Glide Lotus 10’6 - Review 2023

Review

• DIVEIN.com Score: 4.2/5
• Construction: 4/5
• Stability: 4.2/5
• Maneuverability: 3/5
• Portability: 4/5
• Price/Quality: 4/5

The Glide Lotus 10’6 is a beginner iSUP built with yoga in mind. Not only does it provide a high level of stability, but it is also portable and easy to transport thanks to the convenient carry handle placed at the center of the board.

Constructed using Glide’s own fusion style of drop stitching, the Lotus has a durable and sturdy hull suitable for SUPs in this price class. Additionally, the seams are heat-pressed and covered in a second layer of PVC for a watertight and airtight design.

This inflatable paddle board is lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for yoga and playing around on the water. Thanks to a volume of 300L this paddle board has a capacity of 400lbs allowing you to have up to 2 people on at the same time.

The large bungee system at the nose of the board provides easy storage for the gear you want to bring with you.

Although this is a great paddle board for stability, it doesn’t have good tracking. Due to the board’s 35 inch width it zig-zags considerably, but it’s not a touring board like others.

The Glide Lotus 10’6 inflatable paddle board was made for yoga enthusiasts who want to try out paddle board yoga. The deckpad, which looks and feels like a yoga mat, is plush and grippy when dry, but retains water when wet and can get slippery.

So it’s clear that yoga works only in calm waters. And at 35” wide and 6” thick, this paddle board offers a stable base for yoga and chilling out on the water.

Having a kayak option was also really nice to expand the fun and versatility of this board. It doesn’t track very straight, but it was fun nonetheless.

We also had fun–because of the stability and solid construction–bumping around into each other on other SUPs, seeing who could be the last man standing.

Features

• Fusion military-grade PVC construction on the outer shell for a 1300 denier thickness rating making this board extra durable and sturdy.
• Reinforced heat pressed seam for an airtight seal that is then covered by another layer of military-grade PVC making the seam water and airtight.
• Reinforced rails on the sides of the board for added durability and sturdiness
• 6 stainless steel D-rings for attaching gear and equipment.
• Premium quality die-cut EVA deck pad that runs the full length of the board. No run-off ridges mean water can remain and make the pad a little slippery when wet.
• Large 4 point bungee system on the nose of the board so that you can bring gear and equipment along.
• Easy carry handle placed at the center of the fin for convenient transportation of board.
• USA style fin box for use with any standard longboard fins.

Accessories

The Glide Lotus Inflatable Paddle Board has the full package in terms of accessories and add-ons that help beginner paddle boarders get ready for the water.

The package includes a 3 piece adjustable paddle, a backpack, a leash, a hand pump, a fin, a repair kit, and a kayak seat and carry strap.

• Paddle: The Glide Lotus paddle board comes with a 3 piece adjustable aluminum paddle that is lightweight and easy to use. The paddle also floats and can be adjusted from 70 to 84 inches.
• Leash: The included leash is a coiled safety leash that stretches to 10’ when fully extended and is generally not noticeable when paddling.
• Pump: This double action pump has an integrated pressure gauge and can inflate your board in around 12 minutes.
• Backpack: The included backpack has rolling wheels that make it easier and more accessible for transport. On top of fitting everything included in the package, the backpack has space for lots of added valuables, equipment, and accessories.
• Kayak seat: A kayak seat here just adds to the easy-going fun of this board. It still doesn’t track all that well, but it’s more about fitness and enjoying the water

Stability

The Glide Lotus offers paddlers a high level of stability when paddling. With a capacity of 400 lbs, it is more than able to support the weight of a person and equipment. It has no problems supporting two people actually.

This makes it great for yoga as it means you can try out many different positions without falling in the water straight away. Head stands were definitely doable by the non-yogis among us and even tree pose was accomplished by the most apt.

A lotus pose while floating among lotus plants was made very serene by the stability.

This inflatable paddle board has by far the most stability of any board under 12 feet. Even fishing paddle boards like the Hippocamp.

Maneuverability

The Glide Lotus 10’6 is a very maneuverable SUP. Because of its 35 inch width, stepping back is easy and fun. It’s tracking where the Lotus requires constant j-strokes and switching hands to remain somewhat on course.

After all this is an entry level sup that is aimed at giving beginners a user-friendly experience on a board where crow pose and warrior stance can be done in balance.

Portability

The Glide Lotus paddle board provides a standard level of portability, much like other affordable paddle boards on the market. That said, Glide also provides a carry strap so that you can easily carry the Lotus to and from the water.

Although not as lightweight as some other inflatable paddle boards, the Lotus weighs only 26lbs making it accessible for all types of people. Additionally, the backpack that stores all the accessories and other valuables has wheels making transportation convenient and easy.

Price/Quality Ratio

The Glide Lotus package is affordable given the quality of the paddle board and included accessories. What you get with this package is an inflatable paddle board built for yoga with all the necessary add-ons and features to make sure you don’t go without.

For the price of this board there aren’t many brands offering this many accessories or add ons for their boards. The Glide Lotus is as good as the Surfstar Flight paddle board and better than the SereneLife Free Flow.

Optional Accessories from Glide

• Glide adjustable paddle
• Glide anchor pole
• Glide electric pump
• Glide  cooler
• Glide carry strap
• Glide coil 10-inch leash
• Kayak seat

We definitely recommend the Glide Lotus 10’6 for beginner paddle boarders who want to try out their luck at paddle board yoga. This is an affordable, entry level paddle board made for having fun.

The included accessories and add ons make this board well worth the buy. Of course the board isn’t as good at tracking as something like the NIXY Newport G4, but it does provide a stable board for beginners and offers the opportunity for paddle board yoga.