Finally got an OutdoorMaster Shark II electric pump to put to the test. Super excited to test and review it having read/heard so many good things about these electric pumps.
The OutdoorMaster Shark II is a 12V DC (includes a 12A fuse for safety) corded electric pump mostly used to inflate paddle boards. But it can also be used for other items such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable tents, boats etc... using the various connectors provided.
Speed
Inflate your average inflatable paddle board in less than 10 minutes
Ease of use - Programmable with auto stop
Connect the pump to your car's cigarette lighter socket (engine running), connect the hose to your board using the right valve, set the right pressure (goes up to 20psi), press start and go get ready.
The Shark II will pump until it reaches the pressure you input then it stops.
Active cooling - inflate multiple boards in a row
OutdoorMaster claims the Shark II can inflate 3 boards in a row without overheating. And it can
Long cable and hose
It might not seem that important but having a long cable (9ft - 2.75m) and hose (4.5ft - ) proves very handy.
That's especially practical when inflating multiple boards.
Portability
The Shark II is relatively light and easy to transport/carry with its integrated handle.
Deflate option
Another option that might not seem so important, but being able to deflate the boards with the pump saves so much time and makes it easier to repack the boards.
Corded
No built-in battery so needs to be plugged in to car (or power bank) cigarette lighter socket - like most other electric pumps
12V DC connector
Can't plug it to the wall. Needs to be connected to car (or power bank) cigarette lighter socket - like most other electric pumps
23min 45s to be precise - but the pump was already set to 15psi and I had to cut a tiny bit of the video as the camera fell twice...
But still, less than 9 minutes per paddle board (all requiring 15psi) in a row is great (a lot faster than many other electric pumps).
250L - 15psi
It took about 7min to inflate this 250L paddle board to 15psi
335L - 15psi
It took about 9min (including the video cut) to inflate this 335L paddle board to 15psi
270L - 15psi
It took about 8min to inflate this 270L paddle board to 15psi
Shark II active cooling
That video was shot in direct sunlight, there was pretty much no pause happening between the boards. Basically disconnecting one paddle board, connecting the next one, and go.
At the end of the video the Shark II was just warm, with the active cooling system doing a great job.
I don't know how the active cooling system actually works, but it does work.
Inflate AND deflate
As aforementioned, the Shark II is incredibly good at inflating multiple boards in a row without any issue, and with speed!
What's a little less known, or less used, is the fact that you can use the Shark II to deflate your inflatable paddle boards.
Not only does it speed up the deflation process, but what I find very good is the amount of air it takes out of the board.
It feels like the boards have no air left inside compared to when deflating manually. No big deal you say?
Well, the big deal (for me anyway as I love that feature) is the fact it makes it A LOT easier to fold the paddle board back neatly, and therefore no struggle trying to fit it back in the storage bag!
With its handle fully integrated in its design, the Shark II is really easy to carry (and the handle actually looks good too, not that it matters that much though).
This electric pump comes with a long (9ft) cord for the 12V DC connector, and 4.5ft for the hose. It makes it really practical to reach the paddle boards from the car socket(s).
With the long cable and hose pipe, the boards don't have to sit just under the car doors or boot, allowing space to manoeuvre around one or multiple boards.
The digital display and automatic switch off are very practical too and super easy to use.
Connect the hose to the board (using the right connector)
Connect the cable to the vehicle 12V socket (vehicle engine running).
Input the required PSI in the shark display.
Press Go.
You can go do whatever you want, the pump will now stop when it reaches the right pressure
Since the spring of 2020, budget inflatable paddle boards for beginners and intermediates have seen their demand increase rapidly. This correlates with SUP popularity which grew massively in the UK, thanks in parts to multiple lockdown restrictions and glorious weather. There is a larger range of inflatable paddle boards now than ever before. They come in numerous shapes, sizes and of course prices. This page is focusing on some of the best budget inflatable SUP boards currently available for beginners and intermediates. If you are after mid-range or high end stand up paddle board (SUP), please refer to our top 10 best inflatable SUP boards.
Aquaplanet MAX- one of the best budget inflatable boards out there
Cheap inflatable SUP boards
If you're looking for a budget or cheap inflatable paddle board, the main thing to look for when starting out is the size of the paddle board. Generally speaking, the larger the board, the more stable and buoyant it is. The shape is important too, a wider paddle board will offer more stability than a longer and thinner one.
As an example, the Aquaplanet MAX and the Aquaplanet PACE have identical overall sizes but the shape of the PACE is slightly "thinner" than the MAX. Because of the more elongated shape, the PACE will glide faster than the MAX but will offer less stability. It's also worth keeping an eye on the board max payload; especially if you anticipate taking a kid or a four-legged friend on the board with you.
If you are quite new to paddle boarding and you want to buy your first board on a budget, the list above is a good starting point. These boards are part of the best selling inflatable paddle boards on Amazon UK (as of Feb 1st 2021). And for the price tag, they are really good indeed. They'll let you embark on your paddle boarding journey at relatively low cost.
Currently Amazon's best selling inflatable paddle board
This iSUP is cheap and comes with everything you need, making it the perfect cheap inflatable paddle board for beginners.
It comes with: the board(obviously), dual high pressure pump, safety line, three fins, backpack, lightweight adjustable aluminium paddle, emergency repair kit. Waterproof phone case.
This all-round standup paddle board is suitable for paddling, yoga, touring, fishing, surfing (small waves), basically suitable for most conditions.
This ITIWIT inflatable paddle board sold by Decathlon is an amazing beginner/intermediate SUP board offering great stability.
The board is well constructed and you can feel and see the quality. The deck is nice and soft, yet robust.
The only downside with this board is that you need to buy a paddle and a pump separately. Most people end up buying a separate electric pump for inflatable SUPs anyway when buying the "full package" and do eventually upgrade their paddle too.
On the plus side, Decathlon generally offer very good customer service.
The Aquaplanet Allround Ten is the perfect inflatable stand up paddleboard for families, beginners and sunny day paddlers. It's ideal for river use, lakes, calm seas and small waves.
The Allround Ten comes with everything you need to get started on the water: adjustable paddle, a safety leash, a waterproof dry bag (to keep your phone, camera, keys and money safe on the water), a sturdy backpack for easy transportation, a repair kit and a dual action air pump.
This inflatable board is Aaversatile all-rounder board for all beginners and families. Lightweight, strong and portable.
This iSUP board measures 10’ (300cm) long, 32" (80cm) wide and 5" (12.5cm) thick. Its generous size enables beginners and intermediates to find their balance more easily. The grooved footbed offers good grip and helps you standing on the board with confidence. The included adjustable aluminium paddle can be set to your preferred height.
With this hybrid all-round design, you can enjoy touring, and racing. The nose of the board narrows into a raised tip for easier and faster cutting through still or choppy water. A durable slide-in centre fin works in tandem with 2 support fins for improved steering.
The package includes an iSUP pump with built-in pressure gauge. Quickly inflate the board to your optimal pressure, or deflate your board for storage and transport.
Aqua Spirit kit includes everything you need to get straight out onto the water. As well as the inflatable paddle board, the kit also includes a 3-piece adjustable aluminium paddle, a safety leash, the iSUP pump, a wetsuit changing mat and a waterproof smartphone case!
Aqua Spirit is a good go-to choice for paddle board and iSUP gear and equipment.
The Tigerxbang inflatable stand up paddle board is perfectly suited for beginners and novices. You can take this SUP board to lakes, calmer seas or rivers and enjoy yoga, fishing, or simply soak in the beautiful natural surroundings.
With its large width of 32 inches (80cm), this paddle board offers great buoyancy and a large area to stand or sit down. The max load is 150kg so the Tigerxbang can accommodate two young people of moderate weight on the board at the same time.
The Tigerxbang bundle includes a hand pump, a backpack, a leash, an adjustable aluminium paddle, a repair kit, a removable fin and a removable seat.
The budget inflatable paddle board Portofino is a great all-round entry level iSup. It is suitable for kids, newbies and more experienced paddlers. It is an excellent board to explore canals, lakes, rivers and even small waves.
It comes with a high-pressure pump with pressure gauge, an easy-load backpack, a coil leash, aluminium paddle and removable fin.
The Portofino is wider than most all-round paddle boards. This in return offers greater buoyancy and therefore stability.
You can transform the Portofino to a sit-down kayak using the SUP to kayak conversion kit (sold separately)
The cheap Fayean inflatable paddle board is another iSup offering a wider 33" deck, thus increasing buoyancy and stability. It's therefore a great entry-level budget inflatable paddle board suitable beginners and casual paddlers with a little bit more experience.
The Fayean package includes all the paddling essentials: hand pump, 3 removable fins, backpack, coil leash and universal waterproof case.
The Aquaplanet MAX is a very popular board for good reason: it’s perfect for both beginners and intermediates. It is suitable for choppier water or if you are looking for a stable board to practise your yoga moves. Sturdy enough to give the occasional extra passenger or four-legged friend a ride too.
The MAX ticks all the boxes for value and convenience. It offers value for money with the top quality you’d expect from AQUAPLANET. It's also very convenient as it can be easily transported, and it can be inflated and ready to go in under 10 minutes.
It has ultra tough drop stitch, thick surface laminate material allowing for high PSI inflation, traction pads for grip, triple fins for agility and a large detachable central fin for stability when paddle boarding.
The Aquaplanet MAX kit includes everything needed to start paddle boarding right away. Along with the board, the pack has an adjustable paddle, an ankle leash, a dry bag, a sturdy backpack for easy transportation, a handy repair kit and a dual action air pump.
The Aquaplanet PACE is great for beginners and intermediates who are after a sleek design and reactive feel. The PACE lets you cut into waves with its pointed shape. The PACE is therefore a bit more geared up towards touring than its sister, the Aquaplanet Max. Its extra thickness gives this board great stability and buoyancy.
Just like the MAX, the PACE offers great value for money, with the top quality you'd expect from Aquaplanet.
Ultra tough drop stitch, thick surface laminate material allowing for high PSI inflation, traction pads for grip, triple fins for speed and a large detachable central fin all make for an amazing experience when out paddle boarding.
The Aquaplanet PACE package comes with the PACE inflatable paddle board, an adjustable paddle, a safety leash, a dry bag, a backpack, a handy repair kit and a dual action air pump.
New ultra light construction dual layer PVC. Inflated the FW measures 10' length, 30" width and 6" thick. It weighs 16.7lbs (7.5kgs), maximum capacity is up to 220 lbs (100kgs). It is stable and for all skill levels and conditions.
This FW inflatable paddle board is ultra durable and constructed with additional PVC layer strengthening its durability.
The width, length and thickness of the board offer good buoyancy and the 3 removable fins provide great ability.
The package includes the FW inflatable SUP board, adjustable aluminum paddle, high pressure pump, travel backpack, coil leash, phone bag, and 3 removable fins.
The FunWater paddle board is 10’ x 31’’ x 6’’(305 x 78x 15 cm), which provides good stability, particularly suitable for various beginner/ levels .
It's made of durable and skin-friendly PVC material with non-slip comfortable EVA. It has a kayak conversion seat making it easy to transfer from ISUP to kayak.
It is very convenient to store and carry. It's lightweight, easy to inflatable and deflate. Everything can be folded up and put in your backpack, and taken anywhere .
This bundle includes the Funwater inflatable SUP board, adjustable paddles, backpack, high pressure pump, kayak seat, 3 removable fins, coil leash andwaterproof phone case.
The Leader MAX all round inflatable paddle board is built with military grade PVC. Its construction is made of countless drop stitch inner structure. This makes for a rigid and reliable paddle board.
The bundle includes the Leader MAX paddle board, an adjustable paddle, 3 fins, a carry bag, a pump with gauge and a repair kit. All you need to get started.
The Leader MAX is suitable to use on lakes, rivers, canals and slightly choppier seas. It is ideal a beginner/intermediate paddle board to use for touring, have a go at surfing and practice your downward facing dog yoga move. Its extra thickness adds great stability and buoyancy.
It's a great board for a stable ride, heavier riders or bigger waves, with its slightly larger than usual platform.
The Conwy Ogwen is a good allrounder paddle board. Its rounded shape and size provide good stability especially appreciated by beginners.
This paddle board is made of a thick and hardy single layer of 1.5mm PVC and a diamond cut grip pad.
Complete Kit: The Conwy Ogwen is sold with a hand pump, an adjustable paddle, safety leash, 3 fins (the large one being detachable), a carry case and a repair kit
If you are looking for a kayak AND paddle board all in one, then the Aquaplanet Rockit is a great option. Both Rockit BLU and PNK come with a handy kayak conversion seat kit and lightweight two-way paddle.
Swap from a standard SUP to a kayak with ease and enjoy both styles of gliding through the water.
Ultra tough drop stitch, thick surface laminate material allowing for high PSI inflation, traction pads for grip, triple fins for speed and a large detachable central fin for stability when paddle boarding.
AQUAPLANET Rockit package includes everything needed to start SUP adventures straight away. As well as the kayak conversion seat, the package comes with an adjustable paddle that converts into a two-way paddle for kayaking. It also has a safety Leash, a waterproof dry bag to keep your phone, a sturdy backpack for easy transportation, a handy repair kit and, of course, a dual action air pump.
Cheap inflatable sup boards are as good as what you expect of them. If you don't intend to use your board for hours many times a year, a cheap board will do the job.
Cheap paddle boards are usually lighter as they use less material for their construction, which is great for transportation.
On the other hand however, less material means less quality and usually less pressure for the board. Overtime the board might bend to a banana shape which is not the greatest to ride.
Cheaper inflatable sup boards usually don't come with the perks of high end products. They might not have good warranty (or no warranty at all), no customer support, poor design quality.
But if you plan to use your board only a few times a year for short periods of time, a budget paddle board would be perfectly suitable as the low price would then be one of the important decision factor.
Don't have time to go through the whole list below. Want the best inflatable paddle board around? Go for a Red Paddle Co!
Red Paddle Co is the brand that started the whole inflatable stand up paddle boarding trend quite a few years back now. Most stand up paddle board schools or stand up paddle board hire companies around the country and worldwide use Red Paddle Co inflatable paddle boards.
They offer incredible quality, come with a 5 year warranty and are the perfect package for beginners or advanced paddlers.
The 10’6″ Ride MSL SUP shown in the photo above is their most versatile inflatable paddle board; Red Paddle Co's best sellers, and an incredible board for beginners.
Another great advantage when buying a Red Paddle Co inflatable paddle board, you can be confident that should you ever want to part with it, it will NOT have depreciated much. They really do keep a great value overtime, another proof of their great quality.
The 10’6″ Ride is an amazing board - some would say a classic - which has earned its popularity for a good reason! Obviously this come at a price... Starting from £999 for the cheapest one of the range. Probably the only downside of these amazing inflatable paddle boards. But they're so worth it!
Best inflatable paddle boards
If you are looking for cheap paddle boards check our best budget inflatable SUP boards page, this page focuses on mid-range to high end iSups from main brands such as Red Paddle Co, Fanatic, Starboard, ITIWIT and more... Together, these brands offer a huge selection of incredible inflatable paddle boards ranging from all-around, touring, racing, tandem, yoga, kids, surf, compact or XL paddle boards to be used by up to 8 people.
Photo Credit - Red Paddle Co
Below is our pick of best paddle boards for touring and all-rounders.
Some of the best touring and all-round paddle boards
The Ride 10'6”multi-award-winning paddle board is Red Paddle Co's most popular board.
This board is incredibly versatile and offers both a predictable and smooth ride. You can have tons of fun in head-high surf or a more relaxing paddle on a lake, your choice, this board can handle it.
The board is only 4.7" thick (120mm) and constructed using the exclusive Red Paddle Co MSL technology. This offers incredible stiffness without compromising on performance, making it an excellent all-round paddle board.
It comes with a deep diamond cut tailpad providing greater grip while turning and a super grippy Red embossed deckpad stopping the deck becoming too slippy. It also has a new adjustable cargo system.
Comes complete with the new ATB transformer bag (with wheels), leash, integrated super durable flexible iFins, dual action TITAN II sup pump and a paddle
The Red Paddle Co Ride 10'8” MSL is a larger version of the 10'6" MSL shown above.
With its larger deck it offers even more stability and buoyancy than the award-winning 10'6".
It is perfectly suited for heavier riders, or for those who want to bring a kid or pet on the board with them.
Like the 10'6", it comes complete with the new ATB transformer bag (with wheels), leash, integrated super durable flexible iFins, dual action TITAN II sup pump and a paddle
It boasts the same great stability as the larger Ride paddle boards mentioned above but for smaller riders.
The Ride 9'8" MSL should be the go-to paddle board for smaller riders wanting all-round performance for numerous types of conditions.
Like the other RIDE MSL paddle boards, it comes complete with the new ATB transformer bag (with wheels), leash, integrated super durable flexible iFins, dual action TITAN II sup pump and a paddle
The Fanatic Fly Air Pocket 10'4 is travel friendly all-round SUP based on Fanatic popular Fly Air 10'4". It is made of tough but light construction allowing this iSup board to be packed in a backpack about half the size of a regular iSUP.
With its thinner deck and tough yet flexible construction, the Pocket Edition can be rolled and packed into a much narrower bag, making it extremely easy to store and transport. It's the ultimate travel companion!
The Fly Air Pocket is an all-round inflatable paddle board which is great for beginners and advanced riders alike. It can be use in many situations; from flat waters to small waves, lakes to rivers.
This touring inflatable paddle board from ITWIT is great for beginners, offering great value for money.
The elongated shape provides good glide combined with a great stability offered by the wide deck. Its width makes this board suitable for yoga sup board too.
The package includes a carry bag, a removable fin, a leash and a repair kit. (paddle and pump not included)
If you are currently looking at Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boards to have some fun in the water, then you should consider inflatable SUP boards (or iSUPs). Inflatable paddle boards have the big advantage of being very easy to transport and store compared to their solid body counterparts. Unless you're a professional paddle boarder, you wouldn't really notice the benefits of solid boards, however you would notice the price difference! Solid boards are also more prone to dents and scratches which demands for more maintenance and repairs. One of the downside of inflatable paddle boards is the time it sometimes take to inflate them manually, especially if you have a few boards to sort out. But there are several great electric pumps for inflatable paddle boards that can take care of that job whilst you get the rest of your gear ready.
Which iSUP to choose
With paddle boarding becoming more and more mainstream, there is a wide array of inflatable SUP board brands. This gives paddlers a plethora of inflatable sup boards to choose from with various sizes, shapes and options. To find the best inflatable SUP boards to suit your needs, think about what usage you'll make of your board. If you're not quite sure and would like a versatile paddle board, you should consider getting an all-round SUP which will get you going. An all-round inflatable paddle board will be suitable for most situations and will allow you to become more confident on your SUP and have quality fun times on the water.
With more knowledge and experience you can refine your selection and then decide exactly what you need from your iSUP. It could be a touring stand up paddle, surfing, racing, multi-person iSUP, yoga, white water, or even windsup. A Windsup is a SUP board setup with fixings allowing you to attach a surfing sail to your board. So the choice is vast. If you're not sure yet, or don't have a specific type in mind, then go for an all-round iSUP. They are the most common and the most available ones around.
Inflatable stand up paddle boards have become very popular in the last few years as more paddling enthusiasts realise how convenient and truly awesome they are. Paddle boarding is a great workout, tons of fun, can be done with family and friends, and is a great way to enjoy the outdoor in a different way. Hope you get to find the best inflatable SUP board for you.
Red Paddle Co really are at the top of their game when it comes to inflatable SUP boards. This is not a surprise to see Red Paddle SUP boards for hire at many locations across the country. With Red Paddle Co iSUPs, quality always comes as standard. They've been producing the best inflatable SUP boards since 2008 and are now using their own patented RSS stiffening system delivering unrivalled stiffness.
Aquamarina produces a good range of inflatable stand up paddle boards. The BREEZE (around £270), MONSTER (around £430) and VAPOR (around £340) iSUPs get a decent amount of good reviews. You can usually grab one of them new for at around half the cost of a Red Paddle Co board of the same type, if not more. So if you don't have the budget for a Red Paddle Co, an Aquamarina could be a good option to get you started. Alternatively, check our cheap iSUPs page.
Starboard is another high end inflatable SUP boards manufacturer with the like of Red Paddle Co. Starboard have a huge choice of inflatable SUP boards from the all-rounder to more specific Yoga paddleboards, surf paddleboards, multi user, touring boards, river SUP boards, kids boards and even foil paddle boards. Their range is HUGE! Starboard iSUPs are you usually fetching somewhere between £800 and £1,500 depending on the board type and the size.
If you are after a multi person inflatable stand up paddle board to have fun with your friends or family, or to partake in competitions like CrossFit where they are sometime used, then this multi person iSUp is the one just for you.
RedPaddleCo have 2 different multi-person iSUP boards. They are the L Ride and the XL Ride.
See below some of the best electric pumps for your inflatable paddle boards (iSUPs). They also work with inflatable kayaks, inflatable tents and other inflatable products.
Some of the best electric pumps for your inflatable paddle boards
Why get an electric pump for your inflatable SUP board?
You’ve recently bought one of the best inflatable paddle boards or a cheap inflatable paddle board for beginners and joined the ever growing community of stand up paddle boarders. Congratulations! You’re enjoying the calm and serenity this activity provides. You’re making the most of the outdoors and enjoy the most of what the UK has to offer on your doorstep. Invaluable stress-free time is particularly important these days. So, you pack your paddle boards in the car, along with all the safety gear and wetsuits, and drive to your favourite spot to enjoy a few hours of peace.
But, before the fun can begin, the dreaded time to manually inflate the boards arrives. A few minutes feel like hours when your manual pump only indicates 3psi and your arms already feel like rocks. You panic, the gauge is broken, the board feels hard, it is ready! It is NOT! You still have to pump more to reach the 15psi, 17psi or 20psi (sometimes even more) recommended by your board manufacturer. And that’s only for one board! One is hard enough to inflate, now what if you have 2 or 3 to inflate before heading out? That’s it, it’s time to give up and get an electric pump! Let the pump do this tenuous task whilst you get ready. See below our hand-picked list of some of the best electric pumps for inflatable standup paddle boards you can get your hands on in the UK.
There are a few things to consider when purchasing an electric pump for your inflatable paddle boards.
The most important factor is the psi. Please refer to your paddle board(s) and check the required psi. If you have multiple boards, check the one requiring the highest pressure and choose a pump that can reach that pressure.
Programmable electric pumps
Another important feature for an electric pump is its programmability. It is a nice feature where you select the required psi, press start and let the pump do its work until it reaches the required pressure, then stop. No need to keep an eye on the pump to make sure it doesn’t inflate your board enough, and, most importantly, not too much. Most of the best electric pumps for inflatable paddle boards are programmable.
Dual stage electric pumps
If you have a good manual pump, it probably has a dual stage system. It allows a larger volume of air to inflate the board when your start inflating the board and the pressure is low. When the pressure gets high and it becomes harder to pump, you would normally switch to a lower air output making it easier for you to inflate in the second phase. Dual stage electric pumps have that exact same feature.
Cooling system
Many electric pumps tend to overheat when used for a prolonged amount of time. The best electric pumps will have a cooling system allowing to inflate up to 3 inflatable paddle boards in a row without overheating. It is not much of an issue if you only inflate one board.
Deflating option
Although not as hard as the inflation part, the deflation can sometimes feel like a burden especially after a long session. Some electric pumps have a deflation mode basically sucking the air out of your paddle boards. It’s a faster process than pushing the air out manually by rolling your board.
For more information, reviews from other people or to buy this ITIWIT touring inflatable kayak, please head over to Decathlon's website here.
ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable kayak - carry bag
The Decathlon ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable kayak comes in a large and sturdy carry bag. The carry bag is large enough to pack the kayak back in easily after use. For an inflatable kayak of that size (380 x 65 cm), the bag is relatively concise (94 x 50 x 27 cm) and fits easily in the boot of a QashQai. The amount of spare room in the bag allows to store accessories. I keep the fin, the leash and bits and pieces in the front pocket. A manual pump (purchase separately) will fit in the main compartment of the bag. The adjustable two-part paddle (comes separately) is a bit too long to fit IN the bag but both parts can be tucked in the bag side pockets and tied with the compression strap. At about 18kg, it is obviously not the light but the bag is comfortable enough and well balanced. Don't go on a hike with it on your back but it's fine to take it to the shore.
Practical design
The front of the bag shows in big the pressure required for the x500 inflatable kayak. Love this feature. It's so simple and practical. It tells you exactly what you need to know right in front of you.
As mentioned above, this inflatable touring kayak does not come with a pump or paddle. This adjustable paddle from Decathlon that was suggested to go with it. And I highly recommend to get a buoyancy vest too.
Inflating the Decathlon ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable touring kayak
Having inflated quite a few inflatable SUP kayaks manually in the past, I decided it was time to get an electric pump. The electric pump is great and versatile as it can also be used with my inflatable SUP boards. Be aware though the pump only goes up to 15psi. Luckily enough the pressure required for the Strenfit X500 is only 10psi. But it's worth bearing in mind if you get the electrical pump and get products that require higher pressures. With the electrical pump, inflation is quick and easy. Simply plug the pump in your car 12V auxiliary power outlet (aka cigarette lighter socket), connect the pump to the valves (one by one) of the kayak, set the require pressure on the pump, press OK and let it do its job. Super easy.
ITIWIT touring inflatable kayak out of the bag
The kayak
The kayak tested here is the ITIWIT inflatable touring Strenfit X500. As its name suggests, it is an inflatable touring kayak. Inflated, it measures 380cm in length and 65cm in width. The kayak can support a weight of up to 125kg. It is suitable for touring and is approved for sea touring beyond 300m. Being long and narrow it is a much faster kayak than the average inflatable kayak used for recreational purposes. Being streamlined however comes with its downsides. It's a lot less stable, it's a harder to turn but it flies in a straight line. The plastic rail at the front (see the photo above) and the fin at the back keep the board in a straight line.
Material used
This kayak is made of 95% Polyéthylène (PE) and 5% Polyester (PES) using the dropstitch technology. Dropstitch is a "material". Two layers of PVC are connected by thousands of polyester strands. During high-pressure inflation, these strands stretch and create a rigid chamber, preventing the kayak from distorting. Which is what makes our inflatable kayak extremely rigid but easy to stow in a backpack once deflated.
Touring with the ITIWIT Strenfit X500
Kayaking
As mentioned previously, using a touring kayak is very different than a standard recreational kayak most beginners use. The biggest difference is the stability. You'll notice straight away it's not as stable as but with a bit of practice you will adapt quickly. If it feels really unstable, reduce the pressure of the bottom chamber of the kayak a tiny bit (especially if you're light), this should reduce the center of gravity and help you with the balance. It will however increase drag and make the kayak go a bit slower with the added friction.
The other big difference is the speed! It's actually impressive how much speed you can gain by simply changing the shape of a kayak compared to a standard one. Being narrower and longer makes the kayak a lot more streamlined and as a result every stroke propels you further and faster.
And finally, the other big difference is turning. It's harder but again you get used to it.
This is a touring kayak after all and it will be used cover long distances, with little to no turns.
Deflating the ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable kayak
Deflating this kayak couldn't be easier, simply undo the valve covers (turn it anti clockwise) and press the valves to their "down" position. You can help the kayak deflating by pushing the air out from the furthest point to the opened valves. That's it! It's that easy.
Cleaning the ITIWIT touring kayak
This is super easy too. It takes 5 minutes max with a hose to give this kayak a good clean. Simply rinse the kayak with clean water inside and outside. Don't use any chemical, soap or detergent to clean your kayak, just clean water.
I washed mine with my pressure washer the first time which worked OK (minus dirt splash back), but it works just as well if not better with normal garden hose pressure (no splash back). Basically, stick to clean water, a garden hose, pressure washer or buckets of water will do just fine and neither will take very long.
Drying the Decathlon touring kayak
You'll need a bit of space (around 4m by 60cm) to lay the deflated kayak flat on the floor to dry. On a sunny hot day, it doesn't take very long to dry. When one side is dry just flip it over for the other side to dry too. Drying time will obviously depend on weather conditions but on a reasonably warm dry day it doesn't take long. For the inside, try to remove as much of the excess water as possible, let it dry normally. Before packing or if you are a bit in a hurry to pack it, grab a dry clothe and wipe the kayak dry.
Overall review of the Decathlon's ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable touring kayak
At £599.99 (at the time of writing), the Stenfit X500 is a good quality touring kayak. It's great to use on flat water and calm seas once you get used to its stability, or its lack of.
It comes with a 2 year guarantee.
You can buy the X500 from the Decathlon online store here
For more information, reviews from other people or to buy an ITIWIT inflatable SUP board, please head over to Decathlon’s website here.
ITIWIT inflatable touring SUP board’s bag
The Decathlon ITIWIT inflatable touring SUP board comes in a big and resistant bag with enough space to pack your board back in easily after use. For an iSUP board of this size (381 x 74 x 15 cm), the bag is relatively concise (90 x 44 x 24 cm) and fits nicely in my car (QashQai). The amount of spare room in the bag allows to store accessories. I keep the fin, the leash and bits and pieces in the front pocket. A manual pump (purchase separately) and an adjustable two-part paddle (comes separately) will fit in the main compartment of the bag. At about 12kg, it is obviously not light but the bag is comfortable enough and well balanced. I wouldn’t go on a treck with it on my back but it’s fine to take it to the shore.
Decathlon ITIWIT inflatable touring SUP board in bag
Practical design
In its front pocket, the bag continas the instructions inside of it and a repair kit. The front pocket of the bag shows in big the pressure required for the board. It’s a very simple but really useful feature! It’s simple and practical, tells you what you need to know right in front of you.
As mentioned above, this touring iSUP does not come with a pump or paddle. I got this adjustable paddle from Decathlon that was suggested to get with it. And I highly recommend to get a buoyancy vest too.
Inflating the Decathlon ITIWIT inflatable touring SUP board
After inflating a few inflatable SUP boards manually in the past, I decided to treat myself to an electric pump for another ITWIT sup board. The electric pump has been really good for me for other iSUPs, BUT it only goes up to 15psi. Unfortunately this board needs 17psi, so you will need a manual pump. I have both a manual and electric so I go up to 15psi with the electric and get to 17psi with the manual pump. It’s quite a flaw in my view but it can always be worked around. And it’s nothing to do with the board, just the actual pump. So if you can only get one, get the manual one as it can go up to 20psi.
ITIWIT inflatable touring iSUP board rolled out of the bag
The iSUP board
The paddle board tested here is the ITIWIT inflatable touring stand up paddle board 500/12’6-29”. As its name indicate it is a touring SUP board and it is 12’6 long (381cm). The board is 29″ wide and 6″ thick and can carry a weight of 130kg. It is suitable for touring and also racing. Being long and narrow it is a much faster board than a all rounder one but it comes with its downsides. It’s a bit less stable, it’s a lot harder to turn but it flies in a straight line. The plastic rail at the front (see the photo above) and the fin at the back keep the board in a straight line.
Material used
This iSUP board is made of 50.00% Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 50.00% Polyester (PES). There was an obvious new plastic smell when I first opened the bag, not bad at all, just noticeable (not dissimilar to that of a new car – not the actual smell, just the fact you notice it). The deck has a grooved foam top for comfort and added grip and is made of 75.00% Polyéthylène (PE), 25.00% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). It also shows measures near the central handle to help you find your perfect position on the board and stick to it. The padding feels nice, comfortable and durable.
ITIWIT inflatable touring SUP board ready to go
What it comes with
The board comes out of the bag with a large fin and a leash as mentioned above. You simply slide the fin under the board and place the plastic safety pin to keep it in place. Attach the leash at the back of the deck and the other end to your “back” foot once you’re in the water.
Usage
The board is made for one person but you could in theory have a small kid with you on the board as long as the total weight is below the recommended 130kgs for this board.
All in all, this ITIWIT inflatable touring SUP board is an affordable piece of equipment when it comes to touring board. It’s recently been reduced in price too! It is fast, well made, easy and light enough to carry for a little while, easy to inflate and of good quality. It’s packed with almost all you need to get started. It’s a bit of a shame the pump and paddle need to be bought separately. Then again, these items are relatively affordable and you can choose from various options to suit you. Electric or manual for the pump. Adjustable, detachable, adjustable carbon or detachable carbon paddles depending on your needs and budget. Check here for some of the best electric pumps for inflatable paddle boards.
SUPing with the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
Paddle boarding
As mentioned above, using a touring inflatable board is very different than a standard all round board most beginners use. The biggest difference is the stability. You’ll notice straight away it’s not as stable as but if you have experience with an all rounder then you should adapt quickly.
The other bi difference is the speed! It’s actually impressive how much speed you can gain by simply changing the shape of the board compared to an all rounder. Being thinner and longer makes the board a lot more streamlined and as a result every stroke propels you further and faster.
And finally, the other big difference is turning. It’s harder but again you get used to it.
This is a touring board after all and it will be used cover long distances, with little to no turns.
ITIWIT inflatable touring SUP board
Touring
One of the joys of paddle boarding
Deflating the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
Deflating this SUP board couldn’t be easier, simply undo the valve cover (turn it anti clockwise) and press the valve to its “down” position. You can help the board deflating by pushing the air out from the furthest point to the opened valves by folding the board over from the back. That’s it! It’s that easy.
Cleaning the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
It’s a doodle, it takes 5 minutes max with a hose for a thorough clean. Simply rinse the board with clean water on each side. Don’t use any chemical, soap or detergent to clean your board, just clean water.
I washed mine with my pressure washer the first time which worked OK (minus dirt splash back), but it works just as well if not better with normal garden hose pressure (no splash back). Basically, stick to clean water, a garden hose, pressure washer or buckets of water will do just fine and neither will take very long.
Drying the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
You’ll need a bit of space to lay the deflated board flat on the floor to dry. On a sunny hot day, it doesn’t take very long to dry. Lay the board flat and keep an eye out. When one side is dry just flip it over for the other side to dry too. Drying time will obviously depend on weather conditions but on a reasonably warm dry day it doesn’t take long.
Repacking the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
Once your SUP board is clean and dry, lay the board flat on its bottom part, flip the board from the back in bits of about 50cm. When you reach the middle of the board, rehiterate the operation but this time from the front. Both groups of folded sections should now join roughly in the middle. Fold these 2 groups on themselves and you should be good to go. All you have left to do is to place the bottom of the bag over the rolled board, then flip the whole thing over and finish zipping it up.
The video below from Decathlon shows how to inflate, setup, dismantle and repack the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board.
Repair and replacement parts for the ITIWIT inflatable SUP boards
The bag comes with a repair patch and there replacement parts available on Decathlon’s website as listed below.
Overall review of the Decathlon’s best selling 9’8 orange ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
At £399 (recently reduced from £499), it is a very good quality touring board. Perfect to use on flat water and calm seas to cover longer distances. The carry bag doesn’t take too much room in a car boot.
The ITIWIT inflatable SUP board comes with a 2 year guarantee and lots of spare parts are available online if you ever need any.
You can buy the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board from the Decathlon online store here
Wife and friend trying the touring and all rounder inflatable boards from Decathlon
You may also be interested in this blog post where a few friends and myself tried inflatable kayak and SUP in Tynemouth.
Here are some photos of an inflatable SUP and kayak session in Tynemouth. I brought some of the inflatable gear out to have a bit of fun with some friends. The gear included the ITIWIT 2 man inflatable kayak, the 9’6 inflatable SUP board from Decathlon, and a 9’2 inflatable surfing SUP. We all had a brilliant couple of hours having fun on the relatively calm North Sea in the evening. Perfect time to go paddling and kayaking once most of the crowd enjoying Longsands beach has gone home.
Kayak session – Tynemouth
The wives used the inflatable kayak. They set it up themselves in a matter of minutes and were ready to hit the water in no time. It was their first time kayaking together so it took a bit of adjustment to go in a straight line. Once they found their rhythm and paddled in sync they were plain sailing. The whole experience was made a little harder though as we later found out they forgot to put the keels on… But they managed to direct their embarcation without them! It goes to show the kayak is well balanced and pretty easy to manoeuvre.
Despite the lack of waves, I got to test the inflatable surf SUP board. It’s a bit shorter than the one above but the main difference is the shape. The inflatable surfing SUP is very similar in shape to a classic surf board. It has 3 fins and a “hard rail” at the back of the board helping to carve into the surfs to turn. This inflatable sup board is very easy to manoeuvre. It’s very reactive and quick to negotiate turns. A great board! Just needs to give it a proper go in decent surfs.
All in all, we all had amazing time paddling the North Sea. It was a beautiful evening of fun with friends. A very good way to unwind at the end of the day. A peaceful, tranquille and relaxing experience. And in the process we had the pleasure to witness a couple getting married with the whole family partaking in a photoshoot on Longsands beach.
We are all looking forward to arrange our next get together and organise another SUP and Kayak session in Tynemouth…
For more information, reviews from other people or to buy an ITIWIT inflatable SUP board, please head over to Decathlon’s website here.
ITIWIT inflatable SUP board’s bag
The ITIWIT inflatable SUP boards come in a strong and resistant bag with plenty of room to easily pack your board back in it after use. Although big in the inside to fit the board with ease, the bag itself is relatively small and sits nicely in most car boots. It measures 90 x 40 x 22 cm. The amount of extra room in the bag allows to store accessories such as the fin, the leash, a manual pump (purchase separately) and even an adjustable two-part paddle (comes separately) for example. At around 10kg (depending on model and size), the bag is really light which makes it really practical and easy to transport.
The ITIWIT 9’8 inflatable SUP board bag in a Qashqai boot
The bag comes with a handle to carry it one handed. It also has 2 straps at the back so you can wear it as a back pack. The straps are comfy enough considering the overall weight of the product. The weight of the paddle board I tried (the ITIWIT 100 inflatable 9’8 stand up paddle) is 9kg, so it is reasonably light. Perfect for a short walk to the river, a lake shore or the beach.
Practical design
The bag also has a front pocket with the instructions inside of it and a repair kit. The front pocket of the bag shows in big the pressure required for the board. It’s a very simple but really useful feature! is It’s simple and practical, tells you what you need to know right in front of you.
Pressure indicated directly on the bag
The bag comes with 1 big fin to go underneath the SUP board to help with direction. There is a leash in the carry bag, please remember to wear it in pretty much all situations. More to follow on the fin and leash further down.
It does not however come with a pump or paddle. Because inflatable boards need to be inflated to high pressures (15psi for this board) I decided to get the electric pump from Decathlon that can be plugged to your car 12v. I also got this adjustable paddle from Decathlon that was suggested to get with it. And I highly recommend to get a buoyancy vest too.
Inflating the Decathlon ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
After inflating a few inflatable SUP boards in the past, taking what seemed like forever, I decided to go for the electric pump as mentioned above. Although the manual pump works just fine (it’s also very good for warm-up), I thought the electric pump would be quite handy to use. It does its job whilst I put my wetsuit, the boots, and the buoyancy vest on.
The pump is really good, simply plug it in the 12V socket of your car (engine running – as mentioned in the manual) select the pressure your require (in our case 15 psi) and plug it to the valve on the board. The valve must be in the raised position. Securely attach the pump to the valve press the “on” button and just wait for the board to fully inflate. The pump will stop itself when it reaches the desired pressure. Check this article for some of the best electric pumps for your iSup.
The SUP board
The ITIWIT paddle board tested here is the ITIWIT 100 inflatable 9’8 SUP board. As its name indicate it is 9’8 long. The board weighs 9kgs, is 30″ wide and 6″ thick and is suitable for paddlers between 60 and 80 kg. It is an all rounder SUP board that could also be used for touring.
Material used
This SUP board is made of strong PVC (Polyvinyl chloride – 70%) and PES (Polyester – 30%). There was quite a new plastic smell when I first opened the bag, not bad at all, just noticeable (not dissimilar to that of a new car – not the actual smell, just the fact you notice it). The deck has a grooved foam top for comfort and added grip and is made of PE (Polyethylene – 75.00%) and EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate – 25.00%). The board feels robust and sturdy, and the deck of the board feels comfortable under foot too.
What it comes with
The board comes out of the bag with a large fin and a leash as mentioned above. You simply slide the fin under the board and place the plastic safety pin to keep it in place. Attach the leash at the back of the deck and the other end to your “back” foot once you’re in the water. In the middle of the deck (like on most inflatable SUP boards) there is a handle to help you carry the board around. Being bang on in the middle of the board helps with the balance when carrying it.
Usage
The board is made for one person but you could in theory have a small kid with you on the board as long as the total weight is below the recommended 80kgs for this board. However I would recommend getting the blue 10’7 ITIWIT inflatable SUP board which is more suitable for 2 users as described on the Decathlon website here.
All in all, this orange 9’8 ITIWIT inflatable SUP board is an affordable piece of equipment. It is very practical, well made, easy to carry, light, easy to inflate and of good quality. Perfect for recreational use. It’s packed with almost all you need to get started. It’s a bit of a shame having to buy the pump and paddle need to be bought separately. Then again, these items are relatively affordable and you can choose from various options to suit you. Electric or manual for the pump. Adjustable, detachable, adjustable carbon or detachable carbon paddles depending on your needs and budget.
SUPing with the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
Paddle boarding in the river
That’s the part where the fin and leash get mentioned again. You should use them in most situation if not all situation. In my case, when I tested the board on the river, the water level was quite low so decided NOT to use the fin as it would have been dangerous hitting the river bed and fall in shallow water on rocks. Similarly, I didn’t use the leash so it would get tangled in branches or other debris in the river. On lakes or in the sea, you should always use both. Basically use your common sense to decide if using the fin and/or the leash is safer than not using them.
The river experience was quite interesting considering the fin wasn’t in place. I was expecting to struggle with frequent changes of direction but it wasn’t bad at all. I could feel I wasn’t going as straight as I would have been with the fin on but I wasn’t going left/right left/right either. Testing the board on the river was pleasant, easy. The board felt well balanced and easy to control even without the fin. It felt remarkably effortless especially working with the current.
Paddle boarding in the sea
In the sea however, this is another story. It was my first time SUPing in the sea and when I turned up on the beach, the local surf shop guy said it was the perfect conditions to surf! It wasn’t Hawaii monstrous waves but it was definitely NOT flat water. There was a lot of “kneeling on the board being pushed back towards the shore by the swells” involved. Once on the flatter water past the waves, it was all back to normal.
SUPing in the sea is a lot harder physically as you have to use your legs a lot more to keep the balance because the water isn’t calm. You also are more prone to move with the wind and the currents. Nothing to do with the board itself. It’s just the choppier the water, the harder you’ll have to work to stay balanced. The board is suitable for the job although I presume the 10’7 blue ITIWIT SUP board would probably offer more balance considering its size. Towards the end of the session, on the way back to shore I even ventured in the waves trying to surf (and fell miserably). But surf sup’ing is another set of skills altogether though. A inflatable surf SUP board would probably be more appropriate. I will hopefully get hold of one in the future to test. Watch this space.
Deflating the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
Deflating this SUP board couldn’t be easier, simply undo the valve cover (turn it anti clockwise) and press the valve to its “down” position. You can help the board deflating by pushing the air out from the furthest point to the opened valves by folding the board over from the back. That’s it! It’s that easy.
Cleaning the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
It’s a doodle, it takes 5 minutes max with a hose for a thorough clean. Simply rinse the board with clean water on each side. Don’t use any chemical, soap or detergent to clean your board, just clean water.
I washed mine with my pressure washer the first time which worked OK (minus dirt splash back), but it works just as well if not better with normal garden hose pressure (no splash back). Basically, stick to clean water, a garden hose, pressure washer or buckets of water will do just fine and neither will take very long.
Drying the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
You’ll need a bit of space to lay the deflated board flat on the floor to dry. On a sunny hot day, it doesn’t take very long to dry. Lay the board flat and keep an eye out. When one side is dry just flip it over for the other side to dry too. Drying time will obviously depend on weather conditions but on a reasonably warm dry day it doesn’t take long.
Repacking the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
Once your SUP board is clean and dry, lay the board flat on its bottom part, flip the board from the back in bits of about 50cm. When you reach the middle of the board, rehiterate the operation but this time from the front. Both groups of folded sections should now join roughly in the middle. Fold these 2 groups on themselves and you should be good to go. All you have left to do is to place the bottom of the bag over the rolled board, then flip the whole thing over and finish zipping it up.
The video below from Decathlon shows how to inflate, setup, dismantle and repack the ITIWIT inflatable SUP board.
Repair and replacement parts for the ITIWIT inflatable SUP boards
The bag comes with a repair patch and there replacement parts available on Decathlon’s website as listed below.
Overall review of the Decathlon’s best selling 9’8 orange ITIWIT inflatable SUP board
Not surprised it’s Decathlon’s best selling inflatable SUP board. For under £300, it is a very good quality board for beginners and intermediates. Perfect to use on flat water and calm seas. The carry bag doesn’t take too much room in a car boot. It is easy to carry it about with the relatively light carry bag.
It’s definitely worth its third place in our top 10 best inflatable SUP boards below the market leaders Red Paddle Co. Being around a third cheaper than the Red Paddle boards, it could be the board of choice for many beginners.
The ITIWIT inflatable SUP board comes with a 2 year guarantee and lots of spare parts are available online if you ever need any.
