DAMA Paddle Boards Review & Testing [Updated 2024]

The DAMA paddle boards are widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and one of the most popular stand-up paddleboards sold on Amazon. The unique selling point of this product is its deck, which features a gorgeous wood grain pattern. It comes with an accessory package that is among the most comprehensive available today. 

Who can purchase it anywhere in the neighborhood for $300? The eleven-foot version was the one that we decided to buy. Continue reading if you want to find out everything there is to know about the DAMA paddle board.

The Best Premium Inflatable Paddleboard at an Affordable Price

DAMA Nature 11′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The DAMA Paddle Board's Characteristics

After being exposed to a great deal of marketing for the DAMA paddleboard on various social media platforms, we concluded that we needed to purchase one. It stands out from other inexpensive paddleboards because of its woodgrain appearance, which provides the impression that it is a quality inflatable paddleboard. That helps explain the product's unexpected popularity and the thousands of positive ratings on Amazon. 

We covered all of the costs associated with putting together our review panel. Aside from being the company's customers through Amazon, we are not affiliated with or in any other way connected to the business.

Because I have a wider paddling footprint, my friends and I decided to purchase the board's 11' x 33' version.

Particulars Of The Minimum

There are three sizes to choose from when purchasing a DAMA paddleboard with a wooden finish. 9'6″ x 30″, 10'6″ x 32″, and 11′ x 33″. If you are an adult paddler, you should select the board with a length of either 10'6" or 11' if possible. Paddleboarders who weigh less than 200 pounds will find the 9'6" board to be more accommodating.

Because it is only 30 inches broad, it will not have the same level of stability.

Price

The price of the 9 feet 6 inches long and 6 inches wide board is $299, which may purchase the 10'6" model at the cost of $309, which may buy the 11-foot model for a price of $339. what can purchase the boards at Amazon.com? DAMA maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram; however, the organization does not have its website nor engage in direct sales. To my knowledge, there are no coupon codes or any discounts that may be applied. If I come across one, I will share it with you on this page.

Construction

A single layer of PVC is used for the bottom of the DAMA board, while a double layer of PVC is used for the top. Additionally, an additional layer is wrapped around the rails for reinforcement. A single-layer board is a term most commonly used to describe this type of board. When inflated, it takes on the firm shape of a rigid board thanks to the drop stitch PVC used in its construction. The construction is about what one would expect from a paddleboard, priced at $300. It is comparable to the technology used in the SereneLife and ROC paddleboards.

Most of the board's seams had appreciable quantities of extra glue. On our evaluation board, neither the D-rings nor the front bungee is in the middle. The manufacturing is a little messier compared to other boards, with prices roughly the same as the one I looked at. There will be no impact on the board's resistance to wear and tear. You can tell that this is one of the areas in which DAMA chose to cut corners and save some money to offer their products at the pricing point they do.

The Rigidity Of The Board 

The degree to which an inflatable board is rigid can be used as a proxy for evaluating the quality of its construction and the level of performance it can deliver. To obtain an accurate reading of this, what placed the board atop two supports at a distance of eight feet apart. We applied a load of 120 pounds to the board and then measured how much it bowed under the weight pressure.

The DAMA board flexed by an amount equal to three and a half inches, and this was almost the same as the norm for a PVC board with a single layer. More expensive boards with many layers and more advanced building techniques, such as MSL, are stiffer and bend less than cheaper single-layer panels.

• SUP Board: Nice C -10'6" x 32" (15 psi), Construction: 1 Ply PVC, Deflection 2.6 inches
• SUP Board: DAMA - 11' x 33" (15 psi), Construction: 1 Ply PVC, Deflection 3.0inches
• SUP Board: Coolwave - 10'6" x 32" (15 psi), Construction: 1 Ply PVC, Deflection 3.3 inches
• SUP Board: iRocker Nautical - 10'6" x 32" (15 psi), Construction: 2 Ply PVC, Deflection 2.8 inches

• SUP Board: Chasing Blue Orion -12'6" x 32" (14.5 psi), Construction: 2 Ply PVC, Deflection 1.6 inches
• SUP Board: Chasing Blue Infinite - 10'6" x 34" (14.5 psi), Construction: 2 Ply PVC, Deflection 1.4 inches
• SUP Board: Freein Overall 11 - 11'' x 33" (15 psi), Construction: 2 Ply PVC, Deflection 1.4 inches
• SUP Board: iRocker All Around 11 - 11' x 32" (15 psi), Construction: 3 Ply PVC, Deflection 1.3 inches
• SUP Board: iRocker Cruiser Ultra - 10'6" x 33" (15 psi), Construction: 2 Ply Woven PVC, Deflection 1.1 inches

• SUP Board: Blackfin Ultra CX - 10'6" x 32.5" (15 psi), Construction: 2 Ply Woven  PVC, Deflection 1.0 inches
• SUP Board: Nixy Newport G4 - 10'6" x 33" (15 psi), Construction: 2 Ply Woven  PVC, Deflection 1.1 inches
• SUP Board: Nixy Monterey G4 - 11'6" x 34" (15 psi), Construction: 2 Ply Woven PVC, Deflection 1.0 inches
• SUP Board: Red 12'6" Sport - 12'6" x 30" with RSS (20 psi), Construction: MSL with Battens, Deflection 1.2 inches

Deck Pad

The board uses a single lengthy EVA deck pad with a grooved traction pattern embedded into it. It has a faux wood grain finish designed to seem like the deck's natural wood grain. The deck pad is made of wood planks when viewed from a distance, and its consistency makes it possible to stand on it without feeling unsteady.

It is comparable to the deck pads found on other paddleboards within the same price range like this one. Diamonds are typically used for the pattern rather than grooves in the vast majority of the others.

Bungee cord, D-rings, and handles are all included in this item.

The Board Is Outfitted With A Total Of Eight D-rings

Four are placed in the front to hold the front bungee, and four around the circumference can be utilized to mount a kayak seat. The board comes equipped with two different handles. There are a total of two, one located in the middle and the other towards the back.To attach the safety leash, you can use the handle located in the back. We have chosen to have a dedicated D-ring installed as the attachment point for the leash rather than relying on the hold to fulfill this function. 

In the front of the board is a mount specifically designed to accommodate a sports camera bracket.

Triple Bottom Panel Fins

The rear of the board is equipped with a total of three fins. A massive, detachable fin in the middle, with two smaller fins on either side. All three fins are detachable; every one attaches using the standard slot and has attachments made of little plastic tabs. The two little fins are slightly larger than most three-fin boards' typical permanently fixed fins. Once the board begins to move, this method has demonstrated that it is effective at tracking while maintaining its ease of turn.

SUP Accessories

The accessory bundles included as standard with DAMA inflatable paddleboards are more extensive than the accessory bundles included with other brands of boards. Let's look at everything that came with the board we just bought to see what all the components are.

Adjustable Paddle

The paddle is a typical type of floating paddle constructed from three separate pieces of metal. It is the same thing included with practically every other inflatable SUP bundle with a retail price ranging from $250 to $500. It performs its intended functions and achieves the goals that it set out to achieve. It will be unable to compete with the performance of a carbon paddle with a higher price tag.

You should expect to spend close to the same amount on a carbon paddle as you did on the whole SUP board bundle. Utilizing the conventional plastic quick release lever allows the rider to adjust the board's overall length. You will need to give the handle a few twists to tighten it. That will ensure that the handle does not move when you are paddling.

Because it comes with a second blade, which may also use the paddle for paddling a kayak, which is one of its many possible applications, utilizing paddles that are convertible into other shapes is a perfectly viable option for getting around. The paddles are not appropriately balanced because both SUP blades are offset from the shaft, and this causes the post to be the center of gravity.

If you intend to use this item as a kayak regularly, I think it would be a good idea to invest in a paddle made expressly for kayaking.

Hand Pump

The package comes with a dual-action pump, meaning you can use it to inflate or deflate the board, depending on your needs. On the gauge, which also includes a green area representing the optimal degree of inflation, one may read the pressure now being applied. The pump does an outstanding job of pumping up the board for this particular task.

Carrying Bag

Including the bag in a purchase of this price is par for the course. Because it has a zipper, which can open it up to its full potential, the materials have a pleasing texture, and it would appear they are withstanding the test of time rather well. Because it has a handle on the top and side, moving the board from one location in your house to another is made much simpler by this design element. It is possible to walk for shorter distances without experiencing discomfort due to the adequate padding on the backstrap straps.

Ankle Restraint

The coil leash comes complete with a neoprene ankle cuff for your pet. Not only is it comfortable, but putting it on and taking it off is a breeze.

A phone case that is impervious to water

A little pouch that may keep your phone dry and safe from the elements is offered. Because it has see-through sides, you can still see what's inside the bag even when it's inside the bag.

5L Waterproof Bag

You will have access to a dry bag that has a capacity of 5 liters to store your gear and any other items that require protection from the elements. It is big enough to hold things like pocket cameras, electronic devices, or even an extra set of clothes if necessary.

Shoulder Strap

You will see that you have access to a shoulder strap that may fasten to either of the two D-rings provided. The ease with which what can transport the board is much improved once it has been inflated. Because it is of a size suitable for concealment under the front bungee rope when you are out on the water, you will not have any trouble doing so. The component above is not included in any other inflatable paddle board package I have come across in my search for such a product. It is a lovely touch to add towards the end.

Repair Kit

This purchase comes with a straightforward toolkit for making repairs. This kit comes with patches and an instrument for regulating the tightness of the air valve.

Setup and Inflation

The DAMA paddle board is straightforward to assemble, and the process doesn't take much time. It will take the average person around 10 minutes to travel from their bag to their water once they begin the journey. The procedure is uncomplicated and easy to understand and carry out. When unrolling the board, make sure to do so in an area that is good and smooth, nice and clean, and enjoyable. After taking the board out of the bag and loading it, you should roll it out on the ground. After the board has been mounted, the pressure should reach between 12.5 and 14.5 pounds per square inch (psi). 

Bring together the three various types of fins. Make sure that the connection for the safety leash is secure. Put together the paddle following the included instructions. Have fun.

Before you get started using an inflatable stand-up paddle board for the first time, there are a few things you need to keep in mind that is important to keep in mind.

You will get the most excellent use out of the paddle board if you make sure that it is inflated to its maximum capacity. That is equivalent to a pressure of between 12.5 and 14.5 pounds per square inch. If you stop pumping the board before it has reached the appropriate level of inflation, you will end up with a flimsy board that will not remain stable and will not paddle as well as it should. It is necessary to inflate the board to its maximum capacity to achieve the same feeling as swimming while standing on a rigid board while using an inflatable paddle board.

If you inflate the paddle board to a pressure of one pound per square inch (psi), it will look like it is wholly extended when you are finished. There will be no movement of the gauge on the pump until the pressure reaches around one pound per square inch.

When utilizing the pressure gauge, you can feel that you are pumping incessantly yet not making much headway. Hold on to your resolve, and don't give up! It won't be stationary for very long; sooner or later, it will begin moving in some direction. Most of the work is done by pumping at pressures ranging from 1 to 14.5 pounds per square inch (psi). When the pressure of one pound per square inch is applied to the board, it will have the impression of being entirely inflated. That is not the situation at all.

It is not a pleasant experience to manually pump one's blood. If you currently own an inflatable paddleboard, the best purchase you can make to improve your time spent on the water is to invest in an electric pump for the board's inflation and deflation process. They add significant entertainment value to the whole experience of utilizing your board in various ways. The OutdoorMaster Pumps are the ones that I have found to be the most reliable and effective, and they have an outstanding level of performance. 

The Dolphin is a fundamental pump that is of high quality and can be purchased at a very reasonable price. Please refer to the review I've written on the Dolphin if you require additional information.

On Water Performance

This all-around board's performance qualities are comparable to those of other boards that offer a wide variety of riding options. Compared to shorter boards measuring 10 feet or 10 feet and six inches, its length of 11 feet gives it excellent tracking and gliding characteristics. The breadth of 33 inches contributes to this item's high level of stability, and it does not have the same feeling of lethargy as a board that is 34 or 35 inches wide. The majority of other boards do not feel as springy as this one does since it flexes to the ideal degree and has the proper amount of flex overall. When you paddle through some chop, the suppleness of the board becomes immediately apparent. In addition to contributing to an aesthetically pleasing appearance, the grooved deck pad creates a pleasant surface to walk and stand on.

Those who have never tried paddling before should have no trouble getting the hang of it on this board, even if they have never tried it before. A novice will have no problem learning their way around this board because of its uncomplicated layout and simple navigation options. When put up against a board that is 10 feet long, it does not spin with the same ease. When compared, a touring board 14 feet long is far more difficult to turn than a board 10 feet long.

Using the three-fin technique, what can achieve tracking with a level of success that is considered to be satisfactory. It is necessary for there to be some form of water movement that is moving over the fins for them to be effective. After only a few strokes with the paddle, you could sense that the board was moving in different directions. As soon as it moves, it will quickly establish its bearings and go along the path with a high degree of accuracy. On inflatable paddle boards, a configuration quite similar to this one is favored for boards with three fins.
We've tried a lot of different boards, and this one is easily one of the most forgiving. On the water, you can make out the structure very quickly. 

This particular board seems to have a springier and more buoyant feel compared to others on the market. You won't in any way fall into the trap of thinking this is a rigid board because there is no resemblance between the two. It helps get the job done on the water and accomplish what needs to be done.

What can do both yoga and fishing on the board is because of its generous size and the fact that it is sufficiently stable for either activity.

Heavy Weight Paddlers

According to the specifications, the 11-foot board can support 350 pounds of weight at any given time. According to our test results, the maximum weight that a paddler can have on this board before it becomes unsafe to use is 250 pounds. When you reach that weight, you can detect a bend in the board that you may ride on. 

Two adults can use the paddle board simultaneously, or a single adult to use it while accompanied by a dog, a child, or both. It is large enough and robust enough to carry everything you need for the day, giving you more space than you possibly need.

Kayak Conversion

The board is fitted with four D-rings that are arranged acceptably for connecting a seat, and these rings are positioned in a circular pattern around the board's center. There will be an additional cost for a kayak seat if you want to purchase this bundle. If you are interested in getting one, you will find that you can do so at a price that is not prohibitively expensive because there is an abundance of them available. 

The paddle with the board is ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding due to its versatility, which may use the paddle for both sports. If you plan on sitting in the boat and utilizing it like a sit-on-top kayak, it is highly recommended that you invest in a paddle made expressly for kayaking. Regarding kayaking, their performance is far better than paddles that can change into other configurations. Please consult our article on converting your inflatable stand-up paddleboard into a kayak for any additional information you may require.

Deflation And Packing

Deflating the board and putting it away take around ten minutes of the total time each. It is strongly recommended that you wait until the board is entirely dry before rolling it up. Only then should you begin. Put it down someplace where it can dry while you change into something more comfortable or get something to eat. If you don't have time to let it air dry before wrapping it up, you can take it out in your house and let it dry there instead. If you do this, the chances of your paddle board becoming contaminated with mold will decrease significantly.

When I need to deflate the board, I've found that using the pump simplifies the process. Please take off the fish's three fins to make it look cleaner. To let out the air suffocating the space, turn the air valve so that it faces the opposite direction of the clock. Place your back against the board and apply as much pressure as you can on the bag to decrease the amount of air contained within it. Establish a connection between the pump and the hose situated on the object's aspect that has to be deflated. Using the pump, evacuate absolutely all of the air from the board up until the point when you feel a vacuum forming. It would be a lot simpler for me to do this instead of attempting to wrap it up and squeeze all of the air out of it, which is what I could have done.

Similar SUP Boards

Within this price range, the inflatable paddle boards that sell the most common are the Serenelife and the ROC models, both of which are sold by ROC. On Amazon.com, customers have posted thousands of ratings and comments regarding these products. The Serenelife and the ROC boards measure 10 feet, which means they will not glide and track as smoothly as longer boards. The production process and the components that are used in the creation of each of them are nearly identical to one another. The DAMA board is the only one of the three that comes with a shoulder strap and a paddle that can convert into a paddle leash; the other two boards lack both of these features entirely.

The COOL WAVE paddle board is yet another alternative that satisfies the requirements for a commission to be functional and pleasant. If you are interested in gaining additional knowledge, you may do so by reading our evaluation of the COOL WAVE SUP. The length of the board is 10 feet and 6 inches in total length. In addition to having a more hygienic construction, this model also has a somewhat improved quality paddle (not convertible). The high-end woodgrain appearance of the DAMA board is missing from this board, and there is no opportunity to buy it in length 11 feet long because that choice is not available.

COOLWAVE 

SereneLife 

DAMA

ROC

The DAMA is a big step up in quality compared to the Fun water inflatable board, which only comes with a single action pump and a carry bag of inferior quality. You only spend a small amount more overall, but in addition to your board, you get a variety of extras that are a significant step up in quality.

You will receive a product constructed out of more rigid and long-lasting materials when you upgrade to a board that costs between $500 and $600, such as an iRocker, an Isle Pioneer inflatable, or a Chasing Blue board. In addition, you will receive a padded backpack with wheels and a more efficient pump with the purchase of one of these boards.

It is generally agreed that the DAMA paddle boards are among the stand-up paddleboards sold on Amazon. They are both one of the most aesthetically beautiful and one of the most popular options. This product's deck, which has a stunning wood grain pattern, sets it apart from similar offerings on the market. It comes with an accessory package that is one of the most comprehensive on the market today, and it is included in the purchase price.