Matter of fact is finding an inflatable board that is 100% compatible with your preferences is almost impossible and even if you do find one it’s rarely ever going to be branded by the name you desire. Such is the dilemma with inflatable paddle boards specifically and the best example of that is the 12’6” airSUP.
Undoubtedly, there is a reason why you are on this page and most probably that reason is that you think that this board is worth a shot which is true but you’re still skeptical as to what extent can you trust this brand. Well, let me try to make it a little bit easier for you.
airSUP is a relatively new face in the industry and that makes it a lot harder to actually trust this product and I completely agree with you.
Most unfamiliar brands would usually leave you hanging. However, does that you shouldn’t trust any new brand? Wrong.
After all, every existing brand has been through the stage of being ‘a nobody’ but the honest ones were quickly defined by terms of good quality and reliability. So, does airSUP carry the genes for these traits? Let’s take a closer look at this board and you can decide for yourself.
The airSUP 12’6” inflatable SUP board is a solid product as it is strictly made of military grade PVC material which is then fortified by an industrial drop stitch construction making it virtually indestructible.
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In other words, that means you can jump this board, crash it onto rocks or even run it over with a car and it won’t permanently damage it.
This iSUP board looks more like a kayak than an actually SUP board but it can perform both tasks effectively. If anything, this is a huge plus as it’ll enable you to experience so many more options using this board than you would with a regular board.
As mentioned earlier, the airSUP is 12 foot 6 inches long and 30 inches wide making it compatible with teenagers, young adults and adult beginners or professionals alike.
Most people would argue that a board this big is going to be difficult to man by a beginner but as long as you stay away from strong currents and level up slowly, you’ll be just fine.
Further, the board is 6 inches thick and that is a lot more than you can say about most boards out there. Simply put, boards that are 4 inches thick or under are more prone to getting submerged under the weight of the user which is why anything above that is extremely reliable. Hence, this explains the weight limit on this iSUP which reaches up to 350 lbs.
Evidently, the manufacturer argues that this board can handle up to 400 lbs and I’m not saying otherwise but I’m certain that anything more than 350 lbs will start to affect performance noticeably.
In terms of basic features, this board is undeniably remarkable. Some of its best noticeable features are the 4 stainless steel D-rings that are connected by a bungee cord to grant you an efficient cargo holder + 2 more D-rings on the nose and the tail to help you tow and secure your board easily.
Furthermore, the board is equipped with a gripping pad which covers 60% of the deck to make it easier for you to distribute your weight properly and maintain a strong sense of balance.
Also, the pad will prove to be extremely handy when you’ll try to get back on top of the board after falling into the water. This airSUP has three carry handles on the deck, one on the nose, one on the tail and another at the center if you want to carry the board yourself without help (Board weighs 19.5 lbs).
If there is anything that has helped me make up my mind about almost every board I reviewed, it would be the package in which it comes because it can truly make the difference between a joyful experience and a pain in the back.
Fortunately, this iSUP board comes in a comprehensive pack which includes almost everything you’ll need to maintain it: A high pressure hand pump which is essential in your case, a light collapsible carbon paddle with a tough plastic blade, an ankle leach so that you don’t risk losing your board, a singular removable central fin which is all the board needs and, last but not least, a carry bag that would make transporting + storing the board once deflated a piece of cake.
Pros
- The package in which the airSUP comes is every beginners dream as it will help you maintain this board easily.
- The quality + price tag of this board is definitely a game changer when compared to other more expensive but lower quality boards.
Cons
- The hand pumping is going to be a little bit more challenging with time. So, my advice to you is to get yourself a light electric pump and save yourself the trouble.