Review of the Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer Inflatable 9’10” SUP Package
Finding the right kind of Stand-Up Paddle board for yourself is hard enough, but the hassle of looking for the perfect SUP for a kid is even more difficult. You want something that is safe enough for them, yet you also don’t want a SUP that is designed more for safety rather than for being an excellent SUP that’s offers high-quality performance. Inflatable models often suffer this fate, being too soft to offer a rigid and stable enough ride on the water. Luckily, the latest inflatable SUP model from Tower Paddle Boards – the Adventurer – solves the problem inherent in all SUPs meant for kids as it’s safe while not being too soft to ride effectively.
Serious rigidity for an inflatable SUP
The main reason the Adventureris so distinctive is it’s rigidity despite being inflatable. Most inflatable SUPs are only 4 inches thick and the softness that results from such a SUP often translates to an unstable and flimsy ride on the water. With the ability to withstand up to 350 pounds in weight (on the water), the 6-inch thick, 15′ foot inflatable Adventurer offers suburb rigidity for an inflatable model. You can fill it up to 10 pounds per square inch (10 PSI) to be able to ride it the same way you would a hard board SUP. This is perfect for kids, but an adult can even ride it smoothly as a hard board if you inflate it up to 15 pounds per square inch (15 PSI). This stiffness helps promote stability and enhances it’s performance in the water greatly.
Durability
This rigidity also translates into greater durability for this SUP. The Adventurer is made with military- grade PVC material with drop-stitching in its construction. This means it can take all kinds of punishment from transport, dings against rocks and other debris in the water, and even falls from high places. This durability in construction is the main reason the Adventurer is so rigid in the water, providing the best amount of control and performance possible. This also makes it the ideal SUP for beginners and kids who are just staring out, as it provides a more stable ride for people more likely to fall off and cause potential damage to this model.
Other Main Features
- Easy Storage
- Maximum Portability
- 15 ft long
- Holds up to 350 lbs. in the water
- Easy for beginners and kids to learn on
- Comes with a secure strap for Easy Transport
- Includes board, pump and three-piece adjustable paddle (aluminum)
- Weight (when fully inflated) : 25 lbs.
Customer Reviews and Amazon Score
Currently on Amazon, this model has accrued 460 customer reviews. At this point, it has averaged a customer rating score of “4.7 out of 5 Stars”. Of these 460 reviews, 78% of reviewers gave this SUP a 5-Star rating while 15% gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Weaknesses and Strengths
There are some respondents on Amazon.com who have pointed out some weaknesses with this model. One noted that the included pump doesn’t always work as it should and may stop working at times. This is not good for an SUP that takes a good while to inflate in the first place and is heavy to work with even when not full of air. Another reviewer noted how a glued seal came undone and popped. Both instances the reviewer contacted Tower Paddle Boards and got plenty of assistance. This probably was an added result of the board not coming with sufficient instructions for inflation and use, according to another reviewer. But so many more reviewers were extremely satisfied with their purchase, with many describing how the extra thickness was able to provide riders with a considerable level of stability and control – both for experienced adults as well as beginners and kids riding an SUP for the first time. And of course, many people were extremely surprised such a good SUP was available at such an affordable price. Finally, despite the weight of this SUP, when rolled up it’s also easy to transport according to one reviewer who describes herself as “a really tiny girl”.
Final Verdict
The main takeaway from all the specifications available about this particular model of SUP and from all the customer reviews is that it’s really hard to find a really good inflatable SUP and Tower seems to have crack the code for it. Most people like how it’s both durable and sturdy enough to move around effectively in the water while also being inflatable – due to its 6 inch thickness – and therefore more accessible to everyone. For parents looking for the ideal SUP for their kids (and at the right price) the Adventurer more than adequately fits the bill.