Review of the Best Paddle Boards for Multiple People
Few experiences rival the joy of paddling across calm waters, particularly when shared with friends or family.
However, placing more than one person on a regular paddle board can disrupt its balance and make gliding less effortless.
For a smoother, more stable ride, opt for a paddle board designed to handle multiple riders, giving everyone a safer and more enjoyable adventure.
The Benefits of a Multi Person Stand Up Paddle Board
A two-person paddle board is purpose-built to handle extra weight without compromising balance.
This design allows both you and your partner to enjoy the water comfortably, while keeping the board responsive and easy to steer.
Even larger boards aren’t always optimized for carrying multiple riders efficiently. For friends or couples looking to paddle together, a board designed specifically for two is often the best choice.
It’s also important to match the board to the paddlers’ size and weight. For example, the Bluefin Cruise is ideal for two lighter riders, whereas heavier or taller paddlers will benefit from a sturdier, more durable model.
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 designed for fun-filled adventures with friends and family.
Living up to Pau Hana’s reputation for quality, this SUP impresses with its rugged Drop Stitch construction, which layers heavy-duty PVC to create a massive inflatable paddle board capable of handling multiple riders and frequent use.
Standout features include a nearly full-length cushioned deck pad, solid overall construction, and plenty of carry handles, making it easy to transport and maneuver.
Ideal for leisurely paddling on lakes or calm coastal waters, the Oahu Nui Giant shines in casual group outings. Surfing is possible, but managing several riders on a wave can be challenging. (There’s even a photo of three riders taking it over a small Hawaiian waterfall—definitely adventurous!)
For inflation, an electric pump—or even two—can save time and energy. While the board comes with two hand pumps, inflating a SUP this size by hand can be exhausting, especially if the kids are eager to get on the water.
If you’re looking for a spacious, high-quality board that delivers hours of fun for the whole family, the Oahu Nui Giant is a top-tier choice.
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Cons of this option
Features:
ISLE has a reputation for high-quality paddle boards, and the 15-foot Megalodon iSUP lives up to it.
One of its key highlights is its weight, just 50 lbs, making it lighter than most boards in its category. This is thanks to ISLE’s AIRTech Fusion Lite, a process that bonds PVC layers more efficiently and lightly than traditional hand-gluing.
The Megalodon isn’t just lightweight, it’s also durable, visually striking, and can support up to 1,050 lbs. That’s plenty of room for family, friends, and even your furry companions. Its wide, stable platform makes it perfect for group excursions on the water.
Other notable features include a large, comfortable traction pad, multiple carry handles along the sides, and a six-point bungee system at the front for storing gear.
While it comes with a hand pump, inflating a board this size by hand can be time-consuming. For convenience, using one, or even two, electric pumps is highly recommended, so you can spend more time paddling and less time pumping.
If you’re after a board that fits your whole crew, or doubles as a floating dock for the lake, the ISLE Megalodon is an excellent option.
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Features:
When it comes to two-person paddle boards, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ is often the first board that comes to mind. With a weight capacity of 529 lbs, it’s designed to comfortably carry two adults in nearly any setting.
Measuring 15′ long and 36″ wide, the board offers ample room for two paddlers, a child, and extra gear. Its pointed nose ensures smooth, faster glides across the water despite its wide, stable design.
The Bluefin Tandem comes with a three-fin setup to help maintain a straight, steady course. Seven durable handles make lifting and transporting the board easy, no carrying case required.
Included accessories like two high-quality fiberglass paddles and kayak-style seats allow paddlers to relax while maintaining speed. While the board comes with a single leash, adding a second one is simple thanks to the strong D-rings and handles. There’s even a camera mount to capture all your on-water adventures.
The 2020 model has a few differences, including only one paddle and five handles, so it’s worth checking for special deals that make this board even more affordable.
For anyone in the market for a dependable, high-quality two-person SUP, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ is tough 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 great option is the Thurso Max Multipurpose SUP, designed for versatility and perfect for outings with kids or pets.
Slightly more compact than the Bluefin Cruise Tandem, the Thurso Max measures 11’5″ long and 34″ wide, with a weight capacity of 370 lbs (170 kg), enough for two paddlers in most situations.
For trips with a child, only one paddler and one paddle are needed, though adding a second paddle can make gliding easier and help you cover more water.
The board features five large, comfortable carry handles and cargo nets at both the front and rear, offering plenty of space for all your essentials. Its size and stability make it especially appealing for couples looking for a leisurely, romantic paddle experience.
A single leash comes with the board, but adding a second is a good idea if both paddlers want extra security. True to Thurso Surf’s reputation, the board and its accessories are built to last, delivering reliability and durability for many adventures on the water.
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Features:
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon Tandem 15′ is the premium upgrade to the popular Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′, keeping all the features that made the original great while adding enhancements that elevate the experience.
Like its predecessor, it boasts a maximum weight capacity of 529 lbs, comfortably supporting two adults, a parent and child, or friends enjoying a day on the water.
The standout upgrade is the inclusion of two carbon paddles. Lighter and more flexible than the standard fiberglass paddles, these carbon paddles let you paddle longer with less effort, improving efficiency and reducing fatigue.
Extra storage is provided with two additional cargo nets at the bow and stern, ideal for carrying personal items or essentials. The three-fin setup ensures stability and smooth tracking, while the included kayak-style seats make seated paddling comfortable and effective.
A built-in camera mount allows you to capture all your adventures, and reinforced carbon fiber construction adds exceptional durability, resisting impacts and wear.
Both the standard and Carbon Tandem models come with a five-year warranty, offering peace of mind and years of enjoyable paddling 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.