Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid!

Overview 8
8
Our score
Stability
8
Design
9
Performance
8
Price/Quality ratio
7
Supplied accessories
8

A Brand with Utmost Quality

Excited about this review? These posts may seem detailed to you, but trust me when I say that if you want to learn more about this paddleboard, you have no choice but to read them all and decide if it is right for you!

To start, the Aqua Marina Rapid SUP is a high-performance SUP that provides easy surfing with surprisingly radical performance characteristics. In all types of waves, the Aqua Marina Rapid guarantees unbeatable fun and safety!

Thanks to its stability, ease of use, and desired speed and control, with Aqua Marina Rapid, you can ride the current and conquer the rivers. There’s nothing quite like hurtling down some raging rapids on a paddleboard, and we have one here at Aqua Marina that’s perfect for it! 

We’ll look at the features, build quality and construction, performance in various conditions, what’s included, warranty coverage, pros and cons, and more in this review of the Aqua Marina RAPID river SUP board.

Specifications

length
Length
9β€˜6β€³ / 289cm
width
Width
33β€³ / 84 cm
thickness
Thickness
6β€³ / 15 cm
weight
Weight
22.0lbs / 10.0kg
rider weight
Max Rider Weight
286 lbs / 130kg
air pressure
Max Air Pressure
18 PSI
colour options
Board type
Whitewater
skill
Skill
Advanced

What’s included in the package?

Aqua Marina has no idea how to let its customers down. The Aqua Marina Rapid comes with a Zip Backpack, Double Action Pump Liquid Air V1, Slide In River Fin, River Leash, Traction Pad, and Center Handle in a beautifully neat package. Aqua Marina boards are so reasonably priced, they innately include a basic set of SUP accessories, which makes for a great deal!

Full set for an
AWESOME EXPERIENCE

  • Zip Backpack
  • Double Action Pump Liquid Air V1
  • Slide In River Fin
  • River Leash
  • Traction Pad
  • Center Handle
Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 1
Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 2
Aqua Marina Rapid Fins
Fins

The Aqua Marina Rapid’s heavy-duty 5 TPU fin system has been fine-tuned for improved stability. This will help you control the paddleboard better, especially when riding through choppy waters.

The RAPID’s excellent stiffness, combined with its unique shape and 5-fin configuration, contribute to its outstanding ability to perform well in the conditions for which it was designed.

Aqua marina rapid material
Aqua Marina Rapid Material
Material

The construction of the Aqua Marina Rapid Board includes a significant amount of 1000 Denier and PVC material, 6″ (15cm) Double Layer Drop-Stitch Technology. The Quality printing and rail design for superior optics, and Super Tough Dual Stringer (STDS) technology, ensure that this lasts a long time!

Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 3
Aqua Marina Rapid Warranty
Warranty

All of Aqua Marina’s inflatable SUPs come with a 12-month warranty. Inflatable paddleboards typically come with a one- to three-year warranty β€” one year is on the low end of that range, but that’s to be expected given the low prices that Aqua Marina charges for their boards.

Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 4
Aqua Marina Rapid Design
Design

The shape and nimble graphic design used to cover it are the first things that catch my eye! It’s outstanding, sharp, and sporty. It’s not often that you see such a nose shape on an iSUP; with its many angles, it’s designed to hit the rapids smoothly and firmly.

Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 5
Aqua Marina Rapid Leash
River Leash

SUP leash with double swivel and paddle ankle strap. Even if you wipeout, the SUP leash will keep you at a safe distance from the board. When fully extended, the coils can provide up to five times their original length.

Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 6
Aqua Marina Rapid Backpack
Backpack

The “magic backpack” is a carrying storage bag that fits your deflated SUP and the rest of your gear. The included MAGIC backpack is designed differently than most SUP backpacks in that it serves as a cover rather than a carrying bag. After deflating and rolling up the RAPID, simply wrap the flaps of the MAGIC backpack around the board and secure it with the included buckles.

Aqua Marina Rapid Pump
Aqua Marina Rapid Pump
Pump

The Aqua Marina comes with a double-action pump Liquid Air V1. With it you can inflate the board quickly. However, this is a manual pump and as such, takes a lot more time and energy to use than an electric pump. For this, I recommend checking out the Whale or the Shark II. Truly remarkable electric pumps that get the job done in less than 8 minutes without you breaking a sweat!

SUP Boards for Whitewater: Inflatable vs. Hard

Inflatables are often the first choice on the river, and they’ve come into their own. They are generally better suited to river paddling than hard boards, in addition to the convenience factors that weigh in their favor when compared to hard boards. The river can be a harsh environment for an epoxy board, which will be severely damaged if it collides with a rock, whereas a well-built inflatable, such as the ones we sell, will bounce off rocks and other obstacles without damage.

Aqua Marina Magma ReviewAqua Marina Beast ReviewMOAI 12’6″ Paddle Board Review
ProductAqua Marina Magma ReviewAqua Marina Beast ReviewMOAI 12’6″ Paddle Board Review
BuildInflatableInflatableInflatable
SkillBeginner / AdvancedBeginnerAdvanced
PricePrice unknownPrice unknownPrice unknown
Score8.68.68.6
All-round
Touring
Surfing
Yoga

Important Features of the Rapid Board:

  • Balance flow curved board with sculpted design
  • Extra fiber is sewn into the inside walls of the top and bottom layers for increased rigidity. Durable double-wall drop stitch PVC technology.
  • Extra post-inflation lamination layers for added stiffness and less air leakage
  • EVA anti-slip and kick pad with diamond cut
  • Storage tie-down system with elastic bungee cord
  • The tail has a stainless steel D-Ring for a safety leash.
  • Underneath the nose, dragging a D-ring
  • Mount for action cameras

Professional’s experience

Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 7

Time spent on research

16 h

Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 8

Reviews used to write

22

Unbeatable Fun With Aqua Marina Rapid! 9

Compared resources

26

We all know that Aqua Marina is a well-known brand that doesn’t require much explanation. The brand combines cutting-edge technology with high-performance materials to create inflatable products that are built to last, serve and hit the market.

The Aqua Marina Rapid has what it takes with its overall appearance and shape, as well as the value for money. While having fun on this Aqua Marina Rapid paddleboard, I can guarantee you that it is stable and versatile for rivers and wild waters. You can enjoy whitewater rafting while focusing on paddling rather than looking down. 

This board has an action camera mount and kit designed specifically for this purpose by Aqua Marina. You can now attach a camera to your board and save videos and memories from all of your adventures.

There’s a tail kick pad that’s connected to the traction pad, which I think is a cool feature. Standup paddleboarding is more than just paddling; with a feature like this, you can have a whole new experience where you and your iSUP collaborate to deliver the most challenging and satisfying performance possible.

The grooved traction pad that covers two-thirds of the board’s back is also soft and comfortable. It’s extremely tough, which contributes to the board’s overall stiffness. This pad prevents any possible slippage while you’re on the go, and it won’t hurt your feet in the least.

It was also easier for me to transport the board since it has five handles while also providing to hold on to if the water is too rough to stand on.

I was not worried about cutbacks and bottom turns because the Aqua Marina Rapid has an extra-wide kick pad. The micro-relief on the diamond-shaped grooves, the deck pad provide extra grip. 

Rapid’s bungee system is extremely rigid, with four durable D-rings on the deck. They’re connected with a bungee cord so that whatever is needed can be secured to the board. There’s enough room for all kinds of cargo.

Last but not least, the Rapid’s navigation system is insane. There are five rigid fins, each of which is made to a very high standard. The removable large central fin is ideal for river surfing, while the remaining four fins are integrated. These five fins work together to create a board that tracks perfectly straight and smooth in all types of water.

Pros

  • Reasonable price point
  • Construction is extremely long-lasting
  • Stable
  • Excellent maneuverability
  • Very rigid
  • Whitewater and moderate surf are both enjoyable
  • Appealing design
  • Camera mount ready
  • Traction pad that is both comfortable and effective
  • It has one of the best navigation systems available
  • Kicktail raised

Cons

  • SUP paddle not included
  • Not as versatile as other models

Primary Use

Surfing, White Water Paddling, River Paddling

Speed on the Water

The Aqua Marina Rapid is a show-stopper. This board sailed through some really big waves without flinching, and it’s incredibly stable as it cruises through rough water. The Rapid resembled an inflatable platform that was nearly impossible to flex or flip in a lake. The Aqua Marina Rapid is for experienced paddlers who can safely navigate rough and whitewater. 

Transport

This board is made with Aqua Marina’s Double Layer Technology and is light enough to carry in a small package without sacrificing rigidity.

Stability

The Aqua Marina Rapid features double-layer Drop-Stitch technology, which strengthens the iSUP’s core and makes it extremely stiff and thick. The outer shell is also extremely indestructible because of the Super Tough Dual Stringer (STDS) technology. Not only that, the Rapid’s construction includes a significant amount of 1000 Denier and PVC material. This iSUP will last a long time!

Would I recommend this product?

yes

This Aqua Marina rapid is designed for pro surfers, and this is evident from the dimensions. For starters, it’s only nine feet long, making it ideal for use as a shortboard. It’s was easy for me to maneuver since it has lower water resistance. Pro surfers will find it ideal for riding large-scale waves while having full control of the board.

You’ll love how the grooved design provides stable footing and traction, which is critical when making quick turns on the water. The fixed 4 +1 fin system makes controlling the Aqua Marina Rapid relatively simple. While a single central fin creates the least amount of drag, adding more fins as seen on the Aqua Marina Rapid will improve your ability to control the paddleboard, particularly when riding through choppy waters.

Other reviews of the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddle Board Online

Amazon.com

This is a fun little board. It’s wide enough to be plenty stable. Due to its short length, it’s very maneuverable, but what surprised me is how well it tracks for a short and wide board. The first time I took the board out I only inflated it to 15 psi and it felt a bit bouncy. The second time out I inflated to 17 psi (max recommended is 18), and it’s so stiff I couldn’t detect any bouncing our flex.

It’s not the fastest paddleboard around, but it glides well. That combined with how lightweight it is means fewer paddle strokes and less effort in those paddle strokes to move around. I purchased this board for downriver paddles using a bicycle to shuttle back to my starting point. I think it will work well for this.”

Supboardermag.com

There aren’t many boards out there that can do what the Aqua Marina Rapid can do, and at the price, it can do it too. The Aqua Marina Rapid is 100% set up for white water/river paddling, but it can get you out in the waves too. Many of you have been asking about the Rapid review and we can say that if it’s a good price, action-packed iSUP board you’re after, you’re going to have to try hard to beat the Aqua Marina Rapid.”

Inflatableboarder.com

“If you’ve been looking for a durable, well-priced inflatable river SUP board, the Aqua Marina RAPID is an excellent one to consider. While serious whitewater diehards probably won’t be replacing their higher-priced Hala SUPs with Aqua Marina’s RAPID anytime soon, this board is a much cheaper option for those who are just getting started or who simply don’t have the budget to afford an ultra-high-end inflatable whitewater SUP.”

Supconnect.com

“On first impressions, the graphics and color of the Rapid are good with bright bold colors that are designed to catch the eye. The design of the board appears unique and has features that appear to cater to the river paddlers.

There are several handles placed strategically throughout the board which are helpful for put-ins and the 5 fins set up on the bottom of the board help with tracking. The board felt stable when paddling and was very lightweight and easy to carry.

The construction does appear somewhat fragile though and should be used carefully as multiple encounters with rocks and debris that are known to be in rivers might cause the board to have a shorter lifespan than what’s desired.”

Optional Accessories

SUP Paddle 

For SUP newcomers who are just getting started and don’t have any other previous SUP gear, they will need to buy an additional paddle because it does not come in the package. Some of the paddles I’ve tried and tested can be found here for the complete experience!

Waterproof Fanny Pack

Waterproof waist packs are ideal for paddling because they allow you to access your phone, point and shoot camera, and other small items quickly and easily. These pouches provide a lot of comforts and hands-free convenience, and it’s nice to know that your belongings will stay dry while you’re out on the water.

SUP Anchor Kit

For those who like to do Yoga or Fish while SUPing, having an anchor is a fantastic help. It comes with everything you need in an anchor kit, including a rope, buoy, and convenient carry bag. Check out my favorite one here.

SUP Cooler Bag

On a hot summer day, a waterproof cooler bag is a must-have accessory. While paddling your favorite spot, keep your drinks ice cold for hours.

OutdoorMaster Shark Pump

An electric SUP pump has a lot to offer. 20 PSI ensures that your SUP board is good and stable, whereas 15 PSI is usually required.

Dry Bag

Any water-lover adventurer should invest in a dry bag. Keep all of your valuables in a safe place, bring a camera, and even bring a book to read on those truly relaxing days.

SUP Led Lights

It’s nice to have those SUP LED lights shining on the company when you’re alone at night or having a peaceful hangout with friends.

Personal Floatation Device (PFD)

A personal floatation device, or PFD, is an essential piece of equipment. Many people forget to bring one with them, but the truth is that it could save your life. Yes, old-school PFDs are unappealing. However, there are now many options of fashionable options to choose from. The majority of floatation devices are slim, well-fitting, and barely visible in photos. Do not forget a life jacket for your small child too.

Dog Life Jacket

If you plan on exploring deeper waters with your dog, you should equip them with a life jacket, even if they are a strong swimmer. Your dog will have more support in the water with the help of a life jacket. One of the many paddleboard accessories to consider for aquatic sports is this simple flotation device. It will provide you with peace of mind while also assisting your furry friend in staying afloat.

Frequently Asked Questions

There aren’t many boards that can do everything the Aqua Marina Rapid can, and for the price, it’s a good deal. The Rapid River ISUP is a high-performance river SUP that offers easy surfing and surprising radical performance. The Rapid guarantees unbeatable fun in all types of waves thanks to its stability, ease of use, and desired speed and control. I believe this to be one of the best and most affordable river paddleboards I’ve ever reviewed!

Is the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard durable?

A durable drop-stitch core is sandwiched between two layers of tough PVC on this board. For added strength and rigidity, the rails are reinforced with 1000 Denier, and there’s a dual stringer running along the top deck of the board. This paddleboard will last a long time!

What are the dimensions of The Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard?

Length 289cm x Width 84cm x Height 15cm / Length 113.78′ x Width 33.07″ x Height 5.91″

What is the maximum carrying capacity of the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard?

286 lbs / 130kg

What is included when purchasing the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard?

Double Action Pump V1, Zip backpack, Slide In River Fin (4 Fixed Fins), River Leash

What is the weight of the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard?

22.0lbs / 10.0kg

How many fins does the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard have?

Five Fin System that is designed for better stability and shallow waters

How long is the warranty on the aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard?

The warranty of this board is 12 months

Does the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard have an action-camera mount?

Yes

How many handles does the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard have?

It has five handles, as well as a place to grab onto if the water is too rough to stand on.

How many D rings does the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard have?

There are four stainless steel D-rings with an elastic bungee cord storage area.

What pressure can the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard be inflated to?

Maximum Air Pressure is 18 Psi

How long does it take to inflate the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard?

1.5 minutes

Conclusion Aqua Marina Rapid

The Aqua Marina Rapid is an attractive board with a vibrant color scheme. The colors, branding, and graphics are all tastefully done, and the design of this board is far nicer than many of the company’s previous models, in my opinion.

If you’re new to river paddling and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a high-end paddleboard, the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard is a great option! The two layers of tough PVC on this board added strength and rigidity, the rails are reinforced with 1000 Denier, and there’s a dual stringer running along the top deck of the board, this could be a great option for you with its price if you want a long-lasting and durable board.

Its fine-tuned 4+1 heavy-duty fin system is also worth considering. This would allow for tight turns and shallow section crossing without sacrificing portability. This board’s Double Layer Technology makes it ultra-durable for unrivalled fun in all types of waves.

The board can also be used to row in still water. The board’s construction allows for quick acceleration and sharp tricks. Easy turns are ensured by the tail cover – kick pad. The transporting process is made easier by the well-thought-out handles in various locations. The board’s design includes a slot for mounting an action camera for a more enjoyable and great way to capture your footage while out on the water!

The SUP paddle is not included in the package, but that does not change the fact that this Aquamarina Rapid paddleboard is a good deal with a 12-month warranty. Overall, I’m impressed with this low-cost, long-lasting paddleboard!

I hope I’ve provided you with the information you need. If you’ve tried the Aqua Marina Rapid Paddleboard, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. We’d love to read some of your comments! You can also keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram for more frequent updates!

Table of contents
Review written by: Tom

Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)

Questions? Ask me anything.
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Comparison

Aqua Marina Magma Review Aqua Marina Beast Review MOAI 12’6″ Paddle Board Review
Product Aqua Marina Magma Review Aqua Marina Beast Review MOAI 12’6″ Paddle Board Review
Build Inflatable Inflatable Inflatable
Skill Beginner / Advanced Beginner Advanced
Price Unknown price Unknown price Unknown price
Score 8.6 8.6 8.6
All-round
Touring
Surfing
Yoga

Specifications

length
Length
9β€˜6β€³ / 289cm
width
Width
33β€³ / 84 cm
thickness
Thickness
6β€³ / 15 cm
weight
Weight
22.0lbs / 10.0kg
rider weight
Max Rider Weight
286 lbs / 130kg
air pressure
Max Air Pressure
18 PSI
colour options
Board type
Whitewater
skill
Skill
Advanced

Comments are closed.

Review written by: Tom

Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)