UPDATE: Looking for the latest Naish SUP Board review?
Checkout out our latest post:
Naish SUP Paddleboard Review 2016
The Naish name has been prominent in the water sports industry since most of us were in diapers. A family company, based in Hawaii and true lovers of all things water – the Naish brand has something for everyone when it comes to water activities.
With roots in windsurfing and kiteboarding as well as stand-up paddle boarding, this brand has done it all and done it really well. In this article, we are going to break down two of the most popular (and our favorite) divisions of the brand – the Inflatable “Air” Series and the always sought after “Nalu” Series.
Air Series
Want to get into SUP but don’t have 12 foot ceilings in your house? An inflatable SUP is what you need. Very rigid considering their construction, the Naish inflatables are some of the most rugged and durable in the industry. These boards roll up into an easy-to-carry bag and come with a pump and removable center fin. All the the boards in the series are a tri-fin setup so yes, they are surfable. (best for smaller waves – for bigger days we suggest sticking to a regular board.) If rolling up your board and tossing it in your trunk sounds appealing, read on.
The Mana Air 10’0
A perfect inflatable for smaller, lighter weight riders. Easily maneuverable and very buoyant, this board is very stable considering it’s smaller size and can hold riders up to 240 lbs. Designed with extra thickness and firmness for stability and built tough so it’s extra durable.
The Mana Air 11’6
One of the toughest, most durable and sturdy inflatables available – capable of holding riders up to 280 lbs! Thick construction, wide profile and impact resistant – this is one inflatable that can handle it all.
The Nalu Air 10’2
Ideal for smaller riders looking for a versatile inflatable. Slightly more narrow with a thinner profile making this board easy to maneuver and lightweight while also having an exaggerated rocker shape thats great for handling choppy conditions. Best for riders 185 lbs and under.
The Nalu Air 11’0
This inflatable sup as a narrow profile and progressive rocker for excellent maneuverability in all conditions – surf included. For riders under 210 lbs this board is also great for touring or long distance missions.
The Alana Air 10’6
The ladies choice for inflatable SUP’s. It’s lightweight feel makes it easy to carry, the wider profile is great for balance and stability and the progressive rocker keeps your nose up out of the chop for wavy days. The ideal board for a lady on the go.
Nalu Series
The most sought after line in the Naish SUP offering, the Nalu boards are not only beautifully shaped but also some of the most versatile boards on the market. Flat water paddling to surf to touring, these boards can – and will – do it all. With the exception of the 9’0 GT, each size is offered in either the GS or GT construction. The GS has glass construction with wood reinforcement in the stance area for strength, durability and rigidity. The GT is a wood sandwich construction and bottom laminate making the GT stronger, slightly lighter in weight and more rigid. The GT also has the exposed wood which looks pretty amazing. Each of the different sizes has something else to offer so you can find the board that is just right for you. Read on to find out why these boards continue to be so popular.
The Nalu 9’0 GT
This longboard-style SUP board is perfect for lighter weight riders who want a fast performance board. The single concave bottom allows for fast paddling while the narrow shape and tri-fin thruster set up give you great handling and carving power. Best for riders up to 175 lbs.
The Nalu 10’6.5″
The one board solution for the rider who wants to do it all. The slightly wider outline, recessed deck and thicker rails make this board as stable as it is maneuverable. The single concave nose flows into a double concave midsection and rocker tail giving this board the ability to glide over flat water and be a blast in the surf.
The Nalu 10’10”
10’10. Flat water touring, tandem paddling and everything in between, the 10’10 Nalu is an extra stable do-it-all board that also works great in small surf. This size offers a multi-concave bottom that helps channel the water under your board for the ultimate smooth ride. The slightly recessed deck gives great stability and the forward deck comes with 8 inserts for bungee tie downs that can hold your gear for longer treks.
The Nalu 11’4″
Perfect for longboard style surfing and excellent flat water paddling, the 11’4 is the only way to go. A slightly more narrow profile allows for good maneuverability in surf, the more exaggerated outline curve and rocker is great for choppier conditions and the added volume makes for excellent stability while paddling. This is a great board for beginner and intermediate riders and is a shape that you will never ‘outgrow’.
The Nalu 11’6″
11’6. An amazing all-around board that the entire family can enjoy. The added thickness and volume that you get from the 11’6 makes this board super stable while still gliding quickly over the water. Deemed one of the best selling SUP boards of all time, this versatile shape surfs like a much smaller board yet offers great stability for paddling. Added bonus – this board can hold riders up to 250 lbs so for the rider looking to bring a friend along, this is the board for you.
