Pelican Flow 116 Stand Up Paddle Board

Pelican uses their exclusive RAM-X multi-layer material to construct the Flow 116 SUP which makes it incredibly tough and durable. RAM-X is known for its high impact-resistance and its ability to regain its initial shape after hard impacts. It also has a UV-protected exterior finish which means that the sun will not damage the board if it is left outside. While the Pelican Flow 116 SUP is heavy it is also pretty much indestructible, especially when you compare it to other rigid SUP’s that crack and chip the instant they come into contact with any hard surface.

To help beginner paddlers stay upright and balance the Flow 116, Pelican has integrated rail ramps into the board’s top deck which provide additional leverage and better balance. In addition to this, the 5” / 12.7cm long flexible rubber fin on the underside further helps with balance and tracking while resisting damage from rocks and other shallow water hazards. A series of grooves running along the bottom of the board from bow to stern are integrated to also help increased tracking which is key for maximizing the efficiency of new paddlers.

Other features of the Pelican Flow 116 Stand Up Paddle Board include an anti-slip cushioned deck pad which provides comfort while paddling and secure footing.

Bungee cords located at the front of the board which are ideal for lashing gear or helping to secure your paddle when you are not using it.

A built-in centre carry handle and four additional carry handles, one found at the front of the board, one at the back and one on each side provide plenty of ways to easily carry the Flow 116.

There is also a drain plug located at the back of the board in case it takes on a little water after prolonged use

• RAM-X multi-layer material exclusive to Pelican.

• Bottom grooves for increased tracking
• Bungee cords
• Carrying handles
• Anti-Slip Cushioned Deck Pad
• 5” Flexible Rubber Fin
• Drain plug
• Flexible rubber fin
• Inset centre carrying handle
• Integrated rail ramps for better leverage and balance

The Pelican Vate paddle is an entry-level SUP Paddle that provides durability and performance. Its fibreglass wrapped two-piece aluminum shaft with pin locking mechanism allows for quick length adjustment and comfort. The T-grip handle provides an ergonomic grasp, control and paddling efficiency while the blade shape is designed to minimize fatigue on longer trips. The Vate's fibreglass reinforced polypropylene blade is stiff yet durable so it maximizes each stroke and can take some abuse.

• Adjustment: 180-220cm / 70-87”
• 2 piece aluminum shaft wrapped in fibreglass
• Pin locking mechanism for length adjustment
• Fibreglass reinforced ABS blade
• Angled blade shape optimized
• T-grip for maximum blade control

The Pelican Flow 116 SUP and Adjustable Vate Paddle are ideally suited for those looking to get into paddleboarding who don’t want to break the bank, yet still want a solid SUP. While the Flow 116 is more than twice the weight of most other solid paddleboards its rock-solid toughness makes up for this as it can take a beating by carefree users and kids alike. Drop it, drag it, crash it—the Flow 116 just keeps right on going. While its weight is a penalty in my eyes, I’m not the ideal audience as I prefer a lightweight SUP that is on the higher end of the solid paddleboard spectrum. I do see the value of the Pelican Flow 116 for families and beginners who want a board that paddles easy and is quite stable in the water.

I took the Flow 116 SUP out on the lake for several day trips and was pleased with how easy it was to paddle and track in a straight line, because of it’s heavy weight it was virtually impossible to tip over. While not the most efficient SUP on the water, the Flow 116 was fun to paddle and took on waves with ease. Given that it had a single 5” fin, the Flow 116 was not that easy to manoeuvre but did go in a straight line with little to no effort, something that a new paddler would really appreciate.

The Flow 116 SUP has all the features you could want in a rigid paddle board but I was surprised by how soft the top deck was and as I moved around on it I could feel the deck buckle under my weight. Given the weight of the Flow 116, I would have expected it to be much more solid to stand on and supportive when paddling. 

Like the Flow 116 SUP, Pelican’s Adjustable Vate Paddle is built equally tough and durable. For under $100 Canadian, this is a great paddle, it adjusts and can power through the water just fine for most paddlers, again, this is an entry-level, low priced paddle so if you don’t set your expectations too high you will be very pleased with it.

Overall, the Flow 116 SUP is not going to win any races, nor be your best friend if you want to travel a lot with it from one paddling destination to another. At 50lbs it’s heavy, even for me. If you are looking for a rigid stand-up paddleboard for the cottage that can put up with the kids abusing it all summer long, however, then this is the board for you. It provides exceptional value for the money and you don’t have to baby it one bit like other SUPs.