Parents trying to find a suitable Stand-Up paddle board for their children must take many factors in account before making such a purchase. Is this SUP safe enough and durable enough for them to fall down from repeatedly without getting significantly damaged? Is it stiff enough to exert suitable control over it in the water all while being safe for younger riders to use? These are all questions the designers at Vilano Paddle Boards must have considered, since their latest offering – the 10′ foot long Navigator – seems to address these concerns while carving out it’s own distinctive niche in the SUP marketplace for novices and racing paddle boarders.
Lots of Stability and Durability for an inflatable SUP
Despite being inflatable, the Vilano Navigator is surprisingly sturdy and durable. 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. This particular model is made with high-grade PVC plastic and uses Korean drop-stitching on all of its seams to ensure a durable exterior with the same amount of stability and control of a hardboard SUP. At 6 inches, it’s thicker than most inflatable SUPs currently on the market and can support rider weights up to 250 lbs. For a beginner, being able to repeatedly fall off a paddle board safely with causing any damage is an almost-essential characteristic.
Built for Speed and Performance
Just because an SUP is inflatable and ideal for beginners doesn’t mean it doesn’t also possess features attractive to an experienced paddle boarder as well. It’s sleek design and and touring board style also makes it excellent as a racing SUP. The rigidity offered by this SUP allows for fast movement in the water. Not only that, it comes with a diamond-grooved traction deck your feet can grip on, allowing for an even greater amount of control. The stainless steel D-rings and bungee cord on the front of this model also allow for storage of any water accessories an experience paddle board rider might take with them. Its construction makes it appeal to veteran riders as well as newbies.
Other Main Features
- Excellent Storage Design
- Built for portability
- 10 ft long
- Holds up to 250 lbs. in the water
- Excellent for beginners as well as experienced riders.
- Comes with bungee cord storage on front of SUP deck.
- Includes board, air- pump with accompanying pressure gauge, a 3-Piece Aluminum paddle, removable fins and a backpack carrying case
- 31 inches wide
- Weight (when fully inflated) : 34.2 lbs.
- Breaks down into three parts for easy transport.
Customer Reviews and Amazon Score
Currently on Amazon, this model has accrued 47 customer reviews. So far, it’ s averaged a customer rating score of “4 out of 5 Stars”. Of these 47 reviews, 57% of reviewers gave this SUP a 5-Star rating while 17% gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Weaknesses and Strengths
There are some reviewers on Amazon.com who some flaws with this particular SUP. One reviewer noticed that even though the marked width is 31″ inches, when you account for the curved out rails it’s only 29″ inches wide. The most common complaint was the included paddle. Many noted how flimsy and how exposed to the elements the connections to the shaft were. The manufacturer recommended a paddle leash and this may strike some more-experience paddle boarders as strange (they’re more used to need a board leash rather than a paddle leash). Multiple leashes can cause you to get caught up while you’re riding, so most inexperienced riders may lose their paddle as a result. However, many reviewers were too caught up in this SUP’s rigidity when fully inflated as well as the grooved deck padding – marveling at the amount of control achievable by such an “inferior” type of paddle board. The ability to break this model down into three separate pieces was also much appreciated by reviewers who like taking their SUP to different place on multiple occasions – it’s very easy to store and transport as a result of this feature.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, what these reviews all have in common – whether or not they like the Navigator – is the recognition of how stiff and easy to ride and control this inflatable SUP is. Since this is not necessarily a common characteristic for SUP designed for beginners, the Navigator’s design allows it to court a larger segment of the SUP buying market – it’s great for beginners and serious paddle board enthusiasts who like to race in the water rather than ride leisurely. For those looking for a one-size-fits-all SUP for both the novices as well as the veteran riders in their family, this model is perfect.