Gear Up for Summer: A Fresh Look at Top-Rated Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs)
High-quality stand-up paddleboards that deliver impressive performance.
Summer's here, and the water's calling! The Stiftung Warentest has dropped anchor and tested a slew of inflatable SUPs. From beginners to pros, these boards cater to diverse paddling enthusiasts.
In the Wave: Stand-up Paddleboards in 2021In preparation for the summer surfing and swimming season, the gurus at Stiftung Warentest have dived into the world of inflatable SUPs. These boards, equipped with a paddle, pump, safety leash, and carrying bag, can lighten your wallet by as little as 350 euros or as much as 888 euros.
Close to Shore or Deep Sea, these boards got the once-over by recreational SUP enthusiasts and a pro. The crew aced them in straight paddling, turning, braking, rocking, and jumping. Their lab results? A splash of differences among the models.
A Helping Hand for Paddleboard Novices
Testers battled beach burdens with backpacks weighing up to 15 kilograms, assembled each board, and packed them away. The task took the team an average of over 25 minutes.
Four Top-Performers and One Cautionary Tale
The results showed four models rated "good" for 2021. The sticky top spot goes to the "Jobe Leona 10" at a price of around 600 euros (grade 2.1). The "Naish Nalu 10'6" takes second place for 852 euros, but inflation was a sweaty challenge (2.4). The cheapest of the "good" models, the "Bluefin Cruise 10.8 Legacy Blue," comes in at 449 euros and tosses in a comfy seat. However, at 11 kilograms, it's the heaviest board in the race, and testers found the large carrying bag a drag (2.5).
Sadly, one board couldn't cut it, and the "F2 Strato 10.5 Blue12" scored "deficient" due to harmful chemicals on the standing surfaces. A missing or inadequate safety leash is a big no-no, too, as it's crucial for keeping your board close by, especially in deep waters. "Enthusiasts should double-check the safety leash," advises test leader Nico Langenbeck. Go the extra mile and get a leash if it isn't included in your kit.
And remember, if you're going to be out on the water, know how to help a drowning person! Safety first, paddling second!
The community policy should emphasize the importance of safety equipment such as a safety leash when using inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), especially for novices who might find themselves in deep waters. For those who wish to enhance their skills and explore outdoor-living, vocational training programs in home-and-garden and sports might be of interest. For instance, one could learn about maintaining and improving their SUP equipment or even pick up a new hobby like gardening or a specific sport.
