I have wanted a stand up paddle board (i.e. SUP) for what feels like ages. I’ve shopped around quite a lot and debated between inflatable and hard boards. My husband thought maybe we should get kayaks instead but I was set on SUPs. Once I came across South Bay Board Co’s paddle boards I knew I’d found the right fit. One trip to the lake and I was hooked. In this post I’m going to share why I love my South Bay Paddle Board and why I bet you will, too. I think it’s the best bang for buck in this discipline and its versatility is unmatched.
Easy to Inflate/Deflate + All The Specs
I’ve rented inflatable boards from other brands before and the quality was lacking – this is not the case with my board from South Bay Board Co. This thing is just as solid as a hard board. It’s super easy to inflate and deflate and comes with a pump that locks in when in use, making it super easy to use.
This board is also light enough that I can lift it in and out of the water and carry it down to the beach myself. There’s also a handle which makes it easy to haul.
These boards hold up to 450 pounds so you can double up or paddle with your kiddos or furry friends aboard, too. They’re super stable which make them great for beginners, but are also suitable for experienced paddlers. The textured foam deck is really comfortable and nice and grippy and really comfortable to sit, kneel, stand or lay on.
Paddle Board vs. Kayak
I wanted SUPs and my husband wanted kayaks. We each thought we’d get more use out of one over the other. When I came across South Bay Board Co. and their Inflatable SUP with accompanying kayak seat, I knew it was the ultimate compromise. This board can be used as a paddle board OR as a kayak, which is awesome. The paddle comes with a removable handle so you can swap it out to have a double paddle for kayaking. My favorite way to use it is to strap one of my kiddos into the kayak seat while I kneel on the board and paddle with them aboard! The board is also so stable that you can sit with a little in front of you, too.
Personal Fishing Craft
You don’t need a kayak to be able to fish this summer – not with this SUP! One of the many accessories that this board comes with is a set of fishing rod holders! I don’t know of any other iSUPs or even kayaks that come with these, let alone ones that custom fit into pre-mounted brackets on the board. Being able to position your fishing pole in the rod holders means you can paddle while fishing (i.e. trolling the water!) or even just take a little break!
Easy Storage & Transport
One of the best things about this board is that it is easy to store and transport. Everyone raves about how much easier it is to store/transport inflatable boards (because they’re inflatable) but South Bay Board Co. makes it even better because of the bag it comes in. Their inflatable SUPs come with a travel bag that holds the board (deflated and rolled up) and all of its accessories. It’s the same size and configuration as a rolling hockey gear bag so you know it rolls easily and fits more than what you need for a day on the water. It also has backpack straps on it if that’s your preferred method!
All The Accessories
I’ve mentioned all of the amazing accessories that come with this board through this post that I thought it would be good if I listed most of them here so you know what you’re getting! It is such an amazing value.
- (1) 11’6 Fishing ISUP
- (2) Pre-Installed Side Fins
- (1) 9″ FCS Single Fin for proper FCS SUP fin box
- (1) 11’ Coiled Leash
- (1) 4 Piece Kayak Paddle
- (1) Set of Pre-Installed Bungee Straps
- (1) ISUP High Capacity Hand Pump
- (1) ISUP Patch Repair Kit
- (1) XXL Deluxe ISUP Carrying Backpack with Wheels
- (4) Kayak Seat Pre-Installed D-Rings
- (1) Kayak Seat
- (1) ISUP Cooler + Securing Clips
- (1) Waterproof Fanny Pack for your Phone
- (3) Pre-Installed Fishing Mount Plates
- (2) Fishing Rod Holders and Mounts