Hi Simon,

Yes, you could take a small passenger on the Sport. Just keep in mind that it it may impact the board’s overall stability.

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Hi Joe,

Yes, a bit of variation is normal. Typically brands overstate the weight because there’s differences when the board is inflated vs. deflated, so they tend to give a more blanket number between the two.

Hi Corsair

Both the Cruiser or the 11′ All-Around would work really well for what you and your wife are wanting to do. As for the speed of the Cruiser, the speed decrease isn’t super noticeable unless you’re trying to sprint or get it up above a leisurely paddling pace. The 11′ All-Around is a little bit faster and still super stable when bringing along a smaller passenger. iROCKER’s Sport is the fastest and ‘sportiest’ (for lack of a better word) of the 3, but it’s not as stable as the 11′ All-Around or the Cruiser; depending on how comfortable you 2 are with balance, the Sport may pose more of a learning curve when you bring along kids.

The Cruiser first interested me and has some ok colors but I am worried it’ll be lumbering and sluggish, particularly with just my 5’7″ wife on it which is the experience I am prioritizing. Thanks!! Your site has been immensely helpful.

Have no fear! I think you got the right board. If you felt fairly stable on your friend’s hardboard, the Sport will fine for you. The dimensions of the Sport are similar to your friend’s board and it has a little bit extra volume due to it’s 6″ thickness (i.e you may feel even more stable once you adjust to the feeling of an inflatable). It is definitely a SUP that you can grow and improve on as well; it’s decently quick and sporty in the inflatable realm.

Hi Kai,

If you’d like a combo of speed and maneuverability, the Sport will be a great option. However, because it’s more narrow than most all-arounds (31″ wide), it will be a little bit challenging to do yoga; not impossible but will take a bit more practice/getting used to. I think you’re next best option would be the 10′ all-around it’s super maneuverable and reasonably fast for paddlers our size while being a little more stable. I don’t think the 11′ All-around has the speed/maneuverability capabilities that you’re looking for, but it is a super stable board. I’d also recommend investing in iROCKER’s river fin as well, if the river you paddle is shallow in some spots.