****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is a good quality SUP offering lots of nice features and a couple really useful upgrades at a fair-market price.I've been using SUPs for a few years and have had several. This one falls into the middle of the pack. The size is pretty much standard, offering adequate length and width for traversing through chop or standing confidently in the calmer waters. Some boards are shorter or longer, but all boards are 6" thick. The bow curls up a bit, like most do as well.The D-ring + bungee cargo hold is pretty standard too. It's a very useful feature, but some board makers cut it back to just 4 D-rings. Still, that'll work to hold a SUP cooler with 4 tie-down straps with clips for the D-rings. I store my crocks, my paddle handle and my drybag under the bungee, when I'm not carrying more gear, like a small anchor or a cooler.The padded, textured deck offers a simple design without a lot fancy graphics that might raise the cost. Simple is good.This comes with a couple extra handles, which is nice, for two-person carry. The bow handle can double as a tow-point with a carabiner and 15' dock rope, so I can tow my partner from time-to-time, or if the mood strikes, tie-up to a buoy, take a break, have a snack or just lay back and chill and watch the clouds float by. The rear handle can do the same, if she is on a different SUP. This is valuable, since it means not having to use the elasticized bungee rope for a tow-point, since they are not designed for that. Most SUPs do come with a stern D-ring, but the handle give me more confidence it will endure the stresses.I do wish it had more D-rings though, as I sometimes use a kayak/sup seat that attaches to 4 D-rings on the deck. The sellers' listing ad on Amazon shows the 6 bungee/D-rings, but the 4th photo with text mentions 10 D-rings. G-r-r-r-r..... I no longer give sellers' the benefit of the doubt, that it was a "mistake" and you shouldn't either. They can proofread. Anyway, I may add some, not sure. That said, I like that this comes with a camera mount up front. This can also work for other devices you may want to try. For example, a fishing rod holder, so you can have your hands free.The triple-fin design will likely help you track better in rough waters, but I'm usually OK with just the single, large fin. YMMV.The floating, double-bladed paddle, kayak style, works great when the water is rough or you just want to sit or you want to go faster than a single-blade will allow. This is a valuable upgrade. Nice!It'd be nice if the paddle came with 2 drip rings. Just sayin'....They threw in a bonus waterproof, floating smartphone holder with lanyard, which is nice, but my Pixel 8 with case won't fit. It's not a problem for me, since the case I have is waterproof and it has a hand strap, but it may matter to you.The carry bag is above-average in most respects. It's hard to tell though and I've had some good looking bags fall apart quite quickly. This one offers padded, adjustable shoulder straps, two additional horizontal straps to restrict gear movement and a heavy duty, two-way, YKK zipper that is as smooth as "buttah". Sweet!The other included gear is all standard equipment you'd find in any SUP package deal like this.The coiled ankle leash, so your SUP doesn't get away from you if you should fall off and the wind pushes it faster than you can swim, haha!Also, the orange plastic container, which you will never need to carry on board, unless its for keys, or money, etc. I usually put that stuff, along with snacks, drinks and sunscreen in a 10L drybag. The vinyl repair patches and valve tightening tool should be kept in the large SUP storage bag, back on shore.The double-action pump with pressure gauge is an upgrade over the single-action pumps I used for my first whole year; 8 lakes and the ocean. Each fill was a marathon to get to 15psi. I'm a senior and thought I'd die, haha! Once I discovered 12V and rechargeable SUP pumps, I never used my old school, bicycle-type plunger pumps again. If you have several willing volunteers that can take turns, or... you are very fit and ambitious, then the included pump will work fine.A few heads-up for newbies.The pressure gauge on the pump only registers once it has reached 7-8 psi. approx. It might register earlier, but in any case, it is not "broken". Just keep a-pumpin'!Air expands when heated and a 15psi internal pressure (manufacturer's recommended max. psi) in the shade will increase a LOT quickly, if your SUP is in full sun, out of the water. Decrease the pressure by giving the valve button 2 short, 1 second pushes or, keep it in the shade when out of the water to prevent damage.Fins can break. Remove fins or turn the SUP top-side down when on the shore.The valve button should be in the UP position to Fill and the DOWN position to Deflate. Check this BEFORE connecting the pump hose.Fully dry before storing.....You're welcome... :)Bottom Line:This is a full-featured SUP offering some important and valuable amenities and upgrades that will make a difference in your overall enjoyment and experience. It seems fairly priced and a good value for what you get. You get a lot for your money. I would recommend this SUP to family and friends, it's that good.
