1. Wear a life jacket
2. Avoid windy days (especially offshore winds)
3. Stay close to shore
4. Paddle with a mate
5. Tell someone where you’re going (yes, even adults should do this)

Must-have:
A life jacket. Yes, you legally need one. Yes, the Coastguard can fine you.

Nice-to-have:
A decent pump — jumbo double-action or electric.

Feel-fancy upgrade:
A stiffer paddle (carbon if budget allows) for better power and less arm flailing.

Ask yourself:

“Do I want to look like I know what I’m doing, or actually keep my balance?”

• For most humans:
  Get an All-Round iSUP. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of boards — stable, versatile, fun.
  
• Size matters:
  Bigger = more stable, especially for beginners.
  Unless you’re under 70kg, don’t buy a 10ft board. Your taller mates will thank you.
  
• Width:
  Modern all-round boards should be 32 inches+. Anything skinnier = wobbly circus act.
  
• Thickness:
  6-inch boards are more rigid and buoyant. That’s what you want.
  
• Construction:
  Single- and double-layer boards exist. Tech has improved so much that good single-layer boards are totally fine for most paddlers.
  
• Touring / Speed:
  Want to go faster? Consider a Touring or Race board. Just remember: More speed = less stability. You trade Zen for spice.