Tag: touring

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ITIWIT touring inflatable kayak

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.

ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable 1person kayak carry bagPractical 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.

Decathlon Strenfit X500 inflatable kayak in carry bag

 

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.

The Strenfit X500 in action

The video below is taken from the official Decathlon webpage.

 

Kayak touring

One of the joys of paddle boarding

One of the joys of kayak touring

 

 

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

 

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Decathlon ITIWIT touring inflatable SUP board review

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
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 STAND UP PADDLE BOARD 500/12'6-29” ORANGE
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
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
ITIWIT inflatable touring SUP board

Touring

One of the joys of paddle boarding
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

inflatable touring SUP board by Decathlon
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.