Yoga
All-round
Touring
Pets
Family
Fishing
Stability
Design
Performance
Price/Quality ratio
Supplied accessories
Gili Manta Ray Review: A Fun and Affordable SUP Experience
Gili Sports is named after the Indonesian archipelago. This reflects the company’s love for sea and water sports. The company strives to produce high-quality stand-up paddle boards that please its customers.
Gili Sports donates some of its proceeds to charities that help take care of our oceans for each successful sale. This is one of the environmentally friendly SUP companies. Gili manufactures a variety of inflatable paddle boards. Each model has its pros and cons, use cases, and unique features.
Gili Manta series boards are multi-passenger SUPs with two slots for kayak seats, two paddles, and two pumps. Depending on the model, the price may save money over buying a pair of separate iSUPs.
It is made of premium, high-quality materials, and all the elements sourced are as environmentally friendly as possible.
This means that the paddle board does come at a slightly higher price. The comprehensive kit with various features and accessories makes this an affordable SUP package.
Most suitable for:
The high-quality accessories, features, and materials ensure that you are fully equipped for paddle boarding with your family & friends on adventures. Hence, this board is actually a good investment for families and groups of paddle boarders looking for quality, durability, and lots of fun.
The Gili Manta Ray actually comes in two sizes. There is the 15-foot, 56 inches in width, and the 12-foot model, 45 inches wide.
The multi-person Manta Ray SUP is one of the largest paddle boards and is designed for FUN! It will definitely fit you, your family and friends, dogs, and probably more!
Pro’s
- 9 accessory mounts plus plenty of
d-rings - Accommodates your entire family or entourage
- Comfortable and extra-large grooved IVA trackpad
- Comfortable deck pad
- Great design, beautiful manta ray graphics on the bottom of the board
- Great fun for families & group excursions
- Fantastic Party/Multi-Person SUP (15’x56″ or 12’x45″)
- Incredibly stable
- It comes with 2 pumps, 2 paddles, a variety of fins – and a bag to hold it all
- Large bungee systems for personal belongings
- Loaded with features (action mounts, bungees, grab/carry handles)
- Stable and sturdy
- Two pumps to inflate quickly
Cons
- A full-length deck pad would be appreciated
- Bulky and heavy
- It comes in one color only
- It takes a long time to inflate (so I recommend an electrical pump instead (more on that later)
- Nearly 5-foot width is somehow awkward for some activities
- No zipper pocket on the carry bag for accessories
- Not worth it if you go paddling solo
- limited maneuverability and speed
What Makes Gili Manta Ray Stand Out
It’s no surprise that the Manta is somehow slow, being Gili’s heaviest and largest inflatable SUP. It doesn’t glide, track, or maneuver well when the SUP’s weight is near capacity.
Additionally, it requires a lot of power to pilot this SUP. While the package comes with only two paddles, you might need more to reach sufficient speeds.
The Manta 15′ is a good board for bringing someone nervous to be out on the water.
It truly performs like a good inflatable paddle board, making it an excellent choice for longer paddle expeditions and overnight trips. There is a smaller bungee system at the tail, so it is easy to carry camping gear, and you get front bungee storage at the nose.
Getting the Manta Ray in and out of the water won’t be a problem since there are carry handles around the edges. If you want to install some SUP accessories, Manta Ray is ideal. You can get 5 action mounts and 4 Scotty mounts. I think you can equip this board for a great tandem fishing expedition.
Alternatively, you can use the mount for a multitude of accessories. Add a cup holder for your morning coffee and Bluetooth speakers to create a relaxing dream ship for chilling out.
In addition, the board comes with two collapsible paddles, fins, and a wheeled travel bag.
As mentioned above, Gili provides a two-year warranty and donates money to ocean conservation charities for every SUP sold.
Specifications
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
Max Rider Weight
Max Air Pressure
Board type
Skill
Primary use
All-Around/Flat Water Paddling/Recreational/Ocean Paddling/Yoga/Family Paddling/Fishing
Speed on the water
Despite the size, it is really portable. At 52lbs, considering the dimensions, it is reasonably lightweight. However, don’t expect high speeds, but you can definitely expect to have fun.
Transport
Despite its size, it is a very portable board. The combination of lightweight materials and smart features facilitates transportation both when inflated and deflated. And obviously made for groups, it’s easy to carry with extra hands. It is not recommended to move or paddle alone, especially when it is inflated.
Stability
The most notable feature of this board is its stability. While inferior in speed or maneuverability, it will make up for it with unmatched stability.
Personal Experience
I always choose the Gili Manta Ray Paddle Board when it comes to family touring and recreational paddling. Also, if you’re a yogi that had never tried yoga on the water, this is the perfect, most stable board to start with.
I have been using the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for a few months now, and I absolutely love it! It is so easy to inflate and deflate, making it perfect for traveling. The board is also incredibly stable, even in choppy water.
I would highly recommend this SUP to anyone looking for a high-quality inflatable SUP. In my own experience, the 15-foot model is better for families and groups of five or more riders, while the 12–footer is good for two to three people. Apart from their dimensions, both boards share the same feature list. These SUPs perform well as paddle boards or floating party platforms.
The Manta Ray SUP is stable and easy to handle. It’s a great board for exploring, yoga, fishing, and even camping! I took the Manta Ray SUP out for a spin in a nearby lake with my girlfriend and nieces, and we had a blast!
The large size made it easy to fit our entire family on the board, and we had plenty of room for gear. The Manta Ray SUP was stable and easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for exploring lakes and rivers. My girlfriend even used it for yoga!
Inside the board, you will find the same high-quality construction that you do with the rest of the Gili lineup: dual-layer fusion PVC wrapped around the high-density drop stitch inner core. The PVC held up incredibly being dragged through the shallower parts of the river, the seems were tight, and the board felt extremely solid even at just 12 PSI.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with the SUP. It’s a fun and affordable paddle board that’s perfect for families or groups of friends. If you’re looking for a high-quality inflatable SUP, the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is definitely the way to go.
It’s easy to use, stable, and perfect for traveling. I would highly recommend this board to anyone looking for a great paddle boarding experience.
Important features
Setup
- An oversized raised traction pad that is non–slip yet comfortable when standing or sitting.
- Large bungee systems at the front and rear of the board pack the board with personal belongings.
- One of the highest weight capacities in SUPs at 1150lbs, the SUP can carry up to 3-5 adults. Excellent for friends and family fun.
- This board features incredible stability.
- The Gili Manta Ray comes with 4 Snap-In Side Fins and a 9″ Snap-In Race Fin; all of them are removable for optimal storage. It’s also compatible with the Gili 3″ River Fin and 4.5″ Speed fin if paddling in shallow water.
Fins
The fins of the GILI Manta Ray are made of high–quality materials that make them durable and long-lasting. They’re also designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride.
Material
The high-quality materials used to build the board make Gili Manta Ray a good investment for families and groups. Composed of military strength dual fusion PVC and a drop-stitch inner core, the Manta Ray is durable and strong. The materials used to ensure its stability in the water and make it lightweight for optimal portability when inflated and deflated.
Inflate / deflate
The Gili Manta Ray is definitely a large SUP board, and one of the biggest challenges is inflating and deflating it. With the included pumps, if two people are pumping, it takes about 15-20 minutes. To speed up the process, I recommend my absolute best OM Shark II electric pump. Deflating is just as easy – simply open the valve and let the air out. The whole process takes less than five minutes, making it a breeze to get on and off the water.
Warranty
The Gili Manta Ray Inflatable SUP Board is covered by a 2-year warranty. With Gili Sports’ SUP Board, you can rest assured that your investment is truly protected with a 60-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty against manufacturer defects. The warranty range is fairly standard with SUPs of its price range, but the 60-day return period makes it stand out over other competition.
Design
The design of the Gili Manta Ray comes with 22 D-rings. To accommodate the SUP’s big size, the carry tote is actually a rolling duffel bag rather than a standard backpack. Both Manta boards have to carry handles on the sides to help lift them after inflation.
In The Package: What’s in the box
Paddle
The package of the GILI Manta Ray includes an adjustable travel paddle with two 3-piece fiberglasses or carbon fiber. You can choose your favorite paddle at the time of purchase. The paddle is durable and strong. Both paddles have a T-shaped handle that can be divided into three pieces, which is perfect for transporting, especially when the board is already deflated.
Leash
A coiled SUP leash of the Gili Manta Ray is included in the package of the board. The leash is an essential safety item that keeps the board from being swept away from you if you should fall in the water.
Pump
It includes 2 dual-chamber pumps with the purchase of the Gili Manta Ray to lessen the amount of time it will take to inflate the big SUP. Thanks to the double power of the double chamber, the pump can inflate the board twice as fast. With a continuous pump cycle on both the upward and downward action, you can easily inflate the board up to 15PSI with the pump.
Rolling Duffle bag
The rolling duffle bag of GILI Manta Ray makes it more portable when deflated. The bag is also spacious enough for all the included accessories and other extra personal belongings, making it easy to transport to the lake or beach.
Repair Kit
Yes, Gili Manta Ray also has a repair kit! All inflatable paddle boards come with a repair kit that includes a couple of PVC patches, waterproof glue, and a valve tightener.
Fin Kit
Gili Manta Ray 15` comes with a complete fin kit that includes 4 snap-in side fins and 9-inch snap–in race fins. When paddling in shallow water, the board is also compatible with 3-inch river fins and 4.5-inch speed fins. All fins are removable, making the board easy to store and fold.
Additional Accessories
Life Jacket
This is a must-have accessory, especially if there will be children or pets on the paddleboard. You can’t just put on any old life jacket and call it good when paddle boarding. You need a properly-fitting personal flotation device (PFD) that is comfortable and won’t get in your way while paddling. While there are many different types and styles of PFDs on the market, here are a few things to consider when choosing the right one for you.
Consider the type of paddle boarding you’ll be doing most often. If you are doing primarily flatwater paddling, you’ll want a different PFD than if you’re planning on tackling some whitewater rapids. Comfort is vital. You don’t want to constantly adjust and readjust your PFD while you’re out on the water, so make sure it fits well and doesn’t chafe or rub in any uncomfortable ways.
Because the Komodo SUP has so many activities to offer, it’s best to invest in a high-quality and comfortable life jacket to keep the passengers safe. Keep in mind that you must ensure everyone’s safety. With more options to choose from, an infant life jacket and a dog life jacket are available.
Waterproof Fanny Pack
If you’re planning on hitting the waves for a day of paddle boarding, you’ll want to make sure you have all the gear you need to stay safe and comfortable. One essential item is a waterproof fanny pack. This will help keep your valuables safe and dry as you enjoy your time on the water. There are a few things to consider when choosing a waterproof fanny pack. First, think about what size you need. A smaller bag will be fine if you’re only bringing a few small items with you. But if you’re carrying things like sunscreen, snacks, and extra clothes, you’ll need something more significant.
Electric Pump
The electric pump is an excellent addition to any paddle boarder’s arsenal. It is easy to get your board inflated and ready to hit the water. No more struggling with manual pumps or worrying about whether or not you’ve got enough air in your board. The electric pump does all the work for you.
Kayak Conversion Kit/Seat Cushion
Because the Gili Komodo SUP is also a great fishing paddleboard, you might want to consider adding a kayak seat to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable, especially if you have a passenger.
Water Proof Speakers
A waterproof speaker will enhance your paddling experience on the water. While you’re doing your activity, listen to your favorite song! When paddling, good music will lighten the mood; you can even dance while on the water on this paddleboard because it is guaranteed to be stable! Invest in a high-quality, waterproof sticker that you will be able to use for a long time.
Hard/Soft Coolers
The Gili paddleboard has two storage areas on the front and back, allowing you to add either a hard or soft cooler. Bring your favorite drink out on the water with you! It’s so much easier to stay hydrated when you have a SUP Cooler with you! This is also recommended for paddlers who will be out on the water for several hours!
Paddle board lock
While paddle boarding is a relatively new sport, its popularity has exploded in recent years. With that increase in popularity, there has also been an increase in people looking for ways to protect their investments. A Paddleboard lock is one of the best ways to do that. There are a few different types of paddleboard locks on the market, but they all serve the same purpose – to keep your board safe from theft. The most important thing to look for in a lock is something that will be difficult for thieves to cut through or break.
Optional accessories (my must-haves – not included)
Here are two of my favorite accessories for this year. One for safety and one because I like to use my time wisely (like take pictures while my board inflates itself) 😋
Outdoormaster Shark 2
My favorite Electric SUP pump among all. Buy it here and save 35% with code TOM35 today.
Restube classic
Because extra safety measures never hurt anyone! Buy it here and save 10% with code SUPWORLD10 today.
Difference between an Inflatable board and a Hard board
Advantages Inflatable board
- Easy to take on holiday (even on the plane)
- Easy to store in the winter days
- Much cheaper
- Technology has improved greatly over the past 10 years. For this reason, these boards are now almost hard to distinguish from hard boards
Advantages Hardboard
- More speed, which is important if you are a professional
- Easier to make sharp turns on the water because the board is thinner
- No inflation needed, you can get on the water right away
Other reviews of the Gili Komodo Paddle Board Online
ubuy.com: “A Great Large SUP! Finally got it shipped to Maui. One concern is everything about the product is about saving the reef. It’s printed on the underside and throughout the literature. But if you truly cared about the reef, you would do something about the amount of plastic in the packing. It completely filled my garbage can. Off to the landfill and possibly blow into the ocean. Seriously need to have the conversation with your factory. Enough of the plastic!!!!!”
amazon.com: “Floridaonatankful approved! This is great! We have made many videos of it on our IG and other socials. We use it to go to amazing places and bring all the gear we need. We added a bixpy motor to the 15ft Manta and made it a powered craft!”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gili Komodo SUP
Do I need to wear a life jacket when paddling my Gili Manta Ray?
In most cases, yes. Life jackets are always a good idea when you’re on the water, regardless of your skill level. That said, if you’re an experienced paddler and you’re paddling in calm waters, you may not need to wear a life jacket.
How do I store my Manta Ray paddle board?
Your Gili Manta Ray paddle board should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. We recommend hanging it on a wall rack if you have the space. This will help prevent warping and damage to the finish.
What are some common problems with paddle boards?
The most common problem with paddle boards is that they get scratched easily. To avoid this, be careful when transporting your board and don’t stand on it in rocky areas. Another common problem is that the fin can come loose. To prevent this, check the fin regularly and tighten it if necessary.
How do I care for the Gili Sports Manta Ray paddle board?
To care for the Gili Sports Manta Ray paddle board:
1. Rinse it off with fresh water after each use.
2. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use.
3. Avoid contact with sharp objects.
How often should I wax my paddle board?
This depends on how often you use your paddle board and how salty or dirty the water is. In general, however, you should wax your Gili Komodo board at least once a month.
Where can I buy a Gili SUP?
You can purchase it from the links above in this article. Our website offers the most reliable purchase and shipping methods from various different online retailers.
What do the Gili SUP boards come with?
The Gili SUP boards come with a fin, repair kit, leash, paddle, backpack, and pump.
What should I do if I capsize?
If you capsize or flip over, the first thing you should do is stay calm. Then, swim to your paddle board and get back on it. If you can’t get back on your board, float on your back until someone comes to help you.
Where can I use the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board?
You can use the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board in any body of water. It’s perfect for lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Is the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board stable?
The Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is very stable. It’s made of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand rough waters.
How do I transport the board?
The Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board comes with a carrying bag and a pump. You can easily transport the board by yourself and pump it on the spot.
Is the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board easy to set up?
Yes, the Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is very easy to set up. You can do it by yourself in just a few minutes.
Can I use the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board in salt water?
Yes, you can use the Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board in salt water. It’s made of durable materials that can withstand salt water.
What weight can the Manta Ray SUP hold?
The Manta Ray SUP can support a weight of up to 1150lbs or 521 kg for up to 5 adults for maximum group fun!
What does the Manta Ray SUP board come with?
The Gili Manta Ray SUP comes with four Snap-In Side Fins and a 9″ Snap-In Race Fin kit. It also includes two 3-piece fiberglass paddles or carbon fiber, a rolling duffle bag, and 2 dual-chamber pumps.
Who is it suitable for?
The Manta Ray series is actually best suited for paddlers who want to bring their family or friends along for a leisurely paddle boarding adventure. It sustains convertible attachments for anchoring, fishing, and more. It is perfect for anyone who wants to take as many as 3 to 5 fully-grown adults out on the water.
What pressure can the Gili Manta Ray be inflated to?
The Manta Ray needs to be inflated to between 12PSI to 15PSI.
| Product image |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Bluefin Mammoth 18′ Paddle Board: SUP With Everyone on Board! | Gili Manta Ray Review | Aqua Marina Airship Race: Experience the Thrill of a Lifetime |
| Build | Inflatable | Inflatable | |
| Skill | Beginners and Advanced | Beginner / Advanced | |
| Price | Price unknown | $685.00 | Price unknown |
| Score | 8.4 | 9.2 | 0 |
| All-round | |||
| Touring | |||
| Surfing | |||
| Yoga |
Conclusion – Should I buy this board?
Paddle boarding is an amazing way to explore the world around you. With the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, you can take your adventures with you wherever you go. This board is easy to use and incredibly stable, making it perfect for all levels of paddle boarders. If you’re looking for a great way to get out on the water, the Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a perfect choice.
The Gili Manta series boards are multi-passenger SUPs with two slots for kayak seats, two paddles, and two pumps. Depending on the model, the price may save money over buying a pair of separate iSUPs. Customers think it’s a decent board that suits many people.
The Manta Ray is a SUP you want to keep in your collection for parties or family events, but not one you want to use all the time. It takes a lot of power to use and is difficult for one person. Considering the rigidity and size of the board, the Gili Manta Ray is still relatively maneuverable in the water.
Thanks to the two included paddles as the comprehensive fin kit, you can actually still get the board to make simple turns. That said, if you do not have two people paddling at the same time, the tracking will be off, and you will have difficulty maintaining your course.
I recommend using both paddles for optimal maneuvering of the Gili Manta Ray. The Gili Manta Ray Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board has been a fantastic addition to my paddle boarding adventures. This board is easy to use and transport, making it perfect for exploring new waters. The board is also incredibly stable, which has allowed me to progress in my paddling skills. I would highly recommend this board to anyone looking for a great way to get out on the water.
If you found this review helpful, please be sure to share it with your friends or family who are also interested in SUP boarding.
If you want to find out more about boats or what it’s like on the water, or if you have any questions about the Gili Manta Ray or any other SUP boards, feel free to leave a comment and follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We’re always happy to help!
Thank you for taking the time to read the entire article!
Have a Blast SUPing!
Related Posts
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.
Comparison
| Product image |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Bluefin Mammoth 18′ Paddle Board: SUP With Everyone on Board! | Gili Manta Ray Review | Aqua Marina Airship Race: Experience the Thrill of a Lifetime |
| Build | Inflatable | Inflatable | |
| Skill | Beginners and Advanced | Beginner / Advanced | |
| Price | Unknown price | $685.00 | Unknown price |
| Score | 8.4 | 9.2 | 0 |
| All-round | |||
| Touring | |||
| Surfing | |||
| Yoga |
Specifications
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
Max Rider Weight
Max Air Pressure
Board type
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