Paddle boarding offers you the opportunity to enjoy many different activities out on the water. With the right kind of board, you can do yoga, go fishing, take a long cruise, surf, and more. Unfortunately, many boards are only made for one or two activities. For example, the long, narrow shape that allows for racing is not typically suitable for activities like fishing and yoga. If you want to do more than a couple of things on your board, you might find yourself forced to purchase a second or third board.
That is why the Pathfinder SUP is such an innovative and appealing option: It is designed to allow you to perform a wide range of activities. In addition, this highly reviewed board comes with durable, high-quality construction; solid accessories; and proven durability. Following is an in-depth look at this board, its specs, its performance, and the features that make it a good choice no matter what you want to accomplish out on the water.
Specs
Thickness: 5 in.
Dimensions: 9ft.9in. X 30in. X 5in.
Material: Drop stitch PVC
Accessories: Aluminum pump, center fin, carry bag, pump, D-ring
Details: Deck pad, bungee cord
Weight: About 24.5 pounds
Max rider weight: 240 lb.
Versatile Design
As mentioned above, the Pathfinder SUP boasts a versatile design that allows it to serve in a wide variety of paddle boarding adventures. For example, at 9ft. 9in. long, this paddle board is long enough to enjoy a cruise or a longer tour around the water, while being short and rounded enough for other endeavors that might require some stability (such as fishing). Similarly, the board’s 30-inch width is not as wide as some boards designed for activities like surfing but is wide enough to provide enough stability for a variety of activities.
In fact, the Pathfinder SUP is not designed for use in fast-moving or rough water. As a result, you may want to avoid surfing, rapids, and other activities that would put the paddle board in the midst of waves and other fast-moving water. However, in calm water, this paddle board is sufficiently wide enough and carefully designed enough to allow for stability during a wide range of activities.
Durable Construction
The Pathfinder SUP is designed to be durable. That is why, like most of the top-level SUPs on the market today, it is made out of PVC. This is a particularly strong yet flexible material. Thanks to this combination, PVC allows the board to collapse into a compact shape when not inflated, while retaining the feel of a hard board when it is fully inflated (to 15 PSI or more). Plus, PVC is durable enough to withstand minor dings and bumps while you are in the water. As a result, boards made of this material are much more likely not to dent or scratch, even if you run into rocks or bump them on things while enjoying them out on your favorite ocean or lake.
While the PVC in and of itself contributes to a durable board, the Pathfinder SUP also boasts drop stitch construction. This type of construction uses two layers of PVC. These layers are then sewn together with hundreds or thousands of vertical threads. This type of sewing adds to the overall strength of the board while simultaneously allowing the board to inflate and deflate with ease. The combination of PVC and drop stitch construction is one of the secrets to the Pathfinder SUP’s ability to look and feel like a hard board while offering the advantages of an inflatable stand up paddle board.
Stability
One of the most important features to look for in an inflatable stand up paddle board is stability. You need to know that your board will look, feel, and act like a hard board in the water. The Pathfinder SUP delivers on this feature. Reviewers point to its stability as a major reason that it is safe for children to use as well as for adults to use. Plus, with the use of PVC material and drop stitch construction, this board does not sag in the middle or take on water. Instead, it can handle up to 240 pounds of weight without buckling or tipping.
Accessories
Reviewers often comment on the Pathfinder SUP’s excellent value. Part of this value is due to the accessories that come with it. These include an aluminum paddle whose length can be adjusted to accommodate riders of various heights. These accessories also include a pump for easier inflation, a center fin that you can attach and detach to help you navigate the paddle board, a carry bag to make it easier to transport your board when it is deflated, and even a valve wrench. With these tools, you can easily get out on the water as soon as your board arrives, and more easily use it and carry it every time you are out.
Pathfinder SUP Reviews
Thanks to its stability, durability, and versatility, the Pathfinder SUP receives strong reviews from customers. In fact, almost every Pathfinder SUP review remarks on this paddle board’s impressive performance and value.
In particular, reviewers enjoy the Pathfinder SUP’s handling in the water. They note, for instance, that it feels and acts much like a hard board so you can do more in the water with it. Plus, the accessories with which it comes (such as the D-rings) allow you to attach a leash, fishing gear, or other supplies so you can enjoy a variety of activities out on the water.
Many reviewers also comment on how easy this paddle board is to inflate. Many paddle boards are difficult to inflate to the proper PSI. The Pathfinder SUP, however, earns high marks for the ease with which people can inflate and deflate it. Finally, many reviewers love this paddle board because its inexpensive price means that they can save money over renting a paddle board every time they want to get out on the water.