ISLE SUP is ringing in its 20th anniversary with its Pioneer PRO model winning the Best of What’s New Award by Popular Science, highlighting its material innovation, InfinityFiber, which increases the rigidity and durability of inflatable paddle boards and boats by 200-300%.
ISLE Pioneer PRO Model Courtesy of ISLE
The Best of What’s New Award, established in 1988, stands as Popular Science’s longest-running editorial franchise, celebrating groundbreaking innovations and products that shape the future. Judged on the significance of innovation, design quality, originality, and the ambition of the project, past winners in the outdoor industry have included transformative advancements in gear, technology, and recreational equipment.
Says Popular Science Editor-in-Chief Annie Colbert: “Since 1988, Popular Science has proudly celebrated the groundbreaking innovations changing our world. The Best of What’s New Awards showcase the year’s radical ideas that are improving our everyday lives and our futures. From pioneering disease treatments to inspiring progress in space exploration, and from the electrification of the auto industry to forward-thinking gadgets, this year’s list truly represents the Best of What’s New in 2023.”
The Pioneer PRO Model, part of ISLE’s PRO Series collection featuring InfinityFiber, launches Inflatable Hardboards, a new category that bridges the gap between traditional inflatable and rigid boards and boats. Available in two models and five sizes, the PRO Series seamlessly combines the performance of a rigid board with the convenience of an inflatable package, thanks to the game-changing InfinityFiber material. This proprietary material boasts a remarkable 200-300% increase in rigidity compared to typical inflatables, addressing common challenges in stability, glide, performance, and durability.
“After years of dedicated research and development, we are honored to receive the Popular Science Best of What’s New Award,” says Jimmy Blakeney, VP of Product at ISLE. “The recognition validates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, particularly with our patented InfinityFiber material. The PRO Series represents a significant leap forward in delivering the best of inflatables and hardboards to water enthusiasts, allowing us to create an entirely new watersports category called Inflatable Hardboards. This is and will continue to be a game-changer across all watercrafts as we continue to innovate and optimize this incredible material.”
While the award recognizes vast improvement in durability and rigidity from the InfinityFiber technology, users will also appreciate the intuitive, user-centric design elements, including the patent-pending ISLE-Link™ Ecosystem, allowing users to customize their paddle setup with ease. Additional features include a ‘click-and-go’ fin system, a 2-part folding fin box for compact storage, a front-mounted camera mount, and a premium wheelie backpack for effortless transport.
The Pro Series is available for purchase directly at ISLE. To learn more, visit islesurfandsup.com.
About Popular Science
Established in 1872, Popular Science is one of America’s oldest and most trusted magazine brands. Popular Science has a legacy of bringing readers groundbreaking innovations and discoveries, demystifying the world, and examining everything from the marvels of deep space to the secret lives of everyday staples. Popular Science makes science and tech engaging, approachable, and inclusive to keep readers, listeners, and viewers plugged into and excited about the world around them. Popular Science is part of Recurrent Ventures, a privately held media company that includes brands such as Futurism, The Drive, Outdoor Life, and Task & Purpose.
About Isle
ISLE believes life is better in balance, and that creating balance can be as simple as taking your first paddle strokes or catching your first wave. Established in San Diego, CA, ISLE is the original surf and SUP company manufacturing products and accessories to keep you balanced, equipped, and inspired for adventures on the water. Since its inception in 2004, the brand has expanded its watersports offerings to include variations of hardtop and inflatable paddleboards, surfboards, hybrid kayaks, paddles, bags, and accessories. Learn more at: https://www.islesurfandsup.com/