ISLEPioneer 3

Who is it for?

If you’re looking for a family-friendly all around paddle board that doesn’t break the bank consider taking a deeper look at the Pioneer 3 paddle board from ISLE Surf & SUP. The Pioneer 3 comes in a complete package that includes everything you need to get on the water and start paddling. Alongside the board the package includes a paddle, pump, leash, storage bag and fin.

This standup paddle board is best for all around paddling in shorter distances, close to the shoreline and in calm conditions. This board is also compatible and able to be converted into a kayak if you want that option as well. Priced at $695 the Pioneer 3 sits at the lower end of the mid-tier market in terms of affordability and comes in 6 different colorways to choose from.

First Impressions

The Pioneer 3 was incredibly stable on the water making it a perfect family-friendly beginner all around board. At 10’6” the width of the board, which is a large factor when it comes to the stability, is a bit wider than what we typically see at this length but it doesn’t hinder the overall shape of the board design or bog it down which is nice. Moving on to the bells and whistles of the board, there are quite a few add on’s that really make this board a great value.

First, the added handles on the nose and tail really help in transport of the board. Speaking of transport, the included bag it comes in is really nice quality and has a great design with wheels and a stand that helps it stand upright. Great for airport travel for sure.

Next, the board has both a nose and tail bungee attachments which is great for carrying cargo on the board whether it be gear, kiddos or even your pup. And the full deck pad, which is really comfortable and soft to the touch, helps a ton with keeping gear secure and avoiding a slippery surface.

The Pioneer 3 also features ISLE’s patented link system which allows for multiple attachment points throughout the board so adding in accessories is quite easy and flexible in terms of where you want to have them attached. Speaking of accessories, the board comes with a kayak seat, footrest and paddle attachment options which is really fun if you want to switch it up from time to time.

One thing that can be improved here is the included leash accessory. The leash is made of a mesh fabric and is lower quality compared to the more durable coiled leashes that are industry standard. When paddling the board, it wasn’t fast, wasn’t too slow and had a pretty average glide which was to be expected for the all around shape.

Overall, the Pioneer 3 package is pretty great considering the price point, quality and all that it includes with it which is why it’s deserving of our A-grade award.