Aqua Marina has been one of the largest suppliers of inflatable SUPs for quite some time now. Besides a wide range of Stand Up Paddleboards, Aqua Marina also has numerous products for other water sports.
Aqua Marina has iSUPs in all categories: Allround, Touring, Race, Surfing, but also special boards like Yoga-, White Water-, Tandem- and Fishing-SUPs.
The range of boards has remained more or less the same over the years. However, Aqua Marina has always made improvements to their products and given them a new look.
In this article we will first present our 3 favorites and then briefly discuss the different SUP boards from Aqua Marina. At the very end you will find a small guide on what to look for when buying and more information about the stand up paddling brand Aqua Marina.
Most Popular Aqua Marina Paddle Boards
Aqua Marina Allround SUP Boards
Aqua Marina has divided their allround boards into two quality classes. Allround and Advanced Allround which we will introduce later.
The Allround boards are entry level and beginner boards, which have been reduced to the minimum and are aimed at buyers with a small budget. The lightweight drop stitch core (thousands of threads that hold the top and bottom together and give the SUP its shape) which is covered with a single layer construction (1 PVC layer as outer shell).
They all come as a set, which includes everything you need to get started in Stand Up Paddling: a 3-piece adjustable paddle, a safety leash, detachable fin, double stroke air pump and a backpack for transporting the SUP.
Aqua Marina Breeze
The 300 cm (9’10”) and 76 cm wide all-round SUP Aqua Marina Breeze is mainly aimed at small, light paddlers. With its thickness of 12 cm it reaches a volume of 220 liters, which is enough for a person of about 70 kg. On the other hand, it is very light with a weight of 7.9 kg, which of course simplifies transport.
The Breeze has (like all SUPs of the Allround category) the possibility to mount a separately available kayak seat on the 4 D-rings. In addition, there is a central carrying handle on the stand, an adjustable luggage net and a D-ring at the rear, to which you can attach the supplied leash. Thus, the Breeze, like all Aqua Marina boards is well equipped for a variety of uses.
Therefore, it is also suitable for children and teenagers and very easy to maneuver. In addition, it has a good tilt stability, so that even SUP beginners will feel comfortable on it.
Pro
Contra
Aqua Marina Vapor
The Aqua Marina is a board that is aimed at price-conscious beginners and occasional paddlers. With a width of 79 cm and the classic round all-round shape, it is very tilt-resistant, which significantly simplifies the balance and creates a good sense of security. That’s why you will feel comfortable on the Vapor SUP very quickly and want to go on small tours on the lake or calm rivers.
With a volume of 310 liters, the maximum load is given by Aqua Marina with 140 kg. We recommend the board for paddlers with a maximum weight of 90-100 kg.
A nice plus point is, as with all boards in the Aqua Marina Allrounder category, the low weight. Thanks to the lightweight drop-stitch core and single-layer construction, the SUP weighs just 8.5 kg. Especially when you have to walk longer distances with a board on your back, you are happy about every single kilogram that you do not have with you.
The accessories package includes everything you need for a successful start. The price-performance ratio is, as usual from Aqua Marina, very good.
Pro
Contra
Aqua Marina Fusion
As a 330 cm (10’10”) long all-round SUP, the Aqua Marina Fusion convinces with an optimal mix of quality, performance and control. Thanks to the width of 81 cm, the Aqua Marina Breeze is a very stable leisure board with great gliding properties and a good straight line.
Especially for beginners who want to make their first attempts on a Stand Up Paddleboard without having to invest too much money, the Fusion is a great board.
The Aqua Marina Fusion is a SUP that has enjoyed great popularity for a long time. Thanks to the constant optimizations, it has become even better in the current version. For example, it is just 8.6 kg lighter than its predecessor, although it is slightly wider and thus has a larger volume of 320 liters.
This will allow one person up to 110 kg to benefit from the optimal driving characteristics. With a maximum load of 150 kg, however, it can also be used to take a second person or a dog on a short trip.
Pro
Contra
Aqua Marina Monster
The Aqua Marina Monster has also been optimised in terms of mass along with the new design. With 366 cm (12′) length and 84 cm width it has become a little bigger.
With this length it is not too agile, but this is not necessarily the priority in the beginner area. Here the priority is rather on the stability and this brings the Aqua Marina Fusion in any case. In addition, thanks to its length, the Aqua Marina Monster has a nice directional stability and surprisingly good gliding properties for an all-rounder. With a tare weight of 10.1 kg, the board belongs to the good midfield.
Thanks to the larger volume of now 380 liters, the Monster Board can also be used by heavy and large paddlers, as well as in pairs. Aqua Marina specifies the maximum load with 170 kg, which should be enough for most uses.
Pro
Contra
Die Advanced All-Around SUPs von Aqua Marina
The four different boards of the Advanced series are, as the name suggests, also all Allround SUPs. These differ from their direct counterparts of the Basic “All-Around” series primarily by the slightly larger masses.
| All-Around Serie | Advanced Serie |
|---|---|
| Breeze 9’10 x 30” | Coral 10’2” x 31” |
| Vapor 10’4 x 31” | Beast 10’6” x 32” |
| Fusion 10’10 x 32” | Magma 11’2” x 33” |
| Monster 12’ x 33” | Atlas 12’ x 34” |
As a result, they have slightly higher maximum loads and can be used by heavier paddlers.
They also have the Kickpad feature. This small elevation in the rear area can be used with the foot to shift the weight to the rear and perform a quick turning maneuver. In addition, in the included starter set is a better double-stroke air pump (Liquid Air VII) than this is the case with the “All-Around” models.
Otherwise, as usual, a complete set of accessories is included: aluminum paddle, backpack, fin, leash and the aforementioned air pump.
Aqua Marina Coral
The Coral is one of the newer SUPs in the Aqua Marina product range. This is primarily aimed at rather light paddlers and especially female paddlers. We particularly like the fact that the accessories are also supplied in matching colours to the SUP board.
From the dimensions 310 x 78 x 12 cm (10’2″ x 31″ x 4,7″) and the classic round shape, the Coral is clearly an all-round SUP. Remarkable is the thickness which is only 12 cm (4’7″). This results in a total volume of 230 liters. Aqua Marina states the maximum load as 105 kg. A thin construction is known to make it more difficult to achieve a really good stiffness. Therefore we would recommend that the paddlers body weight is a maximum of 65 kg. Those who are below this value and do not have in mind to be on the road in pairs, can benefit from this thickness of 12 cm from a slightly better water position.
Otherwise, the driving characteristics are as you would expect from an all-round SUP. The focus is clearly on a good tilt stability and maneuverability. Who already has a certain security on the SUP and perhaps want to make longer tours, for the Coral Touring Board could be an exciting option. As the addition “Coral” in the name already reveals, this touring SUP is available in the same design in bright pink tones.
A feature that was added especially for this board from Aqua Marina are 2 D-rings on the side of the board. A carrying strap can be attached to these, so that especially slightly smaller and petite people can transport the SUP comfortably hanging over the shoulder. The total weight of only 8.6 kg should also be interesting for this target group.
Pro
Kontra
Aqua Marina Beast
This is understandably one of the most popular SUP boards from Aqua Marina. With dimensions of 320 cm (10’6″) by 81 cm (32″) and a thickness of 15 cm (6″), as well as rounded construction, it corresponds to THE classic all-rounder. 300 litres of volume provide a maximum load of 140 kg. Thus, paddlers up to 100kg can use the SUP and an occasional trip for two should also be possible. At the same time it is very stable and has a good maneuverability.
As you can see, it is a board that can meet the needs of many people. This great popularity unfortunately also leads to the fact that it is not always available.
If you want to find out more, it’s best to read our Aqua Marina Beast review.
Pro
Contra
Aqua Marina Magma
The Aqua Marina Magma SUP is one of those older models that has grown a bit and become more resilient through constant improvements over the years. With the dimensions 340 x 84 x 15 cm (11’2″ x 33″ x 6″) it belongs rather to the big ones and is perfectly suitable for stately paddlers or two. Remarkable in this case is the dead weight of the Magma SUP of just 9.6 kg.
Up to a user weight of 120 kg we expect optimal driving characteristics, whereby Aqua Marina specifies the load capacity with 150 kg. The good width of 84 cm ensures a very good tipping stability. This benefits not only beginners with still somewhat wobbly legs, but also people who want to practice SUP yoga and fitness.
The build quality of the Aqua Marina Magma is good overall and is what we expect in this price range.
The versatility of this SUP is underlined by the various D-rings. Also with the Magma, as with all Aqua Marina SUP boards, you can mount a separately available kayak seat. Thus, even people who are not yet sufficiently confident in standing can use the Magma SUP without problems.
Pro
Kontra
Aqua Marina Atlas
The Aqua Marina Atlas 12’0″ is a special board. For an all-round SUP it is with the length of 366 cm (12’0″) rather at the upper limit, so you could also speak here of a mixture of all-round and touring board. With an impressive width of 84 cm (34″), it is extremely tip-resistant and therefore ideally suited for beginners. The secure water position also helps all others who are dependent on a calm surface, such as SUP yoga and fitness practitioners.
The mentioned length also has a positive influence on the running characteristics of this SUP. Of course, the absolute maneuverability is lost a little, but the directional stability and the glide is very good for an all-round board. Top speeds can of course not be reached, but we can already see some touring characteristics here. With the extremely high load capacity of 180 kg is not in the way to take a little more luggage or camping equipment on the trip.
Thanks to its size, the Atlas SUP is extremely buoyant. Therefore, it can be loaded by a single or two paddlers without problems with up to 150 kg.
Pro
Kontra
Die Aqua Marina Touring-Serie
The Touring SUP have been added to the Aqua Marina range only a few years ago. Touring Stand Up Paddle Boards are usually characterized by their shape with a better glide. Also a high load capacity and several luggage rubbers allow to take a little more luggage or e.g. camping equipment with you on the tour. In these points, the 3 different boards from Aqua Marina are exactly what you would expect from them. If you compare them with the Allrounders, you can easily see the tapered nose. This improves the water displacement and higher speeds are possible. Of course, some airfoil is lost in the front area, which leads to less tipping stability compared to the Allround SUPs. Overall, they are still wide enough, so that even beginners who have a good balance, these will quickly master.
There are 3 different touring boards. On the one hand the Aqua Marina Coral Touring which comes in exactly the same bright pink design as the Coral Allround SUP.
Otherwise there is the Aqua Marina Hyper which is available in the lengths 11’6″ and 12’6″. The Hyper boards have the special feature that they are equipped with two air chambers. On the one hand, this gives the SUP more stiffness and, on the other hand, it is also a safety aspect. In the event of a defect in one air chamber, the SUP remains more or less buoyant. A valuable addition to the two Hyper SUPs, which, however, is unfortunately somewhat marred by a less than ideal processing. Various buyers gave the feedback that they feel the transitions between the air chambers and find them a little disturbing on the standing surface.
All three boards are constructed with a single-layer dropstitch, whereby the edges are reinforced with double layers of PVC. This makes them of course less robust and stiff than other touring boards, which are usually built with two layers of PVC (double-layer) as an outer shell. An advantage of the Aqua Marina boards on the other hand is that they are relatively light and can be packed together easier and smaller. The lower purchase price also makes the boards of the Aqua Marina Touring series attractive. For beginners who have sporty ambitions and would probably not be happy with an all-rounder, the Coral Touring and both Hyper SUP boards are interesting options.
Aqua Marina Coral Touring
Aqua Marina Hyper 11’6”
Aqua Marina Hyper 12’6”
Die Aqua Marina Race-Serie
The Aqua Marina Race series consists of two SUP with a sleek shape and striking red design. As you would expect from a raceboard, these are designed for sporty, fast rides and are not suitable for beginners. Due to their narrow footprint of 66 cm and 69 cm, they offer little tipping stability and are accordingly challenging to ride. The two Race SUP are among the few Aqua Marina boards that have a high-quality double-layer construction. When it comes to speed and performance, the stiffness of the board is an important factor. Experienced paddlers will have a lot of fun with this board thanks to a high tracking and fast, nice glide. The included accessories, however, unfortunately do not fit the somewhat higher demands of this target group. However, the price for an inflatable race SUP of this quality is very attractive for people who want to make their first experiences on an advanced board.
Aqua Marina spezial SUPs (River, Surf, Tandem, Yoga)
Aqua Marina also has various special boards, which are intended for very specific applications.
Aqua Marina Rapid: Für Einsteiger im River- und Wildwasser SUP ist das Rapid eine Option. Eine breite Standfläche sorgt bei unruhigen Wasserverhältnissen für einen sicheren Stand und die kurze Boardlänge für eine gute Manövrierbarkeit. Außerdem mit robuster Double-Layer Bauweise konstruiert, können dem Board Kratzer und Stöße nichts anhaben.
Aqua Marina Wave: With a volume of only 165 liters, the board is clearly built for small waves and would not be fun in flat water. The length of just 265 cm (8’8″) ensures high maneuverability. Also the thinner construction of 10 cm (4″) are fully designed to allow the narrow rails to cut into the smooth surface (face) of the wave and provide good maneuverability. To still achieve a sufficiently hard and stiff board, it has a double layer construction.
Aqua Marina Peace: The Peace is clearly a pure yoga board. The rectangular construction provides enough space and tilt stability, so that you can easily perform yoga, Pilates or fitness exercises. The construction is of course not ideal for the driving behavior, so you will not go on longer tours with it. But to get to a nice place and to do a relaxing yoga session far away from the hustle and bustle it is perfectly suitable.
Aqua Marina DHYANA: Is also a yoga and sport SUP which can be connected together in the separately available Yoga Dock.
Aqua Marina Super Trip: A SUP that stands out with its size and design. As a tandem board, two people can be on it at the same time. This is available in two lengths 370 cm (12’2″) and 427 cm (14’0″). SUP which are of course very family friendly and also very popular with paddlers with a dog.
Aqua Marina Drift: The Drift is a SUP specially designed for anglers. Thanks to a high tipping stability and load capacity, you can comfortably devote yourself to fishing on the water.
Die Firma Aqua Marina
Aqua Marina is a subsidiary of a Shanghai-based water sports products manufacturing company. Since 2011 Aqua Marina offers a wide range of inflatable water sports products. Besides stand up paddle boards, kayaks and inflatable boats are also part of the product range. In terms of price, Aqua Marina has positioned itself in the rather favorable midfield since the beginning. Especially in the beginning the quality of the products suffered a bit from these low prices. Through several years of experience and constant optimisation, Aqua Marina has now reached a good level. The long-term experience shows that the Stand Up Paddle Boards meet the requirements and are therefore very popular especially with price-conscious SUP beginners.
What to look for when buying a SUP board
It is not easy to keep track of the wide range of products in the Stand Up Paddling sector. Especially for people who have not been dealing with this topic for too long. The large selection can seem a bit intimidating. If you spend so much money, you want to buy the perfect board for you. That’s exactly where the difficulty lies with a guidebook. Because which exactly is the perfect SUP, depends extremely on the requirements and demands of each individual on it and is therefore very individual. If we have to answer the question “which is the right SUP for me” here online, the answer is always: “It depends”.
So here are a few questions to help you find the ideal board for your needs, followed by some interesting notes on buying a SUP.
- Where will I mainly use the SUP? Lake, river, sea, waves
- Who will be using the equipment?
- Weight and size of the paddlers?
- What will the board mainly be used for? Long trips, fast rides, yoga and fitness exercises, surfing, leisure paddling, a little bit of everything
- Do you already have experience with Stand Up Paddling?
- Do you already have experience with other board sports and a good sense of balance?
- How often will I use the SUP board?
- What is my budget?
Maximum load not equal to paddler weight
It is important to understand that the maximum load specified by the manufacturer does not mean that a board is suitable for a paddler with the appropriate weight. The load capacity is the weight that the materials can safely withstand under laboratory conditions and the volume of the SUP can still keep the board above the water. However, if you were to load a board to this maximum, you would have to reckon with extreme losses in performance. That’s why the paddler weight we recommend is usually well below this maximum load.
How much volume does a SUP need?
A simple rule of thumb to find the right SUP size for you is by calculating the residual volume.
In short, 1 liter of volume (air) can weigh 1 kilogram in water. That is:
A person with 70 kg body weight would stay JUST above the water with a SUP board (10 kg own weight) of 80 litres volume. But because the remaining volume in this case is 0, you could not go paddling with it.
Volume of the board (90 litres) – Board weight (10 kg) – Body weight (80 kg) = Residual volume (0)
Depending on the use, one assumes a different ideal residual volume at which the ideal running properties are still guaranteed:
Normal use – approx. 150 to 200 litres residual volume
Surfing – approx. 120 to 140 litres residual volume
For our 70 kg example person, an Aqua Marina Coral would be just about right for normal use, although it is rather at the lower limit.
230 litres – 8.3 kg – 70 kg = 151.7 litres residual volume
