Best Group Paddle Boards | 2021 Big SUPs Compared

Brand new in 2021, GILI’s Manta Ray 12′ is a slightly smaller version of their large group board the Manta Ray 15′. The 12′ Manta Ray is ideal for 2-3 people while the larger 15′ Manta Ray can handle 5 or more people.

In contrast to the longer and skinner Bluefin SUPs listed below, the Manta Ray 12′ is a wider board, giving it much greater stability for small groups more interested in recreational paddling, lounging, or using the board as a small diving platform.

The Manta Ray includes front and rear removable bungees to stow your gear, 5 action mounts for attaching accessories, 2 paddle holders, 2 inflation ports, and a number of grab handles for carrying. Also included in each package are two paddles, a rolling duffel bag, 2 triple action pumps, 5 fins, and a repair kit.

If you’re looking for a unique platform for your fun in the water this summer, check out GILI’s Manta Ray.

The Bluefin Cruise 15′ is a somewhat unique board, made primarily for tandem paddling whether standing or sitting with dual kayak seats.

Unlike the GILI Manta Ray 12′, above, the Cruise 15′ is longer and significantly narrower at 36″. This makes the board quite fast at cutting through the water, but will generally mean the paddlers will have to stand or sit front-to-back rather than side-by-side. Think of this as the SUP version of a two-seater bicycle. It’ll be ideal for tandem teams looking to put in some real distance, those who are looking for a more casual board may prefer the GILI.

This model includes a high-pressure hand pump, two fiberglass travel paddles, backpack, leash, two kayak seats, two kayak blade attachments, and repair kit.

Not only does this board provide versatility, but also performance and good value for your money. Our Bluefin Cruise 15′ SUP board review can fill you in on more details.

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15′, like the Cruise 15′, is a tandem board designed to be paddled by a pair of paddlers either standing or sitting in kayak seats.

It has nearly identical dimensions and shape to the Cruise 15′, but features several premium construction elements including dual air chambers and carbon fiber side rails for additional stiffness. This board is tough enough to be inflated to 28 psi for incredible stiffness.

The Cruise Carbon also comes with premium accessories including a 3-stage hand pump, SUP backpack, kayak seat, carbon fiber travel paddle, kayak blade attachment, and repair kit,

Read our Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15′ SUP board review to learn more.

The Bluefin Mammoth is a massively large SUP that’s perfect for days on the water with family and friends. This 18′ big SUP can handle up to 10 people and the 60″ wide design provides plenty of stability. Tie it off to anchors or a boat and it can become a floating dock for the kids to swim and dive off from. Get enough paddlers on board and you can get it moving through the water too!

While Bluefin ships the Mammoth with a dual-action pump, leash, repair kit, and carrying bag, we’d love to see a second pump added to the bundle along with some paddles. Perhaps this is something that the company will consider adding in the future and it would definitely make this large iSUP a more compelling buy for those in search of group fun.

Check out our Bluefin Mammoth SUP board review for more details.

New for 2021, the GILI MANTA RAY 15′ is 3′ shorter and 4″ narrower than the Bluefin Mammoth as well as weighing 8 pounds less. Since it is still capable of handling 5+ paddlers, some people may find its slightly more compact dimensions a benefit.

Its real advantage is in the accessories — each Manta Ray comes with two paddles, two triple-stage pumps, a rolling duffel bag, and a repair kit. This makes it much quicker to inflate/deflate the board and we appreciate that the paddles are included.

The Manta Ray also features front and rear removable bungees to stow your gear, 5 action mounts for attaching accessories, 2 paddle holders, 2 inflation ports, and a number of grab handles for carrying.