ROC 10' Explorer Review

The ROC Explorer is a fun, affordable, lightweight board that performs well without costing an arm and a leg. One of the shortest and lightest models in our lineup, it isn't the fastest, but it otherwise balances reasonable stability and maneuverability. The smaller volume makes it easier to inflate and haul around, and its reasonable price tag also makes it a good value and a fine choice for beginner paddlers looking to test the waters.

Performance Comparison

Stability

Weighing in at a mere 17.8 pounds, the Explorer is one of the lightest boards we tested. While this can reduce its overall stability, the lightweight design is offset by its short 10-foot length and generous 32-inch width. Along with its minimal sidecut and generously rounded nose, this board is stable in most paddling conditions and ideal for smaller, lighter passengers. The classic three-fin design with a large removable center fin and two smaller fixed side fins helps balance glide and stability. That said, in windy or choppy conditions, the lack of size and mass can cause it to get tossed around more than other larger or heavier boards.

Glide Performance

The dimensions and rounded nose that make the Explorer stable for most paddlers also reduce its top-end speed. Its rockered nose planes across calm, flat water nicely but can get pushed around when things turn rougher. Other boards with stiffer or more sharply pointed noses tend to track in a straight line better and glide more efficiently. While you won't be entering any races or paddling long distances on the Explorer, its lightweight, stable design is ideal for families and beginner paddlers.

Maneuverability

This is one performance area where the lightweight design and rounded, rockered nose work to the advantage of the Explorer. This combination makes the board light and flexible enough for all levels of paddlers to control, and the nose shape and profile make tight turns and maneuvers a breeze for more experienced paddlers. Some of our testers took this board out into some moderate knee-high waves and enjoyed its playfulness and maneuverability.

Ease of Use

With its ultra-lightweight construction and smaller overall size and volume, the Explorer is one of the easiest boards in our lineup to transport. Although it only has a single center grab handle, the short 10-foot length makes it easy enough for one person to carry the inflated board. When it comes time to head home, the included carrying bag comfortably fits the board, paddle, pump, fin, and leash. The bag has comfortable shoulder pads and a waist belt and is similar to a handful of other bags in our lineup.

Similarly, the Explorer is one of the easier boards in our lineup to inflate thanks to its smaller overall size and volume. The included pump is similar to many other pumps and makes inflating the 10-foot board fairly easy.

Construction Quality

The Explorer boasts military-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with DuraWeld Technology. While it's not as impressively built as many top-dollar SUPs, it strikes a great balance of performance and quality.

A noteworthy design feature that we like and that helps you get on the water faster is that the removable center fin connects to the fin box with a sliding tab system that clicks easily into place. We prefer this design over other traditional fin attachment designs with a hand-tightening screw that can more easily get lost or misplaced.

Should You Buy the ROC 10' Explorer?

This lightweight board provides great value for beginner paddlers or families looking to try paddle boarding without breaking the bank. On top of that, the Explorer is very often available at well below its list price. There are other models with better all-around performance, but most come with a much higher price tag. The package includes all of the equipment you need to get out on the water, including a waterproof dry bag as an added bonus.

What Other Inflatable SUPs Should You Consider?

The ROC Explorer is a lightweight, fun, and playful board with a smaller design that is easy to control while still being playful. While it's often available well below its list price, we recommend checking out the Funwater 11 if you need to keep expenses even lower.