You’d think for the price of the Journey SUP that you’re paying for an inflatable, but you’d be wrong. Journey SUP offers an affordable epoxy board for entry level stand up paddle boarders and experts alike. Now, that’s what we’re looking for when we want value!
The 10’6″ SUP might seem to be on the short end of the stick for a tall guy or gal looking for speed or even a relaxing day on the lake, but you’d be underestimating it.
Features
The rockered nose, low-rounded tail, and race-styled SUP offers increasing speed and glide with every paddle out in the water. It can hold up to 235 pounds comfortably, but being a solid board, you could likely get away with pushing those limits.
If you’re after the shiny polish of a brand new car, you best look elsewhere. The Journey is finished with a skin that’s weather resistant and will hold up against abusive use.
We’d trade the gloss of a scratchy surface for durability any day!
The traction pad is made out of EVA memory foam and is super comfortable for your feet, knees, or full body. If you’re looking to paddle all day long, there will be no foot fatigue here!
As a soft top SUP, you know you’re getting durability and comfort in one!
The single thruster fin allows you to track extremely straight, and the plentiful 32 inches of width gives you the versatility to do a lot more on deck. Yes, this is definitely a solid board, not an inflatable! Happy paddle boarding!
If you are still undecided our list of the best paddleboards here is worth looking at.
Main Advantages
- Price
- Solid board
- EVA memory foam deck
Main Drawbacks
- Short traction pad
Who is the Journey 10’6″ Paddle Board Best Suited For?
Despite what you’re thinking about the length, the Journey 10’6″ SUP is great for everything! From flat water to ocean surf, you’ll be set to get paddling in crossover terrain today.
The dimensions are great for novice stand up paddle boarders as well as experienced pros that want a versatile SUP. If you think an inflatable board would be more your thing you should check these paddle board reviews out.
Journey Paddle Board Reviews
The affordable price point has attracted a lot of newbie stand up paddle boarders, but despite their learning curves, they love the ease of use of the Journey SUP. They appreciate the high quality construction that will allow them to go from tenderfoot to pro all on one board.
Buyers also can’t rave enough about the specially designed carry handle – we’ll get more into that in the FAQ! But, to throw you a bone, the feature is awesome for a design that might seem so small in the stand up paddle board world.
But, no matter how comfortable the traction pad is, it would be nice if it were a little longer. If it went all the way to the nose, there could be a lot more use for on-board activities, hint hint. Then again, stand up paddle boarding really only requires room for your feet, right
Journey 10’6″ Paddle Board FAQ’s
What is the LiftSUP Easy Carry Handle?
We did promise to tell you more about it here.
It’s the center carry handle that pops up and down for incredibly easy use. It recesses into the deck so you can lay down comfortably without any grooves or digging into your skin sensations.
It also has double use as a locking point.
What is a Locking Point?
The carry handle can be used to attach a lock and tie down to a locking station like a rail to prevent it from being “lifted” while it’s not in use.
Can the Thruster Fin be Removed?
The single fin is removable and can be stored away or put into the trunk of a car during transport.
How much does the Journey Board Weigh?
The lightweight SUP is only 27 pounds, one of the lightest solid boards in the SUP industry! Combine its light weight with the EZ carry handle, and it’s a breeze to tote around!
What is the Connex SUP Connection?
It’s the little rigging bit at the top of the traction pad on the nose that allows you mount your favorite accessories such as an action camera. You could also mount a waterproof mount to hold your keys and cellphone while paddling!
Is there On-Board Storage?
There are four plugs on the tail of the SUP that allows for a bungee to be attached for on-board storage.
Does the SUP come with a Paddle?
Unfortunately, the Journey SUP doesn’t come with any included accessories. You’ll have to purchase the paddle separately. This is a standard concept of buying solid board SUPs. Inflatables on the other hand often include the entire accessories package.
What is the Solid Board SUP made of?
The SUP is made with an EPS foam core and epoxy resin that makes it extremely durable and lightweight at the same time. EPS is 60 percent lighter than the original material used for SUPs, Polyurethane Foam (PU).
Board Specifications
Brand/Model: Journey 10’6″
Length: 10’6″
Thickness: 4.75″
Type: Epoxy (Solid), Soft Top
Color Options: Lime/Blue
Suitable For: All-Round, Flat Water, Touring, Racing, Crossover, Surf
Guru Rating: 9.8/10
Comparable Boards to the Journey 10’6″ Solid SUP
The 11’4″ JimmyStyks Surge SUP is a great comparison. Yes, it’s longer, but it will also do great for riders up to 260 pounds. It even offers the same feature to mount accessories and on-board deck storage.
Granted, it doesn’t have the EZ lift carry handle, but it does include a paddle, fin, hardware, leash, and board bag for in the price!
It’s definitely worth checking out!
Other soft top SUPs in this price range also offer some cushion-y benefits for your bod and your feet. The Rave Chevron 11′ Soft Top has an EPS foam core with wooden stringer and even comes with a paddle!
The Isle Classic Soft Top has an excellent price for the board, paddle, and fin. It might lack the extra-cool features like the ability to mount accessories, but its dimensions are almost identical to the Journey. If you want more info on this awesome SUP, surf by and check it out here!
Noteworthy Features
- Soft top
- Family friendly
- Connex SUP plug
Our Verdict on the Journey Solid Paddle Board
To sum it up, the Journey 10’6″ SUP is a great buy! Don’t be prissy and turn your nose up to a soft top SUP, you might find you’re missing out on some awesome benefits that not even a hard top can match!
The Journey paddle board we reviewed is no longer available – check out the alternative below:
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ISLE Clasic Soft Top 10’8 Stand Up Paddle Board (5″ Thick) SUP Package | Includes Adjustable Paddle
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