Ten Toes The Weekender iSUP Inflatable Standup Paddleboard Review
- MANUFACTURER: TEN TOES BOARD EMPORIUM
- MATERIAL: ‘MILITARY GRADE’ PVC
- INFLATED DIMENSIONS: 10′ (L)X 30″(W)X6″(D)
- DEFLATED: 11″ X 36″
- PADDLE: ALUMINUM UP TO 8′ EXTENDABLE
- WEIGHT: 29 POUNDS
- WEIGHT LIMIT: 275 POUNDS
- FINS: THREE
- HULL: PLANING
- COLORS: GREEN/SEAFOAM/BLUE/GRAY/RED-BLACK
- D, RINGS: FIVE – FOUR NEAR NOSE AND ONE AT TAIL
- RIDER LEVEL: ALL LEVELS INCLUDING BEGINNER
- PUMP: MANUAL PUMP INCLUDED WITH GAUGE
- WARRANTY: ONE YEAR
- MAX PSI: 15
- PRICE: $599+
- OUR RATING: 4.7 STARS OUT OF FIVE
A PADDLE BOARD YOU CAN INFLATE – ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THIS?
This was the first question that many people asked, upon hearing about a paddle board that you blow up.
Are they completely sure about this thing?
It would be totally natural to ask yourself this question, after all, you are going to be out there, on the wild water, with this being the only thing between you and the waves or current beneath.
So, can this be trusted to deliver you from the Ocean Gods or not?
Happily, the answer is most definitely ” yes”. Once properly inflated, this is as tough as, if not better, than a more traditional paddleboard.
As the manufacturers, Ten Toes Board Emporium are keen to tell us, this is made from ‘Military Grade PVC’ – conjuring up some odd images in Beach Baby’s mind of inflatable tanks, but never mind, because this board is solid.
Here’s a commercial for this paddle board featuring some obvious models that sold me on this particular board. 🙂
#paddlelikeyoumeanit
Utilizing drop stitch technology, this is as firmly constructed a board as you could ever wish to find. In many ways, it may be better than your traditional board, which will take hits from debris and rocks as you shoot through the water. Because this is inflatable, it is less likely to make a dent.
Yes, of course, you are now worried about more than a dent, but an actual puncture. Rest assured, this is almost certainly not going to happen from flotsam and jetsam, or even sharp rocks and stones.
Really, you’d have to be looking at a full on ‘Jaws’ style shark attack of some description, to deflate this thing. Not saying that couldn’t happen, but then you’d probably have bigger things to worry about than simply your board deflating!
IS THIS SUITABLE FOR A BEGINNER?
A resounding yes! Beach Baby is quite relieved to say that you do not have to be some kind of paddleboard guru to easily use this particular model .
Also, you will be pleased to note, it is very accommodating of body weight (up to 275 pounds worth of human, to be precise). These are incredibly buoyant, and won’t be tipped easily.
WHAT ELSE DO WE LIKE ABOUT THIS BOARD THEN?
There is a lot to like here. We were particularly impressed by the small size that this model folds down to when deflated – a mere eleven inches by thirty six. This makes it super easy to transport, even in a small car.
Anybody who has been put off paddle boarding because of transport considerations needs to have one of these. Even if you are bringing a few of them with you, there should be plenty of space, even in an economy sized car.
At twenty nine pounds, these are a pretty standard weight for inflatables. That said, it is not the lightest thing in the world to carry, but we feel that it is manageable.
Another thing we like about this board is, at roughly $599+, it is comparatively inexpensive. It is certainly possible to spend far more money on a paddle board.
For the money, this is extremely good value, and comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee.
Want to use this for yoga as well? We think that this is a good choice, because it is so firm and sturdy, and on top of all this, there is a useful handle, positioned in the middle of the board, which makes carrying it a breeze.
SO WHERE SHOULD I USE THIS BOARD?
Anywhere and everywhere. Yes, it is just as good on the sea, or in a river, as it is on stiller, calmer waters. Really, there is no limit to the type of water you could take it on… pretty much anywhere that you could take any other type of paddle board, really.
ARE THERE ANY ISSUES WITH THIS BOARD AT ALL?
In actual fact, there aren’t really any problems with this board that we have been able to find.
The only concern mentioned by reviewers, is pumping up this ‘little’ gem. It seems that it is a bit of a’ tough go’!
The recommended PSI is 15, and although inflating it 90% of the way is not too challenging , the last 10% is harder. But it is doable. And ultimately, there is nothing to stop you from using an electric pump to inflate it, if you feel that the included foot pump is too much like hard work.
Keep in mind, that if you’re up for the whole body work out of paddling around on one of these things, just think of the ‘pumping up part’, as a limbering up exercise!
THE OVERALL VERDICT
The general consensus coming from customers, seems to be that this is a really good board, which is a lot cheaper than some paddle boards, and should last you equally well.
Stop worrying about it being inflatable, meaning that somehow it won’t be as strong, because it is.
If you are a beginner, or slightly on the heavier size, it is accommodating and a safe bet.
If you want to take it out on the river, then you can do so.
Better still, customers really like the small space that this folds down to when not in use.
Yes, getting this thing pumped up is going to be a bit of a challenge, but it’s not one that has swayed the vast majority of users from buying, and you can always get a more highly powered pump.
Another thing Beach Baby noted, is that the manufacturer, as well as the retailers, seem to have responded to questions and comments on the Amazon page, which is good to know, and has helped out some customers in the process. We like to see this sort of attitude by a company.
So, in short, our verdict is, yes, go ahead and buy this paddle board. It is awesome!