Consider getting into SUP fishing this year? You've come to the right place. This article walks you through everything you need to know about fishing SUPs.
iROCKER is one of the top-rated paddle board brands on the market. It consistently earns its place on our “best-of” lists for its quality, durability, and value.
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In this article, we’ll walk you through all of the best iROCKER SUPs on offer. We’ll also talk a bit about the company itself, so you’ve got a better idea about who’s behind the boards you’re buying.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a much better understanding of what makes iROCKER SUPs worth purchasing and what you can expect from a paddleboard made by this brand.
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At a Glance: Best iROCKER Paddle Boards
- Best Overall: NAUTICAL 10’6″
- Best for Yoga: CRUISER ULTRA™ 2.0
- Best for Heavier Paddlers: ALL AROUND 11′ ULTRA™ 2.0
- Best for Beginners: NAUTICAL 11’6″
- Best for Long Distances: BLACKFIN MODEL V
- Best for Fishing: BLACKFIN MODEL XL 2023
- Best for Kids: NAUTICAL KIDS
- Best for Advanced Paddlers: BLACKFIN CX ULTRA
- Best Hard Board: BLACKFIN HARD BOARD MODEL SX
Comparison Table: Best iROCKER Paddle Boards
| Model | Specs | Where To Buy |
 NAUTICAL 10’6″ | Size: 10’6” x 32” Weight: 20 lbs. Weight Capacity: 240 lbs. | Amazon |
 CRUISER ULTRA™ 2.0 | Size: 10’6” x 34” Weight: 21 lbs. Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. | iROCKER |
 ALL AROUND 11′ ULTRA™ 2.0 | Size: 11’ x 32” Weight: 21.4 lbs. Weight Capacity: 290 lbs. | iROCKER |
 NAUTICAL 11’6″ | Size: 11’6” x 32” Weight: 22 lbs. Weight Capacity: 265 lbs. | Amazon |
 BLACKFIN MODEL V | Size: 12’6” x 32” Weight: 29 lbs. Weight Capacity: 485 lbs. | iROCKER |
 BLACKFIN MODEL XL 2023 | Size: 11’6” x 34” Weight: 28 lbs. Weight Capacity: 485 lbs. | iROCKER |
 NAUTICAL KIDS | Size: 9’ x 32” Weight: 17.5 lbs. Weight Capacity: 220 lbs. | Amazon |
 BLACKFIN CX ULTRA | Size: 10’6” x 32.5” Weight: 19.8 lbs. Weight Capacity: 320 lbs. | Amazon |
 BLACKFIN HARD BOARD MODEL SX | Size: 10’6” x 32” Weight: 32 lbs. Weight Capacity: 250 lbs. | iROCKER |
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The 9 Best iROCKER Paddle Boards
Best Overall: NAUTICAL 10’6″
Length: 10’6” (320 cm)
Width: 32” (81.3 cm)
Weight: 20 lbs. (9.07 kg)
Weight Capacity: 240 lbs. (109 kg)
You can’t find more budget-friendly than iROCKER’s NAUTICAL line of SUPs. The 10’6” model is their “base model” that retails for a rock-bottom price—just $299, which is significantly cheaper than any of their competitors.
But don’t think that it compromises on quality in the name of cutting costs. The board is built using iROCKER’s high-durability Dual-Layer, Military-Grade PVC and drop-stitch technology.
Having used this particular board for 2+ years myself, I can say that it’s one of the toughest SUPs I’ve tried. The material is thicker and feels more solid than some other brands that I’ve tested.
In terms of handling, it’s very beginner-friendly. While not the speediest board, it’s stable and tracks well thanks to the triple-fin design. All of the fins can be removed (using the handy flip-lock) for easy packing, but they’re easy to secure in place before heading out on the water.
The board also included 17 D-rings plus an action mount, which is more than enough for all the storage and attachments I’ve ever wanted to use.
One other cool feature: the ankle leash comes with a “key pocket”. I use it to bring a key which unlocks a lock box on the back of my truck where I store my wallet, keys, and other items I don’t want to bring paddling.
You won’t find a better-priced paddle board that’s as well-built and reliable as this one.
Best for Yoga: CRUISER ULTRA™ 2.0
Length: 10’6” (320 cm)
Width: 34” (86.4 cm)
Weight: 21 lbs. (9.53 kg)
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
If you’re planning on doing SUP Yoga, this is the board for you. Built by iROCKER (not either of its two sister brands), it’s tough thanks to the cross thread drop-stitch construction and ultra-sturdy PVC sheets. It’s also wider (34”) and thus will be more stable and supportive when you’re doing your Yoga poses.
The Cruiser Ultra is only 10’6” long (the standard “solo” paddle board length), but it’s thick enough (6”) and has a high enough weight capacity (300 lbs) to use as a tandem if both paddlers are light.
This board is also stable enough to take young kids or pets on board with you.
The extra-long (9”) twin fins help to keep this paddle board on course. These fins also make the board much more stable.
When it comes time to pack up your board, you’ll love the fact that it rolls down roughly 50% smaller than your average inflatable SUP. The Cruiser Ultra comes with a padded backpack that features extra storage for your Yoga blocks, towel, and other gear.
Best for Heavier Paddlers: ALL AROUND 11′ ULTRA™ 2.0
Length: 11’ (335.3 cm)
Width: 32” (81.3 cm)
Weight: 21.4 lbs. (9.71 kg)
Weight Capacity: 290 lbs. (131.5 kg)
If you’re a big and tall paddler (like myself, at 6’6” and 250 lbs.), this is the board for you. Though it’s no wider than average, the 11” length and 6” thickness increase its weight capacity to an impressive 290 pounds. That’s more than enough for even heavier users and all the gear you’ll need to bring with you.
The board is built using iROCKER’s cross thread drop-stitch construction, which adds an insane amount of durability to the board’s structure while also improving its rigidity.
This paddleboard is designed more for speed than stability, let’s be clear. The dual fins keep you tracking straight and the sleek, slim board zips through the water with impressive agility.
Intermediate-level paddlers who no longer have to worry about wobbling or tipping will come to love this board as much as I have.
And, like the rest of iROCKER’s ULTRA line, the board folds down 50% smaller than the average SUP to make it incredibly portable.
Best for Beginners: NAUTICAL 11’6″
Length: 11’6” (350.5 cm)
Width: 32” (81.3 cm)
Weight: 22 lbs. (9.98 kg)
Weight Capacity: 265 lbs. (102.2 kg)
If you’re totally new to paddle boarding, you’ll love just how easy it is to master the basics (balance, paddling, etc.) on this board.
The Nautical board is extra long (11’6”, as its name suggests), so it handles well and offers great primary stability. It also tracks straight thanks to the triple fins.
But because it’s a bit on the slimmer side (just 32” wide), it’s sleek and speedy enough that you can zip across the lake or downriver.
The board is made from Dual-Layer, Military-Grade PVC, so you know it’s tough enough to endure the sort of bumps and bangs to be expected from first-timers. Like all the adult-oriented NAUTICAL models, it comes with both an action mount (for mounting a GoPro/action camera) and 17 D-rings so you can secure a cooler, dry bag, seat, and other accessories to your deck. The bungee cord rigging in the front and rear offer extra storage space, too. And because of its higher-than-average weight capacity (265 lbs.) you can bring plenty of gear on board without worrying about capsizing.
Best for Long Distances: BLACKFIN MODEL V
Length: 12’6” (381 cm)
Width: 32” (81.3 cm)
Weight: 29 lbs. (13.5 kg)
Weight Capacity: 485 lbs. (220 kg)
If you’re planning to explore the Great Lakes, travel miles downriver, or paddle out to an island off your local coast, the BLACKFIN MODEL V is the best of iROCKER’s offerings.
At 12’6” long and 32” wide, it’s slim and very speedy. Beginners may find it a bit wobbly right off the bat, but as you advance in your paddling skills, you’ll find it’s a great board to use for crossing wind-swept lakes and choppy oceans. You can even use it to compete in amateur races (though it’s usually better to use hard-boards for racing).
The triple-layer PVC composite construction is incredibly tough, and the addition of a carbon rail increases rigidity to provide you a stiff, sturdy platform to stand on when paddling. It’s also compatible with a wide range of accessories—everything from a sand spear mount to pop-up cooler to kayak seat to selfie sticks to action camera mounts to a fishing rack—so you can use it for just about anything. Thanks to the ample deck space and front and rear bungee cord rigging, you’ve got plenty of room for on-board storage.
Best for Fishing: BLACKFIN MODEL XL 2023
Length: 11’6” (350.5 cm)
Width: 34” (86.4 cm)
Weight: 28 lbs. (12.7 kg)
Weight Capacity: 485 lbs. (220 kg)
Where the BLACKFIN MODEL X is focused on speed, the MODEL XL is all about stability. At 34” wide and 11’6” long, it’s a bit less maneuverable and responsive than the MODEL X, but it is so much easier to keep your balance on whether you’re reeling in your catch or paddling back to shore when the wind picks up.
Like the MODEL X, though, the board comes with action mounts and D-rings enough to connect a wide range of accessories, including a trolling motor, fishing rack, fishing rack holders, and a kayak seat. It’s also beautifully tough (thanks to the Triple Layer PVC Construction and Reinforced Seams) and with the addition of a carbon rail, it’s rigid enough to serve as a solid platform to stand on when wrestling with a stubborn fish.
Anglers will love the extra-high weight capacity (a whopping 485 lbs.) because it means they can carry coolers, tackle boxes, bait buckets, and everything else they need for a great day out on the water. Or, if you’re not in the mood to fish, you can take your partner out on the water and enjoy a tandem paddle.
Best for Kids: NAUTICAL KIDS
Length: 9’ (274.3 cm)
Width: 32” (81.3 cm)
Weight: 17.5 lbs. (7.94 kg)
Weight Capacity: 220 lbs. (99.79 kg)
If you’ve got kids between the ages of 4 and 13, you’ll want to have this board packed and ready for those lake days. At 9’ long, it’s short enough that smaller paddlers can maneuver it easily, but is stable enough and has a high enough weight capacity to accommodate young teenagers. It’s also wonderfully light (just under 18 pounds) so kids of any age can haul it to and from the water.
One great thing about this board is that it’s built tough enough to handle rough use by kids. The Dual-Layer, Military-Grade PVC construction can handle all the sorts of roughhousing kids get up to on the water (my boys love jousting with their paddles), and will be sufficiently sturdy for them to take their pets out paddling with them.
It’s even great for first time paddlers, as it’s a board built for maximum stability as well as durability.
Best for Advanced Paddlers: BLACKFIN CX ULTRA
Length: 10’6” (320 cm)
Width: 32.5” (82.55 cm)
Weight: 19.8 lbs. (9 kg)
Weight Capacity: 320 lbs. (145.15 kg)
If you’re all about that speed, this is the best of the iROCKER SUPs for you. The combination of cross thread drop-stitch construction and carbon rail results in a board that is both incredibly durable and rigid, great for powering through the water at high speeds. The package also includes two 9-inch fins that improve tracking and a carbon-shafted nylon-blade paddle that drastically enhances paddling performance.
Its 10’6” length makes it lightweight and easy to paddle, and at just 32.5” wide, it’s sleek and speedy. For advanced paddlers who don’t have to worry about stability, you’ll find this can slice through fast-flowing rivers or wind-whipped coastal waters. It also offers a weight capacity (320 lbs.) high enough to accommodate both solo and tandem paddling.
Like all the ULTRA boards, it packs down 50% smaller into a bag that’s padded and features extra storage space. It also includes the 12V electric pump so you can inflate it faster and with far less effort. All for a price well under $1,000!
Best Hard Board: BLACKFIN HARD BOARD MODEL SX
Length: 10’6” (320 cm)
Width: 32” (81.3 cm)
Weight: 32 lbs. (14.5 kg)
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs. (113.4 kg)
Yes, iROCKER does make hard-shell paddleboards along with inflatables. This MODEL SX is built using the brand’s “BlackRock construction” methods, which uses a high-density foam core surrounded by a fiberglass layer, six layers of Kevlar reinforcement, and a polycarbonate ABS outer shell. The result is a board that is incredibly stable, rigid, and tough enough to take whitewater paddling.
It’s not the most newbie-friendly board, as it’s built primarily for speed rather than stability. The planing hull allows it to glide over the water smoothly so you can cross that lake or navigate that river as fast as you want. Thanks to the three fins, you’ve got great maneuverability and impressive tracking to match your speed.
It doesn’t have a very high weight capacity compared to the average iROCKER inflatable, and it’s definitely heavier than the other paddle boards on our list. But you won’t beat its durability or resilience—it’ll put up with years of hard use without wearing.
Everything You Need to Know About iROCKER
The History of iROCKER
According to the company’s website, iROCKER was founded in 2013 by Steve Elder, a Florida native who began selling paddle boards out of his garage. His goal was to provide locals with access to affordable, reliable boards that they could take anywhere.
As the brand mission states, “When you’re out there, you want gear you trust beneath your feet; gear that’s reliable, and fun. With paddle in hand and adventure in our soul, we focus on top-quality manufacturing, design, and functionality. We aim to transform your weekend getaway and family holiday with gear that goes the extra mile—gear you’re proud to call yours.”
Why Should You Consider iRocker SUPs vs. Other Brands?
Low Cost
One of the things that instantly sets iROCKER apart from a lot of other paddle board brands is its low-cost offerings.
The paddleboard we determined was “best overall” on our list above, the NAUTICAL 10’6”, can often be purchased for just $299 (when on sale from the MSRP of $549). Compare that to the price tag of other brands, and you can see just how affordable a lot of iROCKER’s offerings are.
That’s because iROCKER is actually comprised of three brands:
- NAUTICAL, which has lower-cost, more beginner-friendly SUPs.
- iROCKER, which caters to the mid-tier price range and performance.
- BLACKFIN, which targets the higher end of both cost and performance.
However, even the cost of their “higher priced” items is still often lower than competing brands. This is due largely to the fact that their manufacturing is done in China, where material and production costs are lower. But as you’ll see below, the lower cost doesn’t in any way mean the quality or durability is lower.
Durable Construction
Though production costs are lower than average (thanks to production in China), iROCKER’s promise to customers is that they will always produce “Gear that Goes the Extra Mile”.
Reliability and durability are at the forefront of iROCKER’s priorities. All of their boards are built using drop-stitch technology, and undergo a great deal of testing before being produced and made available on the market.
I’ve personally tested a couple of iROCKER models (as you read in my reviews above) and I can say that their quality is on par with even higher-priced inflatable SUPs. Even better in some cases.
The fact that they back up all of their SUPs with a warranty (up to 3 years) goes a long way to show just how firmly the brand believes in the quality of their offerings.
Wide Range of Options
What began as just iROCKER now includes NAUTICAL and BLACKFIN, which means they have a wide range of SUPs for customers to choose from.
Though their main staple is recreational paddle boards, they’ve also got paddle boards built specifically for:
- Yoga paddle boarding
- SUP fishing
- Long-distance paddling
- Multi-person/tandem paddle boards
- Paddle boards for kids
- Paddle boards to use with your pets
Though you won’t find any whitewater paddle boards or surf SUPs among iROCKER’s offerings, the brand has enough for pretty much every other paddle boarding activity you could get up to.
Good Delivery and Customer Service
One of the things a lot of customers (myself included) like about the brand is that they are focused on providing quality customer service.
In addition to great prices, they also offer fast shipping times. Most orders are delivered within a 2 to 5-day window. As the brand says, “Your gear should be with you as fast as possible, so you can spend more time on the water.”
But don’t think the customer service ends when the paddle board shows up at your door. Every SUP comes with a 45-day guarantee that lets you use the SUP as many times as you want within that window, then return it if you’re not satisfied. Returns are processed quickly, efficiently, and with no hidden restocking fees.
Eco-Friendly Operations
For paddlers who care about the environment (which should be all of us!), you’ll be thrilled to know that iROCKER places a great deal of emphasis on preserving the oceans and nature.
As the website explains, “We are committed to implementing sustainable practices to help keep our waterways healthy, not only for today’s generation and the paddlers of tomorrow, but also for the millions of species who inhabit this incredible biome.”
To that end, iROCKER has created the “Below the Water Initiative”. A portion of every board’s purchase price is donated to No Shoes Reefs, a “collective of brands, scientists, and conservationists with the shared goal of leaving the water in a better place”.
By buying iROCKER or any of the brands under its umbrella, you can indirectly contribute to cleaning up both fresh- and saltwater habitats and protecting the marine life that share the waters with you.
Conclusion
It’s clear iROCKER has a lot to offer the paddle boarding community—not just a wide selection of great boards, but excellent quality, customer support, and an eco-friendly operation.
As you’ve seen from my reviews above, the iROCKER boards (and those from their NAUTICAL and BLACKFIN brands) are a great option to consider if you’re looking for affordable yet reliable inflatable SUPs that you can trust to last for years to come.
iROCKER FAQs
Is iROCKER a Canadian company?
iROCKER is one of the most popular paddle boarding brands in Canada, but it’s not actually a Canadian-founded or Canadian-run company. It was founded in 2013 by Florida native Steve Elder. Its headquarters are currently located in Lewes, Delaware.
Are iROCKER’s boards made in Canada?
iROCKER’s boards are all made in China, at the top-rated SUP manufacturing plant in the country. None of their boards or accessories are made in Canada.
