Sevylor Monarch Stand Up Paddleboard

I am really looking forward to the long weekend, we have a family gathering planned at a local park, and there is a beautiful lake there. I can't wait to toss the Monarch into the water and give it a try. (I think my kids and nieces are more excited about watching me try to ride the paddle board than they are about trying it for themselves??!).With that said, I wanted to post a two part review on the Monarch Paddle Board. This first review is about the product build, assembly and packaging. Once I get this on the water this weekend, I'll follow up with a 2nd review.The paddle board comes in a large box, which contains the board itself, a pump to inflate the board, a backpack and foot pump. I took everything out of the box, and layed the uninflated board out on floor. I was amazed at how big it was. It took seconds to inflate and attach the extra fin. Fully inflated and laid out, the board is easily 10' long. I can't tell if it's made of a durable rubber or plastic, but this isn't a flimsy inflatable, when the board is properly inflated, you can tell it's very durable, and with care, will last for qute a few seasons.**I had to deduct at least one star because the board does not come with a paddle?? I know that I can get a collapsable paddle fairly cheap...but I'm thinking that if you are selling a "paddle" board, a paddle should be included.**I really like the ease of assembly, and I was worried that if it were too difficult, I would have to assemble at home and try to wedge the board into my car somehow (and driving a Nissan Cube would've made that very tricky!!). As it is, I can deflate board, stow it in the back pack, and just throw it into the car with the pump. This also makes the board easy to store at home!**Another reason for the 1-star deduction is the air pressure guage does not work. I've infalted the board until it "feels right"...but would really like to make sure I have it inflated properly. When I roll out to pick up the paddle, I am also going to see if I can get a new gauge.So great packaging, a sturdy product....now bring on the lake.2nd Update: Well I discovered I have little to no balance, and really lack the ability to "stand" on water for any length of time. Let me be clear this has nothing to do with the design or performance of the board....just the design and performance of the operator. I also discovered that while the calendar says that it's the last week of May...the water temperature is around Mid-February.Now my niece on the other hand jumped on the Monarch and spent most of the afternoon paddling around...and not falling in. She LOVED this board. My kids too had a blast taking runs on the Paddle Board, and my son is hoping to give it a try later this summer at Myrtle Beach. I can't imagine that adding motion into the mix will help my performance....but I'll give it a try.With all of that said, this is a wonderful product, and at the right price.