ROC Explorer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Review
Our ROC paddle board review. ROC SUP is consistently one of the best selling Stand-Up paddle boards available on Amazon. ROC produces this entry-level all around board is the low to moderate price range. Steady in flat or light chop water, this all-around board is well suited for exploring, fishing, yoga, and a host of other SUP water sports. If you are a first time boarder or this is a secondary option for the experienced paddler, you’ll be satisfied with the ROC paddle board
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PADDLE BOARD SPECS:
- LENGTH – 10′
- WIDTH – 32″
- THICKNESS – 6″
- WEIGHT – 17.5 LBS
- CAPACITY – 300 LBS
ROC Paddle Board Features:
- DuraWeld Military Grade PVC Drop Stitch Construction: Eventually, you’re going to accidentally drop your iSUP or have a crash when you’re on the water. Fortunately, iSUPs are built with great durability in mind. The common accidents that happen on the water shouldn’t even put a scratch on the ROC 10’ Explorer.
- Forward Cargo Area: Once you’ve gotten used to paddling, bring along a cooler or some other fun gear with you on your Explorer. Secure everything down with the front cargo area, or attach it to one of the forward 4 D-rings. The explorer even comes with a waterproof bag for important small valuables like your phone, wallet, or keys.
- 3-Piece Adjustable Aluminum Paddle: Adjustable paddles are great, because not only can you put them together in seconds, but you can alter the height and trade them with your friends even on the water. Aluminum paddles are on the heavier side of paddles, but they also keep the kit price down as well.
- Center Carry Handle: The center carry handle will get you in and out of the water securely and comfortably!
- Dual-Layer, Diamond Grooved Eva Deck Pad: There are not many sub $400 boards that have a diamond grooved EVA deck pad. Comfortable because of the eva foam, the diamond grooves will improve your feet grip and keep you stable even in light chop.
- 4 Unique Color Options: Available in Black, Green, Blue, and Pink.
Fins
The majority of paddlers don’t want to worry about their fins, which is why the ROC 10’ Explorer tri-fin setup is mostly a satisfying setup. The two side fins enhance stability and are permanent, made to flex and resist most typical forms of board damage. If they should ever lose their shape though, pour some hot water over the side fins and let them dry for ten to fifteen minutes. Your side fins should look better than ever once they’ve dried out!
The center fin is pretty easy to install, using a slide in system that helps you install or remove your fin in seconds. While the average paddler will find these fins work well enough, this is also an area we would like to see improved in the future. While we don’t necessarily expect for a future Explorer to have three interchangeable fins, to have the center fin box replaced with a more secure snap lock common in many newer SUPs would be a nice upgrade to have.
Deck Pad
Thanks in part to the diamond grooves, the 10’ Explorer certainly has a nice deck pad. The diamond grooves provide better grip to your feet, ensuring that you stay firm and avoid sliding even when it’s soaking wet. Made from EVA foam, the deck pad will also be kind to your feet even after a long day of paddling. You won’t have to worry about blisters or calluses with the 10’ Explorer deck pad.
Handles
We do tend to favor inflatable SUPs that have more handle options, but because of how light it is we can’t find much fault with the 10’ Explorer. You won’t have any problem carrying the Explorer from the shore to the water, or lifting it back out once you’re done for the day. However, if ROC is looking to upgrade the Explorer in the future, additional handles on the nose and tail would be greatly appreciated.
D-Rings/Bungees/Cargo Areas
If you have a cooler or some other sort of small to medium-sized container, you’ll be able to fit it under the forward cargo area bungees. Bags and other common inflatable SUP accessories will connect to the four forward D-rings. As for your ankle leash, the fifth D-ring on the tail of the inflatable SUP is a great place to hook it onto. The 10’ Explorer also comes with a waterproof bag perfect for small items that you can latch onto the tail ring as well for quick access.
What's Included with the ROC Explorer Paddle Board
- Collapsible aluminum paddle
- Removable fin
- Safety leash
- Hand pump
- Waterproof bag for essentials such as cell phone and keys
- An upgraded backpack to hold everything.
Our Take on the ROC All Around Paddle Board
When you buy an entry-level board, you tend to get the bare bones of what you need to get on the water. The ROC isn’t an exception, but it does come with some neat additions that makes it a good entry-level low to moderate priced SUP. ROC SUP is a American based company with OK phone support. The paddle board comes with a 1 yr warranty which is good for a lower priced board. The accessories are ok but not the same quality of the higher priced alternatives. If you are looking for a good, lower priced first board the ROC should be on your list.