Paddling the Explorer 2.0 with the pup in tow. Photo: Jenna Miller//The Inertia
Stand up paddling is an incredible sport. It can be done on any body of water, it’s easy to learn, and anyone can do it. Although there are multiple disciplines of the sport and specific boards for each, all-around boards are the most common as they work well for most conditions and are user-friendly. Wide, stable, and versatile, the ISLE Explorer 2.0 is an all-around inflatable paddle board at its finest. To see how it stacks up against the competition, check out our guide to the Best Inflatable Paddle Boards.
Editor’s Note: The ISLE Explorer 2.0 has since been replaced by the ISLE Explorer 3.0 and is quickly being discontinued, but there are a few more left on Amazon.
First Impressions
| Pros | Cons |
| Lots of compatible accessories | Fin can be challenging to insert |
| Lots of bungees and attachment points | Handles on pump must be attached |
| Wide and stable | Difficult to fit back in the bag after paddling |
This isn’t the first board from ISLE that I’ve tested and based on my past experiences with the brand, I’ve come to expect high-quality boards. Out of the box, the Explorer 2.0 is on par with the ISLE boards I’d paddled before.
When it comes to looks, ISLE hit the nail on the head with this board. The color combinations are fun and eye catching without being overbearing. Once I got the Explorer 2.0 inflated, I could tell that this would be a super stable ride, and I was impressed by the plethora of bungee tie-downs and attachment points. Plus, the whole thing came in a backpack-style travel bag, which is always a plus.
Notable Features
Length: 11’6”
Width: 32”
Thickness: 6”
Volume: 336 L
Weight: 24 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
The ISLE Explorer 2.0 is an inflatable stand up paddle board, which is nice for storage and traveling, but more challenging at set-up as you need to get the thing inflated. The board comes with a dual-action hand pump that works great, but pumping up any paddle board by hand requires a good bit of grunt work. If you don’t enjoy the pre-paddle workout of inflating your board by hand, the ISLE Custom Electric Pump is super helpful. The board suggests inflating somewhere between 13-18 PSI – I tend to aim right in the middle of this range to ensure the board is rigid and stable, but not in danger of blowing a seam.
Inflating the Explorer 2.0 with the included hand pump. Photo: Jenna Miller//The Inertia
The Explorer 2.0 has two built-in side fins and a removable nylon touring center fin. It can be a little challenging to get the screws lined up to get the center fin in, but once you get it in there, it’s not too bad. Also included with the board is an 8’ coil leash and a carbon three-piece adjustable paddle. Performance wise, I’d say that the paddle is average, but I really like that it breaks down into three pieces for traveling, and the fact that it’s fully adjustable.
At 11’6” x 32” x 6”, this board is long, wide, and stable, making it a great all-around paddle board. I tend to do most of my paddling on a narrow race board, but for mellow days with friends and my dog, the Explorer 2.0 is a blast. My dog does not sit still when we paddle, and even though he was constantly running from nose to tail, I felt stable the entire time. We even hit a windy section with lots of chop (the worst enemy of inflatable paddle boards) and had no issues.
I really like that the Explorer 2.0 includes bungee tie down straps on the front and back for stashing a sweatshirt, backpack, or other essentials (I found myself using these a lot). The bungee system includes a six-point front bungee and a four-point rear bungee, allowing you to store lots of gear. There are also D-rings for attaching and anchoring gear. Grab handles on the nose and tail are super helpful when loading, unloading, and transporting the board.
Finally, ISLE offers lots of accessories to enhance your paddling experience. One of the coolest add-ons is the Cloud Kayak Seat, which attaches to the Explorer 2.0, transforming your board into a makeshift kayak.
A long, wide, and stable board. Photo: Jenna Miller//The Inertia
Drawbacks
As I mentioned previously, the fin can be a little challenging to get inserted. If you’ve never inserted a fin before then you may want to watch a video to learn how to do it correctly. Lining up the screw can be difficult, but if you don’t make sure to get the screw in there, there’s a good chance your fin will fall out. I’m unfortunately speaking from experience, so be sure you get the screw securely in there.
This is a small complaint, but the handles on the included pump require you to screw on a piece to reach their full size. I understand the idea is to cut down on space but they’re only about an inch wide, so I think it would be worth the added space to avoid the hassle of having to screw them on and unscrew them every time.
Finally, I love that the Explorer 2.0 comes with a travel bag with padded backpack straps. The downside? It is challenging to get everything back in the bag after you’ve used it. It takes some careful rolling and some strategizing, but it is possible to get everything back in the bag.
The Explorer 2.0 package includes a travel bag, pump, paddle, leash, and a center fin. Photo: Jenna Miller/The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The ISLE Explorer 2.0 is a well-made, durable, and eye-catching all-around inflatable stand up paddle board. It works well for beginners, parents with kids, paddling with the pup, SUP yoga, or the everyday paddler. The Explorer 2.0 package comes complete with an iSUP travel bag, slim hand pump, nylon touring center fin, carbon hybrid three-piece adjustable paddle, and an eight-foot coil leash, so you have everything you need to hit the water.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONEditor’s Note: To see how this board stacks up against the competition, check out our guide to The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards. For more options, including hardboards, here’s our overall Best Paddleboards Review. We’ve also reviewed The Best SUP Paddles, and The Best Lifejackets for Paddleboarding. Need something to wear when paddling? Here’s our guide to The Best Board Shorts, The Best Sun Hats, and The Best Rashguards. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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