Important facts about the ROC inflatable SUP in a nutshell
The ROC Explorer is a classic entry-level and family paddleboard. Due to the wide board shape with the rounded tip and the consistently wide footprint, this SUP is very stable in the water. This is especially optimal for beginners, because in the beginning keeping the balance is the biggest challenge. Thanks to the fact that the board lies so securely in the water, you will quickly have your first successes with it and benefit from a quick learning process. The short length of 10′ makes it very maneuverable and ideal for paddlers up to a maximum of 220 lbs (100 kg).
However, the ROC SUP will not meet the demands of ambitious and sporty touring paddlers, as its shape makes it rather sluggish in the water.
Price-conscious SUP beginners and recreational paddlers who want to make a leisurely round on the lake or quiet river every now and then, but it is perfect. As a complete set at a low price, you get everything you need for the start in Stand Up Paddling: Paddle, air pump, coiled leash and backpack.
Pro/Kontra
Pro
- complete starter set at a reasonable purchase price
- high tipping stability and beginner friendly
- only 7.7 kg heavy
- also suitable for children
- solid processing
Contra
- Not suitable for longer tours
ROC Explorer Specification
The ROC Explorer is a classic all-round board with a round shape. The shape ensures that this SUP can be used in different weather conditions and is suitable for beginners and varied areas of use.
The light Noserocker, the upward curved board tip ensures that the SUP glides well over the water even in small waves and does not submerge.
The board is 10′ (305 cm) long, 32″ (81 cm) wide and 6″ (15 cm) thick.
Unfortunately, we have not found the exact volume anywhere. However, we assume due to the mass that the single air chamber can hold about 300 liters.
The maximum load of the Aqua Marina Fusion is according to the manufacturer at 150 kg, which is certainly correct in relation to the absolute limit of the load capacity. However, the board is definitely not the right choice for stand up paddlers weighing 150 kilograms. In terms of optimal performance, I see the maximum recommended user weight rather in the range of up to 110 kg.
At just 17 pounds (7.7 kg), the iSUP is very light, making it easy to carry and transport.
ROC Construction/Processing Quality
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find out exactly how the ROC SUP is constructed. On their website they talk about a 3-layer construction, but with a board weight of just 300 pounds (7.7 kg) we can not imagine that a triple-layer PVC can be meant. For such a robust and high-quality manufacturing technology, the ROC SUP are also located in a too low price range.
The inside of the Explorer consists of a so-called Drop-Stitch core. Thanks to thousands of polyester threads that connect the top and bottom, inflatable boards get their shape. With this technology, virtually all iSUPs are made today.
The build quality is generally okay. If you are extremely picky, you will certainly find a few glue residues or bubbles in some places, but you should not compare with the extremely expensive premium boards at this price.
ROC Inflatable Paddleboard on the Water
On the water, the ROC Explorer behaves exactly as you would expect from an all-rounder. The feeling of a safe stand is especially suitable for people with not yet so much stand up paddling experience. The two small and single large center fins make for easy straight-line riding and that you don’t have to constantly switch paddle sides. At only 10′, the Explorer is relatively short, which naturally makes it very easy to steer. This also helps when you want to surf small waves, this SUP makes a good trap for that as well.
Thanks to its weight of only 300 pounds (7.7 kg), the ROC SUP remains easy to maneuver even for lighter paddlers and children.
Who likes to go fast and want to make long tours, this board is certainly not suitable. Beginners who want to make a relaxed ride now and then on a nice summer evening on a calm body of water, for which this is exactly right.
ROC Explorer 10’ Features
Deckpad: For a safe stand, provides the large non-slip EVA pad. The majority of this standing surface is black in color, but also has two white stripes in all colors. This is something we personally don’t like as much. Because white EVA pad get dirty quickly by the feet and look after some time no longer really nice.
Luggage net: On the board tip there is an elastic band. With this you can also take some luggage in a waterproof drybag with you on the SUP.
Carrying handle: Like virtually every other SUP, the ROC has a central handle by which you can carry the board.
D-rings: Various metal D-rings are attached to the board. On these you attach the leash on the one hand, but also has the possibility to attach other things.
Fins: On the underside are 2 small fixed mounted fins. That these are fixed, makes the assembly of course less complicated, but it is somewhat more difficult to roll up the SUP very small. In the middle it still has the holder for the large plug fin, which is also included in the accessories.
Accessories in the ROC starter set
Double stroke air pump: Double stroke means that you pump air into the board both when pulling up and when pushing down. If this becomes increasingly difficult towards the end, with increased pressure in the SUP, you can switch to single stroke operation. Then you can use your body weight to pump the last few PSI into the board when pushing down.
If you go full throttle, you can inflate the board in about 5 minutes. After 10 minutes at the latest, even those who take it easy will be done.
Aluminum paddle: The supplied paddle is a very simple beginner paddle made of aluminum. The paddle is extendable so that you can adjust it perfectly to your body size.
Single fin: The removable center fin is very easy to install without tools thanks to the plug-in system. This system can be found more often in cheaper SUPs, however
We personally also find it a bit more practical than the otherwise widely used US finbox system.
Leash: We are very happy that ROC have a coiled leash with all their sets. This lies on the board and can not get caught in the seaweed or stones, only under tension it stretches to the full length. Wearing a leash is an important safety aspect and is highly recommended.
Transport backpack: Thanks to the small pack size and low weight, the ROC Explorer SUP is extremely practical to transport. Thanks to the backpack in which also all accessories find place it is even easier.
Our recommendation for you
The ROC SUP Board is from our point of view a great complete set which is primarily aimed at beginners and beginners. Who wants to start with Stand Up Paddling and has a not too big budget, for which this package is ideally suited.
But of course it always depends on your own expectations. Who wants to be sporty and very often on the road, which would probably be better served to invest a little more money. High quality, every single novelty and all the cool features always have their price.
But who can do without all these things. Just want to spend cozy moments in nature or with the family at the lake without having to take out a loan, for the ROC inflatable Explorer SUP is a great choice.
