different kinds of water conditions. If it wobbled or wavered, it didn’t make the cut. Inflation systems – The pump is pretty important when it comes to an inflatable paddle board, but they have come a long way since the days when blowing up an inflatable on the beach would leave you a sweaty mess. Set-up – All the boards included below were easy and quick to inflate, especially those that came with high-pressure double-action pumps.What type of paddle board should I buy? The main decision when picking a paddle board is whether you want an inflatable one or a solid one. Inflatable boards are easier to transport and store, and tend to be on the more affordable side. Surprisingly, they are also more durable than solid ones – quality boards are made from super-duper strong materials, so they won't dent or scratch in the same way solid boards might. That being said, in terms of performance, solid boards usually have the edge. They have a more agile approach to gliding through the water and, for those interested in SUP surfing, they are better at catching waves. What size paddle board do I need?The general rule for SUPs is that the larger the board, the faster it is, whereas shorter boards are better for manoeuvrability. So, the size you should buy depends on your plans. Short boards (less than 10ft) are best for kids or those wanting to surf. Medium (10-12ft) is the most popular size, and best for general use as well as SUP yoga. Longboards (12-14ft) are ideal for taller users chasing fast-paced paddling or long-haul adventures.What to wear when paddle boardingFirst of all, I have to advise wearing safety gear before you hit the water. With waves and weather being so unpredictable, personal flotation devices of any kind can be vital. When it’s summer, your favourite swimsuits will do just fine, but in the winter (because SUP is a year-round all-weather sport) wetsuits, dry suits and some water shoes are good ideas. Rash vests are also a strong choice year-round to protect yourself from the environment. Of course, SPF is another must, no matter the month. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Jon Axworthy is an expert in outdoor apparel and activity testing. After reviewing everything from kayaks and mountain bikes to hiking rucksacks, he knows exactly what to look for when it comes to outdoor sports. Jon has been an expert tester for many years and is your go-to for all things adventure, fitness and the great outdoors.For more outdoor gear we’ve tested the best tents for camping