The Bay Sports 10’6 Explore is a popular recreational SUP that offers excellent stability, reliable performance, and top-level build quality. On top of all this, it looks fantastic so you can be sure to stand out on the water. The Explore 10’6 was designed as an all-around board, making it a good choice for different circumstances on the water, and different skill levels. The fact that it’s so easy to use makes it a great choice to learn and improve your paddleboarding technique.
The materials used in the making are excellent, some of the best on the market. But it’s not just about the materials – it’s about the construction process too. Bay Sports uses the Fusion-Tec process during which three layers of PVC are heat-pressed by a machine resulting in an incredibly strong board. This eliminates any weak points that the board may have (if glued manually), and also significantly reduces the overall weight.
You won’t any problems setting up this board thanks to the included triple-action Helios pump – the board is ready to hit the water in a matter of minutes. On the other hand, it’s really compact when you roll it up, so it doesn’t take much space when packing for your trip.
The mentioned hand pump is not the only accessory in this package – it also includes a lightweight fiberglass paddle, a backpack, a center fin, and an ankle leash among other things. All this is always great to have because it saves you additional costs, especially when the accessories are top of the line as these certainly are.
Truth be told, this is not the most budget-friendly SUP out there, but it’s well worth the money. Since you can expect it to last for many years without any problems, you can look at it as a smart long-term investment. And if something does go wrong, the friendly customer service and the 3-year warranty have you covered. If you like it so far and want to take your recreational paddling to a new level, make sure to read the whole review down below.
Features
Features are often the first thing we look at when buying – and this one doesn’t disappoint. The Explore 10’6 inflatable SUP is smartly designed and everything is on point. The padded deck and the fin system give you comfort and performance, while the bungee storage and D-rings allow you to bring and secure additional gear. Take a quick look at all the things this board comes with:
- Triple-fin system improves performance and handling
- FCS II 9in the center fin is removable and installed without tools
- THE Diamond-grooved EVA foam deck is soft and creates a good grip
- Bungee storage for securing a dry bag or a lunch cooler
- Two neoprene grab handles (center and tail)
- Two additional D-rings (nose and tail)
- Fantastic bundle of high-quality accessories
- Four beautiful color schemes to choose from
Specifications
Length: 10 feet 6 inches
Width: 32 inches
Thickness: 5 inches
Weight: 17.4 pounds
Capacity: 330 pounds
Inflates to: 15PSI optimal (up to 26PSI)
Volume: 250 liters
Material: Reinforced triple-layer PVC
Carry handles: Two, center and tail
Fins: Three, central fin is removable
Warranty: 3-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee
Included accessories: Helios triple action hand pump, padded nylon backpack, 3-piece fiberglass paddle, 9-inch removable center fin, ankle leash, repair kit
User Experience
Performance: Users agree that the Explore 10’6 is a great performer. It’s not incredibly fast, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t exciting. This SUP is very easy to handle on the water and has good maneuverability in a variety of different conditions. It’s designed mainly for calm water but won’t disappoint you even in some waves, wind, or surf.
Furthermore, the board tracks really well thanks to the triplefin system it comes with. The central fin (FCS II, 9 inches) is removable and easily installed without any tools. The two molded side fins are not removable but don’t come in the way when packing.
Since it’s so versatile, this board can be used for other things in addition to recreational paddlings, such as SUP fitness or even practicing some yoga poses. Riders who tried it say it’s more than stable and comfortable for this type of activity.
We also want to mention the fiberglass paddle that comes with this board, since a SUP paddle plays a huge part in the board’s overall performance. This one is lightweight, comes in three pieces, and allows you to adjust its length. Most importantly, it’s very strong and rigid so it makes every stroke count.
Design: First and foremost, this is a very beautiful board with several color choices. Users say that colors don’t fade even after many hours in the sun, which is a big plus. The deck is covered with a large EVA foam pad that gives the paddler a good grip and a comfortable position.
The front area is equipped with bungee storage, and users say it’s really neat for quickly stashing all the gear you need with you. The design also includes two carry handles for picking the board up and dragging it in and out of the water. Finally, there are additional D-rings on both sides for attaching the included ankle leash or for towing the board.
Construction: Even though you expect a high level of quality at this price point, riders say that they were still impressed and got more than they expected. The combination of materials proved to be just right since the PVC body with a drop-stitch interior feels and behaves very similarly to a hardboard.
Of course, it’s also surprisingly light which is what you want from an inflatable SUP. It’s strong enough to support even larger riders (in terms of weight capacity), but if you’re very tall you should learn how to size up the SUP properly, and perhaps get a longer one.
Setup: Nobody is going to have trouble inflating this board thanks to the Helios pump, which is one of the best hand pumps on the market. The three modes of operation allow you to easily reach the recommended number of PSI, and users say the process takes from 5 to 10 minutes. If this is too slow, you should consider getting an electric pump. On the other hand, it takes about a minute to deflate and pack.
After you’ve inflated it and installed the fin, always remember to attach the ankle leash. This is important for your safety – you don’t want to be separated from the board if you happen to fall into the water.
You might also like: Aqua Marina Breeze Paddleboard
Portability: Taking the Explore 10’6 board with you is really easy. It packs tightly and fits into the included backpack without trouble. Having a board bag is always a plus, and it’s even better when the manufacturer includes it in the purchase. The backpack is padded for comfort and has mesh sides to allow air circulation. As you can see, transporting the SUP won’t be an issue no matter where you’re going.
Pros:
- Looks amazing on the water
- Excellent value for money
- Stable and easy to handle
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Accessories are a huge plus
Cons:
- Not as fast as some longer boards
Overall Rating
- Price: 85% – You could argue that you can get a much cheaper inflatable board, but you always get what you pay for. This is the one you buy if you’re after quality and security, and want to avoid potential headaches down the line. Because of this, we can definitely say that it justifies the cost.
- Material: 100% – As we mentioned earlier, the materials used here are top-notch. We appreciate the attention to detail when making the board, and there’s really nothing to worry about in terms of strength and durability.
- Design: 95% – This is a beautiful board that offers a significant amount of functionality, making it a full package. The vibrant colors will make you fall in love with the board instantly, while the features are going to make your time on the water amazing.
- Overall: 93% – All things considered, there’s nothing bad to say about this board. It’s strong, responsive, and beautiful. On top of all this, it comes with several SUP accessories. If you’re ready to invest in a top-level board, this is the way to go.
Globo Surf Overview
We have a really nice opinion of the Bay Sports 10’6 Explore. It’s a high-quality versatile board that is a solid choice for any type of paddler. If you’re experienced you’ll enjoy the maneuverability, while its stability is really reassuring if you’re new to the sport and just learning how to SUP.
As we said earlier, it looks amazing and prides itself on a premium design and construction process. Of course, let’s not forget the accessory package that gives you everything you need so you don’t have to spend more money. In conclusion, you really can’t go wrong with the Explore SUP.
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