2 Person Paddle Boards, Also known as tandem SUPs are a fantastic way to get out there and see the world. However, there are some important things you have to keep in mind before climbing aboard one!
In this article, we go through our top-rated inflatable 2-person paddle boards as well as give you a guide on what to look for, what to look out for, and some general tips that will make your journey as smooth as possible.
If you are looking for giant paddle boards that support more than two people click here!
Let’s get into the list
Table of Contents
Best 2 Person Paddle Boards Reviews List
2 Person paddle boards are a bit harder to find, but we’ve scoured the internet and asked the paddling community at large who makes the best tandem paddle boards.
In this list, I specifically strayed away from Amazon branded boards as I don’t trust the materials many of them use that need to hold the weight of 2 people.
The Best Tandem Paddle Boards we Rated Are:
Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15'
- Dimensions: 15’ x 36” x 6”
- Weight: About 36 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 529 Lbs
- Materials Used: 3 Layer PVC Composite Drop Stitch with Carbon Rails
- Best For: Paddlers who want a well desgned and rigid 2 person SUP.
Red Paddle Voyager 15'
- Dimensions: 15’ x 34”x 8”
- Weight: 38 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 700 Lbs
- Materials Used: MSL Fusion Technology with RSS stiffening system
- Best For: Tandem Paddlers that want to do some long distance paddling.
Nixy Monterey G4
- Dimensions: 11’6” x 34” x 6”
- Weight: 25 Lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 400 Lbs
- Materials Used: Dual Layer Fusion with Dual Chambers and Carbon side rails
- Best For: Longer Excurisons and Paddlers who want lots of onboard storage.
Tahe Beach 11'6"
- Dimensions: 11’6”x36”x6”
- Weight: 25 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 440 Lbs
- Materials Used: 3 Layer PVC Reinforcement with Twin Stringer Stiffening Technology
- Best For: Tandem Paddlers who want a full kayak kit included.
3. Blackfin XL
- Dimensions: 11’6 X 34” X 6”
- Weight: 29 Lbs
- Maxi Capacity: 485 Lbs
- Materials: Military Grade Triple Layer PVC w/ Carbon Rails
- Best For: Paddlers who want a board with lots of storage room and add-on capabilities.
Below are the results of the list.
1. Bluefin Cruise Carbon Tandem 15 (Top Pick)
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15’ x 36” x 6”
- Weight: About 36 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 529 Lbs
- Materials Used: 3 Layer PVC Composite Drop Stitch with Carbon Rails
Why is it a Good Tandem SUP Pick?
The Cruise Carbon tandem 15 is a great pick because of what you get for the package. This particular board would still be less expensive than buying 2 decent quality SUPs.
Of course, if you are on more of a budget then I would recommend the cheaper Bluefin Cruise Tandem SUP which is still a fantastic value for only $849 regular price.
So Which should you choose? I would go for the Cruise Carbon Tandem if you want more performance and rigidity out of your package while I would choose the regular Cruise if you wanted a decent board at a much more affordable price tag.
On-Water Performance
The Cruise Carbon 15 will be one of the more stable vessels you will probably ever try at 15’ in length and 36” wide. These dimensions provide the feeling that you are standing on an inflatable dock.
What’s more, is the fact that this SUP has a touring profile which makes it a great board for traveling longer distances. The board has great tracking ability followed by decent speed, although the 36” width will slow the board down a bit. Maneuverability will always be more tricky with a 15’ board but it is manageable, especially with 2 people.
Board Features and Design
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15 has a few features that allow it to be more of a stable performance-oriented board over its 15 regular Cruise brother. For one the Cruise carbon features dual chambers on the board to help increase the rigidity of the board. In my experience, I’ve found huge differences between dual air chambers vs single ones in terms of stability.
The Cruise Carbon also comes with carbon side rails which helps add not only another layer of protection on the sides (one of the most sensitive parts) but also helps the board keep its shape and have less bend in the water.
Both models come with 2 kayak seats, a leash, a fin, a bag as well as a pump, and two paddles as well as kayak paddle attachments. The main difference between the Cruise Carbon and Cruise is the fact that the paddles that come with the Carbon version are carbon and therefore more lightweight as opposed to the fiberglass ones that come with the 15 Cruise.
What Customers Think
Lots of customers seem to be happy with the cruise carbon with many pointing to its stability as a big plus. A few others thought it was fantastic value for the money including Stephanie who said…
“This is a fantastic board for both the beginner like me and more able people. It is superb value for money and will certainly last well. I highly recommend it.“
Stephanie (Bluefin Cruise Carbon Customer)
Pros:
- You Get Good quality accessories with both Cruise and Cruise Carbon packages
- Dual Chamber inflation helps keep the board super rigid in the water
- Comes with a 5 Year Warranty
- Is available in lots of countries around the world and through Amazon
- The Shape of the board is good for performance paddling/ touring
Cons:
- Dual Chamber will be harder to fold up and put in the bag
- No removable side fins
- Maybe a bit too expensive for some (in that case go for Cruise 15)
2. Red Paddle Co Voyager Tandem MSL (Expedition Pick)
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15’ x 34”x 8”
- Weight: 38 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 700 Lbs
- Materials Used: MSL Fusion Technology with RSS stiffening system
Why is it a Good Tandem SUP Pick?
The Red Paddle Co Voyager Tandem MSL is a great pick for those who want to go on more serious expeditions. This board is a serious unit with 8” thickness and 15’ in length. It also has 6 multiple D ring points for you to strap a wide variety of gear including straight bungees at the front for smaller dry bags.
This board is about as steady as they come which is an excellent asset for tandem paddlers, especially when they are learning the ropes. A tale of caution though, this board’s price is not for the faint of heart.
On-Water Performance
For those who like touring SUPs, this is about as good as it gets in the form of tandem touring boards that can hold a lot of weight. In Fact, this board is so stable that it can hold over 700 lbs (which can be 3 full-grown adults). With the extra 2 inches of thickness, its stability and rigidity will be one of the best in its class.
Not only does the board feature 2 center fins to make the board a bit more maneuverable, but it also has a keel on its nose to help the board with tracking from the nose position. The board is rated for paddlers who have some paddle boarding experience though.
Board Features and Design
One of the first things that need to be mentioned about Red Paddle is the way they design their boards. They are one of the few SUP manufacturers who design their board INHOUSE which means they have specific manufacturing plants to carefully oversee their design. As a result, they have come up with the patented MSL Fusion design which creates an airtight fusion of PVC stitched to the drop stitch core.
One of the good things about this board is that it has a very elongated deck pad that spans almost the entirety of the board minus the nose. This design is especially ideal for dogs who often need the grip of the deck pad to move around comfortably.
What Customers Think
Because this is a more expensive and therefore more niche board there are not a lot of customer reviews to be found on this particular board. Red Paddle does however have a 3.6 star review rating on trust pilot and a 4.8 rating on Reviews.io .This board can be found both online and in local specialty outdoor stores.
Pros
- Supreme Stability
- Can handle 3 people and maybe more
- Good board design
- Made of quality materials
- 5 Year warranty on products
Cons
- More expensive than what the average paddle boarder would want to spend
- The package will be more significant and more bulky to carry around
- Heavier than average
3. Nixy Monterey G4 Paddle Board (All Around Pick)
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11’6”x 34”x 6”
- Weight: 25 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 400 Lbs
- Materials Used: Fusion Laminate PVC, Wove Drop Stitch, Carbon Rails
Total Score: 8.8 (Average of Below Numbers)
- On-Water Performance – 8.4
- Stability 9
- Tracking 8.5
- Speed 8
- Maneuverability 8
- SUP Construction – 9.5
- Board Features – 9.2
- Deck Pad 9.5
- D Rings 9
- Deck Bungees 9
- Action Mounts: 10
- Handles 8.5
- Accessories – 9.1
- Backpack 9
- Paddle 9
- Pump 9
- Fins 9.5
- Set-Up/ Take Down – 8
Why is it a Good Tandem SUP Pick?
Based on my tests on the Nixy Monterey, I found it to be a solid board for more than 2 people. It’s definitely one of the most stable boards I have ever tested. In Fact, it has some of the highest ratings of any of the boards I’ve tested!
It also scored solidly throughout a wide range of review factors like SUP construction, Board features, Included Accessories, Set-up/ Takedown time, and of course On-Water Performance.
On-Water Performance
As you can see from my On-Water performance video above it’s a solid board for a solo paddler to paddle. When it came to standing on the board it felt really good. In fact I’m confident enough that I believe that 2 medium-sized people can paddle on this board and still feel stable! If you are not feeling as brave this board can also be used as a kayak hybrid. You would just have to remove some of the bungees.
In terms of tracking, maneuverability, and speed I think this board is about as good as you can get with an 11’6” board. Its narrower nose and tail also help displace water a bit easier giving it less drag as well. It won’t track as well as a 15’ board but it will maneuver better than the top two choices above.
Board Features and Design
The Monterey in my opinion has the best mix of features, designs, and accessories. In my experience, Nixy always makes their board very high quality and the Monterey is no different.
The Monterey comes equipped with dual inflation chambers similar to the Bluefin Cruise Carbon series as well as carbon rail systems. What I personally prefer about the Monterey is the SUP’s construction. Nixy uses the same fusion PVC technology and woven drop stitching as some brands that are double its price range.
The accessories that come with Nixy are one of the things that really impressed me as well. You get a carbon fiber paddle and a really well-thought-out backpack that is well constructed.
However, for pure tandem use, I would still give the edge to the Bluefin Cruise Carbon mainly for the fact that it has more room on the board and a higher maximum capacity. But if you want a mix of a solo and a tandem the Monterey is a great choice in my opinion.
What Customers Think
The Monterey is not the most popular SUP from Nixy but it did garner a few positive things that customers have said about it.
Some of the most common surprises for customers was this board’s tracking ability coupled with the stability and speed. Other customers were really happy with the compatibility that this board has with accessories as well.
You can see our Full Review on the Nixy Monterey G4 here.
Pros
- Supremely stable board
- 2 Chambers and the SUP’s construction make it super rigid
- FCS fin system allows you full experimentation with fin setups
- Great to have kids and dogs as passengers on
- elongated deck pad allows for maximum grip
Cons
- Double chambers do make the board harder to fold
- Won’t be as stable as a 15’ board with similar width dimensions
4. TAHE Beach SUP Tandem Paddle Board (Kayak Hybrid Pick)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 11’6”x36”x6”
- Weight: 25 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 440 Lbs
- Materials Used: 3 Layer PVC Reinforcement with Twin Stringer Stiffening Technology
Why is it a Good Tandem SUP Pick?
The TAHE Beach SUP is a great Kayak Hybrid pick for tandem paddlers who like the idea of using this board for both SUP and kayak purposes. The TAHE Beach SUP comes with 2 Kayak boosted seats, 2 footrests, and 2 kayak hybrid paddles. You get a lot of value with this particular SUP Package!
On-Water Performance
Its 36” width makes the board extremely stable for both paddle board and kayak purposes. Sit when you encounter some chop and stand when it’s smooth sailing. Of course, because of its 36” width, it won’t be the fastest SUP around by a long shot.
The maneuverability of this board will be better than the 1st two picks because it’s about 3 and a half feet shorter. This however also means the board will not track as well. Especially because of the glued-on thruster fin setup with the fins. But it will be a better hybrid due to the boosted kayak seat and footrest which makes paddling easier on your back when seated.
Board Features and Design
This board has a few noteworthy features to take note of. We already talked about the kayak set-up so let’s talk about the board itself. The board features a unique daisy train attachment system throughout the side of the board which I think is actually, particularly cleaver, Rather than just leaving it up to where the manufacturer puts D rings the Daisy train system allows you to clip just about anything anywhere on the board.
This is especially handy if you are packing the board heavily and you need to get that sweet spot. Its 36” width also makes this board almost impossible to flip over.
What Customers Think
A lot of reviews were geared towards BIC boards which were bought out by TAHE’s division of stand-up paddle boards. So it’s not entirely fair to list reviews from 4 years ago.
Paddling TV did a solid review on this board though.
Pros
- Great Kayak Hybrid vessel
- Included Accessories make this one of the better packages out there
- A solid board for a beginner solo/ tandem board due to width
- Footrests and elevated seats make it better for the back
Cons
- 36” will make this board slow
- Thruster fins are all glued on, no room for customization and it takes space in the folding process
- Board with all the accessories are tough to fit into the bag
5. Blackfin XL (Popular Pick)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 11’6”x 34”x 6”
- Weight: 29 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 485 Lbs
- Materials Used: 3 Layer composite PVC Reinforcement with Carbon Side Rails
Why is it a Good Tandem SUP Pick?
The Blackfin XL is a great tandem pick for those who want a good-looking board with solid stability and equally impressive usability. Like the Monterey, the Blackfin features an ample amount of deck padding and accessory mounts for a wide variety of different accessories.
It’s 34” width also gives the board a stable enough base for at least two people to sit on the board. Although my friend has one and he says he and his girlfriend can both stand on it with no problems.
On-Water Performance
The Blackfin has very similar on-water performance to the Monterey as both have the same dimensions and a similar shape. But the Blackfin does have the advantage when it comes to maximum capacity. It is also heavier compared to the Monterey so the acceleration may not be as good.
The Blackfin’s 34” width and 11’6” length won’t make it the most stable board on the list but it will be more maneuverable.
Board Features and Design
The Blackfin XL comes with 6 rows of bungee deck webbing that are removable as well as handles on the front and rear deck webbing for kids and another passenger to hang onto. Just in case you encounter some waves/chop and the like.
The Blackfin XL also features Scotty Mounts for those of you who are interested in add-ons such as fishing racks. The fishing rack will definitely help you give that extra feeling of security when standing on this board.
What Customers Think
When I polled a bunch of inflatable paddle board owners as to what the best inflatable paddle board was, the highest rated series was the Blackfin SUPs.
However, having said that some Blackfin Models X, XL and V have been recalled in the summer of 2022. I have heard from iRocker that they will be coming back in 2023 with new color schemes and of course a fix for the massive recalls.
Pros
- One of the highest rated SUPs from inflatable paddle board owners
- Lots of options for accessories
- Feels like a very stable board
- Lots of deck rigging options
Cons:
- 2022 had massive recalls on all Older style Blackfin models including the XL
- Stable but you may have difficulties with 2 larger people on this SUP
- Not Available Online since recalls in 2022
How to Choose a 2 Person Paddle Board
Now that we gave you some of the selections, here’s how you can personally choose a 2 Person paddle board to your liking.
Who/ What Are You Bringing?
One of the things I first look at is what you will be bringing with you. This also will determine what size SUP you will choose.
- For two large adults it’s highly recommended that you get a 15’ SUP with a high maximum capacity of at least 500 Lbs
- The Minimum Length You should be looking for with 2 Adults (One large one smaller) is an 11’ paddle board and 350 maximum capacity
- With an adult and a child/ Dog you can go for a smaller board with a smaller maximum capacity. 10’6” boards with a 240 Maximum capacity should work
If you are bringing a lot of gear with you then you have to factor that into your decision as well. For example for a 2-person SUP excursion, it’s best to get a 15’ board like the Red Paddle Voyager Tandem which has a maximum capacity of 700 lbs.
Budget
Of course, not everyone has $2000 to throw on an inflatable paddle board so make a basic estimate as to how much you would be willing to spend on a SUP. For proper tandem SUPs you will usually be paying at least $700. The average range will be about $1000 and up depending on the manufacturer.
SUP Construction
Not all inflatable tandem SUPs are created the same. The construction of the SUP will have a big bearing on the price tag. It’s tempting to find that budget $500 SUP on Amazon and pull the trigger on it. Buts it’s important that you understand SUP construction which we go deep into in this guide.
Construction is especially important with tandem SUPs because you have a heavier load on the board, mainly in 2 spots. So you want to make sure it’s made of at LEAST double-layer PVC construction, triple-layer, or fusion PVC layers. Single layer PVC construction is a no-go, especially for tandem SUPs.
Most Amazon and Big Box branded SUPs are single-layer PVC. While they may last a little while, there is less detail in construction which means the possibility for leaks is higher.
Maximum Weight Capacity
Maximum weight capacity is one of the most important specs that you will need to look at if you are considering a tandem paddle board. Almost all manufacturers will give you the maximum capacity stats.
Anything that is 400 lbs and over maximum capacity rating should be good depending on the weight you are bringing onboard.
Size and Shape of the Board
This is important as different sizes and shapes will determine how your board feels in terms of stability, speed, maneuverability, and tracking.
Pointier / Longer boards like the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15’ will give you greater speed and rigidity on the water while wider boards like the Red Paddle Co Voyager Tandem will give you more stability thanks to its uplifted profile and bulkier shape.
As you go to smaller boards like the Monterey or the Blackfin XL you will have less stability available to you compared to the above two models simply due to the fact that these boards are shorter at 11’6”.
As mentioned above, boards that are under 11’ are not going to be the best in terms of stability for a tandem SUP.
Tandem SUP FAQs
Below are some common tandem SUP FAQs that I frequently get asked from readers.
How Big Are Tandem Paddle Boards Usually?
Good Tandem Paddle Boards usually range from 11’6” – 15 ‘ and have a width of at least 34”. They should be made of stronger construction like dual fusion laminate due to the extra weight being put onto the board.
Should You Choose 2 Person Paddle Boards or 2 SUPs?
This will ultimately be up to you but oftentimes 2 person paddle boards are just as expensive if not more than 2 regular SUPs. If you feel you and the person you will be paddling with work well together then give it a go!
If you want your own board and your own space then it’s best to get 2 separate boards.
What’s the Difference Between a 2-Person SUP and a Multi-Person SUP?
The very simple answer is that a 2 person or tandem SUP is meant for 2 people while a multi-person SUP is for more than two. The main differences between the two are the width of the boards. Multi-person SUPs have the same length but are much wider which allows for multiple people to be on them. They feel like you are standing on a dock almost.
Multi-person SUPs range from 45” to 56” in width while Tandem SUPs are 34” to 38” in width. 2 Person paddle boards are better for tracking and expedition purposes because they have less drag while multi-person paddle boards are better for calm lake conditions where you don’t need to paddle far.
Can I bring Kids and Dogs on Paddle Board Outings?
Yes, you can although, you have to make sure the manufacturer’s maximum capacity will fit your requirements. Usually, with families, I’d recommend larger 15′ boards like the Bluefin Cruise Carbon Tandem or the Red Paddle Co 15’ board.
So What’s the Best Tandem SUP?
The Best 2 Person Paddle Board will ultimately come down to you and your needs. Out of our personalized criteria, we decided that the Red Paddle Co Voyager Tandem and the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15’ were the top choices both for stability and On-water performance.
If you have smaller folks going with you then any of the Nixy Monterey, Blackfin XL, and the TAHE Beach SUP would be good picks.
What tandem paddle board are you currently eyeing? Tell us on our Facebook Page.