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The XL Inflatable Paddle Board Made with Your Crew in Mind

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Isle Megalodon Paddle Board: Queen of Inflatable SUPs in 2024

Here’s a close up Isle paddle boards review: everything you need to know about inflatable SUPs we love, especially the Megalodon.

Our Isle Megalodon XL SUP launched out on her maiden voyage during our spring break vacation in Orange County in southern California.

Made to hold your people and your stuff, the Megalodon paddle board is just right for what you want to do with your crew.

We are now proud owners of two as our big kids love to take them out with their groups of friends!

CYBER DEALS: Deals are right now. including the multi-person paddle board, the Megalodon, which is $200 off.

isle megalodon review from pacific ocean use

Using an Isle inflatable paddle board on the ocean

xl paddle board isle

Isle Megalodon review the XL SUP made for your big crew

Above, three of us launched out, jumping past the breaker, from Crescent Bay Beach in northern Laguna Beach, California.

Striking out on the Pacific Ocean on the huge, sturdy Megalodon seemed fitting since Isle SUP boards hail from just down the road in San Diego, California.

*Pronounced MEH·guh·luh·daan.

Isle megalodon pacific ocean california

Even the XL Isle paddle board, the Megalodon are made for travel. We checked ours as baggage from Denver to San Diego

Backstory: We had our Isle SUP inflatable shipped to us just weeks prior, plunked it in a rolling travel bag, and checked it as luggage on our direct flight from Denver to San Diego for our family’s spring break vacation.

Once we got settled past the breakers, my two teenage daughters and I paddled out past the little capes of Crescent Bay Beach for an unforgettable smooth ride.

Without further ado, here’s our personal Isle Megalodon paddle boards review.

XL Isle Megalodon Paddle Boards are made for epic sized fun

Best Inflatable SUP

We absolutely loved our first adventure on the massive Isle Megalodon paddle board in southern California.

The third and most gigantic one we’ve ever owned — but our first Isle SUP — we’ve quickly become fans of their impressive inflatables: the Pioneer, the Explorer, and the Megalodon.

But first, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about inflatable SUPs as you consider which paddle board is right for you.

FAQs

What are the advantages of inflatable paddleboards?

We’ve already hinted at the best advantage of an inflatable SUP: easily portable, you can travel and go anywhere with them!

With a rolling travel bag, check your inflatable paddle board at the airport as you would a regular piece of luggage. Fits in a golf bag just right.

Don’t have much room in your car for a hard paddle board? Inflatable paddle boards fit in any vehicle.

The Isle electric pump makes it quick and easy to fill up your board once you reach your destination.

biggest paddle board for multiple people

The best inflatable SUP for multi person paddle boards - the Isle Megalodon

Easy to pack.

Easy to store.

Easy to cart around.

When compared to epoxy hard paddle boards, most avid SUP users agree that for all-around recreational paddling, inflatable SUPs are the best choice due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention.

Prefer to kayak? See what we love about the foldable tandem Oru kayak.

If you are interested in regular-sized paddleboards, consider the new Isle Pro inflatable SUPs, a more rigid inflatable paddle board that beats out all the rest.

These girls easily carried and set up the Isle Megalodon paddle board

How much does the Isle Megalodon Weigh?

The extra-large design can hold up to 1,050 pounds (15-foot model), or 450 pounds (12-foot model). Great stability allows for recreational paddling, fishing, yoga and fitness, kids, teens, and more.

The Megalodon is made easy to carry: 16 strategically placed, neoprene-padded carry handles allow for easy group transport.

How long do inflatable paddle boards last?

Frequently used boards, with proper care and storage, could last between 3-5 years or more.

We’ve owned our other two inflatable paddle boards for well over two years and they are going strong.

If you’re not one to take good care of your adventure gear, expect your SUP to last 3 years or less.

are inflatable paddle boards worth the money?

Two thumbs up. A certified YES!

We traveled to Glacier National Park with two inflatable SUPs and we were so glad we did.

Then, traveling with our Isle Megalodon paddle board with our kids to California reconfirmed that inflatables are worth it because:

  1. We found them easily portable; we can take our SUP pretty much wherever we want to go.

  2. We can use our SUP from sunrise to sunset, as much as we like. No time constraints like rentals have.

  3. We can store our SUP easily in our vehicle, camper, or in our garage.

choosing right inflatable paddle boards

Which inflatable paddle board is right for you?

What size paddle board should i get?

It all depends on where and who you will be using it with.

For example, as a large family of six that likes to adventure together, we invested in the impressive, stable 12’ long Isle Megalodon paddle board.

They even make a 15’ long version of this multi person SUP!

This bad boy enables three or four of us to be out on the ocean or large lake all together.

This dovetails nicely into the next question…

The Isle Megalodon waiting to go out on the ocean

You also need to ask yourself these questions:

  1. Who will be sharing your board with you? Is it just you, you and a friend, or the whole gang?

  2. What is your experience level? Are you a newbie, intermediate, or advanced paddle board user?

  3. What activity best fits you? Will you be mostly paddling, fishing, yoga poses, navigating surf, or touring?

  4. Which paddle board quality is most important to you? Durability, stability, versatility, or distance and speed?

  5. Which board fits in your lifestyle? Hard boards are great if you have enough storage at home and room in your car. Inflatable paddle boards are ideal when you have limited space to store it and cart it around, or you want a travel sup.

Isle Megalodon paddle board on California beach

Multi Person Paddle Board

We were looking for a durable travel paddle board ideal for three to four users who like to leisurely paddle on a lake or ocean.

Since we have kids, we needed a wide sturdy board good for beginners on the ocean for the first time.

The Isle Megalodon is a multi person SUP more than up for the task.

Wide and stable, our kids prefer slow paddling and enjoying the views.

We felt super safe on it out on the ocean.

Why we love the Isle Megalodon

This multi person SUP is by far the best inflatable paddle board made for pure fun.

Available in two massive sizes —12 feet and 15 feet long — you choose!

The Isle Megalodon paddle board can fit you and up to three friends!

Isle Megalodon - the BIGGEST and Best Inflatable SUP out there in 2023!

A small family can launch out on this best inflatable SUP able to hold all your favorite people, your dog AND your gear — all at the same time.

The 12’ board holds up to 650 lbs. The 15’ board holds up to 1050 lbs! WHOA!

Our big family loves the Megalodon and our kids are excited to play King of the Board with their friends this summer.

A crowd pleaser, this multi person inflatable sup got lots of second glances and questions when she took her maiden voyage on the Pacific Ocean in SoCal.

The Isle Megalodon would also be fun on a day long river float.

The Meg, as we like to call it, is also the best inflatable paddle board out there for fishing on Colorado mountain lakes.

12’ Board Specs: 12 feet long, 45 inches wide, 8 inches thick, this board weighs 34 lbs and holds up 650 lbs of people and gear.

15’ Board Specs: 15 feet long, 56 inches long, 8 inches thick, this board weighs 50 lbs and holds up to 1050 lbs of people and gear.

Pros: Fits multiple people, ultra wide and stable for extra fun, multiple carry handles for two people to carry.

Cons: Carrying and launching the Isle Megalodon paddle board is a two person job.

Always send life jackets out with your people! We personally love the Oru PDFs for all our on water adventures.

Isle Paddle board Size Comparisons

Maybe you’re not sure you need and extra large board.

This Isle Megalodon review wouldn’t be complete without us comparing the details and specs of other top selling SUPS made by Isle:

Isle Pioneer

isle pioneer paddle board

Travel anywhere with the Pioneer too

The top-selling Isle Pioneer is super stable, lightweight and extremely durable, making this SUP built for all sorts of activities (paddling, yoga, or fishing) and skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced.

This is the best inflatable SUP for beginners who weigh up to 285 lbs.

Board Specs: 10.6 feet long, 34 inches wide, 6 inches thick, weighs 24 lbs, and holds one person up to 285 lbs

Pros: Extra wide for added balance, easily portable, easy to store, inflates quickly with hand pump or electric pump

Cons: Only holds one person

All New Pro Series

The New Pro Series just dropped in May 2023.

Made for everyone, we mean “Pro” by top-notch. By top-notch, we mean Isle has integrated all-new technology to create a premium rigid inflatable paddle board.

Increased rigidity in an inflatable paddle board means you can glide on the water with less effort. Think less bending in the middle, more stability on the board.

Spend more time out on the water with the ones you love the most with the new Pioneer Pro and Explorer Pro Series.

The Pioneer Pro is a premium SUP-Kayak hybrid for all around use.

The Explorer Pro is a premium SUP-Kayak hybrid for adventure, fitness, and touring — for more experienced paddle boarders.Available in 9’6” length, 10’6” length, and 11’6” length, the Pioneer Pro Series inflatable paddle boards are built with all new technology that boasts more rigidity (reducing the taco / bending effect), meaning you glide more easily and faster on the water.

  • Paddleboard

  • Accessories available: paddles, electric pumps, kayak seat, kayak foot rest, cooler, and more.

  • Patent-Pending ISLE-LINK system for endless customization with a wide range of ISLE-LINK accessories

Isle Explorer

Isle Explorer

Claiming to be the highest functioning and performing inflatable paddle board, this SUP made for touring moves a bit more quickly.

What does touring mean?

The Isle Explorer is built with a more narrow nose that continues throughout the full length of the board. This helps this Isle inflatable paddle board slice through waves by parting and directing the water to both sides.

Even choppy water is no problem for the Explorer. With some balance and a solid stroke you can paddle through waves on the ocean or large lake.

Portable and durable like all Isle inflatable boards, this one carries you and all your gear on any body of water.

Oceans, lakes, rivers - this Isle SUP is constructed with various waters in mind.

Board Specs: 11.6 feet long, 32 inches wide, 6 inches thick, weighs 24 lbs, and holds one rider plus gear up to 300 lbs.

Pros: Carry your gear with extra bungees, moves faster than the Pioneer, light to carry, easy to store, inflates quickly with hand pump or electric pump

Cons: Only made for one person who is more confident on the water

Explorer Pro Series

Pro Series Explorer paddle board set up as a tandem SUP-Kayak hybrid

For those who like adventure and touring, the new Explorer Pro inflatable paddle boards are built with all new technology that boasts more rigidity (reducing the taco / bending effect), meaning you glide more easily and faster on the water.

For example, here are the specs for the 14’ length Explorer.

14’ Explorer is a great tandem kayak option. This is the longest, most narrow, fastest inflatable ever.

  • Package: 39.5” x 17.25” x 15.25”

  • Board Length: 14’

  • Board Width: 31”

  • Board Thickness: 6” 

  • Weight: 27lbs

  • Capacity: 375 lbs

  • Comes with fin, leash, and Pro Series Wheelie Backpack!

  • Assemble as: Single Person Kayak, Single Person Paddleboard, Tandem Kayak, or Tandem Paddleboard

  • Accessories available: paddles, electric pumps, kayak seat, kayak foot rest, cooler, and more.

  • Patent-Pending ISLE-LINK system for endless customization with a wide range of ISLE-LINK accessories

Fishing from an inflatable paddle board

isle megalodon review

The Isle Megalodon Review

kids paddle boards sup

ISLE is based in San Diego, California and makes the best inflatable paddle boards out there

Paddle Board Accessories

From their stellar rolling travel bag to their amazing electric pump that makes filling your inflatable SUP a breeze, Isle has everything you need to travel with your paddle board.

The Isle electric SUP pump (12 volt) is your best bet for spending more time on the water and less time getting your board ready. You can also use the adapter to hook up to your car battery. Inflate your board in minutes.

We spent many days fishing and paddling on our Isle Megaladon paddle board - great for holding 3-4 people

What’s so Great about the NEW Isle 2.0 Models?

ISLE 2.0 models are now available in stunning new color schemes, include a FREE electric pump, and:

  • webbing loops for attachment of extra gear

  • upgraded accessory package

  • ability to attach ISLE kayak seat

Conclusion

The best inflatable paddleboard on mountain lakes

We hope this Isle Megalodon review helped you choose the best travel paddle board for you and your crew.

For the best XL inflatable paddle boards on the market, look no further than an Isle SUP board.

Portable, easy to store, durable, stable, and fun — the Isle Megalodon is our family’s favorite.

You also can’t go wrong with the Isle Pioneer for beginners looking to go solo or the Explorer for those wanting to cruise with their gear. The Pioneer is the best selling inflatable paddle board online.

Why you should buy your paddle board from Isle

We are big fans of buying your paddle board with Isle. Here’s why:

  • You’ll receive the best, most direct customer service, should you have any issues.

  • Exchanges and returns done fast and easy.

  • Best troubleshooting and helpful communication via emails, videos, and text. They helped us troubleshoot fixing our fin after a huge wave damaged it.

  • Because of their Flash Sales, you will get the best deals directly through islesurfandsup.com not seen anywhere else

Which Isle paddle board inflatable is right for you?

Isle Customer Service is impeccable and speedy

Isle Outlet SUP Shop

On a whim, we decided to stop by and see all of Isle’s inflatable SUPs and hard paddle boards. They were more than happy to show us around.

While you can buy boards in person here, they do not ship from this location.

Your best bet is to buy inflatable paddle boards online. Their customer service is dynamite!

Isle is working on new color schemes and a kid sized paddle board, which is really exciting!

Customer Service

Isle already sent us a new fin box and refunded us our shipping when our Isle travel bag did not arrive in time for our trip. Good thing a golf travel bag works just as well!

We’ve talked to them via email several times and they aim to please.

Take your inflatable paddle board out on the lake

Where to take your Inflatable Paddle Boards

One big reason we love inflatable paddle boards is that you can travel with them anywhere.

We’ve taken ours all over Colorado. We especially paddle boarding in Crested Butte.

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous place with lots of scenic lakes perfect for paddle boards. We paddled on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake McDonald.

And we just returned from SoCal spring break vacation where we launched our Isle Megalodon.

Take your inflatable paddle board out on the ocean

Got More Questions?

Feel free to drop us a line and ask us what you’d like to know about the best inflatable paddle board for you or your family. We’d love to connect.

rumpl new releases

Rumpl’s Everywhere Blankets are perfect for beach days! We love our Baja Fade.

Throw shade with the lightweight Neso Grande Tent Shade. Anchor the four corners with sand or rocks. Quick and easy. Weighs 6 lbs.

Best Inflatable SUP boards for 2024 or you and your family. This Megalodon is queen of multi person stand up paddleboards made for fun, with awesome stability and durability. These Isle paddle board reviews show you size comparisons and how to choose the best inflatable SUP for you and your gang for the ocean, lake, river, and wherever you travel.