In this review we go through all the specs and test the Retrospec Weekender. A few years ago I tested the Retrospec Weekender Plus which is a cheap kayak hybrid alternative. So in this review we will be comparing the Retrospec Weekender with other paddle boards of its price point to see how it performs.
I tested this board in the tidal river of the Nikomekl River a few times to really dial in how the board felt. The river offers some tidal movement and steady winds that can be fast. However in this case, things were pretty tame.
Lets get into the review!
What Did We Think of The Retrospec Weekender?
The Retrospec Weekender is a good “all-around” board that can be had for an affordable price point. The package comes with everything you need and is geared more towards beginners who want to get started with a SUP package that does not cost an arm and a leg.
From an On-Water perspective, the board felt like it had good on-water performance for a board of its price range. The board was easy to maneuver, had better than average tracking thanks to the proper 3-fin setup and felt stable for paddlers of most sized to stand on.
The accessories that come with the board are ample for what you need to get started. The accessories are a tier below when compared to more expensive SUP companies like iRocker or Nixy but, for the price its ample enough where it can get the job done.
Retrospec Weekender Paddle Board Review Ratings
Total Score: 7.8/10 (Average of Below)
- On-Water Performance – 8.13
- Stability 8
- Tracking 8
- Speed 8
- Maneuverability 8.5
- SUP Construction – 8
- Board Features – 7.5
- Deck Pad 8
- D Rings 7
- Deck Bungees 7.5
- Handles 7.5
- Accessories – 7.5
- Backpack 7
- Paddle 7.5
- Pump 7.5
- Fins 8
- Set-Up/ Take Down – 8
Pros:
- Great Board for a Beginner to start off with
- Great board for those who want a clutter free deck
- Comes with Everything You Need to Get Started
- Great Lightweright board to bring for traveling
- Bag does not take up a lot of space
- Great board for smaller paddlers
- Board offers a very good price
- Weekender is one of the older SUP makes
Cons:
- Accessories are fairly basic
- Board may be difficult to fit back in the bag
- For a board with more features and accessories you may want to look at Weekender Plus 2
Who Should Be Using the Retrospec Weekender 2?
The Retrospec Weekender 2 is an idea board for the following paddlers:
- People who are between 5’ – 6’1” who are new to paddle boarding
- Paddlers looking to downsize from a hardboard to an inflatable that is portable
- People who want a SUP that does not take a ton of room
- People who don’t need any fancy accessories to come with their paddle board
What SUP Activities can the Retrospec Weekender 2 Be Used For?
The Retrospec Weekender can be used for a few activities including the following.
Recreational Use
The main one, of course, is recreational use, which can encompass casual paddling for anywhere from an hour to three. It’s good for all levels of paddlers who have a broad range of experience levels.
A Small Passenger Onboard
The board can hold a small passenger on board to boot. If you have a small to medium sized pup or a small child that can ride in the front its definitely doable. I wouldn’t test it with two adults, though, because the maximum capacity is only 275 lbs.
Retrospec Weekender On-Water Performance
| Rating Factor | Score | Average SUP Score (All Around Boards) |
|---|---|---|
| Total On-Water Score | 8.13 | 8.0 |
| Stability Score | 8 /10 | 8.3 |
| Tracking Score | 8 /10 | 7.8 |
| Speed Score | 8 /10 | 7.7 |
| Manueverability Score | 8.5 /10 | 8.1 |
The Retrospec Weekender 2 scored solid On-water performance marks in our tests. The thing that perhaps impressed me the most was the board’s maneuverability. In this case, I tested this board in the coastal water of the Nikomekl River right outside Vancouver British Columbia.
So when comparing these scores to other SUP’s it is worth mentioning that there is tide, wind and water movement involved which can influence some of these numbers.
Stability
Standing on the board felt pretty good for the first time. It didn’t have the same amazing stability as the Retrospec Weekender Plus 2, but it was overall pretty good. The board felt stable going from kneeling to fully standing, and it wasn’t too wobbly. There are boards out there that do feel more stable but they are also wider which can cause more drag which means less paddling momentum per each paddle stroke.
If you are new to paddle boarding this may be a bit of a learning curve for you, but if you watch how I stand in the On-water video and others I’ve made I go through it.
However, I should also state there is no shame in kneeling or sitting the entire time either!
Tracking
| Tracking Factor | Paddle Strokes | Average Paddle Strokes (All Around) |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle Strokes To Keep Straight Course | 4 | 5.8 |
The board had a pretty average all around score of about 4 strokes a side. However, it wasn’t particularly noticeable when you are paddling along, which is a good thing.
What I do appreciate about the Retrospec boards is that they give you proper support, 5” slide-in fins, which help the board track better compared to those SUPs that have glues on 2” side fins that don’t help at all.
For best tracking form possible, try to paddle as close to the board as possible. This helps keep the board keep a straight course. If you paddle further away from the board the board will be fish tailing more which makes you loose momentum and exert more energy.
Speed
The Retrospec is an All Around board that is meant for a variety of paddlers so don’t expect it to be a rocketship. But having said that the board is light enough to have good acceleration from a stand still. Admittedly when I was paddling I wasnt pushing the package 100% because of the aluminum paddle.
I’ve had an experience from another SUP company where the paddle sat in the sun and actually broke when I was trying to go full speed on the SUP so I’ve learned my lesson there.
Having said that I did give the board some stronger strokes and felt that it had a good amount of speed for a short burst. For longer consistent paddling against the tide and wind I also felt the board did well to and maintained a decent clip.
Manueverability
| Manueverability Factor | Paddle Strokes | Average Paddle Strokes (All Around SUP’s) |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle Strokes for Reverse Sweep Stroke | 4 | 4.2 |
| Paddle Strokes for Reverse Side Paddles | 11 | 13.3 |
The board offered good manueverability scores with 11 reverse side paddles and 4 reverse sweep strokes which are within the “All Around Paddle Board” vicinity score. Surprisingly the Weekender Plus 2 offered better manueverability scores, although a big part of that may be the differences of paddling in a lake vs in a coastal river with tides and wind.
The board felt easy enough to manuever around and certainly didn’t take a huge effort to manuever around.
Hot Tip: If you want the board to maneuver better you can take off the 5” side fins! I wouldn’t recommend taking the longer 9” center fin though because then you will literally be paddling in circles! I may or may not have forgotten a center fin a time or two!
Retrospec Weekender 2 Stats Deconstructed
- Type of Board: Recreational
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Weight: 17.5 pounds /7.9 kgs
- Maximum Capacity: 275 pounds /125 kgs
| Rating Factor | Score | Average Score (All Around) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Score | 8 /10 | 8.3 |
The Weekender 2 is on the lightweight spectrum compared to your average All Around SUP that comes in at about 22-25 Lbs. This is thanks to its Aer-Lite technology, which presses 2 lighter-weight layers of PVC together. It is actually lighter than the Weekender Plus 2 that we reviewed a few years ago.
Retrospec is a company that has been around for a while. Infact they took over the Ten Toes company. Which were some of the original inflatable paddle boards that came out in the mid 2010’s.
Retrospec Weekender Board Profile.
The Retrospec Weekender’s board profile is a little bit narrower and rounded. Especially when you compare it to the Retrospec Weekender Plus which has a more square tail. When comparing the two the Retrospec Weekender will be more of a fun, manueverable board that will have a bit less stabilty compared to the Weekender Plus 2.
And a big part of that is the rounder tail which will give you more side to side play. Having said that Weekender solo will be a little more swifter and quicker to paddle.
Retrospec Weekender Onboard Features (What’s On Deck)
| Rating Factor | Score | Average SUP Score (All Around Boards) |
|---|---|---|
| Board Features Score | 7.5 | 8.1 |
| Deck Pad Score | 8 /10 | 8.3 |
| D-Rings Score | 7 /10 | 8 |
| Deck Webbing Score | 7.5 /10 | 8.1 |
| Action Mounts Score | N/A | 7.8 |
| Handle Score | 7.5 /10 | 8.2 |
The Retrospec Weekender 10’6” is designed to be a budget-friendly, user-friendly cruiser. While it cuts back on some of the premium bells and whistles you’ll find on boards double its price, its deck layout offers a highly functional setup for casual day paddling. Let’s look at what is built directly onto the board.
Deck Pad
The Weekender features a textured EVA foam deck pad running across the middle section of the board. It utilizes a traditional lined groove texture rather than a deep diamond groove. It offers a solid amount of grip underfoot when wet, and it feels soft enough to ensure your feet won’t get fatigued during a casual 1-to-2-hour cruise. It doesn’t extend all the way to the tail for advanced step-back turns, but for its target beginner demographic, it covers the standing sweet spot perfectly.
D-Rings
You get a total of 11 D-rings strategically placed on the Weekender. There are 6 integrated into the nose bungee system, 4 multi-use D-rings along the center lines (which can be used for securing cooler bags, dry bags, or attaching an aftermarket kayak seat), and 1 heavy-duty D-ring at the very tail of the board to secure your safety leash.
Deck Bungees
Retrospec utilizes a 6-point bungee storage system up on the wide nose of the board. This is a massive upgrade over the basic 4-point systems commonly found on budget boards. The wider footprint allows you to easily secure a full-size dry bag, a small cooler, and your sandals without feeling like your gear is about to slide off into the water.
Handles
You’ll find a single, heavy-duty nylon carry handle dead-center on the deck pad. It features a basic neoprene wrapping to prevent the webbing from digging into your hands while carrying the 17-pound board down to the shoreline. Unlike some premium all-around models, it lacks nose or tail grab handles, meaning you’ll rely solely on the center handle for transport and maneuvering the board in the water.
Accessories:
| Rating Factor | Score | Average SUP Score (All Around Boards) |
|---|---|---|
| Accessories Score | 7.5 /10 | 7.9 |
| Backpack Score | 7 /10 | 8.1 |
| Paddle Score | 7.5 /10 | 7.8 |
| Pump Score | 7.5 /10 | 7.6 |
| Fin Score | 8 /10 | 8.1 |
For a sub-$300 package, Retrospec provides an all-in-one bundle that ensures you have everything needed to get on the water right out of the box.
The Backpack
The included carry bag is fairly basic but gets the job done. It features standard adjustable shoulder straps and a zippered main compartment. While it lacks heavy padding, wheels, or internal compression straps for long hikes, it is perfectly adequate for trunk transport and closet storage.
The Paddle
You get a 3-piece adjustable aluminum paddle. It is slightly heavier than fiberglass or carbon fiber alternatives, but it is highly durable and matches the entry-level price point well. The adjuster hardware holds firm during normal recreational paddling.
The Pump
A standard single-action high-pressure floor pump with an integrated pressure gauge. It gets the board up to its recommended 12-15 PSI, though expect a solid workout during the last 3-4 PSI. As a tall person that has encountered some back issues I personally prefer using an electric pump. Sure it will cost $100 -160 but the amount of time you save and the effort you save, especially when you paddle is definetly worth the cost.
The Fins
The board features a 3-fin setup with a toolless slide-in central fin and two removable side fins. The slide-in mechanism utilizes a quick-lock peg system that makes setup fast, though it is a proprietary system rather than a universal US Fin Box.
Setup / Take Down
Setting up the Retrospec Weekender is straightforward. Thanks to its standard high-pressure Halkey-Roberts valve, inflation takes about 8 to 10 minutes of steady pumping.
Packing down is just as simple:
- Depress and twist the valve pin into the open position to rapidly deflate the high volume of air.
- Use an inflatable Pump to deflate the board
- Slide out the three fins from their tracks.
- Roll the board tightly from the nose down toward the tail to push the remaining air out of the valve, securing it with the included strap before sliding it right back into the backpack.
You can certainly deflate the board without a pump however I will warn you that it will be harder to fit everything into the bag. The bag in general is a pretty tight fit!
About Retrospec
Based in Southern California, Retrospec focuses on making the outdoors accessible to everyone. They design a massive ecosystem of affordable gear—spanning fixed-gear bicycles, longboards, e-bikes, camping gear, and, of course, inflatable stand-up paddle boards.
Retrospec isn’t a high-performance, boutique paddle board manufacturer. Instead, they position themselves as a lifestyle and entry-level brand. Their core mission is to cut out unnecessary markups and deliver decent, functional equipment to recreational enthusiasts who want to get outside without spending a fortune. Over the years, their Weekender lineup has become one of the most recognizable and widely purchased entry-level setups on the market.
Where to Buy The Weekender
Because Retrospec is a major consumer brand, you have plenty of options when it comes to picking one up:
- Direct from Retrospec: Buying directly from the official Retrospec website usually gives you access to their complete catalog of color schemes and bundle variants, alongside direct manufacturer customer support.
- Amazon: The Weekender is consistently a top-selling iSUP on Amazon, frequently featuring fast shipping options and seasonal discounts.
Comparable Boards
If you are looking at the Retrospec Weekender, you are firmly shopping in the budget-to-entry-level tier. Here are three comparable boards that generally sit in the same bracket:
ROC 10’6″
Slightly lighter overall build, very similar stability profile, and comes with a highly comparable all-in-one accessory kit. Casual beginners looking for a popular alternative with a massive community backing.
SereneLife Free Flow
Features a slightly narrower outline, which makes it a bit more nimble in the water, though less stable for larger riders.Smaller adults or teenagers who want something easy to maneuver.
Should You Get the Retrospec Weekender?
You should buy the Retrospec Weekender if:
- You are a casual hobbyist: If your ideal paddle boarding day involves inflating the board at a calm lake, floating around for an hour or two with friends, and soaking up the sun, this board does exactly what you need it to do.
- You are shopping on a strict budget: If you don’t want to invest $600 to $950 into a premium board package just to see if you enjoy the sport, the Weekender provides a low financial barrier to entry.
- You have limited storage space: At 17.5 pounds and rolling down tightly into its bag, it is highly portable for apartment dwellers or small car trunks.
Final Verdict: The Retrospec Weekender remains an ideal starter package. It doesn’t pretend to be a premium touring board, but for a sunny afternoon of casual recreation, it delivers solid value for its price.
