Since we began reviewing paddle boards in 2016, we’ve examined more than 100 different models.
The Lidl Mistral Paddleboard caught our attention as an affordable, beginner-friendly option.
While it may not be the best on the market, it still provides value for those just starting out in the sport.
Let’s dive into our Lidl Mistral Paddleboard review.
One thing up front: the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard only turns up for a few days each summer, so most of the year there is nothing to buy. This page now does two jobs. Directly below we name the four products we would buy in its place today, each with the reason it fits, and further down our original test stays online in full, because that is where our judgement came from.
What Lidl sells today
The Mistral board is a seasonal Lidl offer. It appears for a few days in early summer, sells out, and then cannot be ordered at all until the next season. The specification changes from year to year, and Lidl does not keep the older versions in the shop, so there is no reliable way to buy the board we tested.
That is why this page now carries boards you can order on any day of the year, and why the photos further down show the board we bought for our own test rather than a current Lidl model.
Better alternatives to the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard
The Lidl board is a seasonal offer that appears for a few days each summer and then disappears, which is why this page now lists boards that can be bought any day of the year.
| Model | Key spec | Best for | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lidl Mistral Paddleboardour original test | See the test below | The product this page was written about | Seasonal, sold out |
| Roc 10 ft 6 Paddle Board | 10 ft 6 x 33 in | A first board for calm lakes and slow rivers | Amazon |
| SamaDally 11 ft x 34 in | 11 ft x 34 in | Two people, or one paddler with a dog and gear | Amazon |
| Entroffy 11 ft 6 Paddle Board | 11 ft 6 x 33 in x 6 in | Paddlers who outgrew a 10 footer within one season | Amazon |
| SKADDLES 10 ft 6 Paddle Board | 10 ft 6 | Anyone replacing a discontinued 10 ft 6 all rounder | Amazon |
1. Roc 10 ft 6 Paddle Board
This is the board we point most readers to when the question is simply βsomething to start withβ. It sits in the same price bracket as the discontinued models on this page and is stocked all year, not for one week in summer.
Roc 10 ft 6 Paddle Board
Closest match- Size10 ft 6 x 33 in
- Capacity350 lb
- In the boxPaddle, pump, leash, backpack
- Warranty3 years
Best for: A first board for calm lakes and slow rivers.
Roc sells more boards on Amazon than any other budget brand, and the reason is visible in the package: board, paddle, pump, leash and backpack for the price other brands charge for the board alone. The 10 ft 6 by 33 in outline is the classic all round shape.Strengths
- Complete kit, nothing to buy twice
- 350 lb capacity
- Three year warranty from a US seller
Weaknesses
- The aluminium paddle is the part most owners replace first
What it is not is a fast board. At 10 ft 6 it turns easily and drifts easily, so anyone planning long distances on open water should read the touring picks further down.
2. SamaDally 11 ft x 34 in
Why it is here: Wider than the Lidl board, which is where its stability came from.
This is the pick for the reader who bought the original board for stability above all else.
- Size11 ft x 34 in
- Capacity450 lb
- Fins3 removable
- In the boxPaddle, pump, coiled leash, phone pouch, 100 L backpack
Best for: Two people, or one paddler with a dog and gear.
Thirty four inches of width with 450 lb of capacity, which is the family board formula: room for two, and enough float that nobody sinks the tail.Strengths
- 34 in wide
- 450 lb capacity
- Everything in one box
Weaknesses
- Wide boards are slow boards
A 34 in deck asks more of every stroke. Paddlers on their own who want to cover distance are better served by the 33 in boards above.
3. Entroffy 11 ft 6 Paddle Board
Why it is here: For paddlers who outgrow the Lidl size within a season.
The most common complaint about the cheap 10 footers is that they wander. Length is the fix, and this board is the cheapest honest version of it.
- Size11 ft 6 x 33 in x 6 in
- Capacity450 lb
- Pressure15 PSI in 5 to 10 minutes
- In the box2 in 1 paddle, 3 fins, leash, pump
Best for: Paddlers who outgrew a 10 footer within one season.
At 11 ft 6 by 33 in this is the long end of the all round class: it still forgives a wobble, but it holds a line across open water instead of drifting.Strengths
- Longer hull tracks noticeably better
- 450 lb capacity
- Convertible paddle included
Weaknesses
- Bulkier to pack than a 10 ft 6 board
It needs more room in the car and more time at the pump. On a small pond none of the extra length pays off.
4. SKADDLES 10 ft 6 Paddle Board
Why it is here: Same 10 ft 6 format, if the Lidl size is what worked.
When the original board was a plain 10 ft 6, the honest replacement is another plain 10 ft 6 with a current warranty behind it.
- Size10 ft 6
- DeckFull length non slip EVA
- In the boxPump, paddle, leash, phone pouch, fins
- UseLakes, yoga, fishing
Best for: Anyone replacing a discontinued 10 ft 6 all rounder.
A straight 10 ft 6 all rounder with the deck pad running the whole length, which matters if the board gets used for yoga or fishing rather than only paddling.Strengths
- Same format as the classic budget boards
- Full length deck pad
- Complete kit
Weaknesses
- No standout feature beyond the basics
It does nothing exceptional. Anyone wanting more glide or more capacity should take one of the 11 ft boards instead.
Our original test of the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard
Data & Facts
| Board Type | Inflatable (iSUP) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mistral |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Price Range | Low |
| Intended Use | Allround |
| Maximum Paddler Weight | Approx. 95 kg |
| Length | 320 cm (10'6") |
| Width | 84 cm (33") |
| Thickness | 15 cm (6") |
| Volume* (estimated) | 315 Liters |
| Weight | 10.8 kg (unfilled) |
| Accessories | Universal paddle, Double action pump, Seat, Backpack, Drybag approx. 10 L, Leash, Repair kit, US fin |
How did the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard change over time?
The Lidl Mistral SUP has seen some changes over the years, mainly in its design.
- Design: The Lidl Mistral SUP Board 2022 has an updated design, although no significant changes in the board's features have been reported.
- Kayak Seat: In comparison to the previous model, the kayak seat of the Lidl Mistral SUP 2021 is significantly better padded, offering more comfort to paddlers who want to use the kayak option.
- Deckpad: The Lidl Mistral SUP 2021 features an updated deckpad, now using a classic diamond structure that provides better grip compared to the 2020 model, which utilized small Mistral logo patterns.
Pro & Con
Pros
- Beginner-friendly design
- Wide and stable construction
- Inflatable and easy to transport
- Multiple accessories included
- Kayak option included
- Affordable price
Cons
- Potential quality control issues
- Heavier paddle than some alternatives
- Not suitable for more advanced paddlers or challenging conditions
Built & Material
The Lidl Mistral paddleboard features an inflatable construction, utilizing drop-stitch technology to ensure durability and stability. Drop-stitch materials consist of thousands of densely interconnected threads that provide a strong foundation for the board while keeping it lightweight and easy to manage.
An outer layer of PVC envelops the drop-stitch core, providing the board with additional reinforcement and making it resistant to UV damage.
While the drop-stitch and the Single-Layer PVC ensures a lightweight and sturdy board, it does not offer the same level of stiffness and durability as a double-layered construction. However, for beginners and casual paddlers, the Lidl Mistral's inflatable design offers a suitable balance of affordability, ease of transport, and stability.
Weight Limit
The Lidl Mistral paddleboard is designed to carry a maximum weight limit of 150 kg (330 lbs). However, we believe that for the best riding experience, it's better not to push the weight limit to its maximum. Based on our experience, we recommend the following weight limit for optimal use:
- Paddler weight: Up to 95 kg (209 lbs)
Although it is possible to go beyond this recommended weight, the performance and riding characteristics of the Lidl Mistral paddleboard may be compromised as the board may start to sink deeper into the water.
Intended Use & Riding Characteristics
The Lidl Mistral paddleboard is an all-around board, making it suitable for beginners and those who wish to experience a variety of paddling conditions. Its wide and rounded nose design ensures stability on the water, making it a great choice for families and casual riders who just want to enjoy recreational paddling.
The stability and riding characteristics of the Lidl Mistral paddleboard are enhanced by its three-fin setup, which ensures proper tracking and maneuverability. The central removable US fin measures 24.5 cm in length, 0.87 cm in thickness, and 22.5 cm in height, while the two side fins measure 15 cm in length and 6.5 cm in height.
The Mistral Lidl board is designed more for stability and recreational paddling rather than speed. If you are looking for boards with better performance in touring and speed, you may want to consider touring boards instead.
However, it's worth noting that despite being an all-around board, the Lidl Mistral paddleboard comes with a kayak-seat option, making it versatile for those who want to try paddling in a seated position. The additional D-rings on the board allow for the attachment of the kayak-seat, offering a more comfortable riding experience in kayak mode.
Design
The Lidl Mistral paddleboard features a simple yet sleek design, primarily dominated by shades of blue. The upper deck of the board is mostly a stunning light blue, while the underneath is a more subtle gray color, providing an attractive contrast.
Bold white lettering displays the Mistral logo on both the top and bottom surfaces, giving the board a polished look. Its rounded nose and wide body design not only make it an excellent choice for beginners but also adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it an eye-catching paddleboard out on the water.
Features
- Dual Air Chambers: The Lidl Mistral paddleboard comes with two air chambers, providing additional stiffness and safety. In the unlikely event of one air chamber getting damaged, the added safety of the second chamber would keep the board afloat.
- All-round Stability: With its wide and rounded nose, the Lidl Mistral paddleboard offers great stability for beginners, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience on the water.
- Three Fin System: Equipped with three fins, including a removable central US fin, the board offers improved tracking and stability when paddling. The side fins, however, are non-removable.
- Kayak Conversion Option: The Lidl Mistral paddleboard comes with a kayak seat and an extra paddle blade, allowing users to transform the SUP paddle into a double-sided paddle for use as a kayak.
- Deckpad: A comfortable EVA deck pad with a diamond structure ensures a secure and non-slippery surface for paddlers to stand on during their SUP adventure.
Accessory
The Lidl Mistral paddleboard is accompanied by a generous accessory package, including a universal paddle, double-action pump, seat, backpack, dry bag, leash, repair kit, and a US fin. This comprehensive set enables users to hit the water with everything they need right from the start.
- Lidl Paddleboard Manual: A comprehensive guide explaining how to set up, use, and maintain the Lidl Paddleboard is included, helping beginners quickly get started.
- Lidl Paddleboard Backpack: The supplied backpack offers ample space for the deflated board and all included accessories. It measures 95cm x 44cm x 25cm and features padded shoulder straps for comfortable carrying. However, improved padding and additional compartments would be beneficial for longer trips and more comfortable transportation.
- Lidl Paddleboard Adjustable Paddle: The included paddle is adjustable (approximately 167-207 cm) and can be converted into a double paddle (about 229 cm) specifically for kayaking. It features an aluminum shaft and a nylon and fiberglass blade, providing a durable and sturdy construction. However, it is relatively heavy compared to carbon alternatives.
- Lidl Paddleboard Double-action Pump: The included double-action pump allows for faster inflation, filling the board efficiently in around 10 minutes. It ensures a proper and secure inflation for a stable and enjoyable paddling experience.
- Lidl Paddleboard Leash: A safety leash is also included, which can be securely attached to the front or rear D-rings and fastened around your ankle or below the knee. This keeps the board close in case you fall into the water.
- Lidl Paddleboard Repair Kit: A repair kit containing PVC adhesive, PVC patches, and a valve wrench is included for making minor fixes to the paddleboard when necessary.
- Lidl Paddleboard Kayak Seat: The package includes a padded kayak seat for added comfort and versatility, allowing you to convert your stand-up paddleboard into a sit-on kayak. The seat can be easily attached to the existing D-rings on the board.
- Lidl Paddleboard 10L Dry Bag: A convenient 10-liter dry bag is included for safely storing your belongings while you're out on the water. The dry bag can be easily attached to the board's bungee storage system to keep your items within reach.
FAQ
How long does it take to inflate the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard?
It takes approximately 10 minutes to inflate the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard using the included double-action pump.
What pressure should I inflate the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard to?
The Lidl Mistral Paddleboard should be inflated to a recommended pressure of 15 PSI for optimal rigidity.
Is the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard good for beginners?
Yes, the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard is beginner-friendly with its stable design, wide construction, and multiple accessories included.
Whatβs the weight limit of the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard?
The Lidl Mistral Paddleboard has a maximum weight limit of 150 kg (330 lbs), but for optimal performance, it's recommended for paddlers up to 95 kg (209 lbs).
Conclusion
The Lidl Mistral Paddleboard stands as an affordable and beginner-friendly option in the iSUP market.
Its wide and stable design, along with a comprehensive accessory package, make it a great choice for casual paddling and family use.
Although not suited for advanced enthusiasts or challenging conditions, its versatile features, including the kayak-seat option, provide users with a fun and adaptable experience on the water.
With a lightweight yet sturdy inflatable construction, the Lidl Mistral Paddleboard is an all-around, value-for-money option for those just starting out in the sport.
Three questions come with this board every spring when it reappears in the middle aisle: how long it takes to pump up, whether it suits a beginner and how much it carries.
