Bottom line
I really like how well the Atoll behaves on the water. It is stable, tracks well and glides very easily too. Atoll has captured that – hard to get right – balance between stability and speed.
This board is sturdy, tough, and can carry a lot of weight. I do wish that Atoll would make the side fins removable, since that would make the rolled up board more compact.
- Comes with all necessary accessories
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Reliable construction—tough and rigid
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Lightweight materials
- Sidefins are not removable
- Not the cheapest iSUP
Compare to Similar Boards
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atoll 11′ | iRocker All Around 11′ | iRocker Cruiser | Blackfin X | iRocker Nautical | |
| Overall rating | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.6 | 8.6 | 7.9 |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Sizes | 11′ x 32″ x 6″ | 11′ x 32″ x 6″ | 10’6 x 33″ x 6″ | 10’6 x 35″ x 6″ | 10’6/11’6 x 32″ x 6″ |
| Weight | 21 lbs | 26 lbs | 25 lbs | 27 lbs | 20 lbs / 22 lbs |
| Capacity | 500 lbs | 400 lbs | 435 lbs | 450 lbs | 240 lbs / 265 lbs |
| Stability | |||||
| Speed | |||||
| Tracking | |||||
| Maneuverability | |||||
| Construction and durability | |||||
| Features and accessories | |||||
| Atoll 11′ | iRocker All Around 11′ | iRocker Cruiser | Blackfin X | iRocker Nautical | |
| Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review |
The Atoll 11′ inflatable paddle board is a premium SUP board. It has become quite popular among beginners and skilled SUPers alike. Ever since it was launched, the Atoll 11’ has gone through several changes. And every version has been better than the previous one.
Before the Atoll Board Company made this newest model, they went out of their way to ask users what they would like. They considered the answers and created the perfect solution for paddlers. Impressive.
RELATED: Read our inflatable sup reviews for more great paddle board options.
The company is based in California and was founded by water sports enthusiasts. While it is not an old company, Atoll is already a common name among the SUP community. They have proven themselves over and over with their quality products.
Atoll Company claims that this board is suitable for any SUPer out there. According to them, it is ideal for everyone regardless of age or height. How true is this? You will find your answer in this in-depth Atoll paddle board review. Every detail is outlined and there’s genuine feedback from customers to help you decide.
But first, take a quick look at the pros, cons, and specs.
SUP Board Specs
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs (single rider), water tested with multiple riders at over 700 lbs.
- Length: 11’
- Width: 32”
- Thickness: 6”
Who Should Buy The Atoll Paddle Board?
The Atoll 11’ is ideal for almost everybody, honestly. Heavy paddlers, beginners, yoga enthusiasts, families, and intermediate paddlers will all be fine with it.
It’s easy to see why it makes a good board for heavier SUPers. The 700-pound weight capacity is not something many paddleboards can offer. Now paddlers on the bigger side can enjoy and even bring a child or pet along.
The iSUP is stable enough for learning, yoga, and an additional rider. I have paddled this board with my nine-year old daughter – together we weigh close to 300 lbs. – without any issues like sagging or riding low in the water whatsoever.
Performance
All the Atoll praises wouldn’t matter if its performance was bad. So let’s see how good it is in different areas.
a. Stability
Having used the Atoll many times (and with a child on board) I can confidently vouch for it when it comes to stability.
If you want to know how stable an iSUP is, look at the construction, width, and thickness.
The Atoll 11’ is made with dual-layer PVC. While this is the best iSUP material, some manufacturers only use one layer and that is barely enough. That is why those paddleboards bend or flex when heavier paddlers try to ride. As you can imagine, this makes the board less stable.
The Atoll’s two layers of the highest quality PVC give the board an outstanding rigidity, making it as stiff as a solid SUP when inflated. Hence the high weight limit.
A wider paddleboard will always be more stable. Any SUP from 31 inches wide is typically stable for all skill levels. The Atoll is 32 inches. It is not too wide for shorter paddlers or to a point of making it extremely slow. This 32-inch width is just right.
When it comes to thickness, a thicker board is more buoyant and rides nicely above the water. That’s why you find that most reputable companies make their iSUPs with a 6-inch thickness. A thinner one sinks easily and may feel tippy. Besides, the thickness also determines a paddleboard’s weight capacity. Thin SUPs are also prone to the flexing mentioned above.
b. Maneuverability
The Atoll is designed for any condition, any paddler, and almost any SUP variation. So its dimensions are favorable for just that. The 11-foot length is medium. Its responsiveness is commendable regardless of your size. You will love it, more so when making turns.
Can you imagine how frustrating your SUP experience would be if you can’t control the paddleboard? The best SUP is one that is responsive—it turns when and goes where you want it to. And that depends on its length and width in relation to your height as well as its fin setup.
A short person will strain to make a proper stroke with a paddleboard that is too wide for them. And a very long paddleboard is harder to control.
Generally, a shorter and narrower paddleboard is more maneuverable. That is why surf SUPs are very short and narrow. However, if a board is too short and too narrow it will be unstable and slow. So it’s important to find a balance.
The three-fin setup found in the Atoll inflatable is perfect for maneuverability. It makes it easier for your board to turn, especially when paddling in waves.
c. Tracking
The Atoll 11’ tracks impeccably. This is nice because you go where you want to and suffer less frustration, especially as a beginner. When I compare the Atoll with other inflatable paddle boards I’ve ridden, I find the Atoll to be easier to paddle. The tri-fin design and shape of the board allow it to track well.
Just like a car, you want your SUP to move in a straight line. Otherwise, you will be all over. Tracking refers to the ability of a paddleboard to maintain a course. And fins greatly help with that. The large center fin minimizes drag and is preferable for flatwater paddling.
d. Speed
If you’re looking to participate in a race where the other competitors have actual racing boards, the Atoll 11′ won’t be your best choice. But with regular SUP boarding, it is a fairly fast paddleboard. It won’t disappoint you when touring shorter or longer distances.
The paddleboard has managed to strike a balance between satisfactory speed and stability, which is amazing. It has a pointed nose, narrow tail, and medium width. In an attempt to enhance stability, most paddleboards would go for a 34- to 36-inch width, a rounded nose, and a wide tail. This would make it ultra-stable but the speed would be disappointing.
By being moderate with these features, the Atoll Board Company made a paddleboard that is decently fast without sacrificing stability.
I should also mention that this paddleboard glides very smoothly. It’s something I noticed and appreciated.
Build Quality
Sometimes when checking out iSUPs, you notice that all of them are made with the same materials. You may be led to think that their quality is not very different. But there’s a reason why some are cheap and some cost more—or why some last while others don’t.
Almost every inflatable you come across will be made using PVC. However, the quality of the PVC and the number of PVC layers matter.
The Atoll 11’ is built using the Korean Dropstitch technology and machine-laminated dual layer PVC. With two layers, you know the paddleboard is going to last and it won’t flex. The manufacturer says that it can handle 400 pounds with a single rider and has been water tested at over 700 pounds with multiple riders.
Want to know exactly how durable the Atoll is? Check out the video below of someone driving over it with a car! You won’t see so much as a scratch. No wonder the company is comfortable offering a two-year warranty.
Despite being one of the most durable inflatable boards out there, the Atoll is surprisingly light. The construction used makes it 30% lighter than competing models. It only weighs 21 lbs and is one of the lightest inflatable paddleboards. This makes for easy carrying to and from the water – even my kids have no problem carrying the board between them.
Design
You will notice that many iSUP companies love to make brightly colored paddleboards. Some of them add pronounced graphics.
Atoll boards are known for the opposite of that. They come in army green (which is a favorite for many, including myself), desert sand, aquamarine, and light blue. Its buyers are mostly outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen who love the more muted colors of the boards. They blend better with nature.
Board Features
a. Fins
The Atoll paddleboard comes with a tri-fin system—one large center fin and two smaller side fins. The large fin is removable and the fin box is universal. It can fit pretty much any aftermarket fin. This is awesome because fins break or get lost and you may not get a similar replacement. The two side fins are not removable.
If you want to know how important fins are, try paddling without them. Your board will turn aimlessly and it can be hard to maneuver. They may seem like small insignificant parts but they are crucial. The large center fin is necessary if you want your board to follow a straight path. The three fins together make it easier to control your paddleboard, more so when the water is a little rough.
b. Deck Pad
One of the many features that make inflatable paddleboards popular is the soft top. Sitting, standing, or kneeling on a hard board starts to feel uncomfortable after a while. Although some of them now have a soft top, iSUPs are still better. And even when it comes to inflatables, a few are superior to the rest in this area; like the Atoll.
Its top is covered with a black and white EVA foam pad to prevent slipping and losing your balance when the board is wet. The pad is also soft and feels great under your feet.
Every area where you expect to stand or kneel is covered. This makes the Atoll a good yoga paddleboard. It is pet- and child-friendly as well.
c. Handles
Many people don’t really think about handles on a paddleboard—until it’s time to carry the SUP. The Atoll has two handles, one at the center and the other one at the tail. They both have a neoprene cover. Handles have an obvious use but the center carry handle can serve another purpose. It lets you know where the middle of the paddleboard is. This is useful for beginners who don’t know where to stand and during SUP yoga.
d. D-Rings
You can never have too many D-rings on a paddleboard. And the Atoll Board Company knows that. Their inflatable SUP comes with 15-D-rings.
Six of them are at the front and have a bungee cord attached for securing your luggage. One is on the tail and the rest are arranged conveniently. You can use them to attach a kayak seat or cooler. The placement is thoughtful giving you more options for where to attach your stuff.
SUP Board Accessories
The best thing about opening your iSUP board package is seeing the accessories inside. And many manufacturers give you something to smile about with their complete SUP bundles. But there have been complaints of most of these accessories being cheap and coming apart. Let’s see where the Atoll SUP bundle falls.
You will receive an eight-inch composite fin, travel bag, hand pump, coil leash, and a paddle.
The design of the travel bag has been improved. It comes with waist and shoulder straps (all padded) and a heavy-duty zipper. It doesn’t have any annoying graphics or colors. It’s plain black and has the cool Atoll logo. In the past, paddlers had a problem with the Atoll bag. They said it was substandard. This new design seems to have addressed all the issues—another reason to love Atoll.
The leash features a coiled design and measures 10 feet. The included pump is dual-action; air goes into your board with the upward and downward movement. If you’ve tried to manually inflate an iSUP before, then you know how useful this feature is. It also has an in-built pressure gauge.
The included paddle has a carbon fiberglass shaft and a nylon blade. This is an upgrade from what they used to offer. Previously, you’d get an aluminum paddle which is not that great. It also had problems with the grip and clasp. The new one is super light and very comfortable to hold.
What Users Are Saying
Most of what is discussed above is based on my experiences and what the manufacturer says. So let’s see if other paddlers agree.
A Reddit user was unsure which iSUP to get. Their choices were: Atoll 11’, the Tower Xplorer and the Isle Explorer. They posted on the platform so other SUPers would weigh in. And these are some of the answers.
This user says that he and his wife own two Atoll boards. While he has also used the Isle, he prefers the Atoll. His reasons are that the Atoll performs better, has a cooler design, and comes with a universal fin box.
Another one recommends the Atoll too. It has been their board of choice for some time and they don’t have a single complaint about it.
Still on Reddit, a Redditor posted a photo of himself on his new Atoll board. In addition to compliments, there were replies from fellow Atoll owners.
StealYourPhace, for instance, says that it changed the game for them—in reply to another comment.
Moving on.
Diana received the Atoll as a birthday present from her spouse. The one thing she first noticed was its outstanding quality. When she got it in the water, she couldn’t believe that an inflatable would be that sturdy, especially given how light it is.
Jabez was skeptical. He had not heard about Atoll and the [lower] price made him question it even more. But then he decided to have a chat with the Atoll Board Company, they were helpful. They explained their warranty, return policy, and everything he needed to know. That gave Jabez the nudge he needed, and he bought an Atoll. He was so happy with the purchase and highly recommends it to every paddler.
Chad was also very impressed with the customer service that he made a purchase as soon as he hung up the phone. He loves the D-rings, the quality, and everything that it has to offer. However, he gave it a four-star rating instead of a 5-star. Apparently, his board came with very minor cosmetic scratches.
Atoll Alternatives
The iRocker All Around 11 is one of the iSUPs that are constantly compared to the Atoll 11. And they are similar in many ways. It’s easy to see why buyers may be confused.
Atoll vs. iRocker All-Around 11′
Both inflatable paddleboards have the same dimensions, 11’ x 32” x 6”. They also come with all accessories in the package. The iRocker backpack allows for an attachable wheel tray but you have to buy it separately.
The iRocker All Around 11 also has a nose handle and an additional bungee storage area at the back. All of its fins are removable too. So, why would anyone choose the Atoll over the iRocker?
First, the Atoll is lighter. It only weighs 21 pounds while the iRocker 11 weighs 26 pounds. Despite being lighter, the Atoll 11’ can hold more weight. It can handle over 700 pounds with multiple riders. For the iRocker, the maximum weight capacity is 435 pounds.
While the two inflatable boards have a pointed nose and narrower tail, the iRocker’s shape is slightly more rounded. This enhances stability at the expense of speed.
Another reason to buy the Atoll is its colors. Atoll is known for its earthy colors to better blend in with nature. The graphics are minimum and the boards look cool.
The removable iRocker fins may seem like a good thing – and they will make the rolled up board more compact – but there is the chance that you lose them. Atoll’s fin box fits almost all aftermarket fins, so replacing a lost fin is easy.
Let’s look at other people’s opinions. A Redditor wanted to choose between the iRocker 11 and the Atoll 11’. They’re both nice boards so making a choice isn’t quite easy. Almost all the replies were for the Atoll.
A 6’2, 240 pounds Atoll owner says that it holds well, even with all his fishing gear and beer. He does own other SUPs and according to him, they don’t come close. Another angler seconds him.
Another user says that he has two Atolls, both of them 4 years old. He paddles in salty water and doesn’t rinse or dry them before storage (don’t do this) and the performance is still perfect.
There’s a reply from an iRocker owner. He loves it and appreciates the performance. But he warns that it can be quite heavy.
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My verdict
The Atoll 11’ is an exceptional paddleboard—ask anyone who has used it.
With all the fantastic features and amazing reviews, it is hard to give negative feedback. The Atoll 11’ inflatable paddleboard is a great looking, high-quality SUP. With its all-around shape, you get the best of everything. This board is sturdy, tough, stable and it tracks well.
Atoll Board Company is not yet a household name but that does not matter when their products are this good. Besides, this iSUP is already competing with the more popular brands. Expect it to give you great service for a long time. Although it is a little pricy, there are pricier ones that do not even offer half its qualities. Moreover, all paddling gear is provided, saving you a few bucks. And they currently have a $100-off two boards offer.
The Atoll is perhaps the best inflatable paddle board available and definitely my favorite SUP board. Of course, this is a highly subjective option and dependent on my style of paddleboarding. When I go out, it is usually to cruise on a lake or canal. I like a board that is stable, relatively fast, and with good tracking capabilities. And on these points, the Atoll delivers.
Another plus of the Atoll SUP is its low weight. It only weighs 21 lbs. The 700-pound capacity will allow you to bring your fur friend, kid, or extra paddler on board.
You cannot go wrong with the Atoll 11’ inflatable iSUP. Get yourself an Atoll 11’ and be the one to write the next positive review.
Check Price of the Atoll SUP Board
Are there shops in either the SF Bay area or the San Diego/Oceanside area where I can try out the Atoll 11′ ?
Hi John,
Great question. I think you should contact Atoll directly, as they may be able to tell you.