Review of the Best Paddle Boards for Two People
There is hardly anything better than heading out on the water with a paddle board – except taking some great company along.
The only problem is that two people on one regular paddle board throws off the dynamics of your craft in motion.
If this is something you would like to avoid, then you should consider all the advantages of a paddle board that is designed to accommodate and transport two people.
The two-person paddle board is designed to carry more weight and distribute this weight effectively.
Therefore it will be more than able to carry your weight and that of your partner and remain nimble and light on the water.
There are even giant paddle boards that will not carry this weight so effectively. The best option for two people who would like to head out on a paddle board is the two-person paddle board.
Of course, this will also depend on matching the two-person board to the two people on the board.
For example, the Bluefin Cruise may be a good option for two lighter riders. Larger heavier paddlers, on the other hand, will need something a little more robust.
Important Pointers When Shopping for a 2 Person SUP
When shopping for a paddle board there are some important things you will need to keep in mind. In the following section we will cover some of the major factors that make a paddle board water worthy for two people. You will find copious information on each pointer in the sections below.
Pay Attention to the Carrying Capacity of the Board
The most important thing to consider will be the maximum carrying capacity. If the two people are too heavy, the board will bend just like a regular paddle board and this defeats the purpose. When the board bends it does not run in the water as intended and the speed is greatly reduced.
Before you go shopping, you need to weigh yourself and your partner and then include a 10% margin for anything else you would like to take along.
Once you know what your overall weight will be, you can narrow your search to the options that support that weight.
Size and Shape of the SUP
It will be equally important that the size of your paddle board is large enough for the two of you to have enough room to paddle. Just finding the right thickness and buoyancy will not be enough. You also want to make sure that the two of you will be able to paddle on the board comfortably and not be bumping into each other as you are paddling.
We recommend something longer than 11’.
The shape of the board is also important to what you will be doing on the board together. Some boards are round on the ends and broad from side to side. Others have pointed tips and are generally narrower. If you and your partner will be looking to break speed records, you will need the pointy thin tip and narrow board.
If you want to broaden your activity range to include things like fishing, yoga, and tanning, give yourself more space and stability with the broader board with the flat tip.
The Whole Package
Last but by no means least, you will want to make sure that the paddle board you choose for your two person paddling comes with all the bells and whistles. This is surprisingly something that many boards don’t have and many people do not think they would have to buy paddles, leashes and other items separately.
But, it is important to check what comes in each package and make sure you budget effectively so that you can have the complete set ready to hit the waves.
Naturally if you already have all of these things, you can skip that. But, if you don’t the entire costs of paddles, leashes and anything else you would like on the board can add up to a considerable cost.
The Best Two Person or Tandem Paddle Boards Available
Now that we have a slightly clearer of what we are looking for, we can begin to look at some of the best options on the market today. Some of the information you find here will seem a little specific and the exact options might not be available in every area.
Nevertheless, the important pointers found here can help you find the closest option to the products we will review.
It is our goal to provide you with two-person paddle boards available all over the world. But, if you find that the board described is not available in your area or that you have found an even better option we would love to hear about this.
Features:
The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think of a two-Person paddle board is the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′. With a maximum carrying capacity of 529 lbs., this board will be strong enough to carry two people in just about every case.
The size is very generous as well. 15′ long and 36″ wide, is more than enough for two people, a child and some extra baggage or gear. Even though it is wide and comfortable, the notably pointy tip will allow for some speedy cruising.
The Blue Fin Tandem also features a three-fin design that allows it to maintain a direct course on the water. 7 handles ensure that your carrying of the board will be easily addressed and without the added hassle of a paddle board case or carrier.
One of the things we liked the most about this option was the two top-quality fiberglass paddles. Also included in the package are two kayak-style seats so that you and your partner can sit back and reach high speeds together.
Important to know is that there is only one leash included, so you may need to purchase another. They can be attached to the kayak D-Rings or carrying handles as they are both pretty sturdy.
It also has a camera mount and you will be able to record all the fun and thrills you have on the water.
The 2020 version will only have one paddle and only 5-handles across the board.
Also, it is a good idea to keep your eye out for offers when they are made as this can lead to a special discount. If you are looking for a great two-person paddle boards, this is the best option on the market, in our opinion.
Pros of this board
Features:
The Blackfin Model XL is a super beefy large paddle board that can hold a lot of weight. The build quality is reminiscent of a rafts that can handle Class 3 to 4 rapids.
The Blackfin is the top level premium series of inflatable paddleboards made by iRocker SUP, and the quality shows with the Model XL.
This large stable SUP can easily accommodate two people (although it only comes with 1 paddle, so you'll need to purchase an extra paddle for the second rider) and extra gear because it can hold a huge 485 lbs of weight.
The Model XL can comfortably handle 2 paddlers who want bring extra gear for longer day tours, fishing, or even camping. While the Model XL does handle 2 riders well, it is still great for a solo paddler to handle as that is how most owners use the XL.
Do you like to use a GoPro while paddling? The Model XL has 8 multi-use action points which can be used to mount a GoPro or fishing rods or many other accessories.
The Model XL comes with three simple to use flip lock fins that you can add or remove quickly depending on the conditions.
They really thought of everything when designing the Blackfin, all the way down to smallest details like the shoulder straps on the backpack that are both cushioned and adjustable. The pack also has a nice front pocket to hold the pump and maybe our favorite feature: wheels on the pack!
If we could choose for a backpack for an inflatable SUP to have wheels or not, we'd choose wheels every time. Wheels have many advantages including making it easy to pull along while traveling through an airport.
To sum it up, the Model XL has a super stable deck with the length to allow for 2 people and a faster rate of travel to get you where you want to be with all of your gear safely secured on board.
iRocker also has great customer service. You don't get over 600 positive reviews (be sure to read some of the reviews when you go to the website) without having a quality product, and caring about your customers.
If this sounds like a paddleboard that appeals to you, be sure to click the link below that says, "Click Here to Purchase Blackfin Model XL".
Pros of this board
Cons of this option
Features:
Another highly-recommended option is the Thurso Max Multipurpose SUP board. This can be used as a multipurpose option that can be used for a wide variety of activities with children or pets.
You will find that this option is a bit smaller at 11’5 long x 34″ wide, than the previously mentioned Bluefin Cruise Tandem, but 170 kg/ 370 lbs. of weight capacity is more than enough for hauling two people about in most cases.
If you are planning to go out with one child, only one paddler and one paddle are required. The additional paddle will have to be purchased separately. But, this small investment will allow you to move across the water at greater speeds.
The board is fitted with 5 large and comfortable carrying handles and cargo nets on the front and back of the craft. This way you will be able to take all the things you need for that trip to the center of the lake. For a truly romantic option, this is the best choice possible.
You will find a single leash included in this design, so you will need to take out a second one if you would both like to be connected to your board. You will find the quality of both the paddle board and accessories are as high as expected from a name brand like Thurso Surf.
Pros of this board
Cons of this option
Features:
What we see displayed in the attractive Bluefin Cruise Carbon Tandem 15′ two-person paddle board is actually the premium version of the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ seen earlier in the article.
This also has a maximum carrying capacity of 529 lbs., so it will support just about any set of riders. But, there are a few important distinctions to know.
You will find the same attractive package included in the Bluefin Cruise, however rather than the fiberglass paddles, you will find two upgraded carbon paddles. These are the best options to use because the light weight and flex will allow you to paddle longer with low exhaustion.
You will also find an additional two nets on the bow and stern of the paddle board so that you can carry anything else you would like to bring along. The three fin system does a lot to keep the board stable in the water and it also has the two kayak seats that can allow for seated paddling.
Like the Bluefin Cruise this option also has the camera mount so that all your aquatic adventures can. The reinforcement of carbon fiber makes the board highly resistant to impacts and damage and this alone makes it a better option.
Have we mentioned that both the Bluefin Cruise and Bluefin Carbon come with a 5 year warranty? This means you are sure to enjoy this item for the foreseeable future.
Pros of this board
Cons of this option
Final Thoughts
No matter which you choose, all of the options mentioned here are great choices. Your decision should be made on the weight capacity, personal preference and activities you plan on practicing.
For the all-around best option, we highly-recommend the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′. The two kayak seats and two paddles mean it is good to go from the package. Plus this option allows you both SUP and kayak modes of water conveyance.
Finally, be safe out on the water and make sure you bring along a Restube or similarly effective PFD device just in case you fall in the water. If you are looking for something even larger than what you see here, be sure to check out our other product reviews for something that everyone can ride on.
Bruce Paulson is the owner of PaddleboardSurf and an avid water sports enthusiast with a lifelong passion for all things aquatic. From stand-up paddleboarding and surfing to boating, kayaking, and canoeing, he thrives on the joy of being on the water. As an advocate for water conservation and environmental stewardship, Bruce shares his adventures and insights through his writing, inspiring others to embrace the beauty and excitement of life on the water.