I need a hoop for the method of hand quilting I use, but many here on the board hand quilt without a hoop. Try different ways until you find what works for you. I would not recommend pin basting if you're using a hoop, as the pins will get in the way of tightening the hoop.
I've been board basting for a while; is the noodle method the same? Where do you get the noodles? It seems they'd be easier to handle than the boards. I've almost knocked holes in my walls a few times, LOL.