Glide O2 Retro Elite: A Near-Perfect All-Around iSUP

★ 9.9/ 10 – SUP-Reviews.com Official Rating

Key Highlights of the Glide Retro Elite.

• Incredibly stable—even for larger paddlers

• Smooth glide and excellent tracking in all water types

• Inflates to 25 PSI for unmatched rigidity

• Full accessory bundle includes kayak seat and carry strap

• Great versatility: ideal for lakes, surf, and rivers

Introduction

Glide’s O2 Retro Elite builds on a legacy of rugged, do-it-all paddle boards with a modern inflatable package that performs far above its price point. Designed to echo the feel and silhouette of classic longboards—while carrying the DNA of river-ready durability—this board delivers exceptional performance across every condition we tested: flatwater, surf, and whitewater.

Whether you're new to paddle boarding or looking to upgrade to something more capable, the Retro Elite is one of the best all-purpose inflatables available today.

Specifications

• Length: 10’6”

• Width: 33”

• Thickness: 6”

• Weight: 23 lbs

• Capacity: 400 lbs

• Material: Quad-layer military-grade PVC

• PSI Rating: Up to 25 PSI

• Fin System: US Fin Box

Performance Assessment

StabilityThe O2 Retro Elite excels in stability. Even our heaviest tester (325 lbs) reported confident footing while maneuvering through surf and mild rapids. The board’s stiffness, thanks to its 25 PSI capacity and robust construction, creates a rock-solid platform that beginners and experienced paddlers alike will appreciate.

Glide & TrackingThis board glides with remarkable efficiency. From smooth lakes to moving rivers, the Retro Elite maintains strong forward momentum without constant correction. The included keel-style fin enhances tracking, but the stiff hull and balanced shape are what give it that effortless push per stroke.

ManeuverabilityResponsive and agile, the board’s rocker profile makes carving turns and nose-lift maneuvers intuitive. It handles quick pivots and tight spots with ease. Whether you're exploring a winding river trail or making last-minute adjustments in light surf, the O2 Retro Elite feels nimble and reactive.

Design & Construction

This board pays tribute to retro surfboards in both form and function. The bright yellow rails make it stand out, while the aggressive rocker and curved nose enhance responsiveness. The quad-layer PVC gives the board unmatched toughness in its class, and the ability to inflate up to 25 PSI makes it feel more like a rigid board underfoot.

The deck pad is a standout feature: soft, grippy, and stylish. Combined with the thoughtful D-ring layout, bungee tie-down system, and accessory compatibility, it’s clear this board was built with both function and flair in mind.

Fin Setup

The included fin is a full-size keel-style, perfect for tracking on flatwater and open stretches. And thanks to the universal US Fin Box, you can easily swap in a different style for surfing, shallow rivers, or specialty conditions. That flexibility adds serious long-term value.

Accessories

Glide continues to lead in accessory quality. Here’s what comes in the box:

• Fiberglass paddle with durable ABS blade

• Kayak seat

• Carry strap

• Coil leash

• Dual-chamber manual pump

• Rolling travel backpack

Many SUPs at this price point skimp on accessory quality—Glide doesn’t. The paddle is light and floats. The kayak seat is easy to attach and adds paddling flexibility. You won’t need to upgrade anything out of the box.

Pros and Cons

Pros

✔ Ultra-stable under load

✔ Smooth, consistent glide across water types

✔ Excellent tracking with fin and board shape

✔ Durable and stiff when fully inflated

✔ Comes with high-quality, useful accessories

✔ Versatile for flatwater, surf, or light whitewater

Cons

✘ The rocker is great for maneuvering but slightly reduces pure flatwater glide

✘ Included fin set up is only for 1 situation, would have been nice to have surf and river options included.

Conclusion

The Glide O2 Retro Elite sets a new benchmark for all-around inflatable SUPs. It’s strong, fast, stable, and agile—backed by thoughtful design and a heritage of durability. Glide manages to combine surf-inspired style with serious performance and tops it off with one of the best accessory bundles on the market.

Whether you're on your first paddle or your fiftieth, this board won’t hold you back. It's not just the best board Glide makes—it's one of the best inflatable SUPs out there, period.

Final Verdict⭐ 9.9/10 – Built to explore. Designed to last.A top-tier inflatable SUP for paddlers who want it all.