You may have noticed that paddle boarding is gaining popularity. Over 3.68 million Americans enjoyed stand-up paddle boarding in 2020 alone. Many of them have gone to Amazon and picked up boards from this exact company. So how does Serenelife baddle board review hold up to its online popularity?
SereneLife is a brand that produces gadgets, toys, and adventure tools for both indoor and outdoor activities. Although they have a fairly robust outdoor department, they also manufacture baby products, garden tools, home and lighting tools, and more.
Of course we are here for paddle boards, so let’s take a deep dive on one of the most popular inflatable SUPs on the market.
I was able to test my friend’s Serene Life 10’5 Free Flow board and I must say, I was surprised! How did I like it? More on this below.
SereneLife makes two paddleboards: the ThunderWave series and the Free Flow series. For the FreeFlow, there are three different sizes (10′, 10.5′, and 11′).
The biggest difference between the FreeFlow series and the ThunderWave series is that the FreeFlow seems to be better designed for more weight and for longer paddles. Additionally, the FreeFlow boards seem much more stable than the ThunderWave.
SereneLife Paddle Board Reviews
Here are our Serenelife paddle board review. The most popular ones are the ThunderWave and the 10’5” Free Flow boards. I’ve tried the Free Flow 10’5” series so if you want my thoughts you can skip to it here. If you are looking for some comparisons take a look at our SUP Brands page.
To Jump to Each Section Click “Jump to Review” on the right under Price
| Board | Dimensions | Weight | Max Capacity | Activity | Price |
| Free-Flow 10’5” | 10’5” X 30’’ x 6’’ | 19.6 Lbs | 275 Lbs | Recereation/ Yoga | $$ Jump to Review |
| ThunderWave | 10 x 30’’ x 6’’ | 19.6 Lbs | 275 Lbs | Recreation | $$ Jump to Review |
| Free-Flow 10’6″ | 10’6″ x 30’’ x 6’’ | 19.6 Lbs | 275 Lbs | Recreation/ Yoga | $$ Jump to Review |
| Free-Flow 11’ | 11’ X 30” X 6” | 19.6 Lbs? | 275 Lbs | Recreation/ Yoga | $$ Jump to Review |
ThunderWave Series
One of SereneLife’s most popular paddle boards, the Thunder Wave boasts a wide design to make stand-up paddling more accessible for beginner paddlers. In fact, the board is 10′ long and has an impressive 32″ deck width, which creates a more stable base.
Specifications
- Length: 10’
- Width: 30”
- Thickness: 6”
- Materials: Single Layer PVC
- Weight: 19.6 lbs.
- Maximum Capacity: 275 lbs
Who It Is For
The board is great for beginner athletes due to its non-slip soft top deck. Because it is non-slip, it helps you grip onto the board with a degree of confidence. Plus, SereneLife knows that you probably will fall a couple of times as you’re learning (you can’t learn if you don’t fail first!), and as a result, they made the paddle board extra soft and cushioned to minimize the risk of injury.
Still, despite it’s soft deck, the width is relatively small. The smaller the width, the harder the board is. And, because it has a maximum weight of 275 pounds, this board is great for adults who are learning how to board but have some experience locked down.
Because ThunderWave is crafted with Single LayerPVC, it is one of the lightest boards on the market.
The board is incredibly sturdy and stable, and because it is so lightweight, it has great speed. The ThunderWave also comes with an attached fin, making it easily maneuverable in the water.
On Water Performance
With triple bottom panel fins, this paddleboard is even easier to handle when you’re using it out on the water. From our SereneLife Thunder Wave review, we believe it’s lightweight enough to gain a little speed while you’re in the water, but the maneuverability is still top-notch.
If you’re worried about stability or often have trouble keeping your balance while you get inside a paddle board, there’s a non-slip deck on top that we appreciate.
Board Features and Design
We love that the board has great beginner features like that soft, non-slip deck. However, from an aesthetic viewpoint, the board does leave a little to be desired.
This seems to be a problem with many SereneLife products; though the quality and craftsmanship are relatively good for the price, the board design is somewhat dull. With paddle boards becoming more popular, some other inflatable paddle board brands have far superior designs to the ThunderWave series.
What Customers Think
All in all, customers enjoy that the board has a tight seal, which means that your board will never leak out air until you want it to. As a result, our Thunderwave review gives this board a thumbs up for durability.
Continuing on a similar idea, the board itself is pretty durable for a board of it’s price range. You can rise with ease and confidence knowing that just because it’s a budget inflatable, that doesn’t mean it sacrifices durability, weight, or security.
But, no matter how many benefits a product has, there are always elements that the company can improve upon, and ThunderWave is no exception.
While the ThunderWave is sturdy in the water, many customers have noted that they are much bulkier and more challenging to carry than other inflatable paddle boards. This can present a problem while you are lugging it a fair distance to and from the water.
Pros
- Inflatable makes it easy to transport and store
- Inflates with air easily and quickly
- Holds 15 PSI for days
Cons
- It can be heavy to travel with
- Poor aesthetic design
- Can be bulky
Free-Flow 10’6″ Series
This SereneLife SUP is crafted so that you can get your sea legs underneath you on your first few tries. This is because it has six inches of thickness, this board is a great option if you want to paddle with another child or pet.
The SereneLife Free Flow SUP inflatable paddle board is more stable than the ThunderWave. This board is best served for smaller paddlers who are just starting out.
Specifications
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 30”
- Thickness: 6’’
- Material: Drop Stitch, Single Layer PVC
- Weight: 29.42 lbs.
- Maximum Capacity: 275 lbs
Who It Is For
The 10′ FreeFlow board is best used for smaller paddle boarders who have excellent core muscles and can balance and keep upright with little help from the board. That’s right I’m looking at you smaller SUP Yogis.
However, as stated above it is more than stable enough for newer paddlers who want to buy something to get into the sport.
On Water Performance
The board is incredibly stable for a budget board. It’s shorter 10’ length also makes it one of the easiest to maneuver.
Still, there are significant drawbacks to the FreeFlow paddle board. For starters, the aluminum paddle is surprisingly heavy, so heavy that it often feels unbalanced, bulky, and just plain awkward.
Secondly, some customers report having issues with the valve. Occasionally, some customers say that the fill valve leaks too much air. While this is a quick fix (you can tighten the valve with a wrench), it still can be frustrating to make minor adjustments to the equipment you just bought. Especially if you just got the board.
Board Features and Design
The design fades with too much sun exposure. Because this is an outdoor toy, prepare to have that design fade within a few months of use.
What Customers Think
Overall, people seem to really enjoy this board. Thanks to its inflatable nature, the board is fun and convenient to use. The board is excellent for casual boarding and is a perfect fit for those learning how to board without wanting to spend too much money.
Others say that it is very stable, and because of its traction pad, people are much less likely to fall. Plus, when they do fall, the inflatable nature is a bit more cushiony than other, harder boards.
However, some users complain that air does indeed leak out of the valve. Occasionally some customers had to return the product due to a faulty gauge and valve. Additionally, some complain the paddle is far too heavy and is prone to fill with water, making it susceptible to sinking.
Pros
- Maneuvers well
- Stable in the water
- The traction pad is great for beginners
- The inflatable board is easy to store and transport
- Best looking board in the line-up
Cons
- Can have a faulty gauge and valve
- Sometimes air does leak
- The paddle is too heavy and can sink.
- Design can fade
Free-Flow 10’5″ series
The next size up is the FreeFlow 10 ‘5” board. This is a commonly found board with a bit longer length between an expert paddle boarder and a beginner boarder. Additionally, because it is longer, it has a larger maximum weight capacity, so larger adults can feel more comfortable using this board.
This is one of the most popular boards on the market and it’s one I’ve tried. As a 6’1” adult male I was easily able to balance on this board no problem. It was actually one of the more stable boards I’ve paddled!
Specifications
- Length: 10’5”
- Width: 30”
- Thickness: 6’’
- Materials: SInge Layer PVC
- Maximum Capacity: 285+ lbs.
- Weight: 29.5 lbs
Total Score: 6.5/10 (Average of Below)
- On-Water Performance: 7
- Stability: 8
- Tracking: 7
- Speed: 6
- Maneuverability: 8
- SUP Construction: 6
- Board Features: 6
- Deck Pad: 6
- D Ring Placements: 6.5
- Deck Bungees: 7
- Handle: 5
- Accessories: 6
- Backpack: 5
- Paddle: 6
- Pump: 6
- Fins: 6
- Set-Up/ Take Down: 7
Who it Is For
Following the same logic, the 10.5′ is a good middle ground for those who are still used to paddle boarding but are not experts yet. Ultimately, this is a great board to use if you are a beginner paddle boarder and are looking to practice more with your own board without putting down a sizable financial investment.
Additionally, the 10.5′ has a higher weight capacity, so this is a great product to use if you are an adult worried about weight capacity. It’s a great inbetween board for people that are of a median build.
On Water Performance
This board is still as lightweight as other SereneLife boards, even though it’s a bit heavier and wider.
You can watch the above video to see my on-water performance thoughts on this board.
However, the seams are not as strong as some of the more premium FreeFlow boards as a result, they can lose stability in strong wind and strong waves. Additionally, the paddle has been known to get water inside, making it heavier and harder to use.
Board Features and Design
From an aesthetic point of view, the FreeFlow 10.5 inch board certainly has a much more engaging, exciting design than the ThunderWave board. The colors could still use a bit of work, but the design has much more going on than other similar SereneLife boards.
Other features include a bigger deck pad for those SUP Yogis. As well as a decent amount of bungee deck rigging.
It also features 2 D rings on each side of the board for accessories like a kayak conversion kit.
What Customers Think
For the most part, customers seem thrilled with the 10.5 board. Primarily, people are most happy with how easy it is to inflate and deflate this board. As a result, this board is extremely easy to transport and store and has excellent usability. Additionally, the board is fairly lightweight even though it has a higher maximum weight capacity. The board itself has great moveability and glides through the water pretty well for a budget board.
However, the seams on this board can become loose easily, which does, unfortunately, compromise the boards’ stability.
You can see the Detailed Serenelife Free Flow Review here.
Pros
- Fast inflation
- Easily glides through the water
- Lightweight
Cons
- Loose seams
- Not the fastest board
- Design could be better
Free-Flow 11′ Series
The board is constructed of quality drop-stitch fibers to craft an excellent, sturdy board. Additionally, the paddle board has a traction pad to help beginner boarders gain extra security in their footing, posture, and grip.
Specifications
- Length: 11’
- Width: 30”
- Thickness: 6”
- Material: Single Layer PVC
- Weight: 30.6 lb
- Maximum Capacity: 285lbs+
Who it Is For
This is the longest board that SereneLife has built. As a result, this board is the most stable Serenelife board in the lineup for beginner paddle boarders who are looking to jump on a paddle board for the first time. If you are a taller beginner, you should consider buying this board instead of the ThunderWave series or a different FreeFlow version.
On Water Performance
The 11’ board is the best tracking Serenelife board. It is the longest of the series and therefore has more volume and a longer profile making it easier to paddle in the water.
Board Features and Design
Again, the FreeFlow design leaves a bit to be desired. While it is a step up from the ThunderWave, the design still could use a bit of work. However, this board is incredibly affordable, so you gain in cost savings what you lose in design. Additionally, the board comes with helpful features like a deckpad to further help beginner paddlers.
What Customers Think
This board has a lot working for it. It has a traction pad to help beginner athletes remain balanced and sturdy on the board. And, because it is so long and wide, your gear and cargo can remain on the board during your trip.
However, sometimes this board is difficult to inflate because it is so long. I recommend getting an electric SUP Pump like the Outdoor Master Shark II to help speed this up.
All in all, the 11-inch SereneLife FreeFlow board is perhaps the best Serenelife board for beginners. It is easy-to-use, easy-to-balance, and very affordable.
Pros
- Easy to control
- It comes with three bottom fins
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Sometimes hard to inflate
- Air can seep out of the valve
- Design fades with sun exposure
Serenelife Accessories
Unlike other paddle board companies, SereneLife equips its users with the board as well as a set of accessories to set your paddle board expedition trips off to the right start. With each paddle board, you’ll find:
- A coiled SUP leash
- Adjustable paddle
- Manual air pump
- Serene Life iSUP repair kit
- Storage backpack
- SereneLife Paddle Board fin
Out of this list, many users especially appreciate the storage backpack because it’s more convenient during traveling with your SereneLife SUP and is designed to have enough space to fit many of the other SereneLife accessories.
The paddle board fin is another highlight – not only does it have an eye-catching design, but if you need to use it, you may be surprised just how much extra tracking and stabilization it gives you. In Fact you should just use it regardless or you will have a tougher time in the water!
We also can’t forget to mention the SUP leash. Some paddle boards of its price range don’t come with the leash.
Furthermore, the iSUP repair kit will come in handy on those long trips. Even though their boards are surprisingly durable and thick, the truth of the matter is that you may tear through the fabric if you encounter aggressive waters, rocks, or other obstacles in the water.
When this happens, it’s essential that you have some repair kit by your side so you can patch the hole and be on your way. In this regard, it’s exciting that SereneLife includes a repair kit with each board to ensure that none of their customers will be stranded along the river somewhere.
Serenelife Customer Service
While their boards are great beginner boards, the customer service seems to be a bit lacking. For one, when some odd customers express having issues with the product, they struggle to get in touch with a customer service representative to resolve their issue. When they do get in touch with a customer service representative, the representatives do little to resolve the issue.
There have also been some reports of customers not cashing in their warranties.
If you want to get in touch with SereneLife, you have the option to fill out a registration form, but there is no way to get in touch with them directly.
It seems SereneLife is a bit of a ghost on the Internet, which doesn’t instill too much confidence in their company.
So it’s best to buy from a reputable online retailer like Amazon as they have their own policies. Companies that sell on there HAVE to follow through on them. Or else they get kicked off the platform.
Serenelife Warranty and Returns Info
SereneLife does indeed promise a guarantee on all of its products. For their paddle boards, they promise customers a one-year guarantee. A one-year warranty is fairly standard with budget inflatable boards.
However, it is important to note that some customers complain that SereneLife doesn’t hold up to their warranty. One customer on BBB has complained that their product broke only one month into use, but SereneLife didn’t fix it anyway.
Where To Buy Serenelife Products
Most customers seem to purchase SereneLife products from Amazon, although you can also purchase SereneLife products directly from their website. Purchasing from the SereneLife website does give you easier access to view the digital instruction manual as well as plenty of customer reviews. If you’re looking to purchase or replace one of the accessories, these products may be easier to find on the SereneLife website directly.
Besides Amazon, you can also purchase some SereneLife products through Walmart as well. Like any product, you may also find used versions of these paddle boards on eBay. Although this can make it harder to verify the condition (and your SereneLife inflatable paddle board may sometimes lack the extra accessories you’d get by buying directly from SereneLife or Amazon).
Similar Paddle Board Manufacturers
While SereneLife may produce a solid paddle board, how does it stack up to its competition? Let’s examine other budget boards comparable to our SereneLife sup review to see whether SereneLife is the right choice for you.
ROC
ROC is one of the most prominent budget paddle board companies in the current market. They are a direct competitor to Serenelife .As an industry leader in manufacturing adventure gear, they know how to design quality paddle boards for all types of explorers. ROC provides an excellent water board with a wide deck to give you the best jump-start into your paddle board career.
Tower
The famous “Shark Tank” paddle board. Tower is a great option to purchase paddle boards if you are on a budget. They build some of the first 6” Thick boards on the market. After that the rest was history. Most of their boards are lower prices because Tower is a consumer-direct-designed company.
See Tower Paddle Board Reviews here.