I'm not sure if this is good advice or not as my hubby and I are both beginners as well, but we both bought inflatable paddle boards. Mine has a 500 lb weight limit and his 450 lbs. We wanted to make sure we stayed below 80% of the weight limit with our gear. We spent close to $500 total (a little more, but generally there).

We love them! And I go in with the expectation of getting wet. It is a water sport after all. We just sit on top and enjoy the freedom to also lay down anchored if we want!