ISLE Explorer 3.0 Review: ISLE’s Best Hybrid iSUP Yet

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The Explorer 3.0 is wide and stable. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

ISLE has been in the business of making inflatable paddle boards for years, and their designs continue to get better with each iteration. ISLE just released the Explorer 3.0, an updated version of their popular Explorer model. Compared to the Explorer 2.0, the Explorer 3.0 is lighter, more portable, and is compatible as a hybrid SUP-kayak. ISLE hit the nail on the head with the Explorer 3.0 – it is quite possibly the best inflatable stand up paddle board ISLE has ever released.

First Impressions of the Explorer 3.0

When the Explorer 3.0 arrived in the mail, I was blown away by how much smaller the packaging was than the pervious model. The bag was significantly slimmer than the 2.0 and it has wheels, which is always a huge plus for transporting. I was already a fan.

Last year, I had the opportunity to test out the ISLE Explorer 2.0. The board was great, but it was a little big and bulky, making it challenging to pack into the bag and transport. When ISLE launched the Explorer 3.0 I was eager to see the improvements they had made to an already great board.

When I got the board inflated, it looked fairly similar to the Explorer 2.0. But once I picked it up, I noticed the difference: It was significantly lighter. To test out the Explorer 3.0, I paddled on the ocean and in some lagoons near my home on Oahu. I also asked some of my more novice friends to test it out to get their perspective as well.

The Explorer 3.0 comes with a wheeled bag for easy transport. Photo: Jenna Miller//The Inertia

Notable Features

ISLE Explorer 3.0 Stock Image

Length: 11’6”

Width: 32”

Thickness: 6”

Volume: 336 L

Weight: 19 lbs

Complete Package Weight: 36 lbs

The ISLE Explorer 3.0 is a hybrid inflatable stand up paddle board and kayak. If you purchase the standard package it will simply perform as a paddle board, but if you purchase the Cloud Kayak Seat, Cloud Kayak Foot Brace, and Remix Carbon Extra Paddle Blade you can easily convert it to a kayak.

I first wanted to test the Explorer 3.0 in iSUP mode and got to work getting it inflated. The iSUP package comes with a dual-action hand pump. The pump works well but definitely takes some effort to get the board to the recommend 13-17 PSI. I inflated mine to 15 PSI for a happy medium. If you’re not a fan of sweating before you hit the water, I recommend purchasing an electric pump like the ISLE Custom Electric Pump.

As mentioned in my first impressions of the board, the Explorer 3.0 felt significantly lighter than the 2.0 and was easy to carry to the water. The 3.0 weighs just 19 pounds as opposed to the 2.0 which weighed 24 pounds. This was an upgrade I really appreciated as hauling heavy boards is my least favorite part about stand up paddling.

Another fun feature of the Explorer is the paddle holder, which is two Velcro straps along the rail of the board where you can attach your paddle, keeping a hand free for carrying any extra items you may have.

When I hit the water, I was impressed with the performance of the Explorer 3.0. At 11’6″ x 32″, it was wide and stable but was still easy to paddle and was fairly maneuverable. The board features bungee tie-down straps in the front and aft which I appreciated for stowing extra gear. The package even comes with a small dry bag which came in handy for stashing my phone.

The ISLE Explorer 3.0 is a hybrid iSUP/kayak. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Kayak Mode

After spending lots of water time on the Explorer 3.0 in SUP mode, I decided to convert it to a kayak. The Explorer 3.0 has a link system that runs the entire length of the board, making it easy to mess around with different positions until you find one that is comfortable for you. It was easy to get everything attached and add on the kayak paddle blade.

I thought using the Explorer as a kayak would simply feel like sitting down a SUP with a little back support, but it actually felt incredibly similar to an actual kayak. It’s super windy on Oahu and stand up paddling in the wind can be challenging, so I really appreciated the option to convert the Explorer to a kayak for those extra gusty days.

Because I am an experienced paddler, I wanted my novice friends to test out the board as well in both SUP and kayak mode. We went on a camping trip on the east side of the island and paddled in a protected lagoon. They took turns trying the board and all agreed that it was stable and easy to paddle. At the end of the day, the board was surprisingly easy to pack back into the bag and we got everything to fit (including the kayak accessories) on the first try.

The bungee straps are great for attaching gear. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Drawbacks

Like most iSUP packages, the paddle that came with the Explorer 3.0 wasn’t amazing. It felt heavy and cheap and I felt like I couldn’t put too much pressure into our strokes otherwise it would slide down. If you just go out cruising on occasion it might not be a big deal, but if you plan to paddle regularly you may want to upgrade your paddle.

The fin design on the center touring fin wasn’t my favorite. The fin uses a “Click-N-Go” system that doesn’t require a screw for easy installation. It was quick and easy to get the fin in, but it didn’t feel very secure. I wish that the fin came with a screw just in case you wanted it. The fin does track well through the water, I just worry I might lose it at some point.

Another small thing is that the Cloud Kayak Foot Brace was a little funky. I felt like it should sit vertically for better support, but it’s supposed to sit horizontally flush against the board. After messing around with positioning, I found a spot that worked but I didn’t feel like it was something we could apply a large amount of pressure to.

Lightweight, stable, and SUP/kayak convertible, the Explorer 3.0 is a great board. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Final Thoughts

The ISLE Explorer 3.0 is an all around inflatable stand up paddle board that can be quickly and easily converted into a kayak. The board is wide, stable, and lightweight, so it’s user-friendly for a wide range of skill levels. The Explorer 3.0 package comes complete with a wheelie backpack, a three-piece paddle, hand pump, touring center fin, a leash, and a dry bag, so you have everything you need for adventures on the water.

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Editor’s Note: To see how this board stacks up against the competition, check out our guide to The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards. For more options, including hardboards, here’s our overall Best Paddleboards Review. We’ve also reviewed The Best SUP Paddles, and The Best Lifejackets for Paddleboarding. Need something to wear when paddling? Here’s our guide to The Best Board Shorts, The Best Sun Hats, and The Best Rashguards. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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