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The NRS Mayra is one of our favorites for lazy days lounging on the water. We loved taking a book out with us on this model or doing some light SUP yoga on calm days. While thinner than most other models, this board makes up for it with a wider waist that provides plenty of stability. Of course, all of this stability comes at a price, and this board is one of the least maneuverable in the review. This is the model we'd recommend if you're planning on using the board as a more stationary platform for yoga or lounging around and can sacrifice quick maneuvers and high speeds.
Cosmetic Updates
This year the Mayra has an updated look. Though the colors are refreshed, the design of this board remains the same.
Solid all-around performance, includes a good paddle, appropriate price point
Lightweight, affordable, playful design, includes a capable paddle
Lightweight, good all-around performance, excellent value
Cons
No middle strap (for use when carrying), pump nozzle is not universal
Heavier, somewhat expensive
Lacks rear bungee system, lacks a front handle
Not very fast, unstable in rougher water
Limited maneuverability, no dual cargo system
Bottom Line
A stable board that lacks transportability, this model is best suited for SUP yoga
This fast, stable board can be paddled like an SUP or a kayak with a convertible paddle and included seat
A simple, good-looking, well-priced board with solid all-around performance ideal for most paddlers
A fun, lightweight board that provides an affordable way to get on the water
An affordable price tag and respectable performance highlight this fun and lightweight board
Rating Categories
NRS Mayra
Bluefin Cruise Carbon
Atoll 11'
ROC Inflatable SUP
FunWater 11
Stability(30%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Glide Performance(25%)
4.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Maneuverability(25%)
5.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
Ease of Transport(10%)
6.0
5.0
7.0
9.0
9.0
Ease of inflation(10%)
5.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Specs
NRS Mayra
Bluefin Cruise Carbon
Atoll 11'
ROC Inflatable SUP
FunWater 11
Inflated Dimensions
10'4" x 34" x 5"
12' x 32" x 6"
11' x 32" x 6"
10' x 32" x 6"
11' x 33" x 6"
Weight (lbs)
26 lbs
28 lbs
22.5 lbs
17.8 lbs
18.9 lbs
Fin Configuration
Large detachable center fin
2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin
2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin
2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin
2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin
Paddle Included?
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Folded Dimensions (inches)
35" x 12" x 12"
34" x 15" x 10"
34" x 14" x 8"
34" x 12" x 14"
34" x 16" x 7"
Weight Capacity (lbs)
200 lbs
309 lbs
400 lbs
300 lbs
330 lbs
Bungee Cargo System
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Pump included?
Yes
Yes, high-pressure, dual chamber
Yes
Yes
Yes
Includes Backpack
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Among the most stable boards in our review, the NRS Mayra is a showstopper when it comes to activities like SUP yoga, whitewater, or after work beers on the water. However, this stability comes with the sacrifice of glide performance, which this model lacks.
Performance Comparison
The NRS model was easy to inflate, but its pump lacks a universal model, which means if you're hiking in, you'll need to bring this pump and the pumps for any other boards.
Stability
This metric is by far the Mayra's strongest suit. Although this model is an inch less thick than most contenders, its wider waist makes up for it. At 34" wide, this model has two inches extra width over any other model in our lineup, which makes it easy to make movements and shift weight when riding on the board. We loved having our furry friends along for the ride on this model, and it made SUP yoga fun and easy.
Glide Performance
With such a high stability score, this board predictably has trouble performing in the glide metric. Its blunt nose and wide waist make this thing feel like a bus when trying to reach higher speeds. However, if you're planning on sitting in one place for awhile out on the water, then this shouldn't be a factor.
The NRS featured a single fin, but its wide design made it stable. Plus, it comes with a narrower fin if you are floating in the shallower water.
Maneuverability
The blunt nose and wide waist that reduce this board's ability to glide smoothly and track in a straight also make it difficult to turn it quickly or maneuver through tight spaces. The extra surface area prevents quick and nimble movements. For its intended purpose as a stable platform for yoga or relaxing on the water, most users shouldn't need the ability to squeeze through tight spaces.
Ease of Transport
Although NRS provides a high-quality bag that is reminiscent of a river bag and is built to last, the Mayra loses points in this category because it is the only board in our review that lacks a center handle. This crucial handle makes carrying the board by yourself much easier, and we found that this board was nearly impossible to portage.
Ease of Inflation
The Mayra is one of the few boats that sticks out in this department and unfortunately, it is not in a good way. Although the included pump is among the stronger pumps in the review, the nozzle is the only one in the test that is not universally fitting. This means that none of the other pumps in this test will fit this model, and the Mayra's pump can not be used with any of the other models. While not too big of a deal if you only have one board, this can be annoying with more than one board, because it requires you to lug different pumps around.
The universal nozzle that is common to most pumps is shown on the left, compared with the non-universal nozzle of the NRS model
Value
This board is on the pricer end of the lineup of models in our review. However, because this board fills an important niche and satisfies the needs of SUP yoga enthusiasts, we feel that the price is consistent with what you'll get in this package. Figure out a way to carry this board to and from the water, and it is sure to last season after season.
Dog + SUP = Love
Credit: Quinn Dannies
Conclusion
The NRS Mayra is a purpose-built board, and it shows. Although this board does not top every metric, it crushes the one that is important for its designed purpose. If you're planning on doing more than a few sun salutations out on the water and aren't planning on pushing your SUP on long-distance missions, this is the board for you.
The paddle board marketplace has lots of different shapes...
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