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iSUP Surf Board Test 2022 / SUPBOARDER PRO HEAD TO HEAD

In this SUPboarder PRO head to head test we put 11 surf iSUPs priced between £400 and £1400 up against each other. Surf iSUPs have been on the market for afew years now, and in 2022 there are definitely more than 2 to choose from! Whether you're looking for a compact surf SUP to take on holiday with you or leave in the back of your car, or for easier storage at home, the range of surf iSUPs now available has something for everyone. Heavier riders will most likely be looking for more stable boards with more glide. And lighter riders will be looking for boards with less weight and thickness. Our head to head comparison will help you decide which board is right for YOU!

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Stephen Thomson
Stephen Thomson
1 year ago

Great test guys, an eye opener for me about how well you can surf an ISUP.

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago

Thanks Stephen. I think we will add a video on SB Pro soon with all of the hammerings soon.

Andreas Kopp
Andreas Kopp
1 year ago

thanks guys for a very in depth review. crazy to see how jp australia hit the nail on the head with that board 5 years ago. if only the new lightboardcorp 3L MFT PLATIN WAVE 9´6″ X 31″ X 4.8″ LSUP-04.020made it onto the list. but your review on these boards makes me think, that its nose and tail will be to flat also. maybe you got a chance to test it in the future. seems to be a good board for heavier/ beginners in really small to maybe should height.

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Andreas Kopp

Hey Andreas, thanks for the comment. Yes you are right this would’ve been another board to get on the test for sure. Maybe it’s another board we can do a separate mini test on and add it into the mix, along with the Itiwit and the smallest Starboard.

Richard Perriss
Richard Perriss
1 year ago

Hey guys, great test. Been looking forward to this one.
Can I ask which board you would recommend for a reasonably competent flat water paddler, but complete beginner surfer who’d like to give it a try. Much as I’d love the Starboard, I don’t the budget will stretch that far for something that may turn out to be beyond me. Thanks.

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago

Hey Richard, what weight are you?
something with a bit of length would be easier to catch waves.

Depending on your weight the Aqua Planet Wingtail is a good cheaper option.

let me know Thanks reuben

Richard Perriss
Richard Perriss
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Sorry, 70 kg

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago

Hey Richard The Gong is a really good value board its just a shame it hasn’t got more rocker. So as long as you are aware that you are going to nose dive more on this board compared to the other boards. It’s still a great board to paddle and catch your first waves and if you’re going to be catching waves of no more than waist high, it still could be a really good board to look at. But if you understand its downfalls it will make it easier to surf, or you will have more excuses of when… Read more »

Richard Perriss
Richard Perriss
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Thanks Reuben. I rewatched them video and take your point about the rocker. Given that I’ll be starting in small waves, hopefully it will be less of a problem. Be good to make sure my technique is good!
I have actually bought your ex-test Gong through Will now, so we’ll see how it goes (when it’s warmer!)

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago

Cool Richard, yeah in small waves it will be alot of fun. And I think you will agree the build quality is pretty good as well.

Richard Perriss
Richard Perriss
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Was thinking the Gong looked good value.

greenwatersports
greenwatersports
1 year ago

Great review. Follow up with the Wedge would be great.

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago

Thanks guys, Yeah it needs to be done.

Karabo
Karabo
1 year ago

I’m intrigued as to what the board furthest away is I know the rest and have used most of them but it doesn’t even look like an inflatable I’m shocked

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Karabo

Hey Karabo Are you looking at the https://www.tripstix.de/en/beluga-wave-sup/ ?

Karabo
Karabo
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Yeah that’s the exact one incredible how it’s inflatable on the surf clips it doesn’t look it at all

cam
cam
1 year ago

Great test guys. why did you not include the Honu Bondi ? Also, I am thinking about getting a Honu Byron for surfing in Tofino. Considering I only get to surf one day a year ( Tofino is expensive and I can only surf for a couple of hours then cant get out of bed for the rest of the holliday) I know the Honu Byron wouldnt be as good for surfing as the Starboard but I cant really surf any how and I think the Byron would be better for non surfing days. I guess my question would be… Read more »

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  cam

Hey Cam Thanks for sending over your question and comments. The Bondi is definitely a board that also needs to be considered, but it unfortunately didn’t make it into the test, but because of this I think we will do an update adding this board and the Itiwit and potentially new starboard into the mix on a separate video. But you are right the all the Honu’s are superlight and will surf well because of that, just like the red. I think the Byron could be a good bigger board to a catch few waves on but obviously paddle on… Read more »

cam
cam
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Thanks for the reply Reuben. I have the red whip with one fin. I may sell it to fund a honu. However I went to Tofino 3 years in a row and the first 2 years I took lessons and couldnt stand up. The 3rd year no lessons and just practiced on my own on the whip. I stood for a second. I found the whip faster and maybe easier then the school boards. Anyhow, Why cant I use my whip as a long board with out a paddle ? I really prefer to walk to the waves anyways. Aggresive… Read more »

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  cam

Hey Cam , These are all really good questions. You can use your Whip for surfing and it will get you into some fun waves. But the reason why it would work better with more fins, is due to the amount of grip the extra side fins give you. iSUP’s don’t have very good rail shape towards the back of the board to give the board much hold/grip to the wave face (By grip I mean, as the board is moving along the wave face the board would just slide down it and wouldn’t want to track along the wave.)… Read more »

Cam
Cam
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Thanks Rueben for a great explanation. I dont really get Red. They are a top brand at a high price point but seem to have made some big blunders.I wonder if their boards leave the design room too early. Even the new board doesnt have a kick pad. I am no surfer but isnt that pretty dumb considering how expensive these boards are? Maybe they shouldnt be in the ISUP surf game. Harsh words but I bought 3 of their boards so I put my trust in their brand. One question Ruben. Would you say that the rocker on my… Read more »

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Cam

Hey Cam I do get what you are saying and its a shame that they haven’t got a kick pad on the new boards for sure. I guess this will effect the compact nature of the board. But the board does make up for this in the way it surfs. Regs, your whip and rocker shape. I think the rocker line is about the same as the new board but because the new board is lighter it doesn’t nose dive as much. The rocker on the whip is about average across other brands boards. Most iSUP will require more tail… Read more »

Salmonpincher
1 year ago

Great reviews. The red compact not having a tail kicker is such a bad idea. I understand why (for folding & so it packs down), but nothing but a flat pad would put me off

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Salmonpincher

Yep agree with you there! Thanks for the comment
Reuben

Olivier Decroly
Olivier Decroly
1 year ago

Excellent review ! Not surprised by the SB ! seeing I am using the Airline for race training and being heavy weight (95kg), very stiff and high quality. SB got also the best SUP surfers in the world in their team. If I would go for a iSUP Surf, I def go for the SB !

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago

Thanks for the comment Olivier.

Marc
Marc
1 year ago

Anyone here own the AquaPlanet Wingtail ?
I’m assuming this is the same board as the Hurley PhantomSurf 9′

… I’m looking at the Hurley as a beginner SUP-surfer. I paddle flat/rough ocean water on touring boards quite a bit in BC Canada…want to surf Tofino and other occasional swells locally.

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Marc

Hey Marc I haven’t seen the Hurley package up close. But the board outline does look the same. Should still surf the same way. It was a lot of fun the wingtail… heavier but still surfed well!

Javid Thomas
Javid Thomas
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

I was hoping for a comment about the phantom surf, same like the person above I would like to get the hurley brand as it fit more into my budget and seems to suit my needs for a beginner sup to help progress faster in my surf training. Would it be possible for you guys to do a review on the hurley phantom surf?

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Javid Thomas

I feel the Hurley phantom is the same board as the https://supboardermag.com/eqplus_guide/aquaplanet-surf-wingtail-2022/ and that board TBH surfed pretty well. Wasn’t the fastest but for the money I think it will get you into a lot of waves. I feel the Hurley will surf the same. Hope that helps?

Javid Thomas
Javid Thomas
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Your review video really helped alot in letting me know what to look for.
For anyone Interested in the hurley the major difference is it’s 5 lbs lighter than the aqua planet.

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Javid Thomas

Hey Javid. WOW thats surprising for me to hear, I guess there’s something different in the construction. Or what is on the board. Thanks for the comment

Javid Thomas
Javid Thomas
1 year ago
Reply to  Marc

Hi, did you end up getting the hurley? If yes, how has it been so far? I too have been looking into this model

amirizal ishak
amirizal ishak
1 year ago

hi guys, just want to share my experiences in i-SUP; pretty new, during the last session, it had was my 4th times. I have itiwitt 9′ x 32″ x 4″ (reviewed by SB). The first 3 session I have been trying with Itiwitt. It is not until my fourth session; i decided to try another board by Gong (old version), 10’6 x 30″ x 4″. Even with the 1st attempt, I managed to catch the wave and ride nicely. I named it after as a magic board. even a small bump, i could catch it. my confidence in supsurfing was… Read more »

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  amirizal ishak

Thank you for a very good comment, what you have described is very true when you are getting into iSUP surfing. Having the longer board will allow you to track better and get on the waves much earlier. I believe the Gong that you are using will also have a larger centre fin which will really help aid this as well. However the shorter Itiwit is a much more of performance shape iSUP so as soon as you are confidently catching waves and want to start to turn the board, it will be much easier to surf. This is the… Read more »

Cam
Cam
1 year ago

OMG Reuben ! The compact 810 just came out in Canada. $2500.00 aprox with tax. Except for the 2 fins and 2 less pounds It doesnt look that much different than my one fin whip. I had the compact 9.6. I loved it but sold it. I have sellers remorse but I was a bit heavy for it for supping at 200 pounds( well maybe It would of been ok once I became a better sup er).I think for the same price, a the compact 9.6 is a much better choice, higher rider weight and more all rounder( Am I… Read more »

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Cam

Hey Cam , as you know I got back to you about this on your other comment. But I do feel it is quite a high price point for you out in Canada.

Arnout
1 year ago

Hi guys! Can someone give me a recommendation? I’m about to buy the Gong Inflatable longboard, and wondering to choose between the 9′ and 10′? On a Jobe allround 10’6 i’m doing ok. And looking for a surf isup which i can progress on. I also got a hardsup, 7’11 but i can’t even balance on that one, way too small. What do you guys reckon? Right now the 2022 models are soft priced, so i guess i accept the fact that there is not much rocker, but the overall quality is good. And a US box single fin! Thanks!

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Arnout

Hi Arnout, are you looking at these boards https://www.gong-galaxy.com/en/product/gong-sup-inflatable-couine-marie-longboard-3/ . Because I noticed that the 3 fin surf shapes (the one we tested) are out of stock now. If so the 9’would be fine for getting you into so small fun waves. But the 10′ is wider which will give you more stability. I would say go for the 9′ as the 10′ will be very similar to what you have shape wise already.
Unless you think you will need the extra stability?

Arnout
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Hi Reuben, thank you so much for your answer! Indeed I was looking for that one. Do you think the single fin will make the performance (even) less? I’m tempted to go for the 10′ since i am failing miserably on the hard sup 7’11. By the way, i’m going to subscribe as pro member, and dig into all the vids you guys have. Keep it up!

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Arnout

Hey Arnout, Thanks for the sub. I think the gong 10′ will be absolutely fine to get you into catching some waves on a SUP. The extra side fins always help, but really when you’re trying to progress into faster turns and maybe surf in slightly bigger waves. For yourself now you’re probably more needing to focus on getting your feet in the right position being able to paddle straight to catch the wave effectively. And really just get your wave count right up this gong will definitely allow you to do that. Ref the Red wood gear. We haven’t… Read more »

Arnout Wittebrood
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Thanks Reuben, you are really helpfull! I’ve watched the whole test movie, and it absolutely gave me a lot of insights, great content! I’m about to choose between the Gong and the 2022 Itiwit 10′. The latter has shitty fins, but a nice rocker and is very thin… oh, choices choices choices! And.. of course all the brands come up with new models this spring. AAARGH. 😀

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago

Good to hear you have made a board choice. Let us know how you’re getting on with the Gong when you have it. Happy paddling Reuben

Arnout Wittebrood
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Just purchased the Gong. Thanks for your help!

Arnout Wittebrood
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

Any thoughts about these guys? https://redwoodpaddle.com/en/67-allround-surf-pro ?

Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith
1 year ago

I’m very close to pulling the trigger on the Starboard Wedge 8’7″. I found one here in the States for $1549. Checking on shipping cost and taxes. I’m 75kg with surfing experience. I think it will be great fun to take to Hawaii for small days inside.

cam
cam
11 months ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smith

Did you buy it ? How do you like it ?

Marco Caridi
Marco Caridi
1 year ago

After a bit of reflection, I was directed towards the Gong which however has been out of stock for many months, if you wanted to stay on this brand, how would you rate their longboards (https://www.gong-galaxy.com/en/product/gong -sup-inflatable-couine-marie-longboard-3/). I was thinking of the 10′ considering that I weigh 80kg and I’m a beginner in the surfing sector, I usually do cruising on flat water

Reuben Ellis
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Marco Caridi

HI Marco, 10′ board will be a fun board to get you into surfing small waves for sure. Because it’s a single fin board it wont have as much hold on the wave as the boards with 3 fins. But will offer better flat water paddling. Happy to surf waves up to waist high 2-3′. otherwise same characteristics with the flatter rocker line like the other boards we have tested.

Marco Caridi
Marco Caridi
1 year ago
Reply to  Reuben Ellis

I was hoping to hear from you, I have ordered my next board, thanks for the support Ruben

Reuben Ellis
Admin
11 months ago
Reply to  Marco Caridi

I hope you are happy with it , when you get it.

cam
cam
10 months ago

I recieved the Starboard 9.5 surf deluxe today. Here is a non surfing flat water review of it. today I am 195 pounds and did not have a wet suit. I am short. I am not young. I am a beginer. Today I took the board out in calm ocean water near Vancouver, B.C. I think I like the board. I was easily able to stand in the calm water. I previously owned a red whip. I could never stand on that thing in any water. I find that the Surf 9.5 tracks straight enough and is fast enough on… Read more »

Reuben Ellis
Admin
10 months ago
Reply to  cam

Thanks for the readers review, great to hear all your thoughts. Sounds like a good board for you so far.

cam
cam
9 months ago
Reply to  cam

please note. My board is 4.75 inches thick. not the 4 inch thick new version

cam
cam
7 months ago
Reply to  cam

I took the board surfing in Tofino last week. I stood up 5 or 6 times. After 4 seasons of trying to stand up, this is the 1st board that allowed me to do so. Sadly I only get to surf once a year so $2200.00 is a lot to spend. However, its a good fitness board on flat water, a bit tippy but good for learning tricks and balance training. I might keep it. I may buy 5 more and start my own surf school :). For me this board is way easier to learn to stand on a… Read more »

Reuben Ellis
Admin
7 months ago
Reply to  cam

Glad you got out Cam, but sorry to hear it not as much as you would like in the waves. Flat-water freestyle is great fun and I can see the board would be great for that.
We look forward to getting on the 4″ version too. Happy paddling Reuben

Markus
Markus
9 months ago

Hi @ all

cam
cam
9 months ago

BEAU, You nose rode the 9.5 starboard surf. Was this a freaky one off thing or do you think with practise the 9.5 surf could be fun to nose ride ? Could you get better at it ? It must be hard to do

Thanks

Beau Nixon
Editor
9 months ago
Reply to  cam

I feel that it has the stability up at the nose to learn to walk the board. When you’re actually on the nose, it’s touch and go if you’re going to make it . Great for learning to get to the nose, but not great for actually nose riding.

cam
cam
9 months ago
Reply to  Beau Nixon

Thanks Beau. I used to watch on youtube an east european guy. He may have been russian or ukrainian. I forgot his name. He looked like a soldier. Any how he did tons of tricks on Isups. He spent more time falling off the board but when he executed the trick it was great. Any how, once the weather cools down. I plan to get on the 9.5 surf and try to fall off it as much as I can. I think a lot of begginer suppers like me are trying too hard not to fall. I may try to… Read more »

Beau Nixon
Editor
8 months ago
Reply to  cam

Hi Cam. so true about pushing your limits. If you’re not falling off, you’re not really trying. Super keen to hear how you get on with the 9’5 Surf.

Peter Semple
Peter Semple
8 months ago

I’m looking for a surf ISUP that doesn’t break the bank ie sub 1k that suits a larger bloke in the 95kg range. Would like a nose and tail rocker Any recommendations…cheers

Beau Nixon
Editor
8 months ago
Reply to  Peter Semple

Have you got much surf experience? If you’re just starting out, some of the 32″ wide boards would be suitable to get you going like the Honu Byron. If you’re for something more surf specific then you may need to spend the extra $$ to get something with tail and nose rocker to suit your size, like the JP-Australia SurfAir. The Itiwit Longboard might be a cheaper option with some rocker if it’s available near to you.

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