The Ocean Kayak Nalu paddleboard and kayak hybrid is a great solution for the paddlesport enthusiast. As a sit on top kayak (SOT), the Ocean Kayak Nalu handles moderate surf and flat water with excellent maneuverability and stability. As a paddle board, the Nalu works great as a recreational board for the beginner to intermediate stand-up paddle boarder. The best part is you get both in one lightweight and easy to manage hull.

Performance Review

The Ocean Kayak Nalu paddles as you would expect from any Ocean Kayak sit on top kayak. The Nalu glides nicely across the water handles very nicely across the board. What I didn’t expect was how well it performs as a paddle board. With its thicker-than-usual hull, I thought the Nalu would handle sluggish as a paddle board. However, much to my delight, the paddle board handled well and had excellent primary stability. With its molded-in integral fins, the Nalu provides tracking that is straight and true, yet still maintains enough maneuverability to be fun and agile in the surf.

Versatility Review

 Although the sit on top kayak portion of the Ocean Nalu is fairly limited in what can do, as most SOTs are, I have to say the Nalu is incredibly versatile if only for the fact that it also acts as a paddle board with surprisingly good performance, especially on flat water. The hybrid combination of kayak and paddle board really makes the Nalu one of the most versatile watercraft I’ve ever paddled.

Cargo Space Review

Unfortunately, this is where all SOTs and paddle boards fall short. If you’re looking to do long paddles or even do some coastal camping, then this is not the right setup for you. The Nalu offers just enough cargo space to allow you the necessities, and nothing more.  The bungee cargo well is only big enough for a backpack sized dry bag, which makes the Nalu suitable for beach fun and short lake paddles.

Portability Review

At a mere 42 lbs, the Nalu is very easy to maneuver off the water. Hoisting it to the roof of your vehicle or into the back of your truck is a breeze, and its relatively small footprint makes it simple to twist and turn when angling it into small areas.

Product Specifications

Length: 11ft (11’ 0”)
Width: 31in (31”)
Weight: 42 lbs
Capacity: 225-275 lbs
Features:  Two strap carrying handles, molded in kayak seat, cargo well with bungee, self-draining scuppers, and molded-in integral fins, works as paddleboard or kayak.

Overall Review

My overall review of the Ocean Kayak Nalu paddleboard and kayak earned a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed paddling the Nalu, as both a kayak and a paddleboard. While neither the kayak or paddleboard portion of the Nalu perform like a high end model, the hybrid combination has certainly earned it 4 stars. I could easily see the Nalu selling like hotcakes to rental shops, resorts, and campgrounds simply due to the incredible versatility of this boat in one lightweight package.

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