Runwave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Non-Slip Deck
Runwave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Non-Slip Deck with Premium SUP Accessories | Wide Stance, Bottom Fins for Surfing Control | Youth Adults Beginne
| Size: | 11' |
| Dimensions: | 91.44 x 46.99 x 25.4 cm; 13.83 Kilograms |
| Brand: | Run Wave |
| Model: | KOHALA BLUE |
| Colour: | KOHALA BLUE |
| Manufacture: | Run Wave |
| Department: | Unisex |
| Dimensions: | 91.44 x 46.99 x 25.4 cm; 13.83 Kilograms |
| Size: | 11' |
Honestly the price and quality you can’t beat compared to local places like Canadian tire or Sport Chek.
I wanted a cheap board to use when I took my dog out. Fits my 120lb dane puppy. Pump works well and is just as easy to use as as any other board. It takes a full 3-4 minutes for the pump to register any pressure and getting it from 5lbs to 15lbs of pressure is the same as any SUP board pump. It takes effort. The paddle is solid. Some other review refer to the handle not staying extended. You have to tighten the clamp if it slides. Moves well in the water for the price. An excellent hack around board for anyone not looking to spend too much money. I have been suing it weekly for 7 weeks and have had zero issues.
I’m 230lbs and this doesn’t flex under my weight at all. I have even doubled on it with a friend and it performed well.
Very sturdy and comes with everything you need.
Good quality hand pump and removable large fin.
I’d easily pay $700 for this board and got it at a fraction of that.
I am recommending it to everyone.
I have two Run Wave Paddle Boards! Fast shipping and great price. The board is easy to inflate, comes with all the things in the photo, including a great carry bag. Great and beautiful board. Highly recommend. Love it!
I recommend an electric pump, the hand pump that comes on kit is very hard, especially towards the end.
Stable on the water, great for beginners, still able to go a good speed. The extra d-rings work perfect for attaching my kayak seat to. Easy to carry, pack and unpack.
Only thing, the oar could be a bit more sturdy, but decent for the price.
Overall, highly recommend!
We bought 2 paddles: Hydro-Force Aqua Journey and this one. Last year we used it about 5 times and I’m happy with my Run Way paddle, i’m 1.83 cm, 92kg, so it’s stable enough for me. The best part there is a bag! It’s really good one: durable fabric, comfortable shoulder straps, easy to fold all parts. Another paddle HF has a terrible bag and a pump that works from batteries! Run way has a pump with a mechanic Pressure Gauge, so you won’t have an issue with it.
I can only recommend it for that price.
I love how stable this paddle board is. I tried a different brand that had only one fin and I hated it. I liked this one so much that I bought a second one so I could paddle board with friends. For size reference. I am 5’8 female approximately 200 lb.
Ordered this SUP as a birthday gift for myself. After too many months of not being able to try it out due to COVID, new job, travel or bad weather, FINALLY took it out today and it exceeded my expectations!!! It was super easy to navigate on the water as well as super light to carry from my car to the loading dock. Couldn’t get over how sturdy it felt for an inflatable!
La planche est trs stable dans l’eau, le matriel est trs rsistant, trs belle couleur. La compagnie est trs fiable l’coute de l’acheteur. Qualit prix imbattable, la compagnie trs fiable et rapide, merci.
I received this board as a gift last year and have used if for the summer. Great beginner board at a fantastic price. Very stable but still moves nicely on the water. Inflates well with the provided pump. Bag that comes with the board is a good size: Fits the board etc with room to spare. Had some minor issues with the product so contacted the company using the email address provided on the warranty card. Fantastic customer service . They responded immediately and resolved my issues to my satisfaction.
This is a really good board for the price. I’ve been SUPing for over 5 years and had a much more expensive board (over $700) and this one works just as well as the expensive one. I’ve also tried other more expensive brands that don’t handle as well as this one does. It pumps up quickly, is very stable and tracks well.
After a few months, I did end up with a small seam separation which caused a small air leak and when I reached out to the manufacturer to ask for some repair glue, they sent me a whole new paddle board! I am beyond impressed. Would definitely purchase this board again!
Had to order an electric pump cause the hand pump is a ton of work. The board works great tho and is a lot of fun. Great overall value.
First time on an inflatable paddle board and I was very impressed with how solid this gets. I was only able to inflate to 13psi as it gets hard to inflate there. But even at this level it was solid enough for me at 200lbs. Took about 10 minutes to set up and I was out on the water. Love being able to sit, kneel or stand, as compared to kayaking where you’re stuck in one position. Paddle is ok. It gets the job done and wasn’t expecting much at this price point. Will probably upgrade it in the future. Board tracked well on the lake and there were some gusty winds too. Easy to deflate and fold up. Bag is plenty big to fit everything in there and feels solid. Previous experience with intex inflatable kayaks would be hard to put away and the bags ripped easily. Will see how well this lasts over time but as a first experience I am very pleased.
It is easy to inflate and deflate, it rides nicely on the water and all of the components seem of good quality. I have taken it out 3 times already with no problems.
Board is stable on the water and quite fast for an inflatable. Comes with all you need. The only thing it could come with that other boards do, is a removable, adjustable carry strap to help get it to the beach and back.
I have had this board for two years. This is a durable high quality board. My son is 6’4 300 lbs and it is the only board of the three we own that he can use and maintain stability. The paddle did break at the extension clip. Still usable though.
Edit: The contact info on the warranty card that comes with the board seems to be incorrect. Emails sent to that address never got any responses. You would need to contact Amazon customer service for them to provide you with a link to reach the seller. Amazon customer service initially gave me a link to the wrong seller. Had to chat with Amazon again for them to eventually get me the correct link.
Original review:
Great customer service!
TL;DR
Board has a leaking valve. Seller sent a brand new board!
Bought the board in August 2021 and got it in September. Didn’t use it until July this year (2022). The board looked to be well built but upon first inflation the valve started to leak. Contacted Amazon customer service and was told to contact the seller directly. Left the seller a message through a link provided by Amazon to ask for a replacement valve. The seller responded the next day. Although the response time was always a day or 2, after some back and forth, the sell asked for a delivery address and sent over a brand new board!
Used the new board a few times now and it has no leaks or any other issues. The board seems to be solid. It’s pretty stable. The centre fin is removable making it easier to be contained in the bag.
Overall very satisfied with the new board and the seller’s service.
First time using we broke a fin, it was still under warranty so we contacted their customer service and they sent a replacement immediately. So the paddle boards work great and they have very responsive customer service.
It’s a great board. And easy to ride. I wish the paddle was better.
Rapport / qualit prix dure battre . J’avais achet une autre marque au mme prix et aprs la premire utilisation il dgonflait . Je me suis alors fais rembourser et achet le mme . Donc j’en est deux pareil et je l’es laisse gonfle sur la devant de mon bateau et il sont en parfaite tat . En plus il y a trois ailerons donc bonne stabilit et avance bien !!
sono stato sorpreso da constatare la sua stabilita in acqua nel lago bacca della Molfetta . la tavola era perfettamente adagiata sulla superfice della acqua, stabilita alta anche se mi ergevo in piedi ed io sono alto 1.90cm . insomma sono davvero rimasto sorpreso. Accessori a parte, ha un sacco di occhielli, per agganciare eventuali oggetti, e sinceramente savo pensando di usarla per fare un po di pesca alternativa nel laghetto . sicuramente passer un estate molto divertente con questa tavola.
The board is decent, rides nice, the taper on it makes it feel faster than other entry level boards, but it feels softer than other boards at 15psi for some reason. The pump also didn’t register the correct PSI when i first used it – It felt like i was going to blow the valve out so i grabbed my other pump of another brand to check and the board was just over 15PSI, while the Run Wave pump read just under 10PSI… eeek. The paddle is ok, it feels cheap but it works.
We live in a big city in a small apartment with high rent, which means space is a premium. Love that everything comes in the package and fits in a small enough spot so we can uber it to a launch and get paddling!
Just to add, this is the first paddleboard I’ve ever purchased (vs rented, which we’ve wasted so much money on!) . The skin and fins feel pretty solid and have held up to dings so far. Oars are okay too (for the money). Tracks as well as the units i’ve rented in the past.
Pump could be improved, it’s always best to use electronic ones so you dont destroy your arms before you need to use them to paddle. Stores away just fine in the case, which could be a little bit thicker but obviously that would take up more space in our miniscule living situation.
Good buy overall.
This is a great paddle board , very light and easy to carry. And it’s easy to inflate for one person. Also it’s very stable to use. The company also delivered goods very quickly. I was so happy to get my big toy so quickly.
I’m am very impressed by the ease of inflating this stand up paddle board; using the included pump, I can inflate the paddle board in 5 min with easy pumping!! This is quick; my friends will be jealous. Once inflated, the board is very sturdy. It is a very high quality board. The seams look strong and the build is just excellent. I’m so happy with this purchase and my kids are excited to bring this board to the beach when the weather gets warmer. It took about 1-2 min to deflate. The time to inflate and deflate is important to me because my car is not big enough to carry the board inflated and I don’t want to spend a lot of time on the beach setting up; this board is just perfect. With the included bag, I’m able to put everything neatly into the bag, including the deflated board, the paddle, the pump and the repair kit (see photos). I can carry the bag with ease like carrying a backpack. Overall, this is a great board and I don’t have to borrow my friends’ boards this summer!
This review is for the Arrow Blue,but I’m assuming the board construction for the other RunWave products is the same…
It arrived at a reasonable time, packaged well.
The board is wide, and provides really good stability! Also, for being a wide board it still moves well through the water. I was keeping up with my SUP buddies no problem. The paddle is good, easy adjustment with the split collar friction lock. There is plenty of length adjustment.
I think the most important issue I could address is the white deck pad. This is a good looking board, and it really performs well, but I was concerned about the deck pad getting dirty and stained. After my first trip, I rolled it up and didn’t clean it. So a week later, I had to clean it up for the pics… A little water, Dawn soap and rag/magic eraser and it came all clean.
Overall it’s a great board, certainly worth it for the money.
Right out of the box this paddle board was ready to inflate. Set up took about 3-5 mins total. Instructions were clear, hand pump is user friendly and inflates the board quickly. Materials are durable, board is nice and wide for balance, especially for beginners. I was in the fence about purchasing and inflatable or ROC board, but am happy with this! Good grip for feet, paddle is easy to put together, and is durable but light weight. The paddle does not float however! Take down was just a quick pull of a plug and it packs down simply and stores in an easy to carry case. My teenager Carrie’s it on his back to the lake. Great quality for the value of this board. Our kids ages 10-22 manage this board easily, lots of family fun for everyone! Would purchase another.
This made a rookie paddleboarder look pretty solid in front of a super hot experienced rider.
It was easy to inflate, stable on the water, looked great, and easy to pack up. I could not believe I had extra room for a life jacket and a dry bag after packing everything in the ISUP bag which has held up well!
…..and yes, the girl went home with me
Update: 1 year later it still looks great! Nothing is coming unglued, it has cleaned up nicely everytime, no fading, no leaks, best value out there !!!
Light weight and easy to inflate. I used a battery power inflate the sup to 80-90% ,
Then I used the pressure hammer pump to pump it to 11 psi.
The key for this sup to be stable in the water is to pump it to the right pressure. The first time I only pumped it 7-8 psi, I stood on it, a little wave and I felt hard to balance . Then I read the bottom instruction and pump it to 11 psi( guide said 13 psi) . I stood on it with confidence.
Great sup for this price .
The convenience and payoff of owning your own ISUP is huge! This one is made from high grade PVC and uses Drop-Stitch tech so its unbelievably durable, lightweight and feels like an actual solid board when fully inflated. It comfortably keeps me (195lb), my fiance (110) and my dog (21lb) well above water. My dog also loves the slip resistant padding (something our canoe does not have). I use it regularly to relax, go on longer, more physically exerting trips (2+ miles) and even use it for yoga (a wider board works best for yoga). The tie down bungee straps hold my medium size cooler (10x12x10x) in place and sometimes I add extra “S” hook bungees (connected to the “D” rings) to secure additional waterproof bags. When I’m finished paddling for the day, I simply wash/dry/deflate and pack it nicely back into its carry bag and go home. Surely a dream workout for the outdoorsy type and a great board regardless of experience. I suggest seeking calm waters for anyone just starting out!
Took it out on a windy day with white caps on lake with a friend in their plastic kayak.
This board was more stable than cheap kayak and paddled very nicely. Small Bubbles along some seams as some have noted upon receiving but no effect on durability so far, and doubt they will and who stands 2 feet away from you while you are paddling to notice anyway they are like a door ding on your car door can’t even see from a distance and don’t affect the product.
This is a good quality SUP. Its three find provide good stability. Inflation is pretty easy – inflates in 3-4 mins using the pump that is provided. When I had a question for Customer Service they responded within 24 hours and were very helpful. We’ve taken the board out on relatively calm ocean waters and had a blast. I recommend this product.
This was my first time on a iSUP and I was a little skeptical bc I’d only ever used a hard board, but can’t afford one. I was easily able to get it from my car to the lake (I’m 5’2″). I was out for over 2 hours and NEVER fell off—I stood up for most of it, but sat down and kneeled for about 30 minutes) . I’m not athletic by any stretch of the imagination, FWIW. The paddle floats, it comes with a repair kit and the bag it comes in has wheels which is nice. It also has these rubber things to protect the fin things on the bottom when it’s not in use. It’s a really pretty board too.
I hooked my Fanny pack to the front cords and had my water bottle under one of the cords too.
It’s comparable to the hard boards I’ve borrowed and rented in the past. I’m planning on getting a second one so I can bring someone with me, but only ordered one at first bc I wasn’t sure how it would do. I HIGHLY recommend this board!
It looks great, it’s stable even with the kids on it. For the price this thing is excellent. No issues with ours so far and it doubles as an easy use beach dinghy for the sailboat. The bag has amble room to easily pack it up after use and even has room left over for towels and what not. Really impressed with this kit and they even shipped to rural northern Ontario. Thanks!
Great board – compact, light but not too light to steer in windy or choppy conditions (tested it out in shallow water with up to 45km/h gusts.) Very firm for adults between 180-210 lbs even when inflated only to 1.0 PSI. Easy to balance on even if your balance isn’t great.
Contrary to another review, the paddle does float, as a paddle should. Only complaints are that the adjustable paddle is too loose (twists easily and can push and pull firmly to change length without opening the clasp, although it did stay in place while paddling), and the pump is tiring to use (but I think this can be said about any manually inflatable device).
Folds up quickly and stores well with all accessories in the back pack. I also like that the backpack has top and side handles for carrying. It’s been a great purchase so far.
After many hours researching the tons of iSUP’s on the market, I finally decided on the KOHALA board. It paid off: I could not be happier with my new board!
Great quality, and great all-around package for beginner / intermediate. The pump works great, and while I did work up a sweat – it only took me 13 minutes to reach the recommended psi (I timed it!). The backpack is also good quality. My friend ordered a KOHALA at the same time, and is very pleased as well. Included in the shipment was a “Thank You for purchasing card”, and included an email address for questions and/or problems. We did contact them, and the customer service was absolutely amazing! Their response was almost immediate, and their communication and follow up was as well. So refreshing to know they stand behind their product and care about their customers. I would tell anyone looking to purchase a quality iSUP at a great price to purchase this board! Looking forward to many new adventures!
The paddle is easily adjustable to your height, with height indicator, not too heavy paddle.
The main fins is detachable, it is quite big so nice to have a big fins.
The pump has dual action so it can help to speedy the inflation but you need to be in good shape/cardio to do it under 5min 😎
The bag to carry is quite large, there are ample of space to fit everything, I manage to put 2 life vests no problem, I have another SUP where the bag really tight fit. There is an outside pocket, I used it to put my water shoes.
Overall, very happy with the first “sortie” with this SUP, the main thing I really like is the lightweight.
Only time will tell how solid this SUP is, will update as per usage.
Compliments! Compliments!
I bought this for my wife after a long research and watching YouTube for advise on choosing right size and features. The quality had to he good but price also mattered because we didn’t know if we will enjoy paddle boarding and spending so much for something you may not do much wasn’t a good idea. I chose few that seemed affordable and right sized, then she picked this one (she loved the flower design). Delivery was very quick but we waited a long time to go paddle board. And finally we went to Newport Beach today to try her first paddle board. It pumped fairly quick. And she said it felt very solid and sturdy but light enough to carry. During the two hours of paddle boarding, so many people complimented how pretty this board is. And my wife loved it! She says this board is wide enough to easily balance yet easy to maneuver. The bag it came with is big enough to fit all the accessories. Now she wants to go paddle board again next week. This is one of the best purchase I made this year.
Love this board! It arrived a couple days early, and I have already used it so much including a 9km paddle. It is super sturdy so I am easily able to take an extra person or my dogs. I expected it to be a lot harder to turn as it is a larger board but it actually turns quite nicely. Inflates, deflates and rolls up easily. There is a ton of extra room in the bag for my off and towels. I had to contact Runwave directly re a minor pricing issue and was thrilled with the customer service. They responded quickly and went above and beyond to help me. I wasn’t sure what to expect purchasing a cheaper board and the board and Runwave have exceeded my expectations
1er essai aujourd’hui. Il est beau, bonne qualit. Sac trs logeable pour tout mettre plus on peut y rajouter notre veste de sauvetage dedans, serviette, souliers d’eau etc… facile gonfler. Super qualit-prix. Robuste et facile diriger.
Super satisfied with my SUP so far! I’ve taken it out a few times and absolutely love it! The difficulty is when you try to inflate by hand. I first thought the gauge on the pump was broken. Customer support was great and sent me a new one. Turns out the board can look fully inflated and still not even register on the gauge yet. There’s a lot more pumping to do after you think the board is inflated. So after I realized that I was able to inflate the board to 15 psi and she was ready to use! I’ve read other comments about the gauge not working, but I have a feeling it’s the issue that I ran into. It did come without a paddle as well, but once I contacted customer support they sent me the new pump and paddle right away! Overall I think it’s a great purchase! Also, I recently purchased a 12v SUP pump and it is well worth the purchase. Inflated in under 10 minutes and saves A LOT of manual work using the pump that came with the board.
Purchased it in Winter. Waited until recently started to use. It is prefect out of box. Parts look higher end than my other board. It is longer and bigger (11″ and wider 33″) than most of other boards. You need to give it the credit. it means more stable. Plumped up in 10 minutes. Kept it inflated for a week still hard enough to use. had a part problem (not so much of quality issue). Messaged the vendor. Super responsive (this is 8 months after my purchase date) and friendly. Mailed part to me quickly (air vs see). Awesome vendor. I would certainly buy again and recommend it o my friend. Oh, the price!!! You can’t beat it! Costco Canada’s smaller (10.5 ” and 31″) but costs CA$100 more.
After doing a lot of researching and reviewing I ended up purchasing the Kohala Runwave ISUP, and I was super happy with it! I had done paddleboarding on hard boards and enjoyed it but knew with my current situation, that a hard board was out of my price range and be difficult to store and transport. After having it a month and really enjoying taking it out on the lake, it was very stable and steered great, plus I got lots of compliments on it by passing boaters. I was taking good care of it and following the manufactures care instructions. I was really bummed after my last paddle when I noticed what I thought at first glance was a scuff mark on the bottom of the board, especially since I had only had it about a month. Upon closer inspection I found it was more like a “cut” on the bottom on my board. I sent Runwave an e-mail directly and they replied within 24 hours. After confirming my order number they immediately replied that I was still within warranty and that I would have a new board in 5 days. I’m very relieved and will be happy when the new board gets here, since I really like the board a lot!
This handsome paddle board looks exactly as it does in the pictures with its striking patterns and design. It comes nicely packaged with everything individually wrapped. It includes a pump, patch kit, and a large carrying bag. I appreciate that the bag is oversized so that everything fits easily inside (see pic). It makes packing up a cinch and doesn’t require advanced Tetris knowledge to squeeze everything back in perfectly.
The carrying bag has a handle at the top and one on the side so that you can pull it and carry it from different angles. In addition, there are shoulder pads and a belt strap so that you can carry it like a backpack in case you need to hike to your water destination. It’s a very well-thought out design. Like I mentioned, it is nicely oversized for easy packing. I was also able to store two life jackets in the bag as well, so that’s another plus!
The board itself has criss-cross elastic cords in the front for storing bags and other small items. There are also four rivets for attaching a seat if you want–which we did and loved it! The paddle comes apart in two pieces for storage but was plenty sturdy during use. It can also easily be adjusted in length to perfectly match whoever is using it. Not only that, but I found myself adjusting the length of the paddle while I was out on the water depending on whether I was standing, sitting, or kneeling.
Overall, I am very happy with this paddle board. It is yet another thing I will be bringing with us next time we camp by a lake. The deflated paddle board doesn’t take up too much space in the trunk compared to the rubber rafts of yesteryear that we used to lug along.
I always wanted to get a paddle board, finally I was able to get one. I had so much fun using this one.
Very easy to fill it up, easy to carry around everywhere you go.
With this paddle board you can go anywhere, the stability of the board is really good, the design of the board looks really cool.
It was a really good investment, the fun that you can have with this board is priceless.
This paddle board is really amazing.
In the bag it comes with a paddle, emergency storing bottle, a pump, a leg strap, manual and 1 main big fin. The paddle board is larger in size then I thought it would be, but it’s good because it makes it a lot easier to balance on it once standing on it. It takes about 10-15 mins to fill it up 2ith air, depending on how fit you are. The pump that it comes with its a double walve – so it pumps on up and down. The assembly of it was pretty simple and fast. The board should be inflated to 15psi which takes some muscle and time. My kids had a blast using it in the lake and made for a fun weekend. Now I just have to purchase 2 more for the family to enjoy. Really fun paddle board to enjoy on a really hot day. Really happy with the purchase.
We had really fun time with this paddle board after it came. We went to one lake 3 times in one week. This board is easy to carry on, easy to pump up, easy to flat and pack up. Everything is good so far.
Only one thing I have to mention that I have never pumped the board to 12 psi or more. It is very hard to pump the board to 10 psi even though the board is strong enough. Overall, I would like to give 5 stars.
Heading to Lake Tahoe with family this summer and excited to get on the water with this inflatable stand up paddle board.
It came with everything you needed to set up your paddle board within 20 mins or less! Getting it to recommended 15psi was a work out! I’m sure it would take less the next time I set up because I was taking my sweet time with the first set up to make sure everything is correct. The idea of the wheeled back pack is just awesome. It is not lightweight if you bring all the gears (adjustable paddle, hand pump, ankle leash, removable center fin, repair kit) in the carry backpack but I’m only 4″10 and not the strongest woman, so the wheeled bag would be super helpful to transport to car and back and everything fits nicely in the bag. The board itself is not so heavy. Once fully inflated, it is about 20lbs. When fully inflated it is about 5-6 inches thick, and the surface appeared to be non slip.
Overall, I absolutely love the new purchase. The design is just absolutely gorgeous for a female like me, but I’m sure it looks great on either gender. I totally recommend this paddle board by Run Wave!
I just bought an inflatable stand up paddle board as a birthday gift to use around Pacific North West! I was very pleased with the quality of the materials, as well as the gear that comes along the board. For instant, the board is made of super durable rubber, With an effective air valve, that looks like it will last longer than the rubber itself. Where you would stand on the board is textured pads that resist water and improve traction. The paddle is detachable and made of fiberglass and durable plastic. I have used other paddle boards in the past and this one definitely is easy to maneuver, fast to inflate and even quicker to deflate. I am very impressed with the quality of the board.
This is not the first paddle board that I have purchased, but it is the first from this brand. Most of my aqua gear is from Werner, though the price tag of most of my Werner gear is higher than RunWave, I don’t see much of a difference in quality. If you are looking for a cheap paddle board that you can use and abuse, I recommend a different product, but if you want a durable and reliable product you can’t go wrong with RunWave. Highly recommended!!
Arrived quickly. The box was a little banged up but that was all on UPS.
Everything came packed security and perfectly no chance and looks to be damage free.
Pulled it out of the box and the board was simple to unfold , hook up the hand pump and inflate. I would say it too maybe 3-4 minutes to inflate on the double setting.
This board is 11feet long and sturdy , not at all flimsy or feeling like it won’t hold you up.
The paddle is compact and easily
Put together.
I left the board inflated for the day/night to see if it had any leaks or issues. It didn’t deflate at all on its own and remained as solid as when I had first pumped it up.
The only issues I have with the board are two small bubbles ( I’ll see how they hold
Up once used in the water )
The second issue is the pumps gage doesn’t work so it doesn’t show the PSI
This board was simple to deflate , fold
Up and put back in the storage back ( which is an awesome backpack ) all of the other contents fit in the bag as well which will make it perfect for the lake to have everything all in one spot abs easily accessible.
I will be using the paddle board this weekend and will update my review with any issues and of course pictures of it out on the water.
The carrying bag is huge so it’s not like packing a tent into a bag, it’s way easier haha! Paddle is a 2 PC click connect style and the pump took about 5 minutes to fill the paddle board.
Everything fits in the bag together with room to spare! So stoked to hit the lake this weekend!
Definitely have to buy another for my wife now!
Oh ya! There’s also a wrist strap so it doesn’t float away and the bottle fin is removable! Just way beyond my expectations!
After renting paddle boards last summer, I decided this year I would invest in my own so that I could go more often. With that said, I was reluctant to shell out $1000+ for a hardshell board when I’m just getting started. So down the rabbit hole I went
Finding a good, reliable inflatable paddle board that’s also a good value wasn’t exactly easy. In the end, I bought several and returned all but this one. Here’s why:
1. Length – I’m taller so wanted to longer board (ideally over 10ft) that would feel more stable in the water – this board is very stable when fully inflated
2. Durability – So far it’s holding up well, with in the water and after each inflation/deflation
3. Ease of set up – As mentioned above, I inflate/deflate every time w/ a hand pump – so I wanted to make sure it was quick and easy. It takes me about 5 minutes to go from pumping to the water
4. Accessories – Everything included from paddle to patch kit (which thankfully I have not had to use) – of course there’s also a pump w/ PSI gauge
5. Room for two – My wife and I also bring the kids (one on each board) and they fit comfortably without making the board unstable
6. Storage – A little cargo net a the front of the board allows me to attach life jacket and a dry bag for snacks and things
7. Instruction manual – Just in case you like to read these things, but honestly, it’s not exactly rocket surgery
Overall super happy with this board, it’s been an amazing addition to our family outings and given the price point – we were able to get more than one and referred friends to do the same. Now we have a gang of paddle-boarders complete with kids, dogs and snacks – the lake will never be the same. You have been warned!
Last year I purchased my 1st ISUP as an extra one for my friends to use with me. To my surprised, I was very impressed with its versatility, lightness, and price, but I found it to be a little bit cumbersome to use for myself. But it’s great as a loner board for friends. My go-to board is a hard carbon fiberboard which is a compact size easy for me to carry around on my own and can do a lot of fun tricks. I’m in my late 40’s and the weight of the board after a long paddle is important. This year, I decided to purchase another one to give it another try for myself so that I can easily travel with my dog in tow. I wanted to buy something that was shorter, a little bit wider and looked prettier than my other ISUP. I searched and found this one that met my criteria.
First, let’s just say it’s beautiful! The lotus flowers and color schemes are vibrant yet pleasing to the eyes. It immediately puts me in a good mood and makes me smile! Upon taking it out onto the waters, I kept getting compliments from several people. Next, the board is stable not as wobbly side to side as my first ISUP due to its wider width. It glides pretty fast with the correct paddle strokes and stays in a straight line. The turning radius isn’t as good as my hardboard, but I was able to stop the board and immediately turn it around quickly easier than my last board. It’s a board that doesn’t do lots of tricks but it’s fun and steady. My dog prefers the ISUP more than my hardboard because it gives her plenty of room to walk around and jump off the board. I noticed that it was a lot easier to tow my dog on this, the top of the board didn’t sink. I love the softer texture; I can sit a while without hurting my butt or my legs going numb.
Things I learned along the way:
I did buy a cheap electric pump (I learned the hard way last year and practically killed myself from hand pumping) and use the hand pump the last few pumps to get it to 15 psi. It only takes a few minutes, thank goodness but getting the last PSI is still a killer for me! Also, I realized that folding starting from the fin is the easier way to get the board to fit in the case.
I also bought a tarp to set the board on while inflating and deflating it so that it doesn’t get dirt on it and helps protects the fins from scratches. And a reminder: never be too lazy to dry off the board completely before storing it — it will smell horrible afterward!
Here are other highlights:
You’ll get lots and lots of compliments!
Impressively lightweight — 20 lbs and the length of a compact-size car like a Chevy Spark inflated but folds up to a size of a portable king-size mattress deflated. I can carry it back to my car without yelping or struggles.
Inflates in less than 20 minutes by hand pump (measuring it by my weak pumping strength) and 5 minutes with electric pump, deflated in less than 5 minutes.
Non-slip surface with thick grade material (not easily punctured from a dog with long nails).
A bungee system to store gear, towels, or sandals.
Holds enough weight to handle dual companions at the same time.
Comes with instruction and a carry bag that has wheels and it fits all the items (leash, pump, paddle, patch kit, board) for easy compact storage and travel.
Durable material with hard use from excess amounts of the paddle scraping the sides of the board or children jumping on it or dinging it against hard surfaces.
Has a D ring on the top bottom side to hang the ISUP up on a wall if desired.
Here are the Cons:
Even though the ISUP is rated for a beginner user, it’s really not for a first-time user unless you already have great balancing skills.
There’s a higher learning curve to balance on an ISUP versus using a large wide hardboard a few times before getting the hang of it.
The adjustable paddle is slightly heavy for my liking but works well for a beginner level. It does float but not for long.
My other ISUP had D rings so that I could easily attach a kayak seat, this does not come with it.
I cannot surf with it not even on small waves. Or do fun tricks with it.
Even though it comes with a bag, the design could be better. The zipper gets stuck and the way it angles makes it hard to put everything inside the bag. I had to unpack it a few times before figuring out how to fit everything.
The pump is good but could use some improvements. Like maybe it could be electric, so I don’t practically faint every time I pump it!
Conclusion:
I am very happy that I picked this one! I think my dog is happier than me that I bought this ISUP. I’m planning on taking my ISUP on my upcoming trip to Lake Tahoe. It’ll be easier to lug around for sure. I’m confident that I will hold up well and be worth the money I spent.
The ordering process was excellent; taking about 5 days from order to delivery. All of the equipment was nicely packed and the materials used were of good quality. The carrying case backpack was made of durable canvas and had two wheels for easy rolling. To me, everything seemed to weigh about 30 pounds.
The setup process wasn’t bad except for possibly of a misprint in the instruction material. The instruction pamphlet had a picture of turning the valve counter-clockwise for inflating but the pamphlet mentions turning it clockwise. As long as the valve is popped out (pin out) you are good for inflating. For me, it was turning the valve counter-clockwise. For deflating I turned the valve clockwise (pin in).
The manual inflating (pumping) process was a workout. I used “Dual Action” pumping from 0 psi to 8 psi (took about 10 minutes). After that I switched the pump to “Single Action” to get from 8 psi to 15 psi (took about 15 minutes) as it became increasingly difficult to pump pulling up AND pushing down. Since I plan on paddle boarding with friends, I also invested in an automatic pump.
The instructions reference inflatable small fin protectors. Mine came with two foam products that covered each fin. These are important as they keep the small fins from getting damaged during transport and setup. For me, they kept coming apart so I glued and duct taped them together so that they would not get lost.
The board itself is surprisingly strong and stable in the water. I was afraid of tipping over (like with a surfboard) but the 34″ width helps with the wave currents and the 6″ thickness provides excellent buoyancy. The paddle felt strong and durable. I cut a 5″ piece of a swimming noodle and put it around part of the paddle (for added floatation) in case I drop it in the water. The leash coil is well made.
Deflating the paddle board was simple. Turn the valve clockwise with the valve pushed in (pin in) and roll up the Run Wave from front to back. I washed off my board with tap water in a container and wiped it down with a towel before storing it away in the carrying case.
The Run Wave products (paddle board, paddle, leash, fins, carrying case) were excellent. Adding sections regarding paddle adjustment to the proper height and attaching the paddle board leash would be nice improvements to the instruction pamphlet. 5 out of 5 for the Run Wave paddle board and products. 3 out of 5 for the instructions.
Awesome Paddle Board. We have been looking for an inflatable paddle board since last year when we started renting paddle boards. A friend had this one and we literally inflated it on her boat. So easy. We pulled this out last weekend to inflate and make sure it didn’t have any leaks or anything. We left it inflated for the recommended 24 hours and it is still at the same PSI. It was quick and easy to inflate with the pump that comes with it. I love that it has its own carrying bag that has backpack straps for easy carrying, and everything fits in it, and even comes with a patch kit that we hopefully do not ever need. The weather wasn’t warm enough to take it out yet, but as you can see, my daughter can’t wait! We also love that it has lots of little rings on it for hooking things on. We’re looking into getting a waterproof speaker and cooler that attaches and floats! I can’t wait to get on the water!
When I first received the package, it was quite heavy and bulky. To my surprise it came in a very nice portable carrying case with wheels. It also came with back pack straps. The bag was extremely roomy which I found out why later.
When I opened the package it came with a pump, paddles, ankle tether, fin and a few other small accessories. The instructions were pretty clear but it was pretty easy to assemble without them. The paddleboard is made of a very thick material and the paddles are plastic as is the pump.
I first tried using it and found it was quite exhausting to pump. It has a two way pump that allows you to pump twice as fast but it gets very difficult towards the end. I highly recommend getting a portable air pump vs using the pump that came with the paddleboard.
The fin and ankle tether was easy to assemble and the entire process took about 20-25 minutes. Once the paddleboard was in water it was easy to navigate and paddle. The curvature of the paddle and the sturdiness of the paddleboard made it effortless to move around. After paddle boarding for a few hours, it was easy to deflate. I recommend rinsing it off before bringing it home then wash and clean in your shower to get all the saltwater off.
The paddle board has great construction quality and durability but the pump and oar not as much but very usable. Unless you don’t mind a good workout a electric pump will help out a lot.
Despite above I would still highly recommend this paddleboard for construction quality and portability.
I’m new to SUP but have always been fascinated by it. I love water activities and have always wanted to try paddle boarding. When I had a chance to purchase a paddle board, an inflatable SUP sounded very appealing.
I’m very happy with my purchase. It’s super convenient as I don’t have room for a hard board in our garage. Once inflated, the board is pretty stable, longer and wider than other boards I researched.
The tie down bungee cords in the front are convenient. It’s a clever addition that allows me to attach my waterproof bag that holds my phone, car keys and face mask (the beach was very crowded during the summer time).
Some tips to keep in mind When it comes to inflating the iSUP, make sure that you check the manual instructions that comes with the board. Pay special attention to the position of the valve; otherwise you’d be like me — my board started to deflate when I unplugged the pump hose. Re-inflating it is not a problem, but you will be getting a good workout. A good solution is to buy a portable electric pump, which I did before my second run. Also, don’t forget to attached the main fin before you go in the water. I forgot to attached it once, ha ha ha, didn’t I mention I’m a noob? I highly recommend watching some YouTube videos on ISUP and paddle boarding before going in the water. It helped me for sure.
In terms of cons, I’d just call out my wish that there was an option to convert one end of the paddle to a kayak oar. Other than that, I’m loving my board and looking forward to warmer weather so I can take it out again.
This is my first SUP Stand Up Paddleboard purchase and I am thrilled! Due to both medical issues and cold water and was only able to get out on the board 3 times this fall. Once the mild section of Lake Erie near the Michigan / Ohio border and twice on the rivers that drain into the lake. Each time was an amazing experiences.
The inflatable aspect makes it easy for packing, but I also have transported in my pickup fully inflated. For our other family vehicles we do not require roof racks on the car or minivan.
The very large backpack can be carried by the durable thick webbing handle or on my back using the shoulder straps along with the large waist belt. All three of these straps have adjustable buckles.
Pumping it up is pretty easy, the last few PSI takes some muscle. Lightweight. The firmness of the board was surprising for being an inflatable. The pump is large and lightweight. I can use both this pump and my 12 volt air mattress pump for inflating but this large dual pump works just as fast. So I can inflate near the dock versus in the parking lot.
I am not going to be patient during the Michigan winter and hope it passes quickly so I can take advantage of every opportunity to use this paddle board again.
The typical rental fee for a SUP in our area runs for $30/person for two hours. So, doing the math for an inflatable SUP at $300, that would equate to 10 rentals for up to 20 hours of use. It made sense for us to purchase one instead to save in the long run. I, personally, own and prefer the DvSport Sunshine, but the benefits of the Runwave for beginner and recreational use cannot be ignored. There are differences between both boards that this review will go over.
What makes the Runwave Kohala a great beginner paddle board? Are epoxy (solid) SUPs more durable than inflatable ones? As it turns out, no. But before we get into that, let’s first start with the different types of iSUP constructions as each affects their durability, stability, and cost. Knowing which one to choose can be quite confusing.
Let’s first start with the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
INFLATABLE PADDLEBOARD CONSTRUCTION
Before we dive into the stand-up paddleboard review, let’s first look into the different construction methods for inflatable boards.
SINGLE LAYER
Consists of a single layer of construction.
– Lowest price
– Lightweight
– Lowest maximum supported rider weight
– Not as durable
– Flexes a bit
DUAL LAYER: GLUED
Original construction method that combines two single layers.
– Pricier than single layer
– Heavier
– More durable
– Stiffer, increasing stability
– Good performance
DUAL LAYER: LAMINATED
Latest, dual layer technology.
– Higher price
– Lightweight, but heavier than both single-layer and glued dual-layer
– Higher maximum supported rider weight
– More durable
– Stiffer, increasing stability
– Better performance
The Runwave Kohala iSUP uses the single layer construction technique.
WHAT’S GOOD? WHAT’S BAD?
PROS
– Relatively lightweight at 25 lbs (compared to my dual-layered DvSport of 24.5 lbs)
— Light enough to be carried to remote wilderness locations
– Less expensive than hard boards
– Fast to deploy/inflate
— First time, it took me 20 minutes reading instructions and looking for the parts
— Second time took roughly 11 minutes to get paddle-ready
— Consider using an electric pump for faster deployment
– Compact and portable
— Folds away easily to the size of a sleeping bag
— Simply deflate, remove specific parts, protect the fins, and roll away
— Takes up less space than hard boards
— Can fit in a smaller car, is easier to carry around, and can be checked in on an airplane (and helps save on rental fees)
– More durable than hard boards as they won’t scratch or ding when dropped, making them a bit more suitable for rocky, wild adventures
— This did not initially make sense: why would an INFLATABLE be more durable than a HARD board?
— Hard boards are more prone to cracking, scratches, and appearance of holes that require immediate fixing. Who knew?
– Causes less injuries than hard boards
– Good board for beginners and all-around leisure paddling
— Inflatables cause less fatigue
– Excellent stability aided by its 6″ inflated thickness, 33″ width, 11′ length
— Volume was not provided. To get an estimate, take about 24% off the dimensions to account for the irregular shape: 325L (428L x 0.76)
— Larger thickness, width, and length makes it more stable than my DvSport (5″, 32″ width x 10′ length, and 240 L volume)
— Extra volume adds more stability and weight support over hard boards
— Supports up to 352 lbs, according to the manufacturer (88 lbs more than my DvSport), easily supporting TWO ADULTS
— Does not flex as much as my DvSport
— Its dimensions make the board perfect for recreational, beginner paddling
– Can be used for surfing on small waves
– Based on my research, inflatables can last 10 years or more, depending on maintenance, storage environment, and other factors
— Repair can be done with patch kits (included with this board)
– Multiple accessories included
— Carry bag/Backpack, double-action pump, 3 fins (1 removable), 1 safety leash
— 3-part, floating, aluminum paddle
– Very well-written manual with step-by-step, visual and text instructions
CONS
– Takes time to inflate or deflate
— Hard boards are ready to go and require little to no preparation
— Took about 12-16 minutes to deflate, clean up, roll up, and pack away
– Slower to turn and paddle than my DvSport due to its larger thickness, width, and length
– Requires a pump
— Inflating a paddleboard to 12-15 PSI (about 1 Bar) takes quite a workout
– Does not perform as well or as fast as hard boards, making them not as good for racing competitions, though the performance gap between SUPs and iSUPs is narrowing
– Art design is a bit busy. I much prefer the simple art of my DvSport
– iSUP is puncture resistant, but not puncture-proof
TIPS
BOARD PREPARATION
– Ensure the valve is clean and free of dust and debris
– Inflate the Runwave iSUP to between 12-15 PSI (15 PSI is best)
— Warning: Do NOT go over 15 PSI with this iSUP!
— If the board will be left in the hot sun, inflate to only 12-13 PSI, and let the heat increase the internal pressure
— In general, inflatable SUPs should be inflated to 15-17 PSI (no more than the rated max), even if the manufacturer states that it can go as high as 25 PSI
– If using an electric pump, inflate to 10-12 PSI, and hand pump the rest to 15 PSI
— Do NOT use an air compressor as it could easily overinflate
– Double-check board pressure before heading out
— Before first use, leave the board inflated for a day and see if it loses pressure. If it does, refer to the manual on how to find the leak
— Leaving board in the sun/heat can increase pressure, and in the cold can have pressure decreased
– You should always use a safety leash
— Attach ankle cuff to the less dominant leg and the other end to the loop at the tail of the board
— Keeps board close to you when you fall into the water, and prevents any waves or wind from moving it away
– Do not drag paddle boards across the pavement as that can puncture and damage
— The board has a carry handle at the center. Lift board onto its side with the handle facing away from you (bottom of board faces you), and grab the handle to lift the iSUP off the ground
PADDLE PREPARATION
Like whitewater rafting and kayaking, the proper grip, angle, and length will make for a more enjoyable experience.
– Length: Adjust paddle shaft about 7-10″ above your height
— When your arm is fully stretched out with paddle flat and close to your body, your 90-degree bent wrist should rest over the top of the handle
– Hand positions
— Place one hand on TOP of the handle. This helps minimize injury to yourself and others and maximizes efficiency
— Raise both elbows up to shoulder height and arms bent at a 90 degree angle
— The length from one elbow to the other is where the other hand should hold the paddle shaft
– Paddle blade: Should be curved towards the nose of the board for better efficiency
— Blade is angled forward, away from you
HOW TO PADDLE
– When entering the water, ensure the fin(s) of the board have fully cleared the sand and are entirely in the water
– Ensure a SUP safety leash is attached to your ankle and the tail of the board so you won’t get separated from the board. It could SAVE YOUR LIFE!
— If required, wear a personal flotation device/life jacket on your body
– Kneel with your body centered over the board (where the board handle is) and paddle away from the shore
– Before standing up, put the paddle horizontally across the board in front of you (do not let it go)
— With the body in a dog position, stand up around where your knees were (one leg at a time). Keeps leg spread apart
– Unlike snowboarding, have knees and chest face forward while paddling
— Stand straight and look forward, not down, for better balance
– Ensure paddle blade is angled forward and away from you
— Starting from in front of you close to the board, place whole blade under water and pull it back, ending at your feet
— Keep entire blade under the water when pulling. Having it partially above water will waste energy
– If you find yourself about to fall, land in the water (not onto the board) to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the board
— Do not fall feet first as you could get yourself injured on corals and rocks. Try to land flat
– An easy way to get back onto the board:
— Go to the tail side and place both hands on each side of the board
— While pulling yourself back up on your stomach, kick with your feet behind you (not under the board) to help propel your upper body onto the board (like a seal)
– To move up or down the board, scoot/jump forward/backward with both legs at the same time (don’t walk)
– When you get better, one of the fun things I like to do is to jump up and turn 360 degrees without losing balance
STORAGE
– There is no need to deflate an inflatable board for storage
— If storing outdoors, raise it off the ground (but do not hang), and cover it with a tarp
– Only use mild soap and fresh (not salt) water to clean
— Deflating the iSUP
— Hose down the board with fresh (not salt) water, and let it dry completely so mildew does not build up
— Clear out any sand, debris, or water around the valve
—- Not doing so could cause damage to the valve and introduce leaks
— Manual states to start folding from the tail side, but that could leave some air behind. This is the process I follow instead:
—- Fold from the nose side until all the air has been squeezed out, then close the valve
—- Unfold the board and start folding from the tail side, paying attention to the fins and ensuring they are protected
—- Towards the end, tuck in the nose and finish folding. This will help protect the nose
—- Strap the folded board to keep it from unrolling
– Store away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
— Avoid environments that can go above 150F (66C) (such as garages) or below -10F (-23C)
– Keep the iSUP in its included storage bag
ACTIVITY PREPARATION
– Dress appropriately for where you are boarding
— Hypothermia can kill within minutes
— Considering wearing a life vest
– Be aware of your surrounding and stay away from boats and motorized vehicles
— Note that paddling back upstream or against the wind will be quite tiring
– Don’t go paddling when it looks like it could rain or lightning is approaching
– For emergency, you should have a whistle with you for signaling
— You should let a trusted contact know where you are going, who you will be with, what you will be wearing, and when you expect to return
– You should always paddle with at least another person
CHOOSING A BOARD
The following are general guidelines on how to select the right board. I am not a professional SUP rider and suggest you visit a paddle board shop for advice appropriate to you.
– The wider a board, the more stability is added (useful for beginners or tandem riders) but harder to paddle
— 31″ and wider are perfect for beginners and tandem riders
— 30″ or narrower, due to less drag on the board, increase mobility and speed, suitable for surfing
– The longer a board, like snowboards, the more streamlined it is to cover distance
— 12′ and longer are designed for racing
— 9′ — 11′ are great for recreation
— 9′ or less are intended for surfing due to more nimble mobility
– The thicker a board, the heavier of a rider it could carry
— 5″ or thicker are best
— 4″ are perfect for children and light paddlers
– The higher volume of a board (measured in Liters), the more weight and height of a rider it can accommodate due to increased buoyancy, and be more stable
— Choose a board that is at or below the suggested weight limit
— Going above the weight capacity can introduce a sinking drag and be harder to paddle on
— Take into consideration
—- Overall weight, including any food, water, gear, and companions
—- Your skill level and age
—- Water environment and activity type
— Check out a SUP Volume Calculator (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)
— Not all boards with the same volume are the same. Their concavity and overall shape, among other factors, affect a board’s performance
— Beginners: Total weight x (1.1 to 1.4)
—- If you are 170 lbs and plan to bring a 50 lb child with 10 lbs of food and water, total weight is 230 lbs. Volume should be between 253L — 322L
— Intermediate or Advanced: Total weight x (0.9 to 1.1)
— It is better to be too light than too heavy for a board
— 200L and up are generally great for recreation and beginners
Keep in mind that after a few times of paddling, you may find yourself quickly advancing in your abilities. My personal recommendation with anything I do is to always get something that is at least a notch above my current skill level.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Runwave Kohala with its wider and longer paddle board makes for a very stable, beginner-friendly, inflatable that can easily accommodate two adults with its approximate volume of 325L. It had brought a lot of joy, great memories, and needed exercise in a socially-distanced World that had been shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. It very much helped my son find the joy of playing in the water when he used to be fearful of it, and it had also brought out several friends and my sister-in-law to come out and get a little break from life’s everyday stresses. This Runwave board is a favorite among my circle of friends, but as I had stated a few times before, I still prefer the slightly more expensive DvSport Sunshine iSUP for its cleaner art and slightly more nimble capabilities.
Purchasing an inflatable stand up paddle board was an eye opener and money saver over rental fees. It very much was more stable, VERY lightweight, and easier to stand on for longer periods of time than hard boards, but I also felt more pride taking care of something that was mine. Unlike my two friends, I also did not have to mount the board on top of the car nor use up a large amount of space in the garage.
My best friend and I said to each other that we should have bought one long ago instead of wasting so much money on rentals, but in a way I am glad we waited: technology has improved and prices had gone down quite a bit. Happy paddle days ahead!
I have been researching paddle boards and this one fits al the bells and whistles I am looking for. I wanted to invest in one that was durable as well as aesthetically pleasing. Instead of renting one which can add up, I wanted to buy one to take to the lake. After seeing my friends on their own paddle boards, I finally took the plunge.
This paddle board is very well made. I found the size of it to fit my 5’5 frame. My nieces who are 6 and 10 also were able to hop on it with ease. At 11 feet and 33 inches in width, this allowed me to also sit on it and wade through the water. The material is made of thick material that won’t pierce easily. The seller did provide a hole repair kit as well, which was a great added bonus.
My favorite part of this paddle board is that it only takes 5 minutes to manually pump this. I loved that it’s easily foldable into its bag and easy to blow up. The double-deck valve also was a huge plus. I liked that air stayed in after I finished pumping and acted like a seal. The colors of the board are eye catching too. I loved the design as it’s very colorful and beautiful to look it.
The one oar that it comes with is also very well made. I thought the paddle board was very light in weight compared to other paddle boards that I have used in the past to make it easier to carry and transport around. This portable paddle board is great for me since I don’t have a car that’s large enough to carry a board on my roof. I can easily hold it into my car’s trunk or in the backseat.
This is a wonderful addition to my outdoor adventures on the lake and beaches. I love it and I know you would too. I would definitely recommend this item for anyone looking for a quality, great investment piece for outdoor adventures.
I cannot speak highly enough about this board! It is sturdy and solid. I love the versatility of it that you can use it to paddle, surf, fish, do yoga, and I think you can even clip on back support to make it into a kayak. There is enough space to store things in the front. The unpacking is easy and every item in the set is meaningful and has a purpose. I had obsessed about wanting to get an inflatable paddle board as I am always on the go and this is perfect! I did through research and found that tis would be the best. The only tough thing is pumping to the last few PSI’s but this is an easy fix. I had a hard time when I reached the PSI of 9 and the recommended is 15 PSI. But again it is do able and a good arm workout! My boyfriend and I inflated it when we first bought it and timed how fast we could inflate it. It took about 4 mins and 30 seconds. To deflate about 1 min and 30 seconds. Seriously look no further this is board is the prize!!
–Durable–just treat it right. It IS an inflatable, after all.
–Bag is the right size to transport everything, even when not folded perfectly
–LOT of fun–you can sit, kneel, or stand, and the width is really appropriate for a recreational paddler
–Lightweight and easy to carry unless you are SUPER short (like, under 5 feet tall), even when inflated.
“MEDIOCRES”, AKA, WHY I DON’T GIVE IT A FULL 5 STARS:
–Pump gives a lot of air with each press, but is kind of flimsy. Can’t see it lasting without some proper care, and the place where you inflate the board has a unique head for inflation (not schraeder or presta), so I am not sure if other manufacturers of inflatable boards use the same one/will have a replacement for it.
–People who complain the gauge doesn’t read…I think they were not patient enough. It is a BIG board, and it is going to take more than 2-3 minutes to get 15 PSI in it. My first time inflating, it “felt OK”–but was still too squishy once I got it IN the water, and made balancing harder (when standing); so, “feeling OK” and actually BEING OK are NOT the same thing. Second ride, I took the time to just “keep pumping,” and YES, the gauge DOES read/go up–I quit slightly below 15 PSI, but could definitely have gone up to the full recommended inflation. SO, if you are impatient, then perhaps this is not the inflatable for you, or you need to get an electric pump.
–The detachable fin seems pretty durable, but you NEED to inflate to at LEAST 10-12 PSI before you can put it in and clip it into place. People who complained about it falling out…I don’t think they did it right. I noticed I had a harder time getting that fin in when I did not have tons of air in the board. Don’t try to do this when half inflated. It is actually easier if the board is FULLY inflated.
–THE PADDLE WILL NOT FLOAT. The description is essentially a lie about it doing so. The paddle part is plastic…but the handle is HOLLOW METAL. Physics dictates this will not float, as dropping it in shallow water water where I could easily retrieve it proved. If you want to sunbathe in the middle of a lake, you’d better find a way to attach the paddle to the board in case it falls off, or just buy a new paddle.
Overall, I am very pleased with it for the $, as I know what the super-nice ones cost. I wanted something light, easy to transport, easy to inflate, and fun, that seems as though it will last a while if I treat it well, and I think that is what I got, so far.
As a super fan of epoxy and carbon fiber boards, I was determined to find flaws and dislike the ISUP, but after launching it and taking it for a spin, I love it! First, it arrived quickly in a nice compact box. After unwrapping it, I read the instructions which were easy enough to understand and follow. I was so eager to pump it up with the hand pump which took me 20 minutes.
I had a specific question after I had pumped it up and immediately sent an email to the seller and they replied immediately with an answer to rest assure that my concern was not a problem at all. I wanted to make sure that the ISUP did not leak so I left it inflated for 2 days underneath a patio (out of the sun). To my surprise, it lost only a little bit of air (5 psi) the day I decided to use it for the first time.
I just threw it on top of my car and strapped it to my roof racks so that I did not have to deal with the pumping at the launch site since I already had it inflated. Just my luck, the day I went out it was windy. I parked a block away. Normally with the winds, my other hard boards would be slightly heavier and difficult to carry, but not with this ISUP. It was light enough to carry with no issues. I launched off on my knees and began to stand. Upon standing up I noticed it was not as stable side to side unlike my hard-top board (so those of you who are beginners will have to go through a learning curve to find your balance) but once I got my bearings, I stood up and took off quickly. It glided smoothly and stayed straight through the course. The turning radius on this ISUP was a lot more challenging due to the size and took a lot of effort on my part to crank it make a hard right or left turn. I was able to paddle at a fast speed and stop the board quickly to a halt. This was the first SUP I could lay down flat on my stomach and enjoy just floating. The board never submerged keeping me dry while laying on top of it. Then I flipped myself over and sat up with my legs fully extended out. I was highly impressed that I could keep paddling it like a kayak. It was easy to just continue to stay straight without veering to a particular side. Then I purposely fell off the board and practiced getting back onto the board. The first time was not as easy as I thought it would be because it is a wider and higher (thicker) board than I am used to. After a couple of practices by holding onto the latch in the middle of the board, then pulling myself back up without tipping over the board was simple. I followed a few boats that past by with lingering waves and the board handled it well and I did not feel unstable while rocking and rolling over the waves.
When I paddled my board back to the launch site, I saw a father with two young (age 3-5) girls on a similar but different brand ISUP. After telling him it was my first ISUP, we agreed to switched boards so that I could compare. I noticed immediately that his ISUP was noticeably narrower, shorter, and heavier than mine. His daughters both liked the fact mine was wider and felt more stable for them. He admitted that he paid twice as much as mine with the same items in the kit. I could not help but felt like I had scored on my new board!
Here are other highlights:
It is lightweight — 25 lbs length of a medium-size car like a Nissan Versa. The toughest part of stand up paddle boarding for beginners is after a long paddle session is carrying a heavy hard top board back to the car, which this one is not an issue.
You can easily convert it into a kayak after purchasing a separate seat.
A bungee system to store gear or towels.
Non-slip surface with thick grade material (not easily punctured from a dog with long nails).
Durable material with hard use from excess amounts of the paddle scraping the sides of the board or children jumping on it or dinging it against hard surfaces.
Comes with instruction and a carry bag that fits all the items (leash, pump, paddle, patch kit, board) for easy compact storage and travel (the length of it is comparable to my medium size 30lb dog).
Inflates in less than 20 minutes, deflated in less than 5 minutes.
Here are the cons:
The hand pump is not for the unhealthy. It might kick your butt as it did mine (a workout before a workout) Just take your time, don’t rush, and you’ll be fine. The last 5 psi will be challenging but keep going until you reach 15 psi otherwise the board will not keep you stable and not recommended to pump higher than that. It took me 20 minutes to inflate (I’m in my mid 40’s) but other reviewers say it took them less time.
Must dry everything off well before repacking it back into the carry bag to prevent mold.
Helpful Hints:
The paddle stick needs to be screwed tighter before 1st use to prevent the handle from moving or twisting while paddling. Also, make sure that the blade of the paddle is facing forward while paddling.
When launching off stand on your knees in the middle of the board (where the handle is located) with your knees shoulder-width apart. Then slowly stand up with your feet hip-width apart. Just practice standing up and down a few times before taking off far. Looking straight forward versus downwards helps with your balance.
Always rinse your ISUP and paddle with fresh water after each use. Pat dry completely before folding and repacking in case. Do not leave it sitting in the sun for long periods.
Remove the grey foam that is covering the little fins and attach the large fin before launching. Then remember to remove the large fin before repacking the board.
Watch some YouTube Videos to see proper techniques on paddling — it will truly save you from falling and paddling, especially paddling against the wind. Also understand that LARGE MOVING WATER VEHICLE has the right of way, not SUPs, please allow them to pass you before you continue your path.
Conclusion:
This ISUP is great for a beginner to start practicing in calm conditions before moving up to a shorter faster board. As far as taking it out into the ocean, you could if you have great balance not recommended as a true beginner for sure. It is definitely not for surfing waves but can ride very small ones.
I’m so glad that I bought this ISUP. It will be a great addition to my SUP family for visiting friends and family. The price is so worth the value.
I was looking to buy a couple isups to try out with the kid and pups, but didn’t want to spend a lot in case they didn’t enjoy it. Because it’s so hard to find these right now without a crazy markup, I literally just kept refreshing Amazon over and over throughout the day until something reasonably priced showed up in stock and then purchased it without much having time to research the brand or quality.
It arrived and we took it out today almost immediately. It held up well to two dogs, a ten year, and my fianc screwing around on it for a few hours. It was the dogs’ first time out so they kept jumping off and climbing back on and the board held up just fine. We we able to paddle with a combo of 1 adult/2 dogs, 1 adult/1 child/1 dog, and 1 adult/1 dog without a problem.
I can’t speak to the quality of the pump because we used an electric one. The paddle seems less sturdy than the one that came with our other paddle board, but it is easier to adjust.
So far so good. We’ll see how it holds up in the long run.
I want to start off by saying that I have never owned a SUP nor been on one before I purchased this. I was super happy when my paddle board shipped extremely quickly(I was having major issues with amazon and other boards with shipping). ZERO issues with this company. I had done so much research on different brands and I wanted specific things while also having a budget. When my board arrived I checked to make sure everything was in the bag. Nothing seemed damaged and everything was there. I read all of the reviews about this board and others so I knew what to look out for when actually setting it up. I immediately got to the lake. I started pumping it up, and noticed that the gauge on the pump stayed at zero. I kept inflating it and once it started having Heavy resistance it went up. So rest assured the pump does work! Just takes a while. The inflation process was easy and only took about 5-8 minutes(I’m super weak so that’s probably why). I read that some people’s fins came off. I’m not sure if they made a change but they have a clip that inserts horizontally that clips the fin in place and mine didn’t budge. I also put the fin on before fully inflating like the directions say on amazon(the package didn’t come with instructions). It was easy to carry to the water which I like because like I said before…I’m weak. I didn’t hear any hissing sounds and it held up well. On the board I had a total of 380+ pounds at the same time and it did not sink nor feel unsteady. It was a little hard for me to steer but that may be due to inexperience and I’m also used to a blow up kayak that turns on a dime. Quality of the board seems great to me and I was able to get it back into the bag no problem. I am extremely happy with my purchase and I hope it holds up well! I Will update after taking it out more! I highly recommend as of now!