(I may earn a small commission on the products mentioned in this post.)
Paddle boarding is one of our favorite summer activities. There’s nothing better than a workout that you enjoy, making it perfect for people looking for adventure, exercise, and fresh air.
People usually go paddle boarding with a friend (sometimes their dog) or with groups, but people always seem to have their own board. Why not share one?
A party SUP, or multi-person inflatable SUP can add to the fun of paddle boarding. There are multi-person kayaks and multi-person bikes, so why not multi-person paddle boards?
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 4 inflatable SUPs that are extra large for 2 or more people. Multi-person paddle boards are extra long and extra wide to allow your friends, both human and pets, to come along for the ride.
We’ll discuss what you should look for in a multi-person inflatable SUP and the subtle differences you’ll encounter when riding a big SUP. Let’s get started.
Regular Paddle Boards Vs Multi-Person SUPs
You’re probably wondering the differences between a regular size paddle board and an extra large paddle board.
- Standard SUPs typically range in size from 10-11 feet long and around 32 inches wide. The length and width are most important but so is the thickness. A normal inflatable paddle board will measure approximately 6 inches thick.
- There are also paddle boards made for 2-4 people and we’ll cover a 2 of them in this article. 2 person paddle boards are usually 12 feet long, with a width of 45 inches. Their thickness is usually similar to a standard-sized paddle board (6 inches).
- 15 foot paddle boards are the biggest option you can choose. A 15 foot board will measure 56 inches wide and 8 inches thick. These boards are massive and can easily hold 5-7 people weighing 200 lbs each. It can support groups weighing up to 1050 lbs. These are impressive boards!
Why Get A Multi-Person Paddle Board
Multi-person paddle boards are a fun social activity. They are great for:
- Parties
- Reunions
- 4th of July
- King-Of-The-Hill competitions
- Summer camps
- Beach houses
- Group surfing
Want an awesome family picture? Need a photo for a Christmas Card? A huge paddle board will make it memorable.
4 Best Multi-Person Inflatable SUP Boards
#1 Airhead SUP Super 1860
Looking for something to fit the entire basketball team? How about a baseball team? This Super Sup has an amazing 1655 lbs weight capacity – that’s 8 grown men that weight 200 lbs each!
The board is 18’6″ and comes with your standard extras like pumps (multiple), fins, tow rings, EVA traction pad, tie downs, and an accessory mount.
Highlights;
- Measurements 18’6″ x 60″ x 8″
- 1655 lb capacity
- 3 removable fins
- EVA pad, 3 tow rings, 4 hi pressure pumps
- Repair kit
- Stainless D rings
This is considered a team building board. The Super SUP is a tank and by far the biggest on the list.
It’s perfect for parties, work outings, and family reunions. It weighs 75 lbs so be prepared to have some help with taking it from the car to the beach (check Airhead Super SUP on Amazon).
Airhead is a great brand and has a 2-year warranty on all their boards. It’s not cheap, but you can buy this for the company or for the beach house and use it year after year.
#2 ISLE Megalodon Inflatable SUP
Isle is one of the best SUP board brands and they have plenty of options including this massive SUP! The photos don’t do the Megalodon justice.
Highlights:
- 15 feet, 56” wide and 8” thick
- Yellow and grey color
- All the extras (carrying handles, bungees on the deck, fins, pumps, and oars
- Supports 1050 lbs (5-8 people)
- Weight 50 lbs
- 30 day guarantee
I like the reputation of this company and I like the quality of their boards. Though this board is unique, it doesn’t sacrifice in its craftsmanship (check ISLE Megalondon price on Amazon).
You can catch waves on the board, cruise the bay, race, set up a lounge chair and fish, or bring all your pets aboard for a ride.
3-4 people could lay flat and sunbathe! This would be perfect to have at a beach house – kids and adults would love it.
#2 Driftsun Party Barge – Multi-Person Inflatable SUP
Driftsun makes the other party SUP and it’s made for the same about of people as the Megalodon. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with paddles.
Highlights:
- 15 feet, 55” wide x 8” thick
- Blue, white, grey color
- Bungees on the deck
- Non-slip grip
- Pump, fins, and storage strap
- 5-7 people or 1100 lbs max weight
- 14 handles, light enough for 2 people to carry
Driftsun has done a good job with this multi-person paddle board. I like the color scheme and the size, but I wish it included oars as they can be expensive if purchased separately (check Driftsun Party Barge price on Amazon).
The width of the board will help keep it stable in the water even with many people. The 2 pumps are helpful, but it will be a task to pump by hand (read the section below about pumping).
Consider this board if you plan on fishing, carrying an ice chest, or having a party.
#3 Driftsun Orka – Multi-Person Inflatable SUP
Driftsun also makes the #3 ranked multi-person paddle board. This board, however, is slightly smaller and is best for 2-3 people.
While the first two boards were 15 feet long, this board measures 12 feet long (3 feet is a big difference) (check Driftsun 12′ paddle board on Amazon).
Highlights:
- 12 feet long, 45” wide and 8” thick
- Weighs 32 lbs
- 2-3 people (4 is stretching it)
- 550 lbs max weight
- 12 handles for carrying
- Can be carried by 1 person
- Includes 2 pumps, fins, carrying strap, cargo bungee, non-slip grip (no oars)
It uses military-grade PVC and strong stitching. Reviews for this board are positive and mention the ability to paddle board with friends and family.
I think it’s great for people with different levels of experience. If someone lacks balance or strength to paddle they can sit on the board while their partner paddles!
#4 Peak Titan Multi-Person Inflatable SUP
The Peak Titan SUP is another good option, though we’ve ranked it last on our short list. The Peak brand is solid and they’ve been making SUPs since 2004 out of San Diego, California.
They offer a 1 year warranty which I love.
The Titan is 12 feet long and significantly less thick at 6 inches (expect it to be less buoyant). The board is marketed for 2-4 riders and a max weight of 500 lbs.
Highlights:
- 12 feet long, 45” wide and 6” thick
- 2-4 riders and 500 lbs capacity
- 1 year warranty
- Measures 52” x 24” x 12” when deflated
- Includes: 2 paddles, fin, 2 pumps, bag, waterproof phone case
I appreciate that it includes the paddles (only the #1 and #4 on our list include paddles). The waterproof phone case is also a nice touch – the phone can still be used when in its case (check Peak Titan paddle board price on Amazon).
With this board, you’re getting a solid brand, good warranty, and all the extras you need to get in the water. It won’t hold 5-8 people like the Megalodon but it will hold 2-4 people quite well!
Pumping A Multi person Inflatable SUP (Make It Easy)
It’s nice to know all of the paddle boards on this list provide pumps to get these beasts in the water. The problem, however, is the size of the SUP and the times it takes to pump.
If you choose to buy a multi-person paddle board it’s wise to invest in an electric pump. There are small pumps that are made for paddle boards (some even plug into your car DC outlet).
I like the Tower iSUP compact air compressor (check Tower air compressor on Amazon). It conveniently plugs into a car and is handheld so it won’t take up much space in the trunk of your car. It also works for boats, rafts, and pool toys.
I’d gladly pay extra money to save the hassle of hand pumping the Megalodon (the board’s name says it all).
Conclusion
There are 100’s of paddle boards to choose from but there are only a few extra large, multi-person SUP boards. My choice for best multi-person paddle board goes to the ISLA Megalodon.
Besides being the largest board it’s also a great company and the board looks great. It comes with everything you need to get started, including paddles!
It’s a party paddle board for the whole family. It’s perfect for:
- A beach house
- Birthday at the beach
- Group races
- Reunions
- Pets and people
- Group surfing
- Summer camps
I hope this article puts you on the right track to purchasing your board. A SUP for 1 person is fun, but a huge board will make vacations and holiday’s memorable. Just make sure you add an electric pump, otherwise, you’ll be spending more time on the beach than in the water!