A couple of years in the past, I found stand-up paddling. For me, it’s the easiest way to benefit from the water even when it’s too chilly, discover the shoreline, get some train, and a pleasant tan within the course of. When it comes to water sports activities, stand-up paddling isn’t very troublesome however it may be very rewarding to have one of these freedom to discover the waters. So, after renting the tools a couple of occasions, I made a decision it was time to have my very own paddleboard. I looked for one of the best reasonably priced paddle boards and I lastly selected Vapor from Aqua Marina. Right here is my Aqua Marina paddle board evaluate.
There are some things to think about when shopping for your first paddle board. Earlier than I get into the evaluate of my Aqua Marina paddle board, let me speak about how I selected it. Right here is why Aqua Marina Vapor was my excellent match.
Issues to think about when shopping for your first paddle board
Right here are some things you need to take into account if you select your first paddle board:
Inflatable versus onerous paddle board
Whereas a tough board will most likely outlast an inflatable one, there are a couple of good explanation why selecting an inflatable paddle board is usually a higher concept:
- Storage – you want a spot or storage to retailer your onerous board, whereas an inflatable board wants solely slightly house, and it comes with a carry bag for straightforward storage
- Transport – you may have nice portability with inflatable boards. They will simply slot in any trunk, or you’ll be able to even examine them in on a aircraft. Versus that, the onerous board is harder to move and deal with.
- Consolation – inflatable SUP boards have a cushty diamond, anti-slip footpad. It’s softer than any fiberglass board, which implies your toes shall be extra comfy. So, you’ll get drained extra slowly. Along with that, falling on a hardboard can damage extra.
Who’s going to make use of it
Contemplate the burden and the kind of paddle boarding you need to do. Light-weight riders can use any board measurement, so they need to focus extra on what sort of paddling they may do. Nevertheless, heavier paddlers ought to take weight into consideration when choosing the proper board measurement. Additionally, you will want to examine the burden restrict of every board mannequin.
Discover the right board measurement on your weight and talent stage within the desk under.
| Rider’s Weight | Newbie SUP | Superior SUP |
| below 85 kg (<190 lb) | Size: 3.2 – 3.35 m (10’6” – 11′) Width: 68-72 cm (27” – 27½”) | Size: 2.75-3.2 m (9′ – 10’6”) Width: 66-69 cm (26” – 26.5”) |
| 85 to 110 kg (190 – 240 lb) | Size: 3.35-3.5 m (11′ – 11’6”) Width: 74-78 cm (29½” – 30½”) | Size: 3-3.35 m (10′ – 11′) Width: 71-72 cm (28” – 28½”) |
| over 110 kg (>240 lb) | Size: 3.5-3.65 m (11’6” – 12′) Width: 81-84 cm (32” – 33”) | Size: >=3.35 m (11”) Width: 75-80 cm (29½” – 31½”) |
For a newbie, like me, throughout paddle boards are your greatest wager. Between 2.9 m to three.23 m lengthy and round 0.8 m broad, they’re steady sufficient for a newbie to exit on calm waters for the primary time. Often, the nostril and tail of those boards are rounder. For SUP browsing, you will want a shorter paddle board with a narrower nostril. If paddle-board yoga is your factor, search for a wider paddle board for better stability. Lastly, in case you plan to do SUP touring, search for narrower and longer boards, for some additional ease of paddling.
Affordability
When on the lookout for your first board, additionally, you will want to think about the value vary you’ll want to persist with. Nevertheless, you need to select a top quality board that can final for a very long time. It’s additionally a good suggestion to discover a full package deal as a substitute of shopping for the board after which the paddle or hand pump individually. The additional prices will add up, and what appeared an ideal purchase received’t be a lot of a deal if you draw the road.
Aqua Marina paddle board evaluate
I purchased the Aqua Marina Vapor 10.4′ nearly a 12 months in the past, and I can’t look forward to the climate to be heat sufficient to take it out on the water. It was a sensible choice for me, and right here is why:
Aqua Marina paddle board impressions
- the board is low weight, which implies it’s simple to hold to the waterfront
- Vapor is a superb alternative for newbie paddle boarders. It’s a rounded board, a flexible form match for flat water or small waves
- I just like the honeycomb groove characteristic, which helps the paddler’s stability. That EVA deck design improves consolation on the board, including some additional grip
- The carry deal with is fabricated from neoprene, and it’s comfy sufficient to hold the inflated SUP for a couple of hundred meters if vital
- it has a easy design, no sophisticated fin configuration, so it’s very easy to assemble
- the stainless-steel leash D-ring helps preserve the board shut even in case you fall within the water
- the deck additionally comes with additional stainless-steel D-rings to have the ability to add a seat on the board, turning it right into a kayak for longer rides
- the bungee wire stopper can maintain the water or baggage on the paddle board
- Aqua Marina Vapor paddle board is 8.5 kg, so it’s mild sufficient for me to hold it to the water
- they use a drop sew development which implies a double layer expertise that makes the board secure and provides some additional stiffness
- it takes me about 10 to fifteen minutes to inflate the board with the included pump (handbook) and set all the pieces up from the second I get the board out of the bag. In fact, with an electrical pump, it takes even much less time.
- the utmost weight capability is 140kg which makes it good for me to hold a bag, a canine, and a toddler if I need to. It’s additionally match for a heavier rider, with out firm, although.
Conclusion
To sum up, it’s an excellent high quality board with an reasonably priced worth which makes it an excellent choice for any newbie in SUP boarding.
Is there any draw back?
On the draw back, the Vapor shouldn’t be one of many quickest or extra steady ISUP boards. A bigger board could be higher for stability, however the Vapor is a superb board to observe your equilibrium and get the proper steadiness on the water. If you wish to be racing, then you’ll want to take a more in-depth have a look at extra superior boards, designed for velocity. The value level will go up as properly.
All in all, I’m proud of my Vapor Aqua Marina ISUP. It’s a superb alternative for inexperienced persons, and it does properly in several water situations. I paddled with it on lakes, calm rivers and likewise on the ocean and I had numerous enjoyable doing it.
Different Aqua Marina Paddle Boards
Earlier than selecting your excellent inflatable arise paddle board, check out among the different Aqua Marina models. You’ll discover under among the Aqua Marina throughout fashions:
- Aqua Marina Breeze is a smaller board, 3 meters lengthy (9’11”), and it may maintain as much as 100kg (or 220lbs). It has the identical expertise as Vapor, and it’s an excellent match for a light-weight rider, a toddler, or a lady.
- Aqua Marina Fusion is an extended board at 3.3 meters (10’10”) size and 81cm (32”) width. Additionally it is thicker, at 15 cm and its weight restrict is 150 kg (330lbs).
- Aqua Marina Monster paddle board has the right identify. It’s a 3.66m (12”) monster holding as much as 170kg. Its measurement, mixed with the identical high quality development makes it superb for heavier riders but additionally for longer rides the place you deliver some baggage.
- Aqua Marina Coral is a 3.1m (or 10’20”) holding 105kg. It’s a putting colour that can catch your eye instantly.
- Aqua Marina Beast is barely greater than the Vapor mannequin. It’s 3.2m (10’6”) lengthy and its weight capability is 140kg (308lbs).
- Aqua Marina Triton is 3.4m (11’2”) lengthy and 84cm (32”) broad, which makes it very steady and cozy.
- Aqua Marina Atlas – at 3.66m (12”) in size and 86cm (34”) in width, the Atlas is the biggest board of the throughout fashions. It could actually maintain as much as 180kg (396lbs)
Bonus – package deal deal
Aqua Marina SUP boards are a package deal deal. They arrive with a carry bag that works as a big zip backpack. In it, other than the board, the slide-in fin, and the paddle, additionally, you will have a handbook pump, the elastic bungee wire, a restore equipment, and a few additional d-rings. It’s one of many explanation why are among the hottest boards on the waters.
That was my Aqua Marina paddle board evaluate. What’s your favourite water sport? Have you ever tried arise paddling? Inform me all about it within the feedback under. And in case you’re on the lookout for an ideal summer time vacation spot to check your new paddle board, look no additional than Sithonia, Greece.
DISCLOSURE
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