Earth River SUP: V3 9’6” & 11’0”

If you think that changing one fine detail of a board doesn’t make a difference then maybe you’ve never heard of the butterfly effect. Earth River SUPs V3 lineup features the same durable construction and performance optimized body as the Skylake series with a few tweaks for speed and versatility and they make all the difference.

ERS: Leading by Example

Earth River SUP blossomed in 2012 when a group of paddle board enthusiasts grew tired of searching for portable high-performance gear that could take on a variety of conditions, so they decided to create their own. The company’s early days were spent manufacturing boards exclusively for paddle boarding schools. Skip to now and Earth River Sup is a paddle board company that is changing the way the watersports industry conducts business. ERS is known for their innovative boards ‘designed by a paddler’ with enhanced features made from only the best materials, manufactured in partnership with reliable companies who have high ethical standards. Earth River SUP boards are premium, reliable iSUPs that were designed to be used by any rider, anywhere. ERS doesn’t follow a hierarchical structure though, they broke the mold with their community-based business model, striving only to make a better product and constantly improve the existing ones, without compromise. The backbone of Earth River SUP has and always will be; quality, value and integrity.

The Board in General

The V3 series features a variety of high performing boards, two of which measure at 9’6” and 11’0”. The Smaller of the two models measures at 31” wide, offering seasoned riders the perfect balance of stability and performance without compromising on speed. The 11’0” model is a faster board for beginners and bigger riders, the 34” base offers more support for newbies and a wider platform for SUP yoga and balance training. This long board combines stability and speed without compromising versatility. Each board weighs under 30-pounds and can be easily carried in the included backpack or taken on the plane, train or trunk of your buddy’s car. Lighter riders can enjoy the 9’6” model with a 200-pound weight capacity and those with longer legs and heavier bones can take on the 11-footer with its 245-pound weight capacity.

EARTH RIVER SUP 9-6 V3

Length	Width	Thickness	Weight	Weight Capacity
9’6″	31″	5″	22 lbs	200 lbs

EARTH RIVER SUP  11’0” V3 

Length	Width	Thickness	Weight	Weight Capacity
11’0″	34″	5″	27 lbs	245 lbs

Fin configuration: Tri-fin: removable

The Board: Deeper Details

If you’re not concerned with having a lightweight board, but are concerned with speed and performance, the V3 series has just what you need. ERS added an extra production step from the Skylake series when constructing these speedy platforms. The V3 body has the same drop stitch core as all ERS boards but with an additional layer of military grade fabric fused around the core. This allows ERS to get a little deeper and customize each board further using thermal flex layering for a board with zero compromises. Yes, the end result is a pricier product but one that is worth the investment you will only have to make once. The all-around body style from the V3 series features a few select boards, two of which are the 9’6” and 11’0” we are discussing here today. Each of these all-around performers has a long, wide body, with rounded ends and an optimally tuned rocker for taking on a variety of conditions. Since 2019, ERS added Enhanced Dynamic Rails to all of their boards, offering rigidity without all the fuss of rods and battens. The top deck is one solid material; ultra-grip diamond grooved EVA foam for better control and comfort with deeper grooves for wicking water away from your feet. In the center of the board is the neoprene carrying handle for a soft and secure grip, the handle is also removable for the sake of convenience. The nose of the board features the 4-point bungee storage for carrying a dry bag, holding your shoes or paddle in place or for securing a SUP cooler. A D-ring is on each the nose and tail of the board to be used as a leash connect, towing or tethering point. On the underside of the board is the tri-fin configuration with three US fin boxes. The boxes are compatible with the included LRC fin pack or any FCS fins for a completely customizable ride, every time.

Enhanced Extras

With and Earth River SUP purchase you receive a rugged all-terrain backpack and dual action pump. The backpack, just like the boards is made from heavy duty materials from straps to seams. The pump itself is easy to use and comes with a built-in pressure gauge for getting your board to the correct PSI every time. The LRC (Lake River Coast) fin pack comes in a soft carrying case with all of the hardware you need to attach your fins. The fin selection in this pack is; four center fins and four side click fins. With this many fin configurations, you can fine tune your ride to literally every water condition without ever changing boards; that’s unbeatable versatility.

Board Performance

The 9’6” V3 is a super compact alternative to a traditional hard board and is great for on the go adventure. This board can take lighter riders on the ride of their lives. The fin pack gives these boards so much versatility you can go from shallow creeks to rushing rapids with the click of a fin. This smaller model does everything just a little bit faster than most all-around boards; gliding, turning, and reacting… faster. The 11’0” model offers the same speed and agility to heavier, taller or newer riders. Even though it’s bulkier than others, the rounded shape of the board and the versatile rocker give it more control in flat waters and stability in fast waters. The bigger of the two boards also gives families more options; with plenty of space and weight capacity for an extra rider or even a pet. This is a great platform for paddling practice with the whole family.

Let’s Clarify: The Not so Negatives

Earth River SUP builds their boards on experience, taking all previous board designs and highlighting the most functional features in their newest models. We think ERS was so busy with quality and precision that they missed one small detail, grab handles. Grab handles are convenience over necessity but wouldn’t they be nice to have for pulling the board in and out of the water? The addition of grab handles could qualify the V3 series as, dare we say, perfect.

Add to Your Collection

Since Earth River SUP likes to keep their support in the community, you will not find ERS products in commercial retail stores. Don’t cry just yet though, you can still get your hands on one. Here’s how…
In person: You can purchase Earth River SUP products through select SUP schools and outfitters who ride and use ERS products in lessons and rental programs or are authorized to sell ERS products.
Online: ERS has had “a long standing relationship with Pumped Up SUP” and you can purchase their products by going to www.pumpedupsup.com or if you still like shopping over the phone, call  1-877-777-1769 to order.

The team at Earth River SUP is all about their community and standing behind their products and have come up with a pretty sweet deal for their customers. As of June 2019, Earth River SUP will give you a 30 day ‘ride at a different level guarantee,’ which means; You can use the first 30 days from purchase to ‘trial’ your board. Take it out, pump it up and ride it around. If you’re not absolutely satisfied with your purchase you have two options.
Exchange it– For just $99 to cover shipping, you can exchange an opened or used ERS board as a credit towards a new ERS board. The board must be from the same range sold by the dealer you bought it from and does not include accessories or excessive damage caused to the board.
Refund it- You can return an unused or opened board for a full refund (don’t forget about the $99 shipping though) or return a used or opened board for a full refund, minus the shipping and a %20 restocking fee.

One Final Note

Whether you’ve been paddling for years or have recently decided that paddling is what’s been missing from your life, the V3 series is a top-shelf introduction. If you’ve trialed all other paddle boards before and are ready to settle down, the V3 series has a life partner for you, and if you’re looking for a fast track to the pros, there’s a V3 for you too.