river surfboard
river surfboard

UFO - Hybrid Downriver & Surf SUP

Regular price$ 1,897.00
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Size
  • In stock, ready to ship
  • Inventory on the way

The UFO, Unidentified Floating Object -Limited Number Drop.

Experience stability, volume, and exceptional rapid performance while playing and surfing.

Shaped by: Jason Zawadzki, Nick Zawadzki

Design inspiration and dimensions by riders Luke Spencer, Luke Evans, and Barry Kennon.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"The UFO is a downriver play machine!"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"This board is as extra-terrestrial as I could have ever hoped. When I approached Jason with my ideas for a new board, I was using the King Dub 8'8" and knew we could go smaller to catch more waves and execute quick turns. I didn't want to sacrifice downriver capability as the best waves are not always Park n Play. After many discussions and input from other riders, this is the board we came up with.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Upon receiving the "Unidentified Floating Object", I immediately hopped on it and ferried out to my local wave. I was astounded by its attainment and tracking capabilities during the ferry. Despite its short length, the board is incredibly stable."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"On the wave, it's just plain FUN while maintaining an easy feel unlike surf-specific boards. Within a few rips, I was slashing turns and easily pumping through the foam. Downriver, the UFO is intuitive, sporty, and peels into eddies like a sports car. So, for anyone looking to challenge themselves on downriver runs or just add a stable surfer to the quiver, the UFO is a worthy addition." - Luke Evans

Did you secure your spot on the waitlist for one of our coveted models and sizes? If so, rest assured we'll keep you in the loop with a text, email, or both! Once your order is placed, we'll meticulously craft it to your exact specifications and ship it out within a speedy 2-4 weeks.

The 8'8" King DUB has the volume, length, and speed to be a monster in downriver rapids, and it might always be the best option for a heavier rider, > 215 lbs.

The  8'6" Razor has less volume and a thinner midsection than the King DUB, making surfing and pivots effortless. A major design feature of the Razor is rail engagement and control. *It is the epitome of Barry Kennon's style of freestyle riding.

The 7'11" UFO is designed for surfing but has the stability and control to tackle big rapids. At 220L, riders up to approximately 215 lbs have ample volume to handle some of the largest SUP-capable rapids. *Even at its compact length, it's noticeably faster than 9' inflatable boards.

Rocker Profile:  We took the proven rocker profile of the King DUB 88 and the 8'6" Razor but shortened the board.

Contact us for sizing.   We love to talk with anyone ordering one of our more technical Armalight boards to ensure we get you set up with the proper size and shape.

Designed for performance, it's a blend of maximum stability, river play (Freestyle), and surf-ability at a short 7'11" length.

The bottom channel and contours enhance secondary stability, speed, and surfing performance.  The bottom channel also helps you "fin down" when needed to prevent rocks from hitting your fins!

FEATURES

  • Vent/Handle System: New Models come with a custom Hydrus Carbon Fiber Handle with Self-Regulating Gore-Tex Vent
  • Tri Fin System with channel: Recessed rock avoidance channel with 4.5" flexible river fin plus side fins.
  • Traction: Custom-made Hydrus Traction Pad
  • Construction: USA Hand Made in Eagle, Idaho. Proprietary Armalight™ + Carbon Fiber Construction with our Ultra-Lightweight Fusion-EPS Foam Core

SPECIFICATIONS**LENGTH/**7'11"

  • *WIDTH/**32.5", 33.5", or 34.5"**VOLUME/***205 / 221L / 235L

Weight/ *Extra Layer durability at 27lbs

WEIGHT LIMIT/ up to 220lbs *Depends on rider abilities and water conditions

Quick Note About Sales

Hydrus: Quality First, Always

At Hydrus, we're not just in the business of crafting exceptional boards; we're creating a movement rooted in quality, value and a love for the water. Here's a quick glimpse into our philosophy and how we operate:

Limited Batches, Unmatched Quality We've become renowned for our obsessive attention to detail, unparalleled craftsmanship, and treating customers how we'd like to be treated. This reputation and our steadfast commitment to quality mean our limited batches often sell out sooner than expected. Here's how to secure your piece of excellence:

  • In-Stock: If a product shows as in stock, it's your golden opportunity! Grab it before it's gone.
  • Pre-Sale: See something listed as a pre-sale? We're close to crafting more units. Lock in your board at the sale price.
  • Waitlist: Out of stock? Join the waitlist. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and we'll let you know when your desired board is ready.

Unwavering Commitment, Unbeatable Prices Our fans know that Hydrus stands for top-tier products at remarkable prices. How do we do it?

  • Smart Manufacturing: We craft in small batches using premium materials and superior construction techniques.
  • Efficient Operations: Our streamlined, low-cost operations enable us to focus on what truly matters: quality.
  • Honest Practices: We skip the marketing gimmicks, paid reviews, inflated mark-ups, and other unnecessary costs that would only weigh you down.

Our philosophy is simple: create the best, and let the product speak for itself. We rely on you, our cherished customers and supporters, to spread the word about the quality we live and breathe.

Welcome to Hydrus

30-Day Test Ride: Love It, Exchange It, or Return It

Hydrus 30-Day Test Ride: Love It, Exchange It, or Return It

We want you to fall in love with your Hydrus gear, and we’re here to ensure it meets your expectations.

Satisfaction Guarantee

If you invest in a Hydrus board or gear and feel it doesn’t significantly enhance your experience, or if you’re not entirely content with its quality and performance, we’ll facilitate a return and issue a full refund. Your satisfaction is our sincere priority, and we’re committed to ensuring you have the proper equipment for your needs.

Easy Exchanges

Choosing the perfect board can be tricky, and we’re here to make it easy. Within 30 days of your purchase or receipt, you can exchange your board for another model in our range. Our team will work closely with you to find the best fit for your style and preferences. If your returned board is unused and in like-new condition, no restocking fee applies—you’ll only be responsible for return shipping and any price difference if applicable.

Restocking Fees for Exchanged Boards:
To maintain fairness and quality for all customers, we inspect all returned boards. If the board shows signs of use or is no longer in like-new condition, a restocking fee of 5-10% may apply. This fee helps us cover the costs associated with cleaning, refurbishing, and restocking used products. We aim to keep this process transparent and reasonable, ensuring a fair experience for everyone.

Refunds

For items returned in like-new condition within 30 days of purchase or receipt, we provide a 100% cash refund. Customers are responsible for the return shipping fee and a 15% restocking fee if the item has been used or shows unusual wear. This policy ensures we can continue offering this generous return assurance while maintaining the quality and performance of our products.

Our Story and Pricing

Hydrus: A Journey from Passion to Innovation

Founded in 2013 by two brothers and a close-knit group of friends, Hydrus was more than a business venture – it was a vision and a passion. A vision to craft limited editions of top-quality boards, infuse innovative ideas, pursue responsible manufacturing, and elevate customer experience to the heart of everything we do.

Located just outside Boise, Idaho, amidst the tranquil beauty of lakes and rivers, Hydrus has come to stand for personalized service, remarkable durability, inventive spirit, elegant minimalism, and the highest quality in the market.

Here's what our proud owners have to say:

  • "Top-notch boards, excellent service, fair pricing, and a conscientious company!" – Tim M., JoyRide XL Inflatable owner.
  • "Exceptional quality! I now own three boards and couldn't fathom opting for any other brand! Hydrus is extraordinary!!!" – Greg H., owner of two Hydrus iSUPs and an Armalight Board.
  • "River surfing is demanding, and this board's resilience is second to none..." – Derek D., owner of a Revo SUP and ToughBlade Paddle.

Our approach to sales is as unique as our products. Instead of traditional methods, we embrace a Community Direct approach, investing in what strengthens our sport and community. For us, word-of-mouth and the self-evident quality of our products speak louder than advertisements. What we save on marketing, we give back through unparalleled customer service and continuous innovation.

In recent years, we've introduced cutting-edge technologies such as Armalight Construction, CrossBoards, composite reinforced iSUPs, Tough Blade Paddles, and boards robust enough to come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Hydrus's mission is distinctive. We're wholeheartedly committed to promoting the sports we love and building our community. Although our boards may be among the most expensive to produce globally, we find ways to remain competitively priced. Our approach is transparent and honest, steering clear of exaggerated marketing, gimmicks, and irresponsible manufacturing. With almost everything done in-house and referrals as our primary sales channel, the savings are passed directly to you.

We believe in investing in research, designing each product ourselves, and maintaining a quality that truly stands out.

Thank you for believing in Hydrus, where your passion for paddling fuels our dedication to excellence. We're immensely grateful for your continued support and excited to participate in your water-bound adventures. Welcome to the Hydrus family! 🌊

Armalight Care and Tips

The Art of Armalight Boards: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

At Hydrus, each of our Armalight boards is meticulously handcrafted in the USA. This hands-on approach ensures an unparalleled commitment to quality, though it may lead to slight variations in weight and appearance. Such differences, within a range of +/-3lbs, are entirely normal and do not affect the board's performance. In fact, slightly heavier boards offer better durability and retain speed more effectively between paddle strokes.

Balancing Durability and Weight: Creating a handmade-rugged board may result in excessive weight. Our goal is to find the perfect equilibrium between resilience and weight, considering both the intended use and the preferences of the rider.

Innovative Surface Design: Inspired by cutting-edge watercraft, our matte finish gives our boards a mildly textured surface. This texture reduces the water's surface tension, allowing the board to glide more smoothly.

Care and Caution: There are a few factors that can threaten the integrity of any SUP, such as standing on it while on dry land, strapping the hold-down straps too tightly, or exposing the board to excessive heat without a cover. Be especially mindful of radiant heat from vehicles, which can reach the softening point of our premium EPS foam, around 190°F.

Simple Repairs: Fixing an Armalight board is often easier than repairing fiberglass or plastic. Need help? We're here for you – just reach out, and we'll guide you through the process.

Protection Recommendation: We strongly advise using one of our Heat Shield Board Covers to preserve your board. Insulated board bags are also suitable, but we advise against board socks.

Welcome to the world of Hydrus's Armalight boards, where attention to detail, innovation, and the joy of paddling converge. Our commitment to quality ensures a board that is not just a piece of equipment but a trusted companion on the water.

Innovative Surface Design: Inspired by cutting-edge watercraft, our matte finish gives our boards a mildly textured surface. This texture reduces water's surface tension, allowing the board to glide more smoothly.

Care and Caution: There are a few factors that can threaten the integrity of any SUP, such as standing on it while on dry land, strapping the hold-down straps too tightly, or exposing the board to excessive heat without a cover. Be especially mindful of radiant heat from vehicles, which can reach the softening point of the premium EPS foam we use, around 190°F.

Simple Repairs: Fixing an Armalight board is often easier than repairing fiberglass or plastic. Need help? We're here for you – just reach out, and we'll guide you through the process.

Protection Recommendation: To preserve your board, we strongly advise using one of our Heat Shield Board Covers. Insulated board bags are also suitable, but we advise against board socks.

Welcome to the world of Hydrus's Armalight boards, where attention to detail, innovation, and the joy of paddling converge. Our commitment to quality ensures a board that is not just a piece of equipment but a trusted companion on the water.

Feel free to make any adjustments, or let me know if you'd like any specific changes!