Sea Eagle Needlenose Touring Inflatable SUP Review

The Needlenose (NN) has always been one of my favourite ISUP’s and it was one of the original inflatable paddle boards that I purchased years ago when I wanted to get onto a faster board.

Its unique design with the hard tip nose might have some intrigued with the concept but unsure whether it is the right way to go.

I’ve had a LOT of experience with the Needlenose at this point. After several years worth of SUP adventures on this ISUP I feel like I know it very well.

So let’s explore this latest model together and I will do my best to relay all of the pros and cons!

SPECS

First let’s take a quick look at the specs for this paddle board so you know exactly what we’re looking at here.

At the moment the Needlenose has two size options available:

• 12’6”x30″x6″
• 14’x30″x6″

I have used both sizes in the past.

The 12’6″ size is my favourite personally and I really love how well it glides.

I have friends who purchased the 14’ model so I was able to test that length thoroughly as well. I find it a bit long for myself personally but it has it’s advantages, which we will go through later.

This latest 2021 model that I am paddling is the 12’6” NN (NN126), which I am loving.

Here are the full specs for the two sizes:

Wordpress Table Plugin

Before buying this paddle board there are 12 important questions that need to be answered.

Read on!… After we have answered these questions you will know whether this is the right ISUP for you.

1. WHO IS SEA EAGLE?

With so many SUP companies out there just who is Sea Eagle??

Here’s the run down…

They are a family run business based out of New York and have been making inflatable boats since 1968.

They originally started with a 2-person inflatable kayak and each year have added new models.

Eventually their lineup expanded to include numerous high quality inflatable boats including touring kayaks, motor mount boats and transom boats, fishing boats as well as inflatable SUP’s.

You can check out their ABOUT PAGE HERE where they show a couple ads for their original kayak models from 1971.  Kind of cool to see the old advertisements. 🙂

Bottom line… These guys have been in the business for a long time and know a lot about how to make inflatable boats and SUP’s that last.

2. WHAT MAKES THIS ISUP DIFFERENT FROM THE REST?

There is really one main factor that makes this ISUP really stand out from other inflatable paddle boards and that is the patented rigid bow that helps it cut through the water so smoothly.

There aren’t any other inflatable SUP’s on the market with a rigid bow like this.

As Sea Eagle states “Get the performance of a rigid board plus the convenience of an inflatable and more!”

So the question is does it feel like paddling a rigid board?

Most inflatable SUP’s have a slightly upturned bow. The difference here is that the rigid bow on this ISUP has no upturn.

The board itself has a curbed touring design meaning that it is wider in the middle for stability yet narrows into the straight-line hard tip nose.

The combination of the hard nose with the touring design do make the Needlenose feel similar to paddling a rigid board of similar size.  The performance does not disappoint.

3. WHO IS THE NEEDLENOSE BEST SUITED FOR?

With the narrow front end and fast glide you might be wondering if it is only suitable for more advanced riders?

The answer is no.

Although some beginners may prefer a wider all-around shape for more stability initially, I have had many beginners on the NN who have absolutely loved it.

The size and shape of this board may challenge you more at first but in my experience if you are in decent shape and will be paddling mainly on calm water then this board will be a lot of fun to paddle even for a beginner.

If you want to use your ISUP for fitness and touring the Needlenose is ideal.

If you are not confident in your athletic abilities or feel nervous as a total beginner then I would suggest looking at a wider SUP or the Sea Eagle Longboard, which offers a little more all-around stability and versatility.

4. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO PADDLE?

This is a tough one because without being able to try an inflatable SUP beforehand it can be really hard to know what to expect.

In my experience they all feel a little different. Shape, design and construction can all be factors in how enjoyable an ISUP is to actually paddle.

Wider boards may feel extra stable but typically take more effort to propel forward and turn.

If the shape is more boxy it will often drag and feel like a slug that you are trying to move through the water, which can get tiresome real fast.

That’s one of the things that I love about a good touring board is that it will take far less effort to paddle.

A touring board will glide smoother, cut through the water cleaner and allow you go further with less effort.

The feeling can be exhilarating, especially if you are moving over from a boxier slower paddle board.

MOVE THROUGH THE WATER MORE EFFICIENTLY

Whereas some boards can make you feel like you have to work extra hard to get anywhere, the Needlenose just feels efficient, even when paddling into wind.

It may take a few times out initially to find your groove, but once you’ve got it it’s hard not to appreciate how well this board glides.

Watching that hard tip nose cut through the water compared to an upturned rounded nose makes it very obvious to see just how much more efficient this ISUP is to paddle.

5. HOW GOOD IS THE CONSTRUCTION?

Sea Eagle uses 1000 Denier Drop Stitch PVC construction for their paddle boards. The quadruple overlap seams add extra protection and durability.

This is the same type of construction that has been used with inflatable SUP’s for many years. It creates a very durable and strong product.

However there is newer technology that many ISUP companies are using that laminates the top layer of the board to the drop stitch core. This newer technology is able to not only eliminate the use of toxic glue but it also lowers the weight of the board.

So although the type of construction that Sea Eagle uses has been tried and tested for years and still holds up well today, it unfortunately does create a heavier product.

The Needlenose weighs a good 5-7 lb. more than many others of similar size.  Also I imagine the hard tip nose likely adds a bit of weight as well.

All of this being said, I have never had a single issue with any of my Needlenose ISUP’s.  They have held up extremely well over the years, a testament to the solid construction.

6. HOW FAST IS THE SETUP PROCESS?

The entire setup process takes me 8 minutes. These are the steps:

1. Take the board out of the bag and unroll.
2. Remove the valve cap and twist the valve pin so that it pops up.  When the valve is in the ‘popped up’ position no air will escape.
3. Secure the hose from the manual pump to the valve.
4. Inflate the board until it reaches 15 PSI – You can read the gauge on the manual pump.
5. Once inflated, replace the valve cap.
6. Then slide the fin in to the fin box and clip into place.

I’ve done this whole setup process a million times with all my boards and it’s really no big deal.  It only becomes extra tiresome if you are inflating multiple boards.

Sea Eagle sells a good electric pump that can help save your energy for the water.  The electric pump is a really good way to go.

DEFLATION

When you are finished paddling dry the board off with an old towel. Try and remove as much excess dirt and debris as possible.

Remove the fin. Then remove the valve cap, twist the valve pin so that the pin goes down and the air deflates. Once deflated roll it back up and place it back inside the backpack.

7. IS THE NEEDLENOSE EASY TO STORE & TRANSPORT?

The answer is yes but not as easy as some.  Folding the board with that hard tip nose does create a bulkier package than most inflatable stand up paddle boards.

With the extra weight and bulkiness I definitely find it takes more effort to carry and transport.

If you are just going from your car to the water it’s not a big deal.  However it wouldn’t be my choice for traveling or for having to trek longer distances to the water.

FOLDING THE NEEDLENOSE

One thing to note is that it can take a little practice to fold the NN properly to get it back inside the backpack after use.

The trick is all in how you fold it.

I highly suggest watching the video below from Sea Eagle’s Hawaiian Dan for tips on how to fold the Needlenose properly to avoid that issue.

The video is older now but still relevant.  You can fast forward to the 3 minute mark for the folding instructions.

The good news is that Sea Eagle has upgraded their backpack to one that opens on three sides.

The top of the bag is mesh and opens with a draw cord.  Then two sides unzip so the bag fully opens and is easy to place the NN back inside.

The bag has mesh sides allowing the board to breathe when stored away.

8. WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT FEATURES?

There are several great features to be aware of…

NEW AND IMPROVED PATENTED NEEDLENOSE RIGID BOW

Of course this rigid bow is one of the main factors that makes this ISUP so special.

The bow has been redesigned and improved upon this past year. The bow is even sharper than before and sits flatter in the water.

This allows you to more efficiently cut through not only calm water but also small waves and chop as well.

Consequently there is less drag and a more efficient performance.

Sea Eagle claims that the Needlenose is the best tracking ISUP in the world and there is no doubt that the tracking is really excellent.

CUSTOM PERFORMANCE KICK TAIL

Not all boards have kick tails but I always love when they do. They can be really fun to play around with when practicing your quick pivot and kick turns.

A kick tail will help you to position your back foot correctly and give it something to lean against as you pivot the front nose of the board.

Word of caution… Only practice this maneuver when it is warm enough to fall in the water. 😉

PADDLE HOLDER

Another unique feature is the deck paddle holder.  You can slip the blade of your paddle into the holder and it will keep your paddle secure in place when not in use.

It works great and is ideal to use if you decide to jump off your board and go for a swim or a snorkel. I have also used it when taking a break, sitting and hanging out on the water.

FULL LENGTH DIAMOND DECK PAD WITH EXTRA D-RINGS

There are several different types of traction pads for ISUP’s but the Diamond deck pads tend to be my favourite. They provide excellent grip yet feel very comfortable under your feet even after longer outings.

The Needlenose deck pad is a good length. It goes right to the very back of the board and almost up to the front bungees.

The length of this deck pad provides ample space to reposition your feet and move around if you want to.

The 4 extra D-rings found near the center of the board (2 on each side) work well for securing a seat if you would like to paddle kayak-style.  They can also be used for securing gear.

1ST, 2ND AND 3RD GEAR PERFORMANCE MARKERS

There are three standing positions that can be used on the traction pad.

1ST GEAR

The 1st gear is the most stable spot and this is where most beginners will want to be. Standing in this position you can comfortably paddle at a nice easy pace.

In 1st gear position you will stand with your feet right by the center handle.

When standing in this position a little further back on the board the nose will be just slightly out of the water.

You won’t be able to go quite as fast in this position but it will feel the most stable.

2ND GEAR

As your skills and comfort level improve you can move up to 2nd gear.

Standing in the 2nd gear spot will lower the rigid bow and allow you to increase your speed and cut through the water with less resistance.

To stand in second gear you will need to move your feet forward a whole foot length.

3RD GEAR

In third gear you will move forward even closer to the nose of the board.

Standing in this position will feel much less stable so I would only recommend this spot if you are comfortable with your stability.

In this position the nose will slice right through the water, decreasing hull resistance while picking up even more speed and straight line tracking.

This is where you will be able to get your most efficient paddling strokes in. It’s a great spot to work up to as you improve your skills.

FRONT BUNGEES

The bungee area up front isn’t large but it’s big enough to store a dry bag or two and keep your gear secure.

SUPER RIGID HIGH PRESSURE DROP STITCH MATERIAL

The Sea Eagle Drop Stitch construction uses thousands of high tensile strength threads to connect the top and bottom fabrics.

The result is a very rigid and durable paddle board that is able to be rolled up and stored in a backpack.

TRI FIN CONFIGURATION

There is one large removable center touring fin and two smaller attached side fins.

The touring fin helps greatly with tracking and easily slides into the fin box and clicks into place.  The side fins help with maneuverability.

These are basic fins and they cannot be customized. They work well for recreational paddling.

NEW GRAPHICS

The latests Neeldenose models have new graphics on the side rails, back tail and bottom of the board.

9. WHAT IS THE WARRANTY?

All Sea Eagle ISUP’s come with a great 3-year warranty. Most SUP companies only offer a 1 or 2-year warranty at most.

Sea Eagle’s 3-year warranty is pretty awesome. To make it even better they offer a 180-day guarantee.

The guarantee means that if you are not happy for any reason within 180-days of purchase you can return your board for a refund.

Word to the wise however that you can only take advantage of that 180-day guarantee if you buy directly from SeaEagle.com.

 10. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ACCESSORY PACKAGE?

Sea Eagle is notorious for having some really cool package options. From the basics right up to a board with a wicked rowing system, there are several packages that you can choose from.

These are the latest Needlenose package options:

THE STARTUP PACKAGE

This package gets you all the basics and includes:

• Needlenose Hull
• Backpack
• 3-Piece SUP Paddle
• Manual SUP Pump With Pressure Gauge
• Slide In Skeg
• Repair Kit – Includes PVC patches, boat repair glue and a valve tightener.

THE DELUXE PACKAGE

The Deluxe Package is great for those who want to be able to sit and paddle kayak-style as well as stand up paddle.

It includes all of the above plus:

• 7’10” 4-Piece Kayak Paddle
• Deluxe Inflatable Seat (very comfortable!)

THE ELECTRIC PUMP PACKAGE

This is my favourite package. It has a couple of upgrades that I personally think are worth it.

It includes a lightweight 3-Piece Carbon Fiber SUP paddle. This paddle is much lighter, feels better to use and will allow for less fatigue on your shoulders, back and arms.

It also includes a BP12 Electric Pump. If you don’t care about the upgraded paddle you could also just add an electric pump to the Startup Package.

I don’t find the setup process to be any faster with the electric pump but it is a whole lot easier and eliminates the hard work before getting on the water.

THE SWIVEL SEAT FISHING RIG PACKAGE

Love to fish? Then this package is for you. It includes:

• Needlenose Hull
• Backpack
• Super Comfortable Swivel Seat Fish Rig
• 7’10” 4-Piece Kayak Paddle
• 3-Piece SUP Paddle
• Manual SUP Pump With Pressure Gauge
• Slide In Skeg
• Repair Kit

THE QUIKROW PACKAGE

Not going to lie, I drooled over this package for a long time. I love rowing and thought how amazing it would be to be able to row from my paddle board.

This QuickRow system has got to be the EASIEST and most COST EFFECTIVE way to turn your paddle board into a rowing machine.  Talk about a great workout!!

Happily I now have the QuickRow System and absolutely LOVE it.  My review for the QuickRow will follow soon!

If you want your ISUP to do double-duty as a rowing machine then this package is definitely for you.

It includes:

• Needlenose Hull
• QuikRow Kit – Includes aluminum frame, rowing base, swivel seat, 2 x 2-part 7’11” oar set with oarlock and oar pin, 2 x 4’ quick release cinch down straps, 2 x 6’ quick release cinch down straps.
• Backpack
• BP12 Electric Pump
• SUP Paddle
• Two Scotty Rod Holders
• Manual SUP Pump
• QuikRow Footrest
• Slide In Skeg
• Repair Kit

11. WHICH SIZE IS BEST?

Let’s move on to sizing. This can be a tough decision for some people and I get a lot of questions regarding what size ISUP to choose.

I get it. It’s really hard to know if you don’t have much experience with them. Factors to consider are performance, stability, board weight, your size and skill level.

These are my two cents for what they’re worth and what I have found to work best.

12’6″

I am 5’8” tall and although I initially started with a shorter board I find that these days I much prefer the 12’6” model.

I find that I am able to go faster with it and the extra length provides a little more stability and room for my small dogs who are often out with me.

This size will suit a lot of people and is the most popular option.

14′

The 14’ NN is great for a larger person or someone who really wants more speed. Typically the longer boards will move faster. However the 14’ board also takes more effort to paddle as it is just a little bit heavier and is a larger platform.

I also notice with the 14’ NN that it is harder to turn than the 12’6” models.

The extra space can be appealing for some though especially if you want to pile on the kids or if you have a larger dog that will be joining you.

12. LAST BUT NOT LEAST… WHERE DO I FIND THE BEST DEAL?

The Sea Eagle Needenose is sold at a couple places.  One is at Outdoorplay.com, So worth checking them out.

However the best deal is usually found straight from the manufacturer themselves at SeaEagle.com.

They often have good sales going on and when you buy directly from Sea Eagle you get to take advantage of not only their 3 year warranty but also their 180-day guarantee, which is a pretty nice safety net.

Get The Best Deal On The Needlenose ISUP Directly From SeaEagle.com.

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Do you have experience with this paddle board or have any questions you need help with? Leave a comment below and I will answer as best I can!

Did You Know?
By clicking on any of the above seller links you can help keep ISUPworld.com growing. When you make a purchase after clicking on our links, the retailer will contribute a portion of the sale to help support this site. It won’t cost you anything extra and it’s a simple way to help us fund our gear reviews. Thanks!