Meet my new favourite companion for aquatic adventures: the Sandbanks Style Pro X Byron paddleboard, £379. This beauty might just be the perfect all-rounder paddleboard for exploring the British coastline this summer.
Sandbanks Style Pro X Byron Paddleboard review
I’ve been busy testing plenty of paddleboards this season, from beginner-friendly models to touring boards designed for covering serious distances. But if there’s one board I’ll be keeping around for a summer of adventure, it’s this one.
Sandbanks Style is a Dorset-based brand that specialises in paddleboards, changing robes and water sports gear, and the Pro X Byron shows off their design nous – it’s perfect for coastal adventures. Created as an all-rounder board, it strikes a lovely balance between performance, durability and affordability.
Straight out of the bag, it’s easy to get started. Some inflatable paddleboards can be fiddly to set up, but the Pro X Byron is refreshingly straightforward. The board is easy to unroll and quick to inflate with the included pump, then the fin attaches and the paddle components slot together without any head-scratching. I particularly loved the roomy carry bag, which has wheels and doubles as a rucksack – and best of all, is actually the right size for packing everything away quickly when you’re back on dry land. What else is in the box? A fibreglass paddle, leash, pump, fin and a repair kit, so you’re ready to hit the water with minimum faff.
Once I was out on a limpid lake, the Byron immediately inspired confidence. At 10’6 long and weighing 8.5kg, it’s recommended for paddlers weighing up to 110kg and sits right in the sweet spot for recreational paddlers. It’s easy to manoeuvre, simple to carry and versatile. Despite being an inflatable board, this design feels impressively rigid underfoot, with little flex. The generous width and comfortable deck pad create a stable platform that’s ideal for beginners finding their sea legs, but the Byron never feels sluggish or boring if you’re more experienced – there’s enough glide and tracking performance to keep seasoned paddlers happy too.
I tested the Byron out in a mix of conditions, from calm inland waters to breezy coastal paddles, and it handled everything with ease. On lakes and rivers it tracks smoothly and predictably, while on the sea it remains reassuringly stable even when a bit of chop rolls through thanks to its raised nose. This is the kind of board that encourages you to relax and enjoy the scenery rather than constantly worrying about staying upright.
The deck layout is equally practical. Bungee storage at the front gives you plenty of room for a rucksack or a picnic, making it a great option for longer days out. I also found it coped well with extra weight on board, whether that was a dry bag or even my toddler joining me for a paddle.
At under £400, I reckon the Pro X Byron is a good value pick, too. There are cheaper paddleboards available, but few feel this polished, well-designed and enjoyable to use. And while looks shouldn’t be top of your shopping list, they don’t hurt – and I think the Byron looks great. My version combines orange and turquoise with a seaweed-inspired print, and definitely looks a cut above bargain boards. If you’re looking for one paddleboard that can handle everything from family beach days and fitness paddles to coastal exploring and river adventures, the Sandbanks Style Pro X Byron is a brilliant choice, and one you’ll find yourself exploring with again and again.
The Pro X Byron ISUP package is available from Sandbanks Style from £379.
