We gave our Gear Lovers one job:
Find the best and most popular paddle boards and review them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
The Best Paddle boards from Gili Sports
One of the most popular inflatable SUP board companies on the market, Gili Sports has established itself as a high-quality paddle board company. Gili Sports’ popularity has been due to a variety of factors, most prominently their all round board products that offer more performance potential than most other companies in the crowded inflatable SUP field.
Inspired by the Gili Islands in Indonesia, Gili Sports have two missions. The first is to have sustainable practices: a percentage of every purchase of a Gili paddle board goes directly to ocean charities supporting oceans, reefs, and endangered sea creatures (like sea turtles, for example). The second is to design and produce high-quality boards at accessible price points.
Since their launch in 2018 Gili Sports has seen a steady increase in their paddle board collection. In 2022 we are seeing the company expand with 6 paddle board designs and collections; Mako, Air, Komodo, Adventure, Meno and Manta Ray. Expanding into the world of yoga with the Komodo.
Gili Sports has a wide range of paddle boards for all levels. Here are some of the best on the market right now.
Top Gili Sports SUP Board Reviews
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Awesome Portability: Gili Air 10’6 -
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Lightweight and portable: Gili Adventure 11′ -
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Great Touring: Gili Meno 12’6″ -
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Social Paddling: Gili Manta Ray 15’ Multi Person -
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All the Gili Paddle Boards We've Tested
A Yoga paddle board designed with stability in mind, Komodo 10’6” is a good choice whether you’re new to paddleboarding or looking for a yoga board.
Gili Sports is one of the established names drilling down on a good formula with its portfolio of stand up boards. With a weight of 21 lbs, it’s relatively lightweight for its build quality. Rigid and easy to maneuver, touring with this iSUP is not the point. You can clear the broad 33″ deck and transform it into a floating mat. The nose-to-tail EVA pad has good traction to keep you from slipping during yoga poses.
Don’t expect it to excel on longer trips. But it still tracks well and certainly has good stability, which will provide a good base for accessories and an additional passenger.
Specs & Features
- Material: Triple Layer Military-Grade PVC Fusion Construction with Drop-Stitch Core
- Board Height: 10’6”
- Board Width: 33”
- Thickness: 6”
- Weight: 21 lbs.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The nose-to-tail EVA pad ensures you won’t slip during your SUP yoga practice -
Versatile clip-on triple fin system you can configure however you want
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You can opt for yoga-inspired designs
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Lightweight and portable, suitable for traveling/camping
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The wide deck and rigid construction provide excellent stability
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You can remove the bungees to clear out the deck
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It comes with easy access and a comfy-to-carry backpack
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There’s a paddle holder on deck to keep you hands-free
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You can have a small extra passenger, like a child or your dog
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There’s a mount for your action cam or phone/cup holder
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A portion of your purchase goes to eco-conservation initiatives
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You can rig a kayak seat if you want to
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There’s a hidden key pocket in the leash
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It tracks well and is easy to maneuver
Things we don't like:
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Only for paddlers under six feet
Where to buy:
The Gili Air is an amazing entry level iSUP board for new riders looking for a lightweight and stable paddle board. It’s beautifully designed and comes in a range of different colors making it a very stylish choice for beginners.
Overall the Gili is Air is Gili Sports’ successful attempt to craft an all-round, lightweight and stable board to provide beginners with an inflatable entry-level option for paddle boarding.
Like what you see? Then jump ahead and get this SUP board now.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Beginners/all-rounder/travelers
- Material: Premium military grade PVC with drop stitch inner core
- Volume: 225 liters
- Capacity: 275 lbs
- Dimensions: 10’ 6” x 31” x 6”
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Great all-rounder
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Affordable price for great quality
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Very stable board
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Customization options
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Travel friendly
Things we don't like:
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Sidefins aren’t removable
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Paddle is aluminum and could be improved if made of carbon fiber/fiberglass
The Gili 11’ Adventure inflatable SUP board is a cargo-friendly all rounder that can play at being a touring board.
This board will appeal to beginners who want to practice touring as well as intermediate paddlers who want to carry more equipment, or take a pet along on their adventures.
The high weight capacity makes it good for taking a couple of kids with you. Its 22 lbs also makes it quite manageable.
This board is affordable, and comes with plenty of features and accessories. It is lightweight, compact, great for travelling and offers great maneuverability and stability on the water.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Beginners, intermediates, and families
- Material: Dual-layer, fusion laminated military grade PVC with a drop stitch core using Fusion Dual Layer Technology
- Volume: 238 l
- Capacity: 290 lbs
- Dimensions: 11′ x 32″ x 6″
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Excellent Stability
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Pretty fast
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Lightweight and portable
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High weight capacity, excellent for bringing along pets or children
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Ideal for all levels
Things we don't like:
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EVA pad could have more grip
The Gili Meno 12’6” Touring inflatable paddle board is a relatively long board for a 31-inch SUP. That’s for speedier tracking that touring is good for.
But it has a good weight capacity, along with surprising stability.
This board is suited for almost anyone from beginners who’ve tried SUP boarding a couple of times to advanced paddlers.
The Gili Meno 12’6” comes with 4 action mounts, cargo areas at the front and rear of the board, side paddle holder, carbon fiber side rails, 3 center fin options, and 14 D-rings. And lots of handles.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Beginners/Intermediate/Touring/Advanced
- Material: Fusion Dual Layer Technology with Carbontech side rails
- Volume: 265 l
- Capacity: 300 lbs (up to 360 lbs for advanced riders)
- Dimensions: 12’6” x 31” x 6”
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Light and portable
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One of the best at tracking straight
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Lots of handles come in handy
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Stable and sturdy
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Smaller width for increased speed and efficient paddling
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Removable bungees
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Paddle holder for when board is inflated
Things we don't like:
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IVA trackpad could have deeper grooves for better grip
At 15’ long and 56” wide the Gili Manta Ray 15’ is one of the largest iSUPs on the market. This multi person paddle board is excellent for having fun on a family day out or adventuring with a bunch of friends.
Convincing reluctant people to step on a paddle board is an easier task with the Manta. The stability along with the dimensions of this board makes it remarkably sturdy, like a giant raft. The Gili Manta Ray may score high on stability, but it moves like a raft or canoe in tandem with another paddler.
So, speed and maneuverability are not the reason you will buy this board, but if you are looking for a 2 person or 5 person SUP, this is worth checking out.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Groups of friends and families
- Material: Military level dual layer PVC with drop-stitched inner core
- Volume: 735L
- Capacity: 1150lbs (up to 5 adults)
- Dimensions: 15’ x 56” x 8”
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Stable and sturdy
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Great fun for families & group excursions
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Large bungee systems for personal belongings
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Comfortable and extra-large grooved IVA trackpad
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9 accessory mounts plus plenty of d-rings
Things we don't like:
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Takes a long time to inflate
The Mako is a 10-foot SUP with the premium quality that we expect from Gili Sports.
Paddlers under 5’9 will appreciate this, but even taller people (5’11 for example) will find the stability surprisingly good considering the smaller board size.
It’s a travel-friendly paddle board that’s easy to pack and has a small profile flying.
The board’s performance, along with a very good paddle, make this one of the best 10-footers we’ve tried.
Specs & Features
- Material: Military-Grade PVC with Fusion Dual Layer Technology and Drop-Stitch Core
- Board Height: 10’
- Board Width: 32”
- Thickness: 6”
- Weight: 20 lbs.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Military-grade PVC with Fusion Dual Technology is sure to last for years
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You can grab it from any point with seven handles onboard
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Attach up to five accessories like your GoPro, cup holder, and fishing rod
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Premium backpack with lots of organizational features keeps you comfy and organized
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You can choose which type of paddle you want to use
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Relatively easy to inflate with dual action manual pump
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Excellent after-purchase customer service
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Super maneuverable for small surfs
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There’s a paddle holder on the side
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The versatile 2+1 fin setup allows easy adjustment
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You donate to a good cause when you purchase one
Things we don't like:
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There’s a lot of attachments and handlse on the board, so if you’re looking for a simple look this might be the board for you.
Where to buy:
The Gili electric paddle board pump is a high quality pump that comes with an intuitive digital gauge that makes selecting the pressure simple and convenient.
This is a great accessory to purchase when buying a Gili Sports paddle board such as the Gili Air 10’6”.
With a carry handle designed to increase portability, this electric paddle board pump from Gili is an excellent choice for a reliable and efficient pump that can both inflate and deflate your paddle board.
It’s the same as Aquaglide’s pump, probably made in the same factory. Both are good.
This pump comes with a variety of nozzles making it ideal for inflating different types of inflatable vessels, including kayaks and some boats.
The Gili electric pump also features an automatic shut off that is not only triggered when it reaches the selected pressure but also when the pump is about to overheat.
A downside is that the pump has a usage time of about 20 minutes, meaning that you’ll have to allow for it to cool down before using it again. This is more than enough time to inflate 1 or even 2 paddle boards to 15 PSI but if you try and push it further it will automatically turn itself off.
Specs & Features
- Supported pressure range: 0.5-20 PSI (0.034-1.378 Bar)
- Max Pumping Speed: 330Lt/min at 1st Stage, 60L/min at 2nd stage
- Max Energy Consumption: 10A, 120W (12V)
- DC Power Cord Length: 9ft 9 inches (2.95m), 3ft 7 inches (1.11m) Hose
- Weight: 3.6 Lbs
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Lightweight and compact
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Carry handle for portability
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Digital gauge for selecting pressure
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Protection from overheating
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Automatic shut off once inflated to selected pressure
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Compatible with a number of different inflatables
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Has the ability to deflate
Things we don't like:
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20 minutes max runtime
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Doesn’t use a battery so needs a car or jump pack to work
Related Reviews
Gili Sports SUP Board Accessories
The Gili Sports SUP board package is one of the most comprehensive on the market and includes all the essential accessories that complement the paddle boards. Each package consists of a Gili 3 piece adjustable hybrid paddle, a number of different fins, and a repair kit. Also included in the package is a robust coiled leash, a 2 stage manual dual-action pump as well as a Gili Travel Bag for the inflatable paddle board.
- Paddle: The Gili Aluminum 3 Piece Adjustable Travel Paddle is a great paddle that compliments the paddle board. Made of high-strength aluminum and accented by a nylon shaft, this paddle is not only durable but also very lightweight.
- Additionally, it floats in water so that you don’t need to worry about losing it if you drop it while paddle boarding. Nevertheless, the lighter weight and durability of a carbon fiber or fiberglass paddle would have been preferable.
- Leash: The Gili 8’ Coiled Ankle Leash has a comfortable neoprene ankle cuff that fits any ankle. The leash can stretch to up to 5 times its length. As well as having tangle-free double swivels, it also has a compact design to minimize drag.
- Fin: Included in the package is the Gili snap in center fin that can be attached quickly and securely to the paddle board. This fin is designed for all conditions and aims to make this board one of the best all-rounders on the market.
- Pump: The Gili 2 stage pump inflates your board on each downstroke and upstroke and allows you to inflate your paddle board within 7-8 minutes. It is a very efficient manual pump compared to what some of the other brands offer.
- Backpack: The Gili Inflatable SUP Backpack is essential for carrying the Gili Air paddle board and all the included gear. It not only looks stylish but also has comfortable padded shoulder and waist straps. It is very useful for taking your iSUP on holiday as the backpack can protect your gear in airplanes.
Further Optional Accessories from Gili Sports
- Gili Detachable Paddle Board and Kayak Seat
- Gili Fishing Rod Holder for Paddle Boards
- Gili Paddle Board Deck Cooler Bag
- Gili 12V Electric Paddle Board Pump
Gili Sports Features
A company always listening to the feedback of their clients, Gilli Sports are ever-improving their boards and packages to ensure they’re providing the best product offering. Each board comes with a full, comprehensive kit with all the equipment you need to head straight out into the water. Each kit includes: a backpack, leash, pump, 3-piece paddle and fins. This comprehensive kit makes Gili boards affordable and practical.
Gili Sports use high-quality materials in construction to ensure boards are durable and strong. All their boards are made using military grade PVC with fusion laminated technology, resulting in a paddle board that’s stiffer, strong, and lighter. Once inflated these boards are stable on the water. The materials used also ensure the boards are compact and lightweight, folding up in the back packeasily, ideal for travelling.
Built to last Gili Sports boards are constructed with premium military grade PVC and feature a drop stitched inner core. This makes each board long lasting and adds to the overall buoyancy of the paddle board. With comfort in mind, Gili often implement a large and plush EVA traction pad on each paddle board.
Through their design concepts and use of high quality materials Gili makes some of the most comfortable recreational boards available. For example, the Manta Ray is comfortable enough to enjoy a picnic on in the middle of a lake.
Each Gili Sports iSUP includes a variety of extra features to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Every board has plenty of D-rings for extra attachments (like a kayak seat or an SUP wind sail), as well as included bungee-ropes for storage and handles which make it easier to transport the boards when inflated. The added travel bags for all the equipment, when purchasing a Gili Sports paddle board make these boards excellent for traveling and the package can be easily carried around or stored.
Ultimately, Gili Sports has designed recreational paddles boards built for comfort, stability and maneuverability in the water. This is a company that makes durable and reliable paddle boards that are well worth the investment.
Why We Like Gili Sports SUP Boards
Gili Sports makes some of the most comfortable and easy to use inflatable paddle boards for beginners and experienced paddlers. It’s apparent that Gili boards are SUPs that’ll likely be in use for several years by riders. As we’re seeing the rise of budget boards that are good as floatation toys rather than recreational or sporting items, Gili is consistently providing something a little more serious.
Take a SereneLife board, which is perfectly fine for getting up and having fun. As a rider gets more comfortable, these boards will quickly grow boring for their lack of performance.
Gili is also one of the more environmentally friendly brands.
The Gili SUP package offers everything you need to get started paddle boarding allowing you to hit the water. Their boards come with everything you need to get started including an adjustable 3 piece paddle, pump, backpack carrying case and more!
Gili Sports offer high-quality recreational paddle boards that are affordable and suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced paddlers. If you want to see how Gili Sports boards stack up against other top-rated iSUPS, check out our full lineup of the best paddle boards in 2022.
Frequently asked questions about Gili Paddle Boards
The Gili Inflatable SUP boards can be inflated in 5 minutes with an electric pump or 8 minutes with the included high-pressure hand pump.
You can buy Gili SUPs from the Gili Sports website or from a number of different online retailers like Amazon. Make sure to check out their website for more information on their boards and for accessories.
The Gili SUP boards come with a paddle, fin, repair kit, leash, pump, and backpack. The Gili Manta Ray even comes with two paddles!
All Gili Sports have a 2 year manufacturer limited warranty on all inflatable paddle boards from date of purchase. They build all their inflatable paddle boards with longevity in mind as they want their consumers to get the most out of their experience.
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