ISLE 11' Explorer

I bought the inflatable Isle SUP a year ago. Last summer I took it on the Shenandoah River, with the prime intention being to be able to take my dog with me. We went out many times, and then down to the North Carolina coast as well. It has been a great board. Easy to stand on, easy to store, wonderful on the river, and the sound by the coast, equally. My dog loves it as well. We lent it to friends who had not done any paddle boarding, and they loved it as well. Pros Size, cost, not a slippery board, and I love it being an inflatable. Cons It is a 32" wide board which is great, but in the future I might look for a 34" wide, because of my dog. But it really is not big deal. I don't have any cons for this board. Usage I use it for recreational paddling, mostly on our local rivers. I haven't had much chance to go to larger water areas, but I intend to.

Equipped with both nose and tail-mounted bungee systems as well as 4 center D-rings, the board has ample capacity for gear – including a cooler – for adventurous paddlers. Also includes reinforced nose and tail carry handles, in addition to a center carry handle, for ease in transporting fully loaded boards along riverbanks or shorelines. Completely inflates from the size of a sleeping bag to full size in less than 5 minutes, ensuring easy transport and stowing. Pros Price, Stable, durability, versatile, space saving for storage and transporting, more D rings than others, reinforced nose and tail carry handles. I love my Isle Explorer!

I love how it fits in the trunk of my very small sports car. I'm able to take this on airplanes or store in a closet in my condo. At only 23 lbs, it is easy for me to carry. I use a pump that hooks to my car battery to inflate in just minute without effort. It has 14 D rings that can be used for storage (ice chest, dry bags, tents) or attaching resistance bands to for doing yoga out on the water. The handles at each end can be used to attach anchors or to carry the board with all your gear on it. I've used it without the center fin over shallow rocky white water areas without worry of punctures. The Bote is very close to this board and seems to be made from the same basic design. 11′ Isle Inflatable Explorer Paddle Board was half the price of the BOTE Inflatable - Drift at Christmas time at $629 and the Bote doesn't have the handles at each end. Cons It's just a tad slower than some kayaks and other SUPs. You wont win any races on this board. However, I use this flaw to my advantage and get a better upper body and abs workout. I am able to keep up, I just work a little harder than some. Usage This board can be used both standing up or sitting down, on lakes, seas, or rivers, and I've used it on level 3 white waters. This ISUP can be used for anything from kayaking, fishing, river walking (Youtube it), to yoga. Stand-up to use like a SUP. Use the middle 4 D rings to attach an inflatable Sea Eagle seat and you have something that can be used like a sit on top kayak with a kayak paddle. (SEA Eagle boards have only 8 D rings and no handles, and was over $100 more. ) The 14 D rings can be used for storage or to attach resistance bands for doing yoga out on the water. I was able to load about 375 lbs of camping gear plus myself and paddle during a storm with foot high waves and still felt stable. I often carry both a SUP and a kayak paddle with me because I have not found one that can do both that I like. This board solved many problem that many of us have. Easy to transport without special equipment, and rolls up for easy storage in small apartments/condo. I get so much attention when paddling on my Isle from both women and men.