Body Glove Performer 11 Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
If it is summer and there is water around, there must be a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) on the horizon. This sport born from the culture of surfing shows no signs of stopping. You can use a SUP to go for a quiet paddle on a lake, test your skills on an ocean bay, and maybe try to surf gently before you know it. Use it for SUP yoga or take your child or dog with you for a paddle.
It’s an egalitarian piece of sports equipment that more reasonably fit people can use. They can also use it to develop a higher level of fitness.
My first experience with SUP was maybe 15 years ago when I rode a lake on a heavy and solid SUP. Those boards looked a lot like a very heavy surfboard and were the only way back. It took two of us to load it into the car, and although we hired it, it was clear that storage was going to be a big deal.
Here is the genius who came and decided that an inflatable SUP was what we needed. Inflatable SUPs typically have a PVC exterior and an air core. They come with a pump and a pouch and become surprisingly firm and stiff when fully inflated. Better yet, you can travel with them.
Planning a trip to the lakes of Maine, Minnesota or Michigan? Or maybe just wandering around the Outer Banks, Cape Cod or the beaches of Southern California? Now there are no more excuses to leave the table at home. Take it to Europe for that week in Mykonos or the Caribbean or Australia where the paddling opportunities are endless.
Inflatable SUPs are ideal for those with limited storage space. They are easily carried, when deflated, in their bags, many of which have backpack straps for easy carrying. Inflatable SUPs can be easily stored in a closet or kept in the trunk of your car. They’re also ideal for air travel, so go ahead and put it in the overhead bin if you can, or pack it in your checked baggage.
Here are three inflatable SUPs worth checking out. Note that these cards are already on sale as it is mid-summer.
Body Glove 2022 Performer 11 Stand Up Paddle Board
This 11-foot board is 34 inches wide, 5.4 inches thick, and has an incredible weight for an inflatable. I found it very stable and this is due to its width, laser engraved foot positioning guides and three fixed lugs. It comes with a hand pump and an electric pump that connect to your car’s cigarette lighter. Using the latter, it inflated in a couple of minutes, making it ideal for fast travel. The single handle makes it easy to carry the 24-pound board. It is puncture resistant and, once deflated, rolls up into a sturdy yet lightweight backpack that’s easy to carry. I also like the eye-catching design of the faux wood grain and the thoughtful inclusion of a dry cell phone case. At home, this SUP fits easily in a cupboard. Comes with an adjustable paddle, pump and carrying bag. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and find it fits my easy paddling style. MSRP $ 999. If you’re a Costco member, it’s yours for $ 399.
This board weighs 24 lbs and fits in an easily manageable 15 “x 38” backpack. The board is 34 inches wide and 10 feet six inches long. It is shorter but perhaps a little more maneuverable for beginners. Comes with a paddle, pump, board and removable fin. For starters, it’s a good choice and easy to row. MSRP $ 795 but currently on sale for $ 595.
Bote Wulf Stand Up Paddle Board Inflatable
BOTE WULF Aero 10′4 ″ Native floral inflatable padel board
Intended for beginners, this 10-foot, four-inch board is good for beginners who are new to the sport. BOTE is a highly respected paddleboard company, so even in this lower tier model, the quality is there. It weighs only 20 lbs and comes with a hand pump, detachable center fin, coiled leash, and travel bag. MSRP $ 529 but is currently on sale for $ 476.10.
