Aqua Marina Beast

Overview

Overview

Paddle Board Highlights

Price

€549

Build

Inflatable

Skill

Beginner

Use

All-Around

Who is it for?

If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly inflatable standup paddle board that’s affordable check out the Beast from Aqua Marina. The Beast is great for beginner paddlers but also is something the entire family can enjoy. The board is measured at 10’6” x 32’ x 6 inches with a volume of 312L and weighs ~19lbs.

The board is best for short-distance paddling of up to 2 miles and is best in flatwater conditions. The board comes with everything you need - paddle, pump, leash, and fin - and sits at the mid-tier price point with an MSRP of €549.

First Impressions

The 2024 Beast is getting better and better with each iteration. We first tested it out in 2018, then in 2022. Now, the 2024 version is once again new and improved with some remarkable upgrades. The first, and most obvious upgrade from its previous version is the updated graphics. The board still keeps its blue theme from previous versions but the updated graphics here give it a much more polished look. The colorways are more in line with deckpack colors and it all just looks a bit more cohesive.

Another upgrade, and arguably the most important one to note here, is the updated technology. Before, the Beast featured a lightweight drop stitch technology but this new version features a double stringer technology which adds lightness and durability to this paddle board. It has additional stiffness and reinforcements -- they focused on excellent stability and rigid design all the way from the nose to the tail of the board. Big bonus and much appreciated update to this board.

Another update to the board is the tail design. Previous versions had the tail a bit more rounded but with this iteration you’ll notice a more squared tail which helps with stability. For the included accessories, you’re also looking at an upgrade. The paddle is now a carbon-hybrid paddle, much better quality than what was included before and the leash was upgraded from a low-quality cord to a much more durable coiled leash.

Even the storage/carry bag got an upgrade and is much better quality. Love the improvements there. Now let’s talk new features. The 2024 Beast features Aqua Marina’s all-new Red Strap bungee system which is thicker than standard bungees that you’ll see and it really helps further secure any cargo you wish to bring onboard with you during your paddle.

Aesthetically, another under-appreciated detail is the branding on every touchpoint of the items that come in the package from the backpack, paddle, pump, leash, and fin which is always a nice touch and something that can and should be appreciated. Small details like these show the thought that goes in behind the scenes when designing the overall package. You can see all the intricate designs that they put into this paddle board.

One of my favorite parts of the Beast is the red string bungee system that they have, it’s very unique, a lot of paddle boards do not have this and you can add whatever you like at the front as well as extra d-rings to add as well. On the water, my first impression of paddle boarding the Aqua Marina Beast is that you can really feel that double string layer when I'm out there. I feel very stable and I know the board is going to be durable. The side-to-side rocker, if you're an ultimate beginner, might test you a little bit but with a little bit of practice and getting comfortable on the board, I think it's honestly perfect for you. As I did the turning as well I love that the deck pad at the tail was raised to a kick which adds a ton of ease for turning and creates more stability.

At the end of the day, the 2024 Beast from Aqua Marina saw some major improvements to the overall design and quality, not only to the board itself but also to the included accessories. The Beast has a beautiful updated color scheme and is a very budget-friendly board that the entire family should be able to enjoy.

Benefits

• Primary Use

  All-Around

  Paddle Boards fall into two broad categories, All-Around and Specialty boards, with all-around designed primarily for recreation while speciality boards for top performance in specific disciplines

• Durability

  Durable

  Durability is largely a result of the board construction and shape, with more durable boards typically carrying more materials (added layers, PVC, etc) and as such adding to the weight.

• Carrying

  Very Easy

  Carrying ease is determined by board weight and handle type, where a board weighing under 20lbs with a Liftsup handle is extremely easy to carry while a 35+lbs board quite difficult.

• Stability

  Stable

  Stability is a product of construction and shape, where boards w/ 30”+ wide and 200+ liters in volume offer plenty of stability for your AVG adult while a board under 26” wide is a challenge.

• Glide

  Average

  Glide is a result of board shape and construction, w/ boards weighing under 30lbs and designed for racing offering best glide while recreational boards normally being on the slow side.

Features

• Dimensions

  10'6 x 32" x 6"

  Industry standard in board dimensions reads: L (length, from nose to tail) x W (width, from rail to rail at midpoint length), and H (height, from top to bottom of board at midpoint length).

• Weight

  19.7 lbs

  Standup paddle boards tend to fall into 4 different weight classes: extremely lightweight (under 20 lbs), lightweight (20-28 lbs), average weight (28-35 lbs), heavy (above 35 lbs).

• Volume

  312L

  Volume is a key metric to determine how much weight a board can carry. Boards w/ 200+ liters offer most floatation with boards under 150 liters typically for high-performance surf.

• Capacity

  308 lbs

  Capacity is the max cargo weight a stand up paddle board can carry, considering not only the paddler’s weight but whatever else the paddler may choose to carry alongside him/her

• Add-on’s

  Bungee Nose  D Ring Paddle Included Leash Included

  Add-on’s include bungee cords, a minimalist way to haul things; Connexsup, which allows for all sorts of attachments, even fishing rods; and FCS II/Connect, for easy fin instal.

• Handle

  Strap

  Handles directly affect carrying ease, with external grip handles (Liftsup & EZgrab) offering most comfort, Internal Ergo Grip the mid-tier comfort, and box handles as least comfortable.

• Holders

  No

  Fishing rod holders and/or paddle holders can make paddling that much more pleasant, esp. when needing holders for the rod or having a safe place for the paddle during yoga.

Sizes Available

• Length 10 Feet 6 Inches

• Width 32 Inches

• Thickness 6 Inches

• Volume 312 Liters

Similar Products

For more detailed reviews and to look at similar models, visit Supconnect.com. If you like this review, give us the thumbs up. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments. And make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the latest news and reviews from Supconnect.

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