🌊 Paddle Your Way to Adventure!
The ABYSUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a high-quality, durable paddleboard designed for both youth and adults. Constructed with military-grade PVC, it features a non-slip deck, a 2+1 fin design for enhanced maneuverability, and a lightweight build of only 21.5 pounds. With a weight capacity of 300 pounds and a complete accessory kit, this paddleboard is perfect for various water activities, including fishing, yoga, and leisurely paddling.
O**R
Beginner/Intermediate Paddle Board
Standup paddle boarding had been such great fun while socially distancing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic last year. It also helped us bond with our children, and not long after, many friends joined in with boards of their own.In this review, I took a look at the Abysup SUP123 (Style: North Shore) iSUP whose dimensions put it right between the beginner-friendly Runwave Kohala and my slightly-more advanced DvSport Sunshine. In other words, it should appeal to both beginners and those more experienced/transitioning to the intermediate level.WHY NOT RENT?The typical rental fee for a SUP in our area ran for $30/person for two hours. So, doing the math for an inflatable SUP at $300, that would equate to 10 rentals for up to 20 hours of use. It made sense for us to purchase one instead to save in the long run.What makes the Abysup SUP123 a great beginner/intermediate paddle board? Are epoxy (solid) SUPs more durable than inflatable ones? As it turned out, no. The Abysup SUP123 iSUP uses the single layer construction technique.PROS- Very lightweight: 21.5 lbs-- Light enough to be carried to remote wilderness locations- Pleasant, modern graphic design- Less expensive than hard boards- Fast to deploy/inflate-- First time, an iSUP took me 20 minutes reading instructions and looking for the parts-- Subsequent times took roughly 9-11 minutes to get paddle-ready-- Consider using an electric pump for faster deployment. See TIPS section for more- Compact and portable-- Folds away easily to the size of a sleeping bag--- Simply deflate, remove specific parts, protect the fins, and roll away-- Takes up less space than hard boards-- Can fit in a smaller car, is easier to carry around, and can be checked in on an airplane (and helps save on rental fees)- Carry handle at center of board for one-handed transport- More durable than hard boards as they won’t scratch or ding when dropped, making them a bit more suitable for rocky, wild adventures-- This did not initially make sense: why would an INFLATABLE be more durable than a HARD board?--- Hard boards are more prone to cracking, scratches, and appearance of holes that require immediate fixing. Who knew?- Causes less injuries than hard boardsInflatable SUPs are more durable than hard boards as they won’t scratch or ding when dropped, making them a bit more suitable for rocky, wild adventures- Excellent board for beginners and leisure paddling, though its shorter length and more narrow width makes it slightly more nimble and advanced than the Runwave Kohala-- Good transition board for more skilled beginners-- Inflatables cause less fatigue- Bungee tie down at front to hold gear (ie. water bottle, lunch, jacket, sunblock)- Excellent stability aided by its 6" inflated thickness, 32" width, 10.6′ length-- Volume was not provided. To get an estimate, take about 24% off the dimensions to account for the irregular shape: 304L-- Larger thickness, width, length makes it more stable than my DvSport-- More narrow width, shorter length makes it more nimble than the Runwave-- Extra volume adds more stability and weight support over hard boards--- Supports up to 300 lbs, according to the manufacturer-- Its dimensions make the board perfect for recreational, beginner/intermediate paddling- Can be used for surfing on small waves, though it will not be very nimble because of its large size- Based on my research, inflatables can last 10 years or more, depending on maintenance, storage environment, and other factors- Multiple accessories included-- Carry bag/Backpack with side mesh pocket--- Front and side compression straps to reduce volume and carry additional gear--- Large, internal pocket-- Abysup-branded Pump with max pressure of 29 PSI (2 Bars)--- Can pump air in or out. Connect the hose to the opening marked “OUT” to inflate--- Single and Double Action pumping. I use Double to quickly inflate to about 8 PSI, after which I switch to the easier Single-- 3 fins (1 removable 9")-- 3-part, floating, length-adjustable aluminum paddle-- Safety leash with key compartment-- Repair kit- Very well-written manual with step-by-step, visual and text instructions- Warranty: 12 monthsCONS- D-Rings not already affixed to help turn it into a kayak with an optional seat-- You will have to cement (4) D-Rings yourself-- Runwave Kohala has the D-Rings already attached and ready for use with a kayak seat- Not dual-layered construction, making it less durable and stable than the DvSport Sunshine- Flexes a bit more than my DvSport iSUP- Takes time to inflate or deflate-- Hard boards are ready to go and require little to no preparation-- Took 12-16 minutes to deflate, clean up, roll up, and pack away- Slower to turn and paddle than my DvSport due to its larger thickness, width, and length, but felt slightly more nimble than the Runwave- Requires a pump-- Inflating a paddleboard to 12-15 PSI (about 1 Bar) takes quite a workout- Does not perform as well or as fast as hard boards, making them not as good for racing competitions, though the performance gap between SUPs and iSUPs is narrowing- iSUP is puncture resistant, but not puncture-proofTIPSBOARD PREPARATION- Ensure the valve is clean and free of dust and debris- Inflate the Abysup SUP123 iSUP to between 12-15 PSI (15 PSI is best)-- Warning: Do NOT go over 15 PSI with this iSUP!-- If the board will be left in the hot sun, inflate to only 12-13 PSI, and let the heat increase the internal pressure-- In general, inflatable SUPs should be inflated to 15-17 PSI (no more than the rated max), even if the manufacturer states that it can go as high as 25 PSI- If using an electric pump, inflate to 10-12 PSI, and hand pump the rest to 15 PSI-- Do NOT use an air compressor as it could easily overinflate- Double-check board pressure before heading out-- Before first use, leave the board inflated for a day and see if it loses pressure. If it does, refer to the manual on how to find the leak-- Leaving board in the sun/heat can increase pressure, and in the cold can have pressure decreasedA safety leash is NECESSARY to help keep the board attached to you. Not having one could separate the board from you by the wind or stream, forcing you to swim all the way back to shore. A leash can SAVE YOUR LIFE!- You should always have a safety leash-- Attach ankle cuff to the less dominant leg and the other end to the loop at the tail of the board-- Keeps board close to you when you fall into the water, and prevents any waves or wind from moving it away- Do not drag paddle boards across the pavement as that can puncture and damage-- The board has a carry handle at the center. Lift board onto its side with the handle facing away from you (bottom of board faces you), and grab the handle to lift the iSUP off the groundCHOOSING A BOARDThe following are general guidelines on how to select the right board. I am not a professional SUP rider and suggest you visit a paddle board shop for advice appropriate to you.- The wider a board, the more stability is added (useful for beginners or tandem riders) but harder to paddle-- 31" and wider are perfect for beginners and tandem riders-- 30" or narrower, due to less drag on the board, increase mobility and speed, suitable for surfing- The longer a board, like snowboards, the more streamlined it is to cover distance-- 12′ and longer are designed for racing-- 9′ – 11′ are great for recreation-- 9′ or less are intended for surfing due to more nimble mobility- The thicker a board, the heavier of a rider it could carry-- 5" or thicker are best-- 4" are perfect for children and light paddlersIt is better to be too light than too heavy for a board- The higher volume of a board (measured in Liters), the more weight and height of a rider it can accommodate due to increased buoyancy, and be more stable-- Choose a board that is at or below the suggested weight limit--- Going above the weight capacity can introduce a sinking drag and be harder to paddle on--- Take into consideration---- Overall weight, including any food, water, gear, and companions---- Your skill level and age---- Water environment and activity type-- Check out a SUP Volume Calculator (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)--- Not all boards with the same volume are the same. Their concavity and overall shape, among other factors, affect a board’s performance--- Beginners: Total weight x (1.1 to 1.4)---- If you are 170 lbs and plan to bring a 50 lb child with 10 lbs of food and water, total weight is 230 lbs. Volume should be between 253L – 322L--- Intermediate or Advanced: Total weight x (0.9 to 1.1)-- 200L and up are generally great for recreation and beginnersKeep in mind that after a few times of paddling, you may find yourself quickly advancing in your abilities. My personal recommendation with anything I do is to always get something that is at least a notch above my current skill level.CONCLUSIONThe awkwardly named Abysup SUP123 with its wide and long form factor makes for a very stable, beginner-friendly inflatable that is just advanced enough for the person looking to transition into intermediate level. Its approximate volume of 304L, 6" thickness, and 300 lb maximum weight-capacity could accommodate two adults, but be sure the board is fully inflated so a flex or sink would not hinder paddling efficiency. Like all the other iSUPs and hard SUPs I had used last year, paddling around in the water had provided a great amount of joy, memories, and much-needed exercise in a socially-distanced World amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. My son went from someone being fearful of water to wanting to go out with me every time, even agreeing to learn how to jump into the ocean and flipping himself to safely float with a life vest.Although my favorite still is the DvSport Sunshine iSUP for its slightly better, more streamlined performance, this Abysup makes for an excellent pick for its surprisingly light weight and pleasant board art, particularly the Plam Wood design.Purchasing an inflatable stand up paddle board was an eye opener and money saver over rental fees. It very much was more stable, VERY lightweight, and easier to stand on for longer periods of time than hard boards, but I also felt more pride taking care of something that was mine. Inflatables not only take up less garage space, but they are also more compact to transport in a car’s trunk.My best friend and I said to each other that we should have bought one long ago instead of wasting so much money on rentals, but in a way I am glad we waited: technology has improved and prices had gone down quite a bit. Happy paddle days ahead!
W**R
Perfect board for adults and experienced older kids
Our family previously purchased a "beginner board" which a friend of ours had recommended as suitable for tandem riding with our smaller children, and we really liked that one for getting the kids comfortable on a stand-up paddleboard. We did find it to be more like a kayak than a SUP in terms of how it handled, though, and were ready to get a more "ridable" board for the grown-ups and for when the older kids want to actually paddleboard, while still having the other super-stable stable, slightly longer beginner board for playing around on, especially with multiple kids. We found the ABYSUP 10' 6" iSUP to be just right to take our skills (adult and the older kids) to the next level, and were satisfied as well with the build quality, accessories, etc. Here are the details, for those who want to know more before buying, and I will upload photos soon.PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIESThe shipping packaging is about what you would expect. The product arrived in perfect condition, and was easy to unpack. No unusual smells, just the normal smell of any new vinyl product and not overly strong. I will say that all the individual items were very well wrapped and protected, and everything looked perfect when we unpacked it at the beach in the back of the minivan. The manual provided enough detail for someone who is new to iSUP to figure out how to assemble the parts and start riding, but since we have had an iSUP before, it was all very apparent. We ordered in Shaka (mint color) and it is a very nice shade, matching the photos in the product listing. The consistent color scheme of the board/leash/pump/bag/paddle is pleasing and made it look like a well thought out, quality product. Make sure you understand the details of the pump before you try to use it, as it has selectable double action (inflates on up and down strokes) or single action (inflates on down strokes only) and you want to use double for initial inflation and deflation, and single action to get the board up to full pressure. It also has inflate and deflate connections, so again know what you want to do and configure the pump accordingly. Our pump was colored to exactly match the board color, and I expect that is the case on the other two-color choices as well. The leash is shorter than on our other board, which I liked now that I am more experienced. A longer leash can get in the way because of slack when you are standing in the standard paddle position, but this leash was unobtrusive when riding, with a well-padded cuff and quality swivel. The leash was also color matched very well to the other parts. The paddle seemed like it fit together very well (more on that below) and was adjustable beyond the height I needed at 5' 11" tall, and also worked for my daughter who is under 5', and even adjusted down to use as a seated paddle. The storage bag has multiple ways to carry (backpack, top handle) and also has compression straps to secure the load when carrying it, plus dividers inside to keep the paddle from damaging the board. The bag worked great to bring all the pieces down to the sand, which was great because I didn't want to inflate at the car like I normally do because it was windy that day.GETTING IN THE WATERThe inflation process was comparable to our other iSUP, and I expect there is not much to go wrong with this process on a well-designed product like this. Connections were easy, and instructions were clear. Yes, it can be some work to inflate an iSUP, but our family can't store or transport a rigid board, and you can ride all day after spending 10-15 minutes inflating the iSUP. The manual and printing on the board itself all recommend 15-22.5 PSI inflation pressure (there is a gauge on the pump) but I really wanted to get out and had found previously that 14 PSI was enough on our other board, so only went to a little over 14 PSI. The board was rigid enough for me and my 9-year-old to ride together and for me to ride alone without any excessive flex and with good float position in the water. Attaching the fin and adjusting the paddle were simple. I put the accessories I didn't need in the water (pump, patch kit, inflatable small fin covers used for storage, manual) back into the bag and we headed down, using the built-in bungee tie-down to hold my dry bag with some water and snacks, a towel, and my car keys so I didn't have to leave them on the beach. The board is definitely easier to steer than our other board, which was great now that I have been out on an iSUP a few times, but I am sure a beginner would be very comfortable. I found that this paddle really floats, and not just for a few seconds, when daughter decided to move unexpectedly and I ended up falling off. This is because the pieces of the paddle seal together very well to hold air in, and water out. I did find I needed to adjust one of the clamps on the paddle to make it tighter, which I did on the water. I recommend you check this when you are still on land by seeing if you can slide the sections together when clamped and if so, open the clamp and turn to tighten. It is obvious what to do when you look at it. My daughter did take the paddle with me on it and was able to move and steer it, and even ended up riding a little on her own in the shallows. The anti-slip surface had good traction when wet or dry, and there were no leaks or other construction issues.HEADING HOMEDeflation process was uneventful. The pump, in double-action mode on deflate connection, allowed to fully purge the air before storing. Make sure to wipe down, if possible after first rinsing with clean water, before storing to prevent smells/mildew and maximize the life of your iSUP. Use the inflatable protectors over the small fins before rolling back up as it came in the package. Clean, dry, and break down the paddle and remove the definitely leash, and store in the compartments provided in the carry bag. Use compression straps to secure the load to make carrying on your back easier.FINAL COMMENTSThere is really not much to improve here on this reasonably priced paddleboard. I would have loved if it had the D-rings for a kayak seat like my other iSUP. The color coordination really makes the whole kit look so nice, especially at this price point. I wish the carry straps were a little wider, but I won't be carrying it long distances so it probably doesn't matter. Make sure to check the paddle clamps before you go out on the water. I definitely want to try this out in the waves instead of the back bay, and to start learning how to carve, spin turn, and more, and I think this is the perfect board for that.
B**N
Owned for 2 years now
Bought mine in May of 2021. Have taken it out probably 30 times. Ran it into/over many rocks and logs. No issues at all. It is starting to show its age though. Now when I take it out, after about 5 hours of use I can feel it getting slightly soft and need to put a little more air in. It isn't to the point where I feel that I need to take the pump with me when I go out, but I feel that by this time next year that will be the case. I feel confident that I will get at least 3 years of use out of it, and hopefully more! I love it. Considering the price, if it ever does fail, I will buy another in a heartbeat.
S**E
Love it
I absolutly adore this board.
B**R
Decent
So far I've pumped this SUP up 3 times, once in the living room as a test and twice out in a river. So far so good. With all the SUP choices on Amazon, I wasn't sure which SUP to purchase. I ended up selecting this one because of the "wood" appearance and price. Delivery was so quick - received it in 2 days! Comes with everything I needed, although I'm not sure how people are able to pack everything inside the provided bag (I have to carry the pump separately). Takes about 15-20min to pump it up to the recommended 15 psi. The fin was hard to insert and required a lot of force on the 1st try for some reason, but since then it's been quite smooth to slide in.Didn't give it full stars because the handiwork could be a bit neater - there was a slight cosmetic scratch in the front of the board and the brand sticker on the side can be smoother. But none of this affects its performance.
A**R
Satisfaite du produit.
Commande conforme. Paddle board très belle.Pas encore pu l’essayer. Je vais l’utiliser plus tard durant la saison estivale au Québec.J’enverrai des photos plus tard. 😉
S**R
Exactly what you expect from the pictures and product description.
I have only been out once so far, everything came as shown in the pictures. The leash looks to be of good quality, came with a waterproof cell phone holder as well. For some reason i expected 3 removable fins but this has 2 small ones that are part of the board and one large removable center fin. Very different feel from a hard sup but I love the portability of this setup, inflation isn't too difficult with the included pump, although it is surprisingly loud when deflating I was not expecting that as I left the beach at nearly 11pm next to the campground lol. Doesn't take long to setup or pack out. I am worried about storing it inflated especially on sunny days, we'll see. I'll need to post again this fall with a long term review. One thing to note is the off gassing when first opened up, maybe let it air out overnight on the deck or in a camper like I did. Also to be noted, the instructions do mention tightening of the main air valve might be required and the tool is included so keep that in mind if you have a leak on the air valve.
R**X
Satisfait
Un peu moins stable que ma première 1 pouce moins large et 6 pouces plus courts
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