AQUAPLANET Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Kit - Pace, Red & Blue | 10.6 Foot | Ideal for SUP Beginners & Experts | Includes Fin, Paddle, Pump, Repair Kit, Backpack, Leash, Dry Bag, Carry Strap

I am not a SUP expert. I knew very little about SUPs a couple of weeks ago. My decision on which SUPs to buy was very much influenced by reviews. I did have some pre-sales questions which I put to Aquaplanet and they were very helpful and prompt with their reply which was encouraging. I was torn between the Pace and Max, both being thicker with more buoyancy that the entry level Allround. I wanted the greater buoyancy primarily so that 2 people could go out if they wanted. I ended up buying 2 x Pace as they are reputedly a bit faster and have a little more glide. I was also working on basis that they had better directional stability and would handle a mild chop better.Ordering and delivery was usual Amazon slick process.Unboxed both, and everything there well packed.Initial observations were that whole kit was very light. Later when carrying SUP inflated was very easy simply using the carry handle positioned around centre of gravity. There is a shoulder strap as well if you want it.Quality of everything appeared good.The travel rucksack appeared robust, including the zips. I had ready some unfavourable comments about the zips but they seemed chunky and up to the job. Maybe Aquaplanet has listened to feedback and upgraded the zips.Paddles were very easy to assemble with scale to making it easy to reassemble to the correct length each time. There is also some closed cell foam in the top section which presumably provided some buoyancy if you drop the paddle.The main fin, which is removeable, has a simple and positive lock so it can't come off accidentally.Nice touch is the small waterproof sack, which came in handy to put car keys in.I was initially surprised and disappointed at how small the pump was, and being a single barrel. However, my opinion changed dramatically when I actually used it. I could not believe how quickly they pumped up. I should stress that the pump is both double and single acting. Note this well as it is very important. The double acting was very good at rapidly inflating to low pressure. Then when it started to get harder, I simply unscrewed a bung on the side and converted it to single acting making the high pressure inflation easier. In total I think it took less than 8 minutes to inflate - and without any dramas. The whole process was very easy. Almost too easy...We took both SUPs to the beach inflated on car roof rack, which probably defeated object of having inflatable stand up paddle board, but nevertheless I couldn't see point in deflating having tested at home and then reinflating at the beach.We started in calm water, inside Poole Harbour, where both children [grown up] quickly got the hang of balance and paddling. We then walked across to beach at Sandbanks, where the sea was a little more challenging as it had a light swell and chop. Albeit more challenging, the SUPs behaved impeccably and they had no problem manoeuvring and keeping bow into the waves. They were able to confidently paddle out 200M from the shore around the speed limit buoys and back.I have nothing to compare these SUPs with to know whether they are good or bad, or represent good or bad value. All I can say at this point is that there seems to be a lot of good reviews, the dealer seems responsive, the SUPs come complete with everything you might need [including repair kit and ankle leash], everything seems well made and thought out, they performed well in calm and choppy seas, they seem very rigid even with two people aboard, and they provided a lot of joy to my kids - which is highest priority.I have no regrets with my choice and would have no hesitation in recommending.Final point. Do watch out for thickness of boards. If you are heavy or want the ability for two to be on the board, you are probably best looking for a 6" [15cm] thick board, like the Aquaplanet Pace and Max. Apart from the additional buoyancy from approx. 50% more air volume, I believe that they also tend to be stiffer and therefore will perform better.One final final point. There may be better, and more expensive SUPs out there, but personally I can't see the point in paying more for light recreational use / fun. Maybe in a few years I will have a better appreciation of what makes a good or bad board, but now I feel the Pace is a good board and serves my uses perfectly. Well done Aquaplanet.

Bought this as an entry level board and used it on lakes and rivers in the UK as well as abroad on the sea. The key thing is I feel it's a terrific entry board at a sensible price and backed up by excellent customer service. Specifically:* It's good for all the family - not tricky to use at all.* It's relatively easy to inflate and this seems to get easier with practise.* Customer service is great. I lost one of the required o-rings for the pump and Aquaplanet sent me a new one. Maybe in the future they could include spares by default since they are easy to misplace.* The whole package is great for the price. Money has been saved on the bag and, having had a fair amount of use being carried around airports etc, mine is now pretty battered. It won't survive another long trip but you get what you pay for.* It'll do long days on the water with ease. Like all inflatable SUPs, the valve needs tightening from time to time. Just be aware - at the end of the day, it's a quality piece of sporting kit and not a lilo!In summary, my favourite purchase of 2019 that's given need many hours of fun.

1. Great fun!Getting this board had us (myself with 2 kids and friends with their 2) out in places that would not otherwise have dreamed of getting in the water. If you like water (ocean or lakes alike), and not afraid of being IN the water, then one of these is a great investment. Wetsuits for the kids go a long way too, especially up here in Scotland!2. Learning curve, but stableAt first I thought I'd made the wrong choice since this board felt pretty unstable (heading straight for the ocean and swell I should add), but I've been getting used to it and I now find it perfectly stable (at 17psi) for me at 6'5" and 95kg. It's fine with kids on too (age 5 and 11). You do get easily shaken by passengers if you're standing, but that would be the same on any board or even boat for that matter. Myself and a friend (at around 95 and 85kg) have been out on it together too, and there's no shortage of buoyancy with this thing!3. QualityI had probably about the worst experience with the pump and valve, but I still give it 5 stars because this was outweighed by the excellent customer service I received from James at Aquaplanet (the owner, I believe).3.1 Firstly, the valve was leaking after being inflated. I sent a message to the seller after which I received a phone call from James who explained how to use the included valve tightening tool. Quarter turn, and sorted.3.2 The pump started leaking while inflating. I think they are quite sensitive to sand, so be careful. This was replaced by the seller without much question. It is a budget pump, but gets the board up to 17psi with a good bit of a free workout too. It's definitely easier with time and practice. Top tip - leave the board rolled up and get the kids to pump it up until it takes full shape. They find it quite rewarding and my 5 year old daughter manager this on her own.3.3 The blasted pump hose. This was the most annoying. The original hose seemed to press the valve a notch too far down which meant that when I disconnected it, it would let out air for 2-3 seconds before re-seating. That meant the last 5 or so hard-worked PSI! I did pay attention to the instructions on the valve position and tested this clearly. It was definitely the hose! Along with the above mentioned replacement pump, I got a replacement hose too which sorted this issue. I appreciate life so much more now when it just works! ;-)The rest of the actual board itself seems fine quality with a nice deck pad and what seems to be a fairly tough over-all construction. Paddle, fin and carry bag are all adequate too and I've not had any issues with any of them.Happy paddling everyone!