Grateful Dead x retrospec Inflatable Paddle Boards

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band founded in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. They were known for their eclectic style, blending elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, country, and jazz, often with extended improvisational jams in their live performances. This unique, varied sound, along with their dedicated fanbase (“Dead Heads”), made them iconic figures in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. They are widely considered one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

We released our Grateful Dead x retrospec collection this year to honor the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s founding, back in 1965. But why the Dead? In short, because of their music’s deep connection to the natural world, and to the spirit of creativity and adventure that inspires so many of us here at retrospec. In the words of our founder and CEO, Ely Khakshouri: “The Grateful Dead has been the soundtrack to many of my dawn-til-dusk hikes and thousands of miles of road travel through some of my favorite places and experiences …The Grateful Dead inspires spontaneity, creativity, curiosity and fun-loving—virtues we live by daily thanks in great part to the music.”

We created these five custom inflatable paddle boards for Dead Heads of all stripes! Colorful and vibrant, emblazoned with the band’s iconic symbolism of 13-point lightning bolts, Steal Your Face skulls, flowers, and dancing bears, these five paddle boards are an incredible way to show off your style on the water. Why shop? Well, these are limited-edition products, meaning once they sell out, they’re gone for good! Even if you already own a compatible retrospec inflatable paddle board or floating dock, you can snag our Grateful Dead AerComfort Inflatable Kayak Seat and add a bit of flair to your board.

No matter what sort of paddling adventure you’re looking for, our Grateful Dead collection will let you get out on the water and rep the style of your favorite jam band! This limited-time catalog consists of five inflatable paddle boards: Weekender 10’6” adult paddle board, two multi-person paddle boards, Weekender Crew and Crew XL, Weekender Nano paddle board for kids, and Weekender Plus iSUP/Kayak Hybrid. Each board’s deck is emblazoned with colorful Dead-inspired designs, and so are the included accessories, such as the pump, carry bag, carry strap, paddle, and removable fins.

You don’t just get a cool paddle board! Every Grateful Dead paddle board comes with all the same accessories found with a normal paddle board—everything you need to get started in the stand-up paddling world—and all are styled with the same designs and colorways inspired by the iconic rock band. These accessories include a hand pump, storage and carry bag, carrying strap (select models only), paddle, fins, leash, repair kit, and waterproof phone case. Don’t forget your waterproof speaker so you can jam out while you’re on the water!

Yes! Our Grateful Dead AerComfort Inflatable Kayak Seat is fully removable and attachable to the EasyLink Connection System on compatible retrospec paddle boards and inflatable docks. (Compatibility is listed at the bottom of all product pages). Putting a kayak seat on a paddle board essentially turns your board into a kayak, providing a comfortable seated paddling experience. Our seats also include a zippered rear pocket for added on-board storage. If you already have a compatible retrospec paddle board or platform, this Grateful Dead seat is a great way to add some colorful flair to your adventures!

No. Unlike our Grateful Dead bikes and kids’ bikes, our Grateful Dead paddle boards do not come with sticker packs.

Grateful Dead x retrospec inflatable paddle boards and other gear will only be available for a limited time while supplies last. If you want to own these custom, Dead-inspired paddle boards, now is your best chance!

Our Grateful Dead collection consists of 17 unique products across four main categories: electric bikes, traditional bikes, kids’ bikes, and paddle boards, as well as a standalone Grateful Dead Inflatable Seat for compatible paddle boards and platforms.

Grateful Dead Electric Bikes:

• Koa Rev+ 2 Fat Tire

• Valen Rev+ Fat Tire

• Boca Rev Electric Tricycle

Grateful Dead Pedal Bikes:

• Amok Gravel Adventure Bike

• Kinney Mixte City Bike

• Harper Fixie Bike

• Chatham Beach Cruiser (Step Through)

• Chatham Beach Cruiser (Step Over)

• Sully Klunker Bike

Grateful Dead Kids’ Bikes:

• Cricket 2 Baby Walker/Balance Bike

• Cub Plus Balance Bike

Grateful Dead Paddle Boards:

• Weekender

• Weekender Crew (Multi-Person)

• Weekender Crew XL (Multi-Person)

• Weekender Nano Kids’

• Weekender iSUP/Kayak Hybrid