Anda
A few years ago, I discovered stand-up paddling. For me, it’s the best way to enjoy the water even when it’s too cold, explore the coastline, get some exercise, and a nice tan in the process. In terms of water sports, stand-up paddling isn’t very difficult but it can be very rewarding to have this type of freedom to explore the waters. So, after renting the equipment a few times, I decided it was time to have my own paddleboard. I searched for the best affordable paddle boards and I finally chose Vapor from Aqua Marina. Here is my Aqua Marina paddle board review.
There are a few things to consider when buying your first paddle board. Before I get into the review of my Aqua Marina paddle board, let me talk about how I chose it. Here is why Aqua Marina Vapor was my perfect match.
Things to consider when buying your first paddle board
Here are a few things you should consider when you choose your first paddle board:
Inflatable versus hard paddle board
While a hard board will probably outlast an inflatable one, there are a few good reasons why choosing an inflatable paddle board can be a better idea:
- Storage – you need a place or garage to store your hard board, while an inflatable board needs only a little space, and it comes with a carry bag for easy storage
- Transport – you have great portability with inflatable boards. They can easily fit in any trunk, or you can even check them in on a plane. As opposed to that, the hard board is more difficult to transport and handle.
- Comfort – inflatable SUP boards have a comfortable diamond, anti-slip footpad. It’s softer than any fiberglass board, which means your feet will be more comfortable. So, you’ll get tired more slowly. In addition to that, falling on a hardboard can hurt more.
Who is going to use it
Consider the weight and the type of paddle boarding you want to do. Lightweight riders can use any board size, so they should focus more on what kind of paddling they will do. However, heavier paddlers should take weight into consideration when choosing the right board size. Also, you will need to check the weight limit of each board model.
Find the perfect board size for your weight and skill level in the table below.
| Rider’s Weight | Beginner SUP | Advanced SUP |
| under 85 kg (<190 lb) | Length: 3.2 – 3.35 m (10’6” – 11′) Width: 68-72 cm (27” – 27½”) | Length: 2.75-3.2 m (9′ – 10’6”) Width: 66-69 cm (26” – 26.5”) |
| 85 to 110 kg (190 – 240 lb) | Length: 3.35-3.5 m (11′ – 11’6”) Width: 74-78 cm (29½” – 30½”) | Length: 3-3.35 m (10′ – 11′) Width: 71-72 cm (28” – 28½”) |
| over 110 kg (>240 lb) | Length: 3.5-3.65 m (11’6” – 12′) Width: 81-84 cm (32” – 33”) | Length: >=3.35 m (11”) Width: 75-80 cm (29½” – 31½”) |
For a beginner, like me, all around paddle boards are your best bet. Between 2.9 m to 3.23 m long and around 0.8 m wide, they are stable enough for a beginner to go out on calm waters for the first time. Usually, the nose and tail of these boards are rounder. For SUP surfing, you will need a shorter paddle board with a narrower nose. If paddle-board yoga is your thing, look for a wider paddle board for greater stability. Finally, if you plan to do SUP touring, look for narrower and longer boards, for some extra ease of paddling.
Affordability
When looking for your first board, you will also need to consider the price range you need to stick to. However, you should choose a high quality board that will last for a long time. It’s also a good idea to find a complete package instead of buying the board and then the paddle or hand pump separately. The extra costs will add up, and what seemed a great buy won’t be much of a deal when you draw the line.
Aqua Marina paddle board review
I bought the Aqua Marina Vapor 10.4′ almost a year ago, and I can’t wait for the weather to be warm enough to take it out on the water. It was a good choice for me, and here is why:
Aqua Marina paddle board impressions
- the board is low weight, which means it is easy to carry to the waterfront
- Vapor is a great choice for beginner paddle boarders. It’s a rounded board, a versatile shape fit for flat water or small waves
- I like the honeycomb groove feature, which helps the paddler’s stability. That EVA deck design improves comfort on the board, adding some extra grip
- The carry handle is made of neoprene, and it’s comfortable enough to carry the inflated SUP for a few hundred meters if necessary
- it has a simple design, no complicated fin configuration, so it’s really easy to assemble
- the stainless steel leash D-ring helps keep the board close even if you fall in the water
- the deck also comes with extra stainless steel D-rings to be able to add a seat on the board, turning it into a kayak for longer rides
- the bungee cord stopper can hold the water or luggage on the paddle board
- Aqua Marina Vapor paddle board is 8.5 kg, so it’s light enough for me to carry it to the water
- they use a drop stitch construction which means a double layer technology that makes the board safe and adds some extra stiffness
- it takes me about 10 to 15 minutes to inflate the board with the included pump (manual) and set everything up from the moment I get the board out of the bag. Of course, with an electric pump, it takes even less time.
- the maximum weight capacity is 140kg which makes it good for me to carry a bag, a dog, and a child if I want to. It’s also fit for a heavier rider, without company, though.
Conclusion
To sum up, it’s a good quality board with an affordable price which makes it a good option for any beginner in SUP boarding.
Is there any downside?
On the downside, the Vapor is not one of the fastest or more stable ISUP boards. A larger board would be better for stability, but the Vapor is a great board to practice your equilibrium and get the right balance on the water. If you want to be racing, then you need to take a closer look at more advanced boards, designed for speed. The price point will go up as well.
All in all, I’m happy with my Vapor Aqua Marina ISUP. It’s an excellent choice for beginners, and it does well in different water conditions. I paddled with it on lakes, calm rivers and also on the sea and I had a lot of fun doing it.
Other Aqua Marina Paddle Boards
Before choosing your perfect inflatable stand up paddle board, take a look at some of the other Aqua Marina models. You’ll find below some of the Aqua Marina all around models:
- Aqua Marina Breeze is a smaller board, 3 meters long (9’11”), and it can hold up to 100kg (or 220lbs). It has the same technology as Vapor, and it’s a good fit for a light rider, a child, or a woman.
- Aqua Marina Fusion is a longer board at 3.3 meters (10’10”) length and 81cm (32”) width. It is also thicker, at 15 cm and its weight limit is 150 kg (330lbs).
- Aqua Marina Monster paddle board has the perfect name. It’s a 3.66m (12”) monster holding up to 170kg. Its size, combined with the same quality construction makes it ideal for heavier riders but also for longer rides where you bring some luggage.
- Aqua Marina Coral is a 3.1m (or 10’20”) holding 105kg. It’s a striking color that will catch your eye immediately.
- Aqua Marina Beast is slightly bigger than the Vapor model. It’s 3.2m (10’6”) long and its weight capacity is 140kg (308lbs).
- Aqua Marina Triton is 3.4m (11’2”) long and 84cm (32”) wide, which makes it very stable and comfortable.
- Aqua Marina Atlas – at 3.66m (12”) in length and 86cm (34”) in width, the Atlas is the largest board of the all around models. It can hold up to 180kg (396lbs)
Bonus – package deal
Aqua Marina SUP boards are a package deal. They come with a carry bag that works as a large zip backpack. In it, apart from the board, the slide-in fin, and the paddle, you will also have a manual pump, the elastic bungee cord, a repair kit, and some extra d-rings. It’s one of the reasons why are some of the most popular boards on the waters.
That was my Aqua Marina paddle board review. What’s your favorite water sport? Have you tried stand up paddling? Tell me all about it in the comments below. And if you’re looking for a great summer destination to test your new paddle board, look no further than Sithonia, Greece.
Disclosure
Some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend companies, activities, or products that I use myself. Thank you for your support in keeping my blog live!