The Dynamo has become my go-to board for those times when I want to cover more distance with more speed.
I find the Dynamo to be one of those all around functional and convenient touring boards that is so easy to love.
It has a nice tapered nose, two lengths to choose from, a 30” width and 6” thickness that provides enough stability but is still lean enough to glide fast and feel efficient.
It has a 9” touring fin that keeps it tracking straight and we found the nose to stay straight and steady in wind and chop – sometimes they can easily get blown by the wind but with the nice design and large fin at the back, this board is solid.
It rolls up into a small package and stores inside the rolling backpack (included in package) and can be quite easily taken anywhere.
This is a solid and durable board yet light weight and easy to manage as well.
I find that I am happy on both sizes but probably a little better suited for the 11’6” one. My boyfriend Darryl prefers the 12’6” Dynamo and I have to say in ocean chop the 12’6″ Dynamo feels really nice as it provides a little bigger surface and more stability when dealing with wake,
Touring boards have the major advantage of requiring less effort to move faster.
The tapered nose cuts through the water more smoothly and efficiently as opposed to plowing through like a round nosed all-around board.
SPECS
| Length | 11'6" | 12'6" |
| Width | 30" | 30" |
| Thickness | 6" | 6" |
| Weight | 22 LB. | 24 LB. |
| Max Load | 300 LB. | 350 LB. |
| Price | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
LATEST 2021 DYNAMO COLOUR OPTIONS
VIDEO’S
Check out the videos below to see the Dynamo’s in action. Then for much more information keep reading and we’ll delve into more detail!
→ This first video shows the two Hero SUP Dynamo boards being paddled on a lake in Alaska.
→ This second video shows me ocean paddling around the city of Vancouver, BC.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
Hero SUP offers a fully loaded package that includes everything you need to get on the water except your PFD.
Included in the package are:
- Dynamo Hull
- 3-Piece Light Weight Carbon Paddle
- 9” Quick Lock Touring Fin
- 2 x 5″ Quick Lock Side Fins
- 10’ Coiled SUP Leash
- 10L Dry Bag with Shoulder Strap
- Dual Action High-Pressure Hand Pump
- Rolling Backpack with Wheels
- Repair Kit
MATERIAL:. High densityPVC laminated fusion double layer with reinforced side rails.
BEST SUITED FOR:. Touring, faster speed, fitness – lakes, calm rivers or touring ocean bays.
PROS: Nice efficient glide, good tracking, cuts smoothly through flat water and chop, front & back bungees for securing gear, long diamond groove traction pad, light weight and easy to carry, padded neoprene handle covers for more comfort, front and back D-rings, rolls up into a small package, comes wth great accessories, 2-year Warranty.
CONS: Not as stable in rough conditions or surf.
DOGS: Also worth mentioning we have three dogs that paddle with us often so this board is dog tested and approved!
We found that either Dynamo size worked well when paddling with our two smaller dogs. When paddling with our 75 lbs. German Shepard we much preferred the added length and stability of the 12’6″ Dynamo as opposed to the smaller 11’6″ model.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
FRONT & BACK BUNGEES
Front bungees are common but to have back bungees as well is a bonus! You can store lots of gear on this board if you are planning longer outings or some type of epic adventure. 🙂
Store your dry bags, water bottle, cooler, fishing or snorkel gear. There’s lots of room to bring any important accessories.
D-RINGS
Besides the 4 stainless steel D-rings used by the bungees at the front and the four at the back there is also one at the very back that can be used to secure your leash and one underneath the tip of the nose that can be used for towing.
Included on the latest Dynamo there are also 2 extra D-rings on each side of the traction pad to secure a seat if needed.
With all the D-ring options there are plenty of tie down points for gear.
EVA TRACTION PAD
The diamond groove EVA traction pad is a good length. It covers the length of the board from the back end to the tip of the front bungees.
I particularly like diamond groove traction pads as I find they provide great grip for your feet and toes and are also very comfortable when kneeling.
CARRY HANDLES
There are two durable nylon handles on the Dynamo. The centre handle is the one you would use for carrying the board and the back grab handle is ideal if you end up in the water and need to grab your SUP.
Both handles have removable padded neoprene covers that provide a LOT of extra comfort for your hand when carrying.
The neoprene covers are removable with velcro and they also double as a paddle holder. You can use them to secure your paddle when not in use.
TRI-FIN SYSTEM
The Dynamo fins can be fully customized with the three removable fins. The Quick Lock system is tool-less and extremely easy to use.
Use the middle touring fin for long straight paddles where you want speed and excellent tracking.
Use all three fins for added stability and maneuverability.
DURABILITY
Hero SUP uses military-grade PVC fused double layer construction and they add extra PVC reinforcement to the side rails.
They use the latest ISUP technology to create a light weight yet very rigid board when inflated to 15 PSI. You will notice the quality as soon as you inflate it.
With proper care it will last you a long time.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Some boards come with accessory packages and some don’t.
I personally think it’s nice when they do as it’s just less to have to think about or buy.
Not all accessory packages are the same however and some use cheaper products than others.
This one has a great package and I would think most people would be very happy with it.
Included in their ISUP package is:
3-PIECE CARBON FIBER PADDLE
The upgraded carbon shaft paddle in this package is awesome.
It is very lightweight allowing you to paddle further with less fatigue.
The paddle comes apart in three pieces making it easy to store inside the backpack and ideal for travel.
It is adjustable from 67” to 84” so it can be set for your height but also shared with family and friends if needed.
ROLLING BACKPACK
This bag is my favourite accessory in this package and it excels in every way.
I have seen a lot of ISUP backpacks over the years and sometimes this is an area that can get cheaped out on.
SIZE: The Hero SUP backpack is big enough to fit the board and all accessories but not overly large that it gets hard to handle.
INNER STRAPS: It has inside straps for keeping the board tucked neatly in place and padding to help with protection.
3-SIDED ZIPPER: The heavy duty zipper opens on three sides making it very easy to get everything in and out.
4 HANDLES: There is a top handle as well as two side handles PLUS a small plastic bottom grab handle making this bag so easy to lift in any situation.
ADJUSTABLE STRAPS: The adjustable and padded shoulder straps are a great fit for comfort and the adjustable waist strap helps with extra support when carrying it on your back.
VELCRO BACK POCKET: There is a large velcro’d pocket at the back where you can tuck all the straps away so they don’t dangle when not in use and get in the way or get caught on anything. This is a particularly useful feature when traveling by airplane.
WHEELS: Best of all it has two bottom wheels so you can pull it like a suitcase making it even easier to get to and from the water or to take traveling.
ID POCKET: There is also a clear ID pocket at the top back of the bag so that hopefully it gets returned to you if you should lose it.
There is only one thing I feel is missing that would totally complete this bag and that is a chest strap. It’s not at all critical but if you’re hiking any distance it would add a bit more support.
COILED SUP LEASH
If you have just started paddle boarding you will need a leash. It is a necessary safety item that should be used at all times.
One end of the leash gets secured to your ankle or calf and the other end secures to the back D-ring on your board.
If you fall in the water the leash will make sure your board doesn’t get swept away from you.
The Dynamo package includes a great 10’ coiled leash so you don’t have to worry about purchasing one later.
10L DRY BAG
Rarely do you see a dry bag included in ISUP packages and I love that this one does.
I always use a dry bag for my gear that can’t get wet. The 10L size is perfect, not too big and not too small.
It also includes a shoulder strap so you can easily carry it with you if you dock somewhere.
DUAL ACTION HAND PUMP
All inflatable SUP’s come with a hand pump and it is important to have a dual-action one.
Dual action pumps make it easier to reach the higher PSI levels when pumping up your board.
You start in double action mode until your board takes shape. Once you get to around 7 or 8 PSI it will become tough to keep pumping.
At that point press the little button on the side of the pump to switch it to single action mode. This will make it easier to keep pumping until you reach 15 PSI.
The pump works well and it took me roughly 7 minutes to inflate the Dynamo with a few little breaks to catch my breath.
9” CENTER FIN
The 9” centre touring fin is removable and can be left off if paddling in really shallow water.
However the board performs much better with it on so I would suggest using it anytime you are in open water.
NEOPRENE HANDLE COVERS
The neoprene handle covers as mentioned before are a really nice comfort feature.
If you have paddled SUP’s before you may be aware that carrying your board any distance with a nylon handle can get quite uncomfortable.
The padded neoprene covers help a lot and make it far more comfortable to carry the board any distance.
REPAIR KIT
Every inflatable SUP comes with a repair kit and they are all basically the same.
They include a valve tighter, a couple PVC patches and some waterproof glue that hopefully you never have to use but works great if you ever do.
SETUP
We found setup to be particularly fast with this ISUP, even with the longer 12’6” Dynamo.
Take the board out of the bag and inflate until you reach 15 PSI.
All Hero SUP boards are capable of holding up to 25 PSI so you can add more air pressure if you wish but 15 PSI is really all you ever need for most inflatable SUP’s.
At 15 it is super rigid and able to hold a lot of weight. We find more air pressure doesn’t make much difference after that point.
Plus trust me once you’ve manually pumped a board up to 15 PSI you won’t want to keep going. 🙂
Once inflated secure the fin and your leash. It will take you approximately ten minutes to get on the water from the time you arrive once you’ve done it once or twice.
If you want to make the process even easier you can invest in an electric pump. Check out this post for my top choices – Best Electric Pump For ISUP’s.
It isn’t necessarily any faster but it will eliminate the sweat before you get on the water.
PERFORMANCE
I love the way the Dynamo feels on the water. It performs exactly as it should for a board of this shape and size.
It is smooth and steady. With a little effort and power you’ll find that you pick up speed quickly.
The 30” width is perfect for keeping it efficient and tracking properly.
→ In this third video my friend and I paddle the 11’6″ and the 12’6″ Dynamo’s down the stunning Alouette River – I can never get enough of those mountain views! 🙂
A touring board that is wider than 30” will be much slower but of course feel very safe and secure. A board that is leaner will be even faster but feel quite wobbly.
This 30” width is ideal for a nice recreational touring ISUP. We like it most for paddling on calm water but it handles fine in chop as well.
If you are a beginner paddle boarder you will find the longer 12’6″ board to feel more stable in choppy conditions. However once you get used to the leaner shape of this board your skills will improve and you’ll appreciate the nice glide.
We have taken the Dynamo on the ocean many times and had to deal with wake from speed boats and had no trouble.
If you hit heavy wind get down on your knees and power through for more control until you can stand again.
Overall it’s a great ride, ideal for longer straight touring sessions.
SUMMARY
We have been using this board a lot this year and been very happy with it.
If you want a more efficient inflatable SUP for covering more distance with less effort and more speed without completely sacrificing your stability (such as with a racing board) then the Dynamo is an excellent choice.
It comes with a 2-year warranty and everything you need to get on the water right away except your PFD.
If you still need a PFD and want one that is SUP specific this is the one I use.
MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDER DISCOUNT
Hero SUP offers one of the best Military and First Responder discounts in the industry. If you are a military member, police officer, firefighter, paramedic or EMT Click Here.
WHERE TO BUY
For the best deal plus free shipping click the links below.
Live in the USA? – Find The Best Deal On The Hero SUP Dynamo At HeroSUP.com.
Live in Canada? – Find The Best Deal On The Hero SUP Dynamo At HeroSUP.ca.
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I really enjoy your reviews. Based on your advice I own a Nixy Newport which was my first sup, but am thinking about a touring board for longer paddles on lakes. I was thinking about the Hero Dynamo or the Blackfin V. The Blackfin is 2 inches wider, but similar length at 12.6. I have read good reviews about each particularly about speed. The Newport will still get used by family members.
Thanks for your help.
Hi Randy, Both are great boards for sure but they feel quite different to paddle. The leaner width of the Dynamo definitely makes it faster. I find that it takes less effort to paddle the Dynamo simply because it’s a little more efficient cutting through the water. The Blackfin Model V is extra stable with the 32″ width but even with the tapered nose and tail it’s still slower… Feels great if you’re out on the ocean however dealing with wake and choppy open water but for lakes I personally prefer the efficiency of the Dynamo. I really like the 12’6″ length of both, which provides a larger platform and more stability even with the leaner Dynamo width. Hope this helps! You can’t beat a good touring board, they’re so fun to paddle for longer distances.
Hi Allison, I just read your review today. Thank you for all the detail. I am looking to buy a touring iSUP. I’d consider myself an athletic advanced beginner, but I have picked the skills up fast. I just need the right sized board. My biggest problem has been finding rental boards to accommodate my size properly. It seems they are all too short and unstable. Right now a 11’x32″x?” hard board is the closest I’ve found to be comfortable on. To get a board to grow into, I thought I wanted a 11’6″x30″x6″ board but now I’m thinking 12’6″x30″x6″. Since the Dynamo comes in both lengths your review is perfectly timed for me. So here’s my question, I’m 6’3″, and usually weigh 240-250lbs (241 currently). I live in Huntington Beach, CA so I paddle in canals, the ocean, and lakes when on vacation. I won’t take the dogs (although I have 2 yellow Labs), I won’t use the board for activities like fishing or surfing, but I paddle a lot with my girl friend who has a 12’6″x27″x6″ race board and i want to keep up with her. What do you think the better board for me would be? Also, I can’t find any touring boards for sale. They are all sold out or unavailable. Any suggestions on how or where I can get a board this time of year? Thanks.
Hey John, The 12’6″ length would definitely suit your size better. The 30″ width might feel slightly unstable at first however with the 12’6″ length it won’t feel as unstable as an 11’6″x30″ board. If you go with a wider touring SUP it will feel more secure but it will be slower and won’t keep up with your girlfriends board. So it really just depends on your comfort level. I personally think you’d be happier with a 12’6″x30″ board. As your skills improve it will be a lot more fun to paddle and more efficient. The Dynamo is awesome I use it often. Unfortunately as with so many SUP’s out there this year they are totally sold out. They’ve got a new and improved 2021 12’6″ Dynamo coming out early next year that should be really cool if you’re able to wait. I’ll let you know if I find another good option that is available!
Allison, thank you for your reply. I was thinking the same thing regarding the boards. I think you’re right that it might feel a little unstable at first, but it will be a board I want to grow into as my skills develop. If I got a 32″ board, I’d grow out of it quickly. I’m pretty much sold on the Dynamo because of your review, so I will look forward to seeing the 2021model, hopefully the price increase will not be too big. I’d appreciate hearing from you if you find a board before that, however. Thanks again for all your help, you helped me decide on a board that will be really good for me. Look forward to hearing from youth further news, if any arises.
That’s great, thanks John! I’ll definitely let you know if I come across another good board that is available sooner but the Dynamo is a really great choice.
Allison, I forgot to ask… when in early 2021 will the new and improved Dynamo board be coming out?
I’m not actually sure. I heard early in the new year and I would guess they’d be there by March at the latest.
Thanks Allison, I will wait for the new Dynamo to come out if I don’t hear from you first. I appreciate all the information you have provided for me.
Hi. I found this its a few days ago and I love it, Thank you. I currently have a 14 Ft hard Hobie tourin/racing SUP. I’m looking for an inflatable that I can use when we are traveling in our camper. I’ll mostly use it on lakes and rivers. I’m 6ft tall and 140 lbs. I’d also be paddling with our 45 lb dog. I like the specs of the 12’6″ Hero SUP. Do you think that’s going to be the best in terms of giving me a similar ride as my Hobie? Thanks in advance for your rep,y
Hi Sandy, It’s perfect for traveling in the camper and the 12’6″ long Dynamo will be great with a 45 lb dog on board. If your Hobie is a lean racing SUP I’m guessing it is probably faster but all things considered the Dynamo is a really nice ride and packs up small. I’m actually taking this board out tonight with my pups. 🙂
Thank you Allison!
Hi Allison! Thank you so much for your reviews, they are super helpful! I’m going back and forth between buying the Crusader or the Dynamo… I will be paddling mostly on a lake but it has a gnarly current in a couple places so stability and speed are crucial so I can get through those spots. I have a 45lb cattle dog who goes with me and he is a seasoned kayaker but has never been on a SUP 🙂 Which board would you recommend? Or is there another option that I should consider? Thanks!
Hey Brittany! Your timing for this question is perfect as I just took the Crusader and the Dynamo out last night with a friend and her dog who was trying to decide between the two! So I feel like this question is all fresh in my head. 🙂
My friend initially thought she would go for the Crusader but after an hour or so of paddling she kept wanting to get back on the Dynamo because she found the glide to be so nice. So in the end she decided to go for the 12’6″ Dynamo – more stability with the dog and in choppy water than the smaller Dynamo yet glides faster and smoother than the Crusader.
For myself I find that I have been taking out the Crusader mainly on the ocean with my dogs but using the Dynamo on lakes and rivers. I don’t mind the 11’6″ Dynamo with my two little dogs on it when paddling on calm water but definitely prefer the 12’6″ in wind and moving water.
So I would say if you will mainly be on calm water the Dynamo is hard to beat but you might want to consider the longer 12’6″ one so it will feel more stable with the strong current. However if that current is constant rather than mostly calm then the Crusader will be great. I still find the Crusader easy to turn and maneuver it just won’t move quite as fast, although it glides better than a lot of other all-around boards that I have tried.
Hope that helps! Let me know how it goes with whichever you decide to get!
Thank you so much, this is so helpful! I’ll be purchasing the Dynamo 12’6″ and I’ll let you know how it goes!
Excellent that’s so awesome, I really hope you love it! Happy paddling!!
I’m debating between the Dynamo and the Atoll board. The Dynamo looks nice but wondering if the price difference is worth it. I’m 5’11” 185 lb., will be mainly paddling on calm water. Are these boards totally different? Thanks in advance.
Hi Mark, Both great boards but they’ll give you a different riding experience. The Atoll is 2″ wider and slower to paddle. It feels safe and stable and easy to paddle. The Dynamo is leaner but also longer. It will pick up speed faster and glide smoother. I honestly like paddling both boards but particularly love the Dynamo as a good touring SUP. You’ll go further with less effort. For your size the 12’6″ long Dynamo will offer more stability if you will be paddling in ocean or choppy water. The Dynamo has a few more features, is made stronger and comes with a rolling backpack which is kind of nice. Hope that helps! I don’t think you can go wrong either way, just depends on what you’re looking for in a board.
After researching inflatable SUP’s like crazy over the last few months I finally bought the 11’6″ Hero SUP Dynamo. I’m a beginner, 5’4″ tall and fairly fit. Wanted a board that could pick up a bit of speed without being too unstable mostly for paddling around bays and on lakes. I seriously couldn’t be happier with this board. Your review was super helpful, thank you!
Hey Kyla, Thanks for the comment, that’s so great to hear! I use the 11’6″ Dynamo a lot myself and love the glide on this board. Enjoy!!
A big thank you for your comprehensive reviews! I’m a beginner, been out a couple times on rented boards and have decided to buy one. I want something decent that performs well. Wondering if I will be okay on the Dynamo as a beginner? Would be using it mostly on lakes.
So sorry Sean, I just realized I never answered your question! Did you end up getting the board? I think you’d be totally ok on the Dynamo as a beginner, especially on the larger 12’6″ one. I have two friends (total SUP newbies) who bought the 12’6″ Dynamo and they love it, no issues at all! Let me know how it worked out for you.
Hey Allison, That’s no problem! I ended up purchasing the 12’6″ Dynamo and it has turned out to be perfect! I have been using it on lakes in my area and loving it. I got comfortable really fast first couple times out and love how well it glides (your review is bang on). I find I am getting more confident each time I go out. Definitely my new fave activity!!
That’s awesome, I am so happy to hear that and glad it all worked out! All the best and happy paddling 🙂
Hi thanks for your reviews, I’m finding them very helpful. I really like the shape of this board and it sounds like a great package. Question.. I have a 40 lb dog that I would like to take paddling with me. Do you think we would be okay on the 11’6″ or would the bigger one be better suited for us? I’m only 5’6″.
Hi Lara, Glad you are finding the site helpful! If you will be paddling mostly on calm water you will probably be fine with the 11’6″ Dynamo. If you will be paddling in chop or swells go for the 12’6″. It will feel much more secure with your dog on board.
Hi, I’m thinking of buying two of these for my husband and I. We both have a little paddling experience. I am 5’9″ 140 lb and my husband is 5’11” 200 lb. Would you recommend that I get the 11’6″ and he get the 12’6″ or should we both get the 12’6″? Can’t decide on the sizes. Thanks for your help!
Hi Sarah, Your husband will likely prefer the 12’6″ but you could go either way. I tend to use the 11’6″ most often but I have friends who are similar size who prefer the 12’6″. My friends mother who is quite tiny also preferred the 12’6″, which surprised me. It think because the longer one feels a little more stable. They both glide nicely, the longer one will take a little more effort to paddle but it’s not significant. I guess I would say if you want it to feel a little more secure go for the longer one. If you are comfortable on a board you’ll be totally fine with the 11’6″ one. Hope that helps!