If this board was only used…
If this board was only used for cruseing on open water I might be much more satisfied with it. In that environment it could be coddled, which is what this fragile thin-skinned board requires.
Pros
The board, being long, is relatively fast and can keep up with the kayaks and canoes that some campers are utilizing.
Cons
This board is FRAGILE. The slightest bump fractures the thin skin requiring multiple patches to be applied in the two seasons of use. I would not purchase this board again for our purposes. In a mixed boat environment it is too easy for a kayak or canoe (in the hands of campers...who are beginning paddlers) to make contact with the paddle board. Almost any contact will damage this board.
Usage
I am the Aquatic Director for a summer camp in the Finger Lakes region of NY. I purchased this board for the waterfront lifeguard crew to use while monitoring activities involving various paddle craft (canoes, kayaks, and SUPs). Waterfront lifeguards are trained to use paddle boards as rescue platforms. This board at 14' has the capacity to hold any of our lifeguards, with enough reserve capacity to add a struggling camper too.
A fast high-capacity cruising…
A fast high-capacity cruising board. Confidence inspiring even in lake surf.
Pros
At 14' it is a fast high capacity board. It inspires confidence paddling in the wind-driven waves that are a semi-permanent feature of Seneca Lake.
Cons
The skin is a bit fragile for our rocky beach, so landings have to be done with care and "off shore".
Usage
Bought it for our lifeguards to use at the waterfront of a summer camp on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of NY. The long board has enough capacity for any of our staff plus any camper we need to pull on board for assistance.
