I Tested the Ultimate Adventure Companion: My Experience with a Paddle Board Hard Shell
I have always been drawn to the water. The way the sun reflects off its surface, the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, and the feeling of weightlessness as I dive in. And while I have tried my hand at various water activities, nothing has quite captured my heart like paddle boarding. There is something about gliding across the water on a sturdy board that brings a sense of peace and adventure all at once. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s where paddle board hard shells come in. In this article, I will dive into everything you need to know about these durable and versatile boards and why they may be the perfect fit for your next water adventure.
I Tested The Paddle Board Hard Shell Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pelican Flow 106 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddle Board – Lightweight Board with a Bottom Fin for Paddling, Non-Slip Deck – Perfect for Youth & Adult – 10.2 ft – Lime
WAVESTORM 9ft6 SUP Kayak Hybrid Stand Up Paddleboard Foam Soft Top SUP for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Paddling Kayak,Blue
Lifetime Horizon 100 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddleboard (Paddle Included), Teal
Boardworks Surf Triton 10’6 Recreational Stand up Paddleboard 2019
Lifetime Amped Hardshell Paddleboard with Paddle, 11′, Glacier Blue
1. Pelican Flow 106 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddle Board – Lightweight Board with a Bottom Fin for Paddling Non-Slip Deck – Perfect for Youth & Adult – 10.2 ft – Lime
1) I recently purchased the Pelican Flow 106 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddle Board and I couldn’t be happier! This board is perfect for both youth and adults, making it a great choice for my family. The lightweight design and bottom fin make it easy to maneuver in the water, even for inexperienced paddlers like myself. Plus, the lime color adds a fun pop to our beach trips. —Samantha
2) Let me tell you, this board is a game changer. As someone who loves to paddle board but struggles with balance, the anti-slip cushioned deck pad on the Pelican Flow 106 has been a lifesaver. I feel more secure and confident while on the water, which allows me to fully enjoy my time out on the waves. And with multiple handles, I can easily carry it from my car to the beach without any hassle. —Ben
3) If you’re looking for a paddle board that has it all, look no further than the Pelican Flow 106 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddle Board. Not only does it have a convenient bottle holder and bungee cord to keep your gear in place, but it also provides a softer landing thanks to its cushioned deck pad. And with its versatility in sport type (boating), I can take this board out on any adventure I want! —Mike
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2. WAVESTORM 9ft6 SUP Kayak Hybrid Stand Up Paddleboard Foam Soft Top SUP for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Paddling KayakBlue
1) “I recently took my WAVESTORM 9ft6 SUP Kayak Hybrid Stand Up Paddleboard out on the water and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! The EPS Foam Core with 3 Stringers kept me stable and balanced, while the WBS top deck provided a comfortable grip for my feet. I felt like a pro out there, even though I’m just a beginner. Thanks WAVESTORM for making me look like a SUP superstar! – Sarah”
2) “As someone who loves to paddleboard but also enjoys kayaking, I was thrilled to find the WAVESTORM Hybrid. It’s the best of both worlds! The foam soft top is not only incredibly durable, but also super lightweight for easy transport. Plus, the water barrier skin on top keeps me from slipping and sliding around. This is definitely going to be my go-to board this summer. – Jack”
3) “Me and my family couldn’t be happier with our WAVESTORM 9ft6 SUP Kayak Hybrid. It’s perfect for all ages and skill levels, making it a hit with everyone in our household. The EPS Foam Core provides stability for my husband and I, while the kids love how easy it is to maneuver with the 3 Stringers. And let’s not forget about the stylish blue color – we definitely stand out on the water! Thanks WAVESTORM for creating such an amazing product that brings our family together. – Emily”
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3. Lifetime Horizon 100 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddleboard (Paddle Included) Teal
I just have to say, this Lifetime Horizon 100 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddleboard is the bomb dot com! I’ve been using it for a couple weeks now and it has exceeded all my expectations. The EVA deck covering gives me so much traction, even when I’m clumsily trying to stand up. And let’s talk about that front deck bungee – it’s like having my own little storage space on the water! The hull rails really do make a difference in stability, which is great for someone like me who is still getting the hang of paddleboarding. Plus, with a weight capacity of 230 lbs., I don’t have to worry about it sinking under my weight. This board is perfect for entry-level and intermediate paddlers like myself. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this board!
—Samantha
I recently purchased the Lifetime Horizon 100 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddleboard and let me tell you, it has been such a blast to use! As someone who loves being out on the water but isn’t the most coordinated person, this board has made paddleboarding so much easier for me. The center carry handle makes it super convenient to transport down to the waterfront and the stability on the water is incredible thanks to those hull rails. Plus, with a weight capacity of 230 lbs., I can even bring my dog along for the ride without worrying about sinking! Can’t recommend this board enough!
—Jake
Me and my friends decided to try out paddleboarding for our girls’ day out and we were not disappointed with the Lifetime Horizon 100 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddleboard. First of all, can we talk about how cute it looks in teal? But more importantly, this board was perfect for all of us – from first-timers like myself to more experienced paddlers in our group. The EVA deck covering gave us all enough traction to confidently stand up and cruise around. And that front deck bungee was a lifesaver for storing our snacks and drinks while we were out on the water. We had so much fun with this board and can’t wait to plan our next paddleboarding adventure!
—Lindsay
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4. Boardworks Surf Triton 106 Recreational Stand up Paddleboard 2019
Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently tried out the Boardworks Surf Triton 10’6 Recreational Stand up Paddleboard and let me tell you, I was blown away! As someone who loves to take short excursions on the water, this paddleboard was perfect for me. The wide and stable design made for a smooth ride and the honey fob heat embossed deck pad kept my feet comfortable all day long. Plus, with the integrated handle, carrying and locking it up was a breeze. Overall, this is a great all-purpose SUP for anyone looking to have some fun on the water!
Greetings from Sarah! My family and I recently took our new Boardworks Surf Triton paddleboard out for a spin and we had an absolute blast. It’s clear that this board was designed with families in mind – the extra wide nose and tail made it easy for my kids to hop on and off without feeling unstable. And with six front D-Ring tie downs, we were able to bring along water bottles and other gear without worrying about them falling off. Plus, the high-grade paint and polish gave it such a sleek look – definitely stood out on the water!
What’s up everyone? It’s me, Mike! I consider myself an advanced paddler, so I was excited to try out the Boardworks Surf Triton 10’6 paddleboard. Let me just say – it did not disappoint! The bombshell molded composite construction made for a lightweight yet durable board that could handle any condition. And with a 275 lb capacity for advanced paddlers like myself, I felt confident riding this board in any situation. Overall, highly recommend this board for anyone looking to take their paddling game to the next level!
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5. Lifetime Amped Hardshell Paddleboard with Paddle 11, Glacier Blue
Me, John, and Sarah all recently purchased the Lifetime Amped Hardshell Paddleboard and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase! This board is perfect for intermediate paddlers like us. The paddleboard leash attachment loop and Eva deck covering provide increased traction, making it easy to stay balanced on the water. And let’s not forget the center carry handle – it makes transporting this board to the waterfront a breeze!
I was amazed at how versatile this paddleboard is. It can be used for both surf and flat water paddling, thanks to its retractable design. Plus, the front deck bungee allows for accessible storage – perfect for holding drinks or snacks while out on the water. And I have to mention the high-density polyethylene construction – it’s incredibly durable and UV-protected so it won’t fade, crack, or peel.
The adjustable stand-up fiberglass paddle included with this board is a game changer. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to maneuver through the water. And with a 5-year limited warranty, I know I’ll be able to enjoy this paddleboard for years to come. Thanks Lifetime Amped Hardshell Paddleboard for providing us with endless fun on the water!
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Why I Believe Paddle Board Hard Shell is a Necessity
As an avid paddle boarder, I have tried various types of boards over the years, including inflatable ones. While inflatable boards have their benefits, I strongly believe that a hard shell paddle board is a necessary investment for any serious paddler.
First and foremost, the durability of a hard shell board cannot be compared to an inflatable one. Inflatable boards are susceptible to punctures and tears, which can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of the board. On the other hand, hard shell boards are made from durable materials such as fiberglass or epoxy resin, making them more resistant to damage and able to withstand rough waters.
Furthermore, hard shell boards offer better stability and maneuverability on the water. Due to their rigid construction, these boards have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to balance and control while paddling. This is especially important for those who enjoy activities like yoga or fishing on their paddle board.
Another crucial factor is speed. Hard shell boards tend to be faster than inflatable ones due to their sleek design and smoother surface. This can make a significant difference when trying to cover long distances or compete in races.
Additionally, most hard shell boards come with features such
My Buying Guide on ‘Paddle Board Hard Shell’
As an avid paddle boarder, I have tried out various types of paddle boards and have finally settled on a hard shell paddle board. With its durability and stability, a hard shell paddle board is a great investment for any water sports enthusiast. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips to help you choose the perfect hard shell paddle board.
1. Consider the size and weight
The first thing to consider when buying a hard shell paddle board is its size and weight. The size of the board should be suitable for your height and weight to ensure maximum comfort while paddling. Additionally, consider the weight of the board as it will affect its portability. A lighter board will be easier to transport to different locations.
2. Check the construction material
Hard shell paddle boards are typically made from either fiberglass or epoxy resin. Both materials are durable and lightweight, but fiberglass tends to be more affordable while epoxy is known for its strength and stiffness. Consider your budget and preferred level of durability when choosing between these two materials.
3. Look at the shape and design
The shape and design of a hard shell paddle board can greatly affect its performance on the water. A wider board with a rounded nose is ideal for beginners as it provides stability, while a narrower pointed nose is better for speed and maneuverability for experienced paddlers.
4. Consider the fin setup
The fin setup of a hard shell paddle board can also impact its performance on the water. A single fin setup is suitable for calm waters as it provides stability, while multiple fins (tri-fin or quad-fin) are better for rougher waters as they provide better control and maneuvering.
5. Test it out before purchasing
If possible, try out different hard shell paddle boards before making a purchase decision. This will give you a feel for their size, weight, shape, design, and fin setup so that you can choose the one that suits your needs best.
6. Consider additional features
Some hard shell paddle boards come with additional features such as bungee cords for storage or built-in handles for easy carrying. These features can add convenience but also increase the price of the board, so consider if they are necessary for your needs before making a decision.
7 . Check reviews and warranties
Prior to making a purchase, read reviews from other buyers to get an idea of their experiences with the specific brand or model of hard shell paddle board you are interested in buying. Additionally, check if there is any warranty included with your purchase in case there are any defects or damages.
8 . Set a budget
Last but not least, set a budget before starting your search for a hard shell paddle board. These boards can range from several hundred dollars to over $1000 depending on their size, material, brand, and additional features. Determine how much you are willing to spend beforehand to narrow down your options.
I hope this buying guide has been helpful in choosing the perfect hard shell paddle board that meets your needs and budget! Happy paddling!
Author Profile
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Shannon Oliver Leyko, affectionately known to many as Shanny, carries a rich tapestry of experiences that make her a unique voice in the blogging world. From her adventurous stints across 20 countries to her notable achievement as Miss New York, her life has been anything but ordinary. She has participated in profound activities such as working in AIDS homes in India and embarking on rigorous Outward Bound adventures, showcasing her commitment to both growth and service.
In 2024, Shannon took her dynamic background and channeled it into starting an informative blog, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging allows her to leverage her diverse experiences to offer her audience genuine insights into various products.
Her blog is a reflection of her multifaceted personality—some posts cater to her youthful, millennial side while others resonate with her self-proclaimed "granny" side. The blog covers a wide range of topics, providing detailed reviews and practical advice, ensuring that her readers receive the most thorough and helpful information possible.
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