Name: Surftech Chameleon Review
Item: Surftech Chameleon
Author: Supconnect

Who is it for?

If you’re on the market for an affordable, non-inflatable paddle board that works well as both an all around board and a touring board then check out the updated Chameleon from Surftech. The 2023 edition of this board has received some beautiful updates from previous versions and looks great. The Chameleon is an all-around/touring hybrid board that can be used by everyone with recreational paddling in mind.

Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for mid-range distance paddling, up to 3-5 miles max. The board comes in two sizes (10’4, 11’4) and colors (green, pink) and is quite light making it pretty easy to carry around. Starting at $1,130, the Chameleon is a stunning board that is versatile in use at an affordable price. Definitely check this one out.

First Impressions

Once again, Surftech wows with a beautiful board design. The 2023 Chameleon is offered in two different colorways and sizes. The smaller size, the 10’4, has a beautiful soft pink sort of watercolor graphics that are really unique. Most boards use solid colors so this is a really nice, fresh design. Similarly, the larger size that’s available, the 11’4, uses the same watercolor graphics but this size has more of a seafoam green. Again, really nice design.

The deckpad is very simple in color and plays nicely off the rail color on the board. Speaking of the deckpad, it is made up of Surftech’s Bloom Foam tech which is made up of eco-friendly materials adding another nice touch. The Chameleon doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles and takes more of the simplistic approach with a bungee and accessory insert on the nose, the quality of materials and thoughtfulness in the design speak volumes.

The weight of the board was nice and light for both sizes which not only made it easy to carry and handle out of the water, but on the water it was really easy to maneuver and turn. The board did feel quite stable, but beginner paddlers might be more comfortable on something with a touch more width and thickness to it. That being said, intermediate and advanced paddlers will love this board.

The glide is smooth and the displacement nose design really helps it cut through the water and handle chop. And while the board has more of a touring shape/design it can definitely be used in small waves if you’re up for it. Overall, the Surftech Chameleon is an excellent, quality board that is very deserving of our A-grade. The 2023 design for the Chameleon is exclusively available at REI.