Review of the Best Paddle Boards for Multiple People
Few things are as enjoyable as gliding across the water on a paddle board, especially when you have great company along for the ride.
That said, having more than one person on a standard paddle board can throw off its balance and affect how smoothly it moves.
To prevent this, consider choosing a paddle board built to accommodate multiple paddlers, ensuring stability and a better experience for everyone.
The Benefits of a Multi Person Stand Up Paddle Board
A paddle board built for two is specifically engineered to handle extra weight while keeping it evenly distributed.
This means it can comfortably support both you and your partner while staying responsive and easy to maneuver on the water.
Even some oversized boards aren’t designed to manage this kind of load as efficiently. For couples or friends planning to paddle together, a dedicated two-person board is usually the smartest choice.
Of course, choosing the right board also depends on the size and weight of the paddlers. For instance, the Bluefin Cruise works well for two lighter riders, while heavier or taller paddlers will need a sturdier, more robust option.
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.
Features:
The Pau Hana Oahu Nui Giant is built for good times with friends and family.
True to Pau Hana’s reputation for quality, this SUP doesn’t disappoint. Its rugged Drop Stitch construction combines two layers of heavy-duty PVC, creating a giant inflatable paddle board that can handle plenty of paddlers and plenty of use.
What stands out about this board is the near-full-length comfy deck pad, the overall sturdy construction, and the abundance of carry handles, making transport and handling a breeze.
Perfect for cruising on lakes or calm beach waters with a group, the Oahu Nui Giant excels at casual fun. Surfing waves? Technically possible, but managing multiple paddlers on a wave can get tricky fast. (There’s even a photo of three riders taking it over a small waterfall in Hawaii, but that’s a lot of action!)
For inflation, consider investing in one or two electric pumps. The board comes with two hand pumps, which work fine, but inflating such a large SUP takes time, unless you want to tire out the kids first!
If your goal is a high-quality, spacious board that guarantees hours of family fun, literally for the whole family, the Oahu Nui Giant is an excellent choice.
Pros of this board
Cons of this option
Features:
ISLE is known for making top-quality paddle boards, and their 15-foot Megalodon iSUP is no exception.
One standout feature is its weighton, ly 50 lbs, which makes it lighter than most boards in its class. This is thanks to ISLE’s AIRTech Fusion Lite, a technology that bonds the tough PVC layers stronger and lighter than traditional hand-glued methods.
The Megalodon is not just light, it’s also durable, visually appealing, and capable of holding up to 1,050 lbs. That means plenty of space for family, friends, and even your pets. Its wide, stable design makes it ideal for group adventures on the water.
Other features include a large, soft traction pad, multiple carry handles along the rails, and a six-point bungee system on the nose for storing gear and accessories.
While it comes with a hand pump, inflating such a large board can take time, so we highly recommend investing in one, or even two, electric pumps. This way, you can spend more time paddling and less time pumping.
If you want a board that can fit your entire crew, or even act as a floating dock for the lake, the ISLE Megalodon is a fantastic choice.
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Features:
When most people think of a two-person paddle board, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ immediately comes to mind. With a maximum weight capacity of 529 lbs, it’s built to comfortably carry two adults in nearly any situation.
The board’s dimensions are generous: 15′ long and 36″ wide, giving plenty of space for two paddlers, a child, and extra gear. Despite its wide and comfortable design, the pointed nose allows for faster cruising across the water.
The Bluefin Tandem features a three-fin configuration for maintaining a straight, stable course. Seven sturdy handles make lifting and transporting the board simple, no additional case required.
Included with the board are two high-quality fiberglass paddles and kayak-style seats, letting both paddlers sit back and enjoy higher speeds. While it comes with only one leash, a second can be easily added to the kayak D-rings or carry handles, which are both strong enough to hold it securely. There’s also a camera mount for recording all your adventures on the water.
Note that the 2020 version has a few differences, including just one paddle and five handles across the board. It’s worth keeping an eye out for special offers, which can make this excellent board even more affordable.
For anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality two-person paddle board, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ is hard to beat.
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".
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Features:
Another excellent choice is the Thurso Max Multipurpose SUP. This board is designed for flexibility, making it ideal for a variety of activities with children or pets.
Slightly smaller than the Bluefin Cruise Tandem, the Thurso Max measures 11’5″ long and 34″ wide, with a weight capacity of 370 lbs (170 kg), plenty for two paddlers in most situations.
For outings with a child, only one paddler and one paddle are needed, though purchasing a second paddle separately can help you glide faster and cover more water with ease.
The board comes equipped with five large, comfortable carry handles and cargo nets at both the front and rear, giving you plenty of space to bring along all your essentials for a day on the lake. It’s a particularly charming option for couples seeking a more relaxed, romantic paddle experience.
A single leash is included, so you may want to add a second if both paddlers want to be secured. True to the Thurso Surf brand, both the board and its accessories are built to a high standard, ensuring durability and reliability for countless adventures.
Pros of this board
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Features:
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon Tandem 15′ is the upgraded, high-end version of the popular Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ featured earlier. This premium model keeps all the great features of the standard board but adds several enhancements that make it stand out.
Like the original, it has an impressive maximum weight capacity of 529 lbs, capable of supporting nearly any combination of paddlers, whether you’re two adults, a parent with a child, or friends looking for a day of fun on the water.
The biggest upgrade is the set of two carbon paddles. Lighter and more flexible than the fiberglass paddles on the standard version, these carbon paddles let you paddle for longer periods with less effort, reducing fatigue while improving efficiency.
Additional cargo space is provided with two extra nets on the bow and stern, perfect for bringing along essentials or personal items. The three-fin system keeps the board stable and tracking straight, and the included kayak-style seats make seated paddling both comfortable and efficient.
The Carbon Tandem also includes a camera mount, allowing you to capture all your adventures. Reinforced with carbon fiber, the board is highly resistant to impacts and wear, giving it excellent durability.
Both the standard and Carbon versions come with a five-year warranty, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment and peace of mind for years of paddling fun on lakes, rivers, or the ocean.
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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 love the Pau Hana Oahu Nui Giant. It's definitely not cheap, but it's tons of fun and in the average ballpark price wise for these large multi person paddle boards.
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.