A HYBRID SUP THAT REDEFINES TOURING AND VERSATILITY WITH OUR REVOLUTIONARY KEEL HULL

THE NAVIO VFT: WHERE INNOVATION MEETS PERFORMANCE

The Navio VFT Paddle Board represents Pau Hana’s legacy of pioneering innovation in the paddleboarding industry. Designed by Todd Caranto, a visionary who has been shaping the SUP world since 2007, the Navio’s keel hull design builds on the groundbreaking concept first introduced in the EZ Rider. Launched in 2008, the EZ Rider was the first of its kind, featuring a double concave keel hull—a forward-thinking design that was truly ahead of its time. While the market wasn’t ready to fully embrace the concept in 2008, its brilliance became widely recognized in 2016 when the design was refined and reintroduced with the Navio. Today, the keel hull’s innovation and utility are celebrated, making the Navio a standout for paddlers seeking stability, glide efficiency, and versatility in one extraordinary board.

"Pau Hana Surf Supply Navio VFT board in action at Ozello, Florida, with angler displaying caught redfish during fly fishing adventure"
INNOVATION & DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Revolutionary Keel Hull Legacy

The Navio VFT represents our most refined expression of paddleboard innovation. Our groundbreaking keel hull design, first introduced in the 2008 EZ Rider, has evolved into a masterpiece of engineering that delivers unmatched performance for touring, fishing, and exploration.

WHAT SETS THE NAVIO VFT APART

Keel Hull Innovation

  • Revolutionary double concave design
  • Superior tracking and stability
  • Minimized yaw for effortless paddling
  • Exceptional glide efficiency
WHAT SETS THE NAVIO VFT APART

Technical Excellence

  • Length: 11'0"
  • Width: 34"
  • Volume: 240L
  • Capacity: 375 lbs
  • Construction: VFT with Kevlar rails
  • Core: EPS foam with thermal regulation
WHAT SETS THE NAVIO VFT APART

Advanced Construction

  • Vacuum Formed Technology (VFT)
  • Kevlar-reinforced rails
  • Self-regulating Goretex vent plug
  • Bombproof durability for challenging conditions
11'0 | Navio VFT Paddle Board - Pau Hana Surf Supply
"Pau Hana Surf Supply Navio VFT paddler enjoying hot tea on cooler, dressed warm with attached fly rod"
VFT.png
Todd Caranto designer and shaper working on a new project in a warehouse
DESIGNER'S VISION

Expert Insights

"The Navio VFT represents our pursuit of the perfect balance between stability and performance. The keel hull concept, which earned us Outside Magazine's 'Gear of the Year' award, has been refined through years of testing and innovation to create something truly extraordinary."

  • Todd Caranto, Founder & Lead Designer
"Pau Hana Surf Supply 11'0" Navio VFT paddler false casting a  fly rod in early spring on Vermont reservoir"

Field Testing Excellence 

"Testing the Navio in Florida's Nature Coast revealed its true versatility. In 15-knot winds, the board's 34-inch width and 240L volume provided remarkable stability for sight fishing, while the displacement hull allowed silent approaches in shallow water. After 15 years of paddling experience, I can say this board changes the game for serious anglers and tourers alike."  

  • Elaine, Professional Fly Fisher

Key Features of the Navio VFT

VFT_54160d97-265c-4625-9c0d-6d7512232363.jpg
ROBUST CONSTRUCTION

Vacuum Formed Technology

Vacuum-formed technology encases the EPS foam core, providing a lightweight yet robust structure, while Kevlar-reinforced rails add exceptional strength and impact resistance for a paddle board built to withstand the toughest conditions. A self-regulating Goretex vent plug maintains consistent core pressure, ensuring reliable performance in any environment.

Real-World Performance

Quality & Validation

Environmental Leadership

Sustainability Commitment

Top-tier REI Product Impact Standards rating
Sustainable manufacturing practices
Comprehensive repair program
Reduced carbon footprint initiatives

Your Questions Answered

  • Hard paddleboards and inflatables each have their place, with hard boards excelling in performance and durability. Our vacuum-formed technology hard boards, validated in REI's top 10% of outdoor brands, deliver superior glide, tracking, and longevity. Hard boards are ideal for paddlers prioritizing performance, as their rigid structure provides better speed and responsiveness in varied conditions.

  • Quality hard paddleboards, when properly maintained, typically last 7-10+ years. Our boards are engineered for longevity, scoring 7/10 in REI's "Gear that Lasts" assessment - 41.9% above industry average. This durability is backed by our comprehensive repair support program and commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

  • A quality hard paddleboard combines superior materials, expert engineering, and validated manufacturing processes. Key indicators include:

  • Selecting the right hard paddleboard depends on your intended use:

  • Hard paddleboards built with quality manufacturing processes, like ours scoring 10/10 in REI's Core Practices assessment, are designed for frequent use. Our vacuum-formed technology withstands regular weekend adventures, backed by our repair support program and scoring 7/10 in REI's "Gear that Lasts" evaluation - significantly above industry average.

  • Yes, unlike many inflatables, hard paddleboards can be effectively repaired. Our boards are designed with repairability in mind, earning high marks in REI's sustainability assessment. We provide comprehensive repair support, including in-house repair services and detailed maintenance guides, making long-term ownership more economical. You can view a list of our authorized repair shops here.

  • Hard paddleboards can be transported on standard roof racks or in truck beds with proper padding. For storage, we recommend wall mounts or freestanding racks in a covered area. Our boards include reinforced carry handles and are designed with practical transportation in mind, weighing between 24-32 pounds depending on the model.

  • Our hard paddleboards feature verified weight capacities tested under actual paddling conditions. For example, the Navio VFT supports 375 pounds while maintaining performance, making it suitable for gear-heavy fishing trips or family use.

  • While premium hard boards require more initial investment, their longevity and performance make them more economical over time. Our boards' 41.9% above-average performance in REI's assessment translates to better durability, stability, and versatility - key factors for regular weekend warriors who need reliable gear that lasts.

Questions & Answers

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Warranty

Pau Hana Surf Supply offers a 120-day warranty on all new boards for defects in workmanship and materials.
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