PADDLER 14
REVIEWS
TECH INFO :
Size : 10 ’ 2 ” x 31 ” x 4.7 ” Volume : 238L Weight : 9kgs Max Payload : 105kgs
Aqua Marina Coral – Night Fade 10 ’ 2 www . aquamarinauk . co . uk By Sancha Myall – Saltbirds SUP
To look at is a beauty ! A lovely shade of purple ( Night Fade ) with motivational , adventurous quotes like ‘ Wonder is around ’ printed on it . The nose cargo straps are of excellent quality , bright colours and brilliant in that they can be adjusted .
The bag / backpack is made from recycled plastic bottles , which is an important fact to me . We should all try to buy sustainable where we can , and it is excellent that Aqua Marina is considering it within their range . The board bag is a bright shade of purple ; it ’ s a good size to carry and easily fits the board . You can ’ t fit the paddle and pump in , so you couldn ’ t carry it all easily to a remote location , but as the board is lightweight at 9kg and comes with an over-the-shoulder carry strap , you would be fine with carrying it .
The two-stage double-action pump was relatively easy to pump up this board . It went from flat to fully pumped and ready in under four minutes . The swift attach centre fin could not have been easier . I ’ ve not used one like it before , but it was super easy ; it just slotted into place with a lever clip at the end .
The paddle is a carbon hybrid pastel paddle that ’ s reasonably lightweight . I did find the paddle shaft width a little wide for my childlike hands , but I ’ m sure it ’ s pretty standard . The handle was very comfortable , with good grip cover .
Sea paddling , I went out in West Bay on the Jurassic Coast for a 5km paddle . The conditions were good , with low wind and a little swell , and I was straight-up paddling with no issues . My balance and stability were fine ; the board handled it well despite the messy swell in different directions . I could move across the water quickly , but when turning , I found the board so responsive that I almost came off . I don ’ t think this is a bad thing ; I think it ’ s great – just something I ’ d need to use to .
Canal paddling , 14km paddle on the Bridgewater to Taunton Canal . This is where I started to appreciate the board . It was an absolute pleasure to paddle . This board glides and glides nicely ! It ’ s fast because of how well it glides , so keeping momentum is no trouble . It ’ s responsive , easy to control , and lightweight to portage . The paddle was efficient , and I had no trouble keeping it straight or causing any drag .
I was surprised by the price but having enjoyed it and being happy with the results ; it ’ s worth it . It comes with a two-year warranty , and it ’ s capable of a lot of miles in many locations , which is what it ’ s all about to me .
CONCLUSION
I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the Night Fade . I ' d have been over the moon if it was my first board ! This board is most suited to small , framed paddlers / beginners . It ' s perfect to start learning on , and you won ' t be disappointed . This board is suitable for going long distances with a great , less windaffected shape . You can grow your paddling skills and still be happy with this board for a few years . Price : £ 549.00