Boardworks SHUBU X Rocket 11’6”

Field Notes: Whether you’re a new or experienced paddler, don’t let the extended length of this boat fool – or dissuade – you. SHUBU easily penetrates lake and ocean waves up to above 12” (and skims above the rest) with flotation that keeps the board riding high without over-reacting to bracing crosswinds. Boardworks has christened it a fitness and touring board: Fitness for the ability to efficiently push hard with enough surface area and stability (perhaps to do yoga) along with a high load-carrying capacity to tour overnight and well beyond. Testers paddled this board in the Sea of Cortez, the Atlantic Ocean of coastal North Carolina and small lakes in the foothills of Colorado’s Rockies. And, apart from downriver whitewater paddling, SHUBU (show up and blow up) is far more capable than other models of prevailing in varied, changing and difficult conditions including tidal flows. The materials used in building this inflatable SUP result in the kind of professional-grade hull, decking and fins that make SHUBU a lifetime, take-it-on-the-road board (which testers did). For example, SHUBU’s decking material is grippy to provide slip resistance without feeling tacky even when hot from long exposure to blazing equatorial sunshine. A single longboard or touring fin is enough to provide solid tracking, while moving forward and back of center up to 18” resets the paddleboard’s pivot point. Instantly and in total control.

Pros: Multiple reinforced handles aid launching and landing as well as being able to attach SHUBU to rooftops along with the decks of larger sail and power boards, diamond groove decking defied slipping

Cons: Deck bungee cords not beefy enough for serious touring, fin attachment system (bolt and flat nut) finicky and prone to lose in the sand – bring an extra

Tester Comments: “The SHUBU X Rocket is one to grow with, as skill, endurance and risk-taking increase together to take advantage of SHUBU’s extreme load capacity to tour fresh and saltwater. A flatter rocker promotes all-out speed that comes in handy on longer runs – or when bad whether threatens. Even with extensive traveling, inflation was reliable as the team had no valve problems despite relentless sand or grit. Plenty of abrasion (along with heavier paddlers) showed the 6” drop stitch construction’s merits. My favorite? An extended deck pad with a reinforced tail to drop and pop in surf.”

Key Attribute: Stability

Best For: Paddlers with personal performance and touring goals, challenging day outings and multi-day tours with an Active Junky recommendation to purchase the optional companion paddle (under $100 for the aluminum model) and Boardwork’s proven leash