Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, $87.97! (retail $259)
*Coupon PLUS code 41KDZWB4
FunWater Inflatable SUP: Is This All-in-One Package Your Ticket to Paddleboarding?
I've been wanting to get into stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) for a while now, but the thought of storing and transporting a giant rigid board was a major hurdle. Inflatable SUPs seemed like the perfect solution, and after browsing around, the FunWater package caught my eye. It advertised everything needed to get started, targeted all skill levels, and the price seemed really reasonable. I decided to take the plunge and order one to see if it lived up to the hype. Here's my detailed experience with the FunWater iSUP kit.
Unboxing & Appearance: Everything But the Water!
The whole kit arrived neatly packed into a surprisingly manageable backpack. Opening it up revealed the rolled-up board, a three-piece adjustable paddle, a hand pump with a pressure gauge, a coiled safety leash, a removable center fin, a small repair kit, and of course, the backpack itself. My first impression was, "Wow, they really included everything!" I chose the [mention a color option visible on the page, e.g., vibrant blue] design, and the colors looked great – bright and fun. The board material, a heavy-duty PVC, felt tough and durable. The anti-slip EVA deck pad covering a large portion of the top looked grippy and felt comfortable to the touch, which I knew my feet would appreciate later. The accessories seemed decent quality for an included package – the paddle felt reasonably light and adjusted easily, and the pump looked functional.
Specs & Key Features That Actually Matter
Instead of just listing technical details, here's what's important for a user:
Inflatable Design: This is the star. Deflated, the board and all accessories fit in the backpack, making it incredibly easy to store in a closet and transport in any car trunk. Huge win over hardboards.
Dimensions (e.g., 10'6" L x 33" W x 6" H): The 6-inch thickness is crucial for rigidity when inflated (less flex!), and the typical 32-33 inch width offers excellent stability, which is perfect for beginners like me or for paddling in slightly choppy conditions.
Complete Accessory Kit: This is a massive plus. Getting the adjustable paddle, pump, leash, fin, and backpack included means you don't have to spend extra time and money hunting down essentials. You're ready to go.
Anti-Slip EVA Deck Pad: This textured foam area provides crucial grip for your feet (or knees!) and adds comfort for longer paddling sessions.
Durable Construction: Made from layered PVC with what's likely drop-stitch construction inside (thousands of threads connecting top and bottom), allowing it to be inflated to high pressure and feel remarkably rigid.
My Simulated User Experience: From Backpack to Water
Okay, time to get this thing ready! I unrolled the board near the water's edge – it's pretty big once laid out! Attaching the pump hose to the valve was simple. Then came the workout: manually pumping it up. The included dual-action pump worked fine, inflating on both the upstroke and downstroke initially, but it definitely takes some effort, maybe a solid 10-15 minutes, especially getting those last few PSI in to reach the recommended 12-15 PSI. Watching the gauge climb was motivating! Once inflated, I was genuinely impressed by how solid and rigid the board felt – not flimsy at all. Sliding the large center fin into its slot was easy, and I attached the ankle leash.
Carrying the inflated board to the water using the center handle was manageable, though it's still a decent size. Getting on the water, I started on my knees as recommended. The board felt very stable, thanks to that generous width. After a few tentative paddles, I felt confident enough to stand up. Success! The deck pad provided excellent grip, even with wet feet.
Paddling around on the calm lake was fantastic. The board tracked reasonably straight, and while it's not a speed demon (it's an all-arounder, not a racing board), it was easy to maneuver with paddle strokes. It felt perfectly suited for cruising, exploring shorelines, or just enjoying being out on the water. Deflating was quick – just push and twist the valve (prepare for a loud WHOOSH!). Rolling it back up tightly to fit in the bag takes a bit of practice to expel all the air, but it all packed away neatly. The portability factor is just undeniable.
Pros (What I Liked):
Incredible Portability & Storage: Fits in a backpack! Easy to store, easy to transport. Game changer.
Excellent Stability: The width and rigidity make it feel very secure on the water, boosting confidence for beginners.
All-Inclusive Package: Seriously, getting everything you need (board, paddle, pump, leash, fin, bag) at this price point is fantastic value.
Easy to Set Up (Mostly): Aside from the manual pumping effort, the process of inflating, attaching the fin, and getting ready is very straightforward.
Cons (What Could Be Better):
Manual Pump Workout: Inflating it fully takes significant time and energy. An electric pump would be a worthy future upgrade for frequent users.
Basic Accessories: While perfectly functional, the included paddle and pump are likely entry-level quality (e.g., the paddle might be slightly heavier aluminum vs. carbon fiber). They get the job done, but enthusiasts might upgrade later.
All-Arounder Performance: Don't expect high-speed racing performance; it's built for stability and cruising, which is perfect for its intended audience.
Conclusion & Recommendation:
Overall, I'm thrilled with the FunWater Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard package. It completely demystified getting into SUP for me. It delivers exactly what it promises: a stable, durable, and incredibly portable paddleboarding experience with everything you need included right out of the box.
I'd highly recommend this FunWater iSUP kit for: Beginners looking for an affordable and easy entry into paddleboarding, recreational paddlers who prioritize portability and storage, families, or anyone wanting a versatile board for flat water cruising and fun. The value for money here is exceptional.
My final take: If you're curious about SUP and need a convenient, all-in-one solution that won't break the bank, this FunWater package is a fantastic choice. Would I recommend it to a friend wanting to start paddleboarding? Absolutely, without hesitation.