We Tried to Break Our New Paddle Board. Here’s What Happened.

What does it take to build the ultimate Stand Up Paddle Board? Is it about the sharpest design, the most innovative materials, or the most vibrant colours? Here at Wave, we believe it’s all of that, but it's forged on a foundation of uncompromising durability.

For the past year, we've been on a mission: to develop our next generation of SUPs, the Wave 3.0 series. Our goal was ambitious: to revolutionise our construction methods to make our boards even more durable, lighter, and more packable, all while maintaining the stellar performance you’ve come to expect.

The journey to the 3.0 has been a long one, from late-night design sessions to hands-on factory visits. But the real story begins when the prototypes land at our door. Here’s a look behind the curtain at the real-world testing that every new Wave board endures before it ever reaches you.

From the Factory Floor to HQ

It all starts at the source. Getting the construction right means being there, on the ground. Our own Tom and Melissa recently returned from a trip to our manufacturing partners, overseeing the very first Wave 3.0 prototypes coming off the line. This hands-on approach ensures our vision for a lighter, stronger board is realised from the first stitch to the final seal.

The Lab: Initial Abuse Protocol

Once a new board lands at Wave HQ, the fun really begins. Before it even touches the water, it goes through a battery of in-house tests.

• The Pressure Test: We inflate the new prototypes to various pressures – 10, 15, and a gut-busting 20 PSI. While we recommend a rock-solid 15 PSI for optimal performance, this test pushes the seams and valve systems to their absolute limits, ensuring they can handle the pressure.

• The Sun Test: We leave the fully inflated boards out in the sun. Why? To simulate a real-world scenario. This allows us to monitor how the materials react to heat and UV exposure, checking for any undue expansion or material stress.

• The Bend Test: An old favourite, the bend test, gives us a clear, measurable insight into the board's rigidity. By comparing the new 3.0 construction against our previous models, we can see exactly how the internal structure performs under load, confirming the stiffness and stability of the new design.

On the Water: The Calm and The Chaos

Passing the lab tests is one thing. Performing in the wild is everything. Our on-water testing is a two-stage process designed to cover all bases.

Stage 1: The Tranquil Test

We first took the new 3.0 prototypes to a secluded, glassy lake on a perfect morning. With no wind, chop, or current to distract us, we could get a pure, unfiltered feel for the boards. This initial paddle is all about performance – comparing the glide, tracking, and responsiveness of the new construction. The verdict? The new boards felt incredible, offering a crisp and stable ride that we knew was a step up.

Stage 2: The Extreme Endurance Test

But calm water is only half the story. We need to know our boards can handle more than just a gentle paddle. We need to know they can survive an adventure you didn't plan for.

So, we headed to the River Derwent in the North East. We expected a fun river adventure. What we got was a trial by fire. The recent hot weather had left the river extremely low, turning a simple one-hour paddle into a gruelling three-hour battle of attrition.

Long stretches of the river were impassable with fins, forcing us to remove them and navigate shallow, rocky sections. Our boards – both the new 3.0s and previous models – were relentlessly dragged over jagged rocks, scraped down shallow breaks, and bumped over weirs. It was classic Type 2 fun; our bodies were broken, but the boards were not.

We emerged from the river battered and bruised, but the boards were completely intact. Yes, they were scuffed up, but they were 100% airtight, structurally sound, and ready to go again. While we don’t expect our customers to put their boards through this kind of abuse (at least not every weekend!), you can be confident that your Wave SUP is built to withstand it.

The Verdict: The Wave 3.0 is Coming

Our rigorous, multi-stage testing process proves one thing: the new Wave 3.0 construction is our most durable and resilient yet. We’ve pushed these boards to their breaking point, so you can have total peace of mind on the water, wherever your adventure takes you.

Get ready for the next evolution in paddle boarding. The Wave 3.0 series is dropping later this year, featuring this tested-to-the-limit construction, incredible new features, and a range of stunning new colours.

Watch this space for the official launch!