Sometimes, the value of a board resides in how many purposes it can serve. So, for those of you who are looking for a fun & resourceful inflatable board, we bring you a list of the best multi-person paddle boards on the market.
Now, before getting started, it must be noted that these paddle boards are significantly larger than average, hence the multi-people character.
That being said, let’s check out the best iSUPs in this category and hopefully, you can discover your favorite.
Best Multi Person Paddle Boards – Compared
[table id=15 /]
#1-Â Peak 12′ Titan Royal Blue
If you’re looking for affordability and resilience then you’re going to love the Peak Titan 12′ SUP board. Indeed, this board is one of the brand’s most popular purchases because of its flexible character and large platform.
Speaking of special value, the Peak at hand is one of the most balanced boards on the market in this category.
In fact, it’s been rather tough for manufacturers to come out with a significantly larger board that doesn’t feel like floating bed.
Accordingly, Peak produces their Titan Royal Blue at 12 feet in length, which is enough room for two tall adults to sunbath comfortably.
Further, the board at hand measures an impressive 45 inches in width to balance out the length but also to grant you enough room to sit down, relax and enjoy your environment steadily.
Last but least, the Peak Titan comes at 8 inches in thickness, pushing its total capacity load up to 500 pounds.
As far as quality goes, we weren’t surprised to learn that this board is processed under the same regulations as all Peak inflatable boards.
The good news is that Peak paddle boards have grown popular because of their rigidity and resilience.
In that regard, the board at hand is crafted with a robust military grade dual layer PVC coat. Moreover, to reinforce the hull, Peak went for an industrial drop-stitch construction that pulls the ends of the coat together to perfection, leaving no room for error or mishaps.
Additionally, the Peak Titan 12′ iSUP exhibits some really interesting features which will prove highly practical in a wide variety of scenarios. In fact, this board is one of the few in its category that comes with an impressively large gripping pad that covers most of the platform.
Also, the board at hand comes with a nifty cargo net for storage and a few handles on the edges for easier transportation on land.
In terms of packaging, it comes as a surprise to see a board at this price range shipped with all these accessories.
Indeed, the Peak at hand comes with all you’ll need to maintain it, including :
- A nice carry bag
- A removable central fin
- 2 adjustable floating paddles
- A waterproof phone case
- A dual action high pressure hand pump
#2- ISLE Megalodon iSUP
On the higher end of the spectrum, the ISLE Megalodon comes in with all its glory as one of the best multi-rider iSUPs out there.
Now, we can’t convince you which is the best board on this list but if we were to invest in a tremendous iSUP, it would be this one and here’s why.
First things first, it must be noted that the board at hand comes in two different sizes which will significantly influence its purposes. Nonetheless, one thing the two have in common is that they’re both considered rather expensive.
Indeed, the smaller 12 feet long Megalodon comes at around a thousand buck & the larger 15 feet model costs at least $200 more, which is a breath taking number. However, we are willing to commit to our prior claim and recommend this board despite its hefty price tag.
Hence, the smaller Megalodon, which is nowhere near small, measures an impressive 45 inches in width and that kind of surface area will push your passenger count up to 3 easily & it’s up to you to imagine all the activities you can explore with that kind of room and stability. However, in order to keep all that weight afloat, the board had to expand in thickness, attaining 8 inches and exactly 450 pounds as a maximum load capacity.
On the other hand, the 15 feet Megalodon is a beast to say the least. Beyond the fact that it stands as tall as an adult giraffe, the Isle at hand comes at an astounding 56 inches in width – talk about room.
Indeed, the board at hand is spacious enough to handle up to 6 passengers easily and that’s a party with the right people. However, in order to handle that weight, this Megalodon sticks to 8 inches in thickness, pushing weight capacity to 1000 pounds.
When it comes to quality, it becomes evident why these ISLE boards cost an arm and a leg and that’s exactly why they are the reviewer’s choice.
In fact, these ISLE Megalodon boards are developed with a strict marine grade PVC base that was processed and tortured to the maximum extent to ensure that nothing will ever puncture or damage this build, even if it was run over by an SUV. Moreover, the boards are fortified via an industrial drop stitch construction similar to the previous board, expect stronger and tighter.
As far as features go, you can expect to find every spec necessary to enjoy your ride on these ISLEs. Hence, the boards come with fully extended premium gripping pads, plenty of carry handles, a larger cargo net of 8 D-rings, 5 directional fins and an overall beautiful design.
As for packaging, The ISLE Megalodon iSUP comes with:
- A premium ISLE high pressure hand pump
- 2 ISLE Adjustable travel carbon / nylon SUP paddles
- A Nylon snap in central fin
#3- iROCKER BIG BLUE
Most iSUP reviews say that you can never go wrong with an iRocker and they’re not wrong. Indeed, iRocker is a prominent brand in the industry and one which pioneered the multi-rider category. Thus, it’s rather self-explanatory to find this board on their bestselling list.
That being said, let’s talk details!
The iRocker Big blue is obviously a big board but how big is it exactly? Well, this iSUP measures 13 feet 5 inches in length, which is longer than average in this category, providing you with a platform long enough to sunbathe with a special someone toe to toe.
Also, to adjust that ratio, this iRocker goes for a 50 inch wide platform and that will enhance stability significantly. Nonetheless, if you’re planning on hosting your family or a group of friends then you’ve got the 8 inches thick hull to thank because it pushes maximum weight capacity to 5 riders at once.
Further, quality is one of iRocker’s strengths and that translates generously onto this gigantic board.
Indeed, the board at hand benefits greatly from the brand’s commitment to military grade PVC coats. Accordingly, the coat of this board is thick enough to get through a bunch of torture tests, including a high roof drop.
In addition to that, iRocker reinforces this build with an industrial drop stitch construction to combine the whole thing into one unbreakable unit.
Features are evidently a big deal for an entertainment centered board and that explains the rich canvas that is the Big Blue.
In that respect, one of the biggest investments of the brand has got to be the anti-slipping pad that covers almost 75% of the platform to ensure maximum grip.
Also, this iRocker comes with a practical cargo net installation on the nose area, enough carry handles to make transportation a breeze and a nice set of 5 fins to help with navigation.
As far as packaging goes, it sure helps to know that the board you’re ordering is coming with all the accessories you can imagine but the iRocker Big Blue is kind of a disappointment.
So, to keep it brief, the iRocker Big Blue is shipped with 2 adjustable fiber glass paddles, 1 repair kit and nothing else.
#4- Driftsun Barge iSUP
Indeed, this brand has been around for quite some time now and to maintain its rank, Driftsun had to make some serious cuts on pricing and push quality to the max. So, where does the Party Barge place in that equation? Let’s find out.
The Party Barge is a giant paddle board and that usually comes with a limited target audience. Hence, it isn’t surprising that this board isn’t very popular compared to entry-level Driftsuns.
Nevertheless, the board at hand is built with a passion for parties and group rides, pushing its length all the way up to 15 feet.
Indeed, the Driftsun at hand is incredible long and that justifies its 55 inches width ratio. Accordingly, this board is both long and wide enough to cover up its competition but most importantly, it is large enough to cater for a wholesome reunion on water.
Nonetheless, in order to get that guest count up, the board had to push thickness up to 8 inches, granting it a total load capacity of 1100 pounds.
Quality is undeniably paramount to a board this large, especially since it will be taking on quite some weight. Hence, Driftsun decided to go safe and adopt a super rigid PVC layer that is supported via MLS drop stitching technology that perfectly seals all seems on the hull. Hence, while it is advisable to be cautious in shallow water, this board has proven to be a beast and last years with no permanent damage through our testing.
In terms of features, we were actually impressed to see a gripping pad so large on a rather affordable multi-people paddle board. Indeed, the Driftsun at hand comes with a gigantic anti skid pad that covers over 80% of the platform, granting you and your hosts a firm grip throughout your journey.
Also, the Driftsun Party Barge features a smaller but clever cargo net to help you store your gear and belongings that you don’t want to leave at bay. Moreover, if you’re worried about transporting this giant then you should feel better to learn that it comes with multiple carry handles to help your group carry it around easily.
Eventually, packaging is always a big deal and that explains why Driftsun includes all necessary accessories in this shipment. Hence, upon purchase, you’ll get :
- The giant 15 foot board
- Two high pressure hand pumps
- A central clip on fin
Sadly, this Driftsun package doesn’t include a carry bag of any sort.
#5-Â Driftsun Orka iSUP
If you didn’t have enough Driftsun, try out the Orka for a change. Now, the Drifrsun Orka is definitely smaller than its older sibling. However, it is still considered to be a pretty reliable multi-person inflatable paddle board.
So, what makes a board apt to handle multiple people at once? Easily, dimensions are the prime definer of the board’s capacity which is why the brand went for 12 feet on this Orka.
Indeed, the board at hand is 12 feet long and, to put you in context, that’s a bit taller than an adult elephant. Also, in order to balance out this floating giant, the brand had to commit to 45 inches in width, considering it’s the optimal ratio for a balanced board.
Finally, to ensure that the board is capable of handle multiple people, the Orka stands at 8 inches in thickness, concluding with an overall capacity of 550 pounds.
In terms of quality, you can as well just go back and read the review on the previous board because these two models are built the exact same way with the same material.
Hence, because it’s significantly smaller, we’d argue that the Driftsun Orka is stronger than the bigger Party Barge because it is literally a condensed version.
So, with a military grade PVC coat and an industrial drop stitch final construction, the Orka stands at an optimal spot for an inflatable carrier.
Superior to the bigger Party Barge, the Driftsun Orka exhibits an interesting set of features.
First, the board at hand comes with an interestingly large soft brushed EVA traction pad, and rear textured pad for cooler/gear. Hence, if you’re planning on taking on company, you do not have to worry about anyone slipping off the board & especially when you’re accompanied by kids.
Further, this board comes with a nifty tie-down system, which could have been larger given this is a gigantic board.
Finally, since transportation is a big deal for large boards, the brand hooks this Big SUP with plenty of carry handles to make group transportation fairly simple.
Lastly, packaging is essential for a board this large and we’re talking about accessories here.
In fact, the Driftsun Orka comes within a healthy little package that lacks a much needed carry bag & paddles. However, the board does come with two high pressure hand pumps, and a clip on central fin that is removed for storage.
#6- Airhead Super SUP 1860 iSUP
One of the bigger brands we haven’t covered yet is Airhead but it was probably worth the wait. Indeed, the Super SUP by Airhead is a work of art and like most art, it costs a fortune.
The Airhead Super SUP is the biggest board on this list but that still doesn’t justify the hefty price tag. Nonetheless, we had to take a moment and admire the fact that there is an inflatable paddle board that attained 18 feet 6 inches in length.
Just to put you in perspective here, this board is as tall as a freaking mature giraffe. If that doesn’t do it for you then imagine the tallest person you know and stack two copies of them on top of each other.
This is indeed a party board and that requires a significant width, 60 inches to be exact. Once reassured about stability, the next target is load capacity and Airhead keeps it simple by sticking to the standard 8 inches, pushing the capacity of this board up to 1600 pounds or 7 passengers.
Quality is where the price begins to make sense, at least a little. This board is outrageously expensive and that is justified through the splendid build that guarantees keeping this board in mint condition for years.
Indeed, since this is an extremely large board, the brand had to invest in some premium PVC coats, the like of which are found in zodiac boats, military bullet proof vests Then, the thick resilient coat was stitched together via industrial machines, leaving no room for leaks or punctures.
As far as features go, you could argue that this board isn’t the best on this list because it is rather limited & limiting.
In fact, the Airhead Super SUP 1860 at hand sticks to the basic multi-color gripping pad that covers the platform generously, a couple tiny cargo nets that should have been larger and a bunch of scattered carry handles all over the platform.
Lastly, the board uniquely features a triple fin navigation system instead of 5 like all other multi-person paddle boards out there.
As far as packaging goes, you’d expect an expensive board like this to come with every little accessories you’ll need to maintain it but you’d be disappointed because this Airhead only comes with 4 high pressure hand pumps and a carry bag.
#7-Â Bestway Hydro Force 17′ iSUP
The last contender on this list is the Bestway Hydro Force which is relatively bigger than most boards in this review & consequently more fun, right? Well, it all depends on your idea of fun and how many family members / friends are you planning to have on board.
Accordingly, Bestway is known for its top notch entry-level paddle boards and that made us wonder how good of a party board can it produce. Turned out, they were very successful.
In fact, this giant right here measures exactly 17 feet in length which is extraordinary to start with & also large enough to cater for a decent party of 6. However, in order to make sure the entire thing remains stable on water, the brand went for an unusual 6 feet 8 inches in width, meaning most people can lie down at the center of the board and their feet / head wouldn’t protrude.
If that’s not impressive enough then perhaps you’d appreciate the fact that this 8 inches thick hull can hold up to 7 people. Sadly, the brand does not put an exact number of pounds on max capacity.
In terms of quality, this board can definitely take a beating. Now, the Bestway at hand might not be as resilient as the 2,000 buck Airhead but it definitely offers great value for the money. Consequently, this board is built using the most resilient PVC material that would enable it to float still and it’s reinforced via an industrial drop stitch construction for extra durability.
As far as features go, there is no surprise here because this board exhibits pretty much the same features on every board reviewed above.
Nonetheless, the Bestway 17’ iSUP at hand does not satisfy the need for an extended gripping pad, covering up only 50% of the platform.
Also, this board comes with 6 carry handles for easier on land transportation, and a large tie-down system net on the nose area to stow all of your gear.
If you’re wondering whether this giant party board is setting you up for a weak package then you’d be wrong because the Bestway Hydro Force 17’ comes with 2 high pressure hand pumps, 4 standard paddles and a deluxe carry bag.