Gear Review: Boardworks Kraken SUP
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: Oregon Coast
Duration of Test: 2 days
Product Name: Kraken
Product Brand: Boardworks
Best Use: The ocean, or flat water paddleboarding
Size: 11 ft
The Full Review:
The KRAKEN!! This is a very well-crafted board. I have used the Boardworks Kraken on flat water and surfing on the Oregon Coast. On the flat water, the Kraken tracked very well and was super stable. I also took the Kraken to the coast and had a blast surfing with it. This board comes with 3 fins just like a surfboard. It was a bit of an adjustment paddling with a SUP paddle out on the waves. To me, it was just one more thing it hold onto when I got tossed into the water. But it turned out to not be much of an issue. I definitely had an easier time getting through the break than my buddy on his surfboard because I was able to paddle with a bit more power. I will say though, that the few times I did get caught up in the "break" I was pulled a bit farther back than a regular surfboard because of how big the Kraken is.
Once I was out catching waves I really enjoyed this SUP. Because I was using a SUP paddle I found it much easier to catch waves than if I was on a surfboard. It took me a little bit to figure out where to stand on the board when surfing. For me, it was 2 or 3 feet from the nose. Once caught by the wave the Kraken really takes off. It is very very stable and easy to stand up on. You could even catch the smaller waves/whitewater closer to shore and because of the buoyancy, you can stand up all the way to shore. One thing I will say was that It took me a little while to get used to turning such a big board when setting up for waves. Practicing draw strokes and power stokes really helped me to be able to get the Kraken set up where I wanted it.
The Good
It's a SUP!
- Stays on top of the water well
- Very stable
- Fast!
- Easy to surf!
- Great on flat water
- Rocker gets you through the break
- Retractable handle
The Bad:
Can be difficult to turn quickly when setting up for waves.
The Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that the Kraken is a very well designed Surf SUP. You can take this on Trillium Lake, The Columbia River, or the Oregon Coast. It can be used by experts or beginners and you will have a blast wherever you take it. This board is also pretty darn stylish with its Epoxy construction and bamboo veneer! You can rent and buy these at the Next Adventure Paddle Center!
The Full Review:
The KRAKEN!! This is a very well-crafted board. I have used the Boardworks Kraken on flat water and surfing on the Oregon Coast. On the flat water, the Kraken tracked very well and was super stable. I also took the Kraken to the coast and had a blast surfing with it. This board comes with 3 fins just like a surfboard. It was a bit of an adjustment paddling with a SUP paddle out on the waves. To me, it was just one more thing it hold onto when I got tossed into the water. But it turned out to not be much of an issue. I definitely had an easier time getting through the break than my buddy on his surfboard because I was able to paddle with a bit more power. I will say though, that the few times I did get caught up in the "break" I was pulled a bit farther back than a regular surfboard because of how big the Kraken is.
Once I was out catching waves I really enjoyed this SUP. Because I was using a SUP paddle I found it much easier to catch waves than if I was on a surfboard. It took me a little bit to figure out where to stand on the board when surfing. For me, it was 2 or 3 feet from the nose. Once caught by the wave the Kraken really takes off. It is very very stable and easy to stand up on. You could even catch the smaller waves/whitewater closer to shore and because of the buoyancy, you can stand up all the way to shore. One thing I will say was that It took me a little while to get used to turning such a big board when setting up for waves. Practicing draw strokes and power stokes really helped me to be able to get the Kraken set up where I wanted it.
The Good
It's a SUP!
- Stays on top of the water well
- Very stable
- Fast!
- Easy to surf!
- Great on flat water
- Rocker gets you through the break
- Retractable handle
The Bad:
Can be difficult to turn quickly when setting up for waves.
The Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that the Kraken is a very well designed Surf SUP. You can take this on Trillium Lake, The Columbia River, or the Oregon Coast. It can be used by experts or beginners and you will have a blast wherever you take it. This board is also pretty darn stylish with its Epoxy construction and bamboo veneer! You can rent and buy these at the Next Adventure Paddle Center!