Sandbanks Style

Sandbanks Style Paddle Boards & Kayaks

Sandbanks Style is a UK brand making inflatable paddle boards, kayaks and the kit that goes with them. They're our best-selling SUP brand at Boardworx, and we've sold enough of them to know how they hold up.

The boards

All inflatable, all sold as complete packages — board, paddle, pump, fin, leash and a bag.

• Ultimate Blue 10'6" x 32" x 4.75" — the entry point, and a good all-rounder.
• Pro Tofino 10'6" x 32" x 4.75" — a step up in construction.
• Pro-X Tarifa and Pro X Turquoise 10'6" — the premium all-round boards.
• Ultimate RS Cruiser 10'8" — a little longer, so it tracks better on a tour.

32 inches wide is the standard all-round size — stable enough to learn on, with enough glide to stay interesting. If you're a heavier rider or you'd simply rather not swim on day one, go wider.

Inflatable kayaks

The Explorer comes as a single and a tandem. Same drop-stitch construction as the paddle boards, so it's stiff and holds its shape rather than folding in the middle like a cheap inflatable.

Paddles, pumps and spares

• 100% carbon 3-piece SUP paddle — lightest, and you feel it after an hour.
• Carbon hybrid 3-piece — most of the benefit, less of the cost.
• Fibreglass 4-piece kayak paddle.
• Electric pumps — a rechargeable battery pump and a 20psi 12V pump. If you paddle regularly, this is the accessory people say they should have bought sooner.
• Clip-in fins and skegs.

Why drop-stitch matters

Thousands of threads connect the top and bottom skins, so the board can be inflated hard and stays rigid. That's the difference between a board that feels solid underfoot and one that flexes in the middle. It's also why these roll into a bag and live in a cupboard rather than needing a garage.

Come and stand on one

We're on Beach Walk in Whitstable, a couple of minutes from the water. Come in, stand on a board, and we'll tell you honestly which one suits your weight and what you'll actually use it for.

See also: all paddle boarding · kayaks · SUP paddles · accessories