The inflatable paddle board…
Submitted by:
guest-paddler
on 7/14/2016
The inflatable paddle board is great for beginners, light weight and easy to store during winter months. At the price it is a great way to start. Not as easy to maneuver as a standard board though.
Pros
Light weight, good price, easy to store.
Cons
Paddle is flat and not adjustable. Bought a new paddle.
Usage
Touring on the lake
Our family really enjoyed…
Submitted by:
guest-paddler
on 2/24/2016
Our family really enjoyed using this board @ the Lake- we had 3 teens on it @ one point trying to play "chicken". It was quick to inflate ,as well as, deflate. We had lots of curious people in awe of how solid it was despite being an inflatable. Fun all summer long-great product
Pros
Ease of inflation & transport
Cons
Not getting to use it as much as I wanted to due to it's popularity with my family
Usage
Exercise & fun in the sun
This is my 3rd isup, 5th SUP.…
Submitted by:
guest-paddler
on 1/21/2016
This is my 3rd isup, 5th SUP. Not a newbie review - The Vilano Navigator is a narrow board good for speed but not stability or larger riders. Feet should be shoulder width apart - if your shoulder width is less than 24 inches - you'll be fine. The air valve is in the nose not the tail - I dont know if that is good or bad it's just different. Inflated board has a slightly rounded where bottom meets rails - more wiggle than my other boards.
When you decide value of the board - factor in the cost of a real paddle. If you buy this board thinking you'll upgrade if you like the sport - you're not getting the real experience. You'll have to over exert to compensate for a poorly designed and heavy paddle. It's like buying a huffy to find out if you like biking. People often spend all their time researching boards and yaks and put no thought into the paddle. A good light solid well-shaped paddle is very important to enjoying the activity.
Pros
Pros - Inflates to be rock hard at 12 psi, good looking, has bungee and plenty of D rings to attach coolers or gear, deck pad is textured and comfy. Good pump with gauge, duffel sized backpack and repair kit included . Paddle breaks down to 3 pieces - makes it great for travelling. If you learn on this skinny wobbly board with its heavy clunky paddle - you'll be able to ride anything - and get a great core workout.
Cons
Specs say board is 31 inches wide - my inflated board measures 29 inches and that includes the curved out rails. The deck pad (standing area) is 24 inches. Board has non standard fin and fin clamp - I'm not sure how you'd replace it if it were damaged, Biggest negative is the paddle - the included paddle is the cheapest paddle I've seen in any isup package; thick wobbly shaft, flat paddle with exposed connections to shaft , no finger/palm grips and not adjustable - other than taking out a 2 foot section. Paddle will sink! Manufacturer says to use a paddle leash. In general, Paddle leashes are for kayakers not sups. SUP riders leash to boards not paddles. Who would dare leave shore with a paddle that sinks? Text printed on board says do not to inflate past 18psi which I've read confuses newbies into thinking they should inflate to 18psi. Good luck with that; 12 to 15 psi is recommended. ( 12 works great for me at 140 lbs.)
Usage
flat water lakes, slow rivers. To narrow to use for yoga!