I get really excited to try out new boards. They are all a little different and it’s a lot of fun to test and compare.
The Tower Adventurer was one that I wasn’t all that familiar with until visitors to ISUPworld.com started asking about it.
So when I was lucky enough to get one to test out I couldn’t wait to get it out on the water so I could post a review.
My initial impressions were all good. This board is affordable, solid, and paddles quite well considering it is fairly short and wide.
The 6” thickness makes it very stable which is nice for a board less than 10 feet long, as they can be a little tippier.
Although a shorter board is not always ideal for touring or lake paddling, the extra large removable center fin really helps it to track straight and glide smoothly.
Quick Stats
Specs:
- 9 feet 10 inches long
- 32 inches wide
- 6 inches thick
- weighs 24 lbs.
- can hold up to 400 lbs.
- has 1 large removable center skeg
- has two smaller attached side skegs
- 2-year warranty
Material: Rugged drop-stitch PVC material
Pros: Compact & easy to carry, very rigid, inflates quickly, comfortable traction pad to stand on, good tracking, 3 fins – one large removable fin for flat water paddling and 2 smaller attached side fins, affordable
Cons: No carry bag, no bungee cords or D-rings to tie down gear
More In-Depth Info On The Adventurer ISUP
In my opinion the Tower Adventurer is a great little inflatable SUP.
I think that when it is inflated it looks kind of basic but in truth it has some really nice design features and covers all the necessities without adding any expensive extras… which is why the price is kept fairly low.
At 9’ 10” long it is extremely compact and convenient to bring anywhere. There is not a lot of extra room on this board but I found it ample for my small dog and myself and could hold a ton of weight with no flex at all.
The main features of the Adventurer are:
- Diamond grooved deck pad that provides good comfort and grip for your feet
- 1 large removable skeg that is ideal for flat water paddling
- 2 small attached side skegs for rivers or surf
- Hand hold strap in the center of the board
- D-ring at the back for your leash
- Roll-up carrying strap
Setup
Setup is very easy. There is one valve for inflation and because this board is not that long, I found it took only a few minutes to get it fully inflated.
The hand pump works fine buy my first time out I used my electric pump and set the PSI level to 11. 11 PSI is the recommended air pressure for this board.
11 PSI might not sound that high compared to some other inflatable SUP’s that are able to inflate to 15 to 17 PSI but I can tell you in all honesty that at 11 PSI this board is totally rigid and strong and able to support a very large amount of weight with zero flex.
If you will be paddling in flat water then you will need to attach the center fin.
I’m not that fond of the fin attachment on the Adventurer. It works just fine but compared to other fin attachments that I have seen, this is not my favorite.
The reason is because you have to use a hex screw to attach it. Although this makes for a very secure fin, it is also a little part that is easy to lose.
When not in use you might want to put the fin and the hex screw in a ziplock bag for safekeeping.
I would recommend reading the instructions before attaching the fin just to make sure you do it properly.
It does take a bit of effort to get it placed properly but once attached it is extremely solid.
Performance
In truth I wasn’t expecting a super great performance from this board. It’s not a real expensive stand-up paddle board and the size made me think it would probably slug along.
However I was quite impressed. Although it is quite wide and not that long, the Adventurer tracks nicely and even though it wasn’t that fast, it glided quite smoothly.
After taking it out a few times in different weather conditions, I was satisfied with the performance.
Myself and two of my male friends spent a fair amount of time on the Adventurer and all agreed that it’s not the fanciest board, it’s not the fastest board but it is a good ISUP… and perfectly fine for cruising around.
The other thing I was impressed with was the stability. Shorter boards are known to be highly maneuverable but also a lot tippier.
The 6” thickness and 32” width makes it very stable. I felt totally comfortable even with my little dog moving around.
The 6” thickness also means that your feet stay well above the water, which is a nice thing if the water is cold.
If you are looking for a faster touring SUP, Tower has another model called the Xplorer that is longer and sleeker and better suited for touring and speed.
Convenient and Compact
Inflatable SUP’s are pretty much convenient right across the board. They roll up into a little package that you can store in a small space.
They can be brought traveling, transported in the trunk of your car, taken on an airplane, stored in your RV or boat and are light enough to carry by yourself.
The Tower Adventurer is no different. This board is compact and light enough to easily take anywhere.
The Down Side
There are a couple of downsides to this board worth noting.
The most obvious one is that it does not come with a carry bag. It does have a strap that keeps it together when rolled up but I still personally really like having a bag to carry it in and store it in.
No bag does keep the cost a little lower and if you wanted one you can buy the Tower backpack separetely.
The other thing it does not have is any extra D-rings for attaching gear or bungee cords. This one is not a big deal, as many smaller boards do not include these accessories but thought it was still worth mentioning.
My Pics
Final Thoughts
Overall the Adventurer is a great SUP. It is extremely rigid, seems to be quite well made and performs better than one would expect for a shorter and wider board.
This would make a great entry level SUP for anyone who wants an easy way to get out and explore some new waterways.
Where To Buy
The best price for the Tower Adventurer is at Amazon.com especially with the free shipping. The package includes the board, the pump and a 3-piece adjustable aluminum paddle.
Click Here For The Best Deal On The Tower Adventurer ISUP At Amazon.com.
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Hey!
Im looking at purchasing my first SUP this year.
Everywhere I searched I come back to the Tower Adventurer 2 being the best deal.
I was initially looking at the inflatable NRS SUPs… how would this the adventurer 2 compare to those?
Thanks!
Hi! Depends on which NRS board you were looking at. The NRS Thrive is the most versatile and probably the most comparable to the Tower Adventurer 2. The Tower Adventurer 2 is a good board, a little basic in design but overall it paddles well and people seem to be happy with it. The NRS boards are really durable and have a great rep. The NRS Thrive can be used on just about any type of water and is quite fun to paddle. It is very stable but a little slower to paddle than the Tower board.
Another option to consider would be the Thurso Surf boards. They have three different ones to choose from. The Thurso Surf 10’6″ Waterwalker would be the most comparable to the Tower Adventurer 2. It is priced really well and you get quite a bit in the package. Overall it’s just a really nice board for the price and it glides a little smoother/faster than the Tower ISUP. It would also work great as a first SUP. Hope that helps, happy paddling!!
Allison,
Thanks for the great/helpful review. I’m looking to get 2 SUPs (one for my wife and I) and have been checking out the Tower Adventurer 2. I have to admit I haven’t done too much more homework than looking on your site because I find all the varieties intimidating. We just moved to HI (eastern Oahu), so most of our SUPing will be in the ocean. In your opinion, is an ISUP sufficient for this? The Tower Adventurer 2 sounds good, and I like the price, but I’m concerned that it might not perform as well as an epoxy board. What’s your take? If not Tower, is there anything in that general price range that you would recommend more for ocean/surf? Thanks for your help!
Hi Matt, I found the older Tower Adventurer SUP to be quite basic but the newer Adventurer 2 has a far better design and added features making it a decent board. It’s a good choice for that price range. Definitely no problem using an inflatable for paddling on the ocean/surf in HI. I have used ISUP’s to stand-up paddle in Hawaii often over the years. You will see a lot of them there.
Hey Allison
Thanks for such a helpful and information packed site! I’m looking for my first iSUP and like the packages available with the Tower Adventurer 2 and Sea Eagle LB11. I live in the Portland, OR area and would mostly be on slower rivers and lakes. Any advice on deciding between the two? Or a better suggestion? I prefer something a little quicker and don’t see myself using the seat attachment much, or at all.
Hi Allison
Nice review, I have a few questions I hope you will help me with.
– Does ‘not super fast’ mean slow or is it somewhere between fast and slow?
– Will the Tower Board be suitable at the coast with small waves and a little wind?
– Will you recommend the board for a beginner (me) which at some point would like to do more advanced sup’ing?
Hi Knud, I would say it is kind of slow. The newer Tower Adventurer 2 is quite a bit faster. It has a pointier nose and is able to cut through the water better. Either are suitable for small waves and it handles well in the wind. Personally I find this board quite basic. It is strong and stable and a beginner will feel secure on it. However if you want to do some more advanced sup’ing in the future I would recommend the Adventurer 2 over this one. That being said the Adventurer has been super popular and a lot of people have been very happy with it.
Hi Allison
Thanks for your reply, it’s is very helpful. I think I will go for the Tower Adventurer 2, the only problem is finding a shop here in Europe, where I can buy it :-).
Good luck and happy paddling!!
Hi Allison,
Do you know what country the Tower Adventurer is made in? Thanks,
Hey Vince, I would guess overseas, most likely China but I don’t know for sure. I’ll see if I can find out.
I checked with Tower… They said the boards are prototyped in the US but manufactured in China.
Hi Allison. So glad to have found your site. Fantastic info you are sharing with us. Thank you.
I am wondering if you have ridden either the ‘Tower Adventurer 2 10.4’ or the ‘Airis SUV 11’ yet?
We live on a yacht and are looking for light, portable, stowable, balanced. We will both tour, do yoga, ride small surf, snorkel from, and take our pooch for spins.
I would like the ability to attach a seat for kayak type paddling and was wondering if the rigid fibreglass foot plates of the Airis would get in the way of seat placement….
Also, can you advise is one fin only better for tracking, or the 3 (or 2 if you don’t attach the main fin) of the Tower.
…?
Any further thought would be most appreciated…
Hi Meg, Thanks for the nice comments. Wow living on a yacht sounds like a dream!
Yes I’ve paddled both those boards. I like the Airis SUV 11, it is stable and feels good to ride. However I think you are right, the fiberglass foot plates would likely be in the way of a seat. I have never tried that board with a seat but the foot plates do kind of stick up. The Tower 2 is a good ISUP. It is not super fast but it handles well and cuts through the water nicely. For better tracking you would definitely want the longest center fin attached – I like using all 3. Another board to consider is the Sea Eagle Longboard. It would suit your needs as well and comes with a seat option. I find the Longboard quite versatile, it works well for touring, yoga, small surf and is great for dogs. I find both the Tower Adventurer 2 and the SE Longboard 11 roll up into a more compact package than the Airis SUV 11. Hope that helps!
I wonder if you have noticed a difference in speed between the Adventurer and the Adventurer 2? And are there any speedier iSUPs you would recommend?
The Adventurer 2 is a little faster than the original Adventurer model. However there are definitely faster ISUP’s out there. The Sea Eagle Needlenose is one of the faster ISUP’s I have tried without going into the racing category. The hard pointy nose really cuts through the water nicely and helps it to pick up better speed.
hi , can you help me deside im debating between buying the tower abventure 2 10’4 or the isle 11′ explorer. which one would you recomend ? thanks
Hi Juan, Both are good boards. The Isle 11′ Explorer is a little more stable and I find it is easier to ride in waves and on choppy water. Both track well and are easy to paddle. Neither is all that fast but overall I think the performance is fairly comparable. I own the 11′ Explorer personally and really enjoy using it. You can’t go wrong either way though. Good luck!
I was torn between both the Tower Adventure 2 and the Isle Explorer, so I got both. I’m lucky enough to live in San Diego , so I went directly to the warehouses to buy them. Isle dropped the price by 75 dollars since they didn’t have to ship it. I really love using both boards. If you are looking for a board to be used as a family outing board, get the Tower because it holds a lot more weight than the Isle and I put myself and 2 kids on it. Also the paddle that comes with the Tower is lighter than the Isle so it’s easier for kids. If it’s just you and you like to do different things while in the water, the Isle Explorer is perfect with all the bungees and d rings. You can strap a cooler easily. And customer svc. for both was amazing .
First of all great site and load of information. I am looking to buy my husband his first ISUP for fathers day and am considering the Tower Adventurer. I was also looking at the XTerra 10′. How does it compare? I live in Miami, FL and he will be using it in the intra-coastal for leisure and weekends. Appreciate any feedback.
Hi Mariana, so glad you are finding the site helpful! I haven’t reviewed the Xterra 10′ yet unfortunately but as far as I know it’s a good board. The Tower Adventurer is a great starter board. It is rock solid and practically indestructible. It is very stable, easy to paddle and a lot of fun to cruise around on. The Xterra board is priced a lot higher and comes with accessories that the Tower board does not have such as bungee tie-down cords, added D-rings, carry bag, etc. For the price I don’t think the Xterra would be my personal choice but it looks like a perfectly good board. The Tower Adventurer is a perfectly good board if you don’t mind the lack of accessories or features. It’s basic but it’s easy and fun and of course it’s priced really well.
Thank you so much for getting back to me promptly! Overall the reviews on the Tower are solid and highly recommended but now I just got thrown another wrench…. XTerra is doing a BOGO special!! Which means I can buy him and one for me for the price of one – that’s really appealing. I was gearing more towards the Tower based on your review and recommendation but that’s such a good deal to pass! Torn :\ Sigh…..
2-for-1 is a great deal! I wish I had more experience with the Xterra boards so I knew more about how they perform. They look solid. The bogo deal comes with pumps, paddles and rolling bags, which is awesome. I’d probably go for it!
We have the Tower Adventurer I SUP in our rental fleet and have found them to be great for all levels of experience. The stability is a definite plus with beginners but they are also good for 3 to 4 mile paddles thru mangroves and lagoons. paddling into a wind can be hard work but usually we get everyone to kneel down for any short paddles like thjs. Tower has been a great company to work with and we plan on getting more Adventurers for our fleet. I am sure there are I SUP that move faster thru the water but for a general paddle board I think you can’t beat the Adventurer.
Thank you for the great comment! Funny enough I was just recommending to someone that the Tower boards would be ideal for a rental fleet. It’s great to hear that you are happy with them. I agree they are super stable and ideal for beginners. Not the fastest board out there but overall durable, stable and fun. All the best to you!
I bought Tower’s 14 foot iSUP to paddle around Anna Maria Island, FL last summer and I was incredibly impressed. I had it shipped there instead of hauling my hard board down the interstate. To that point I had only paddled hard boards. I didn’t expect much from an inflatable but I was shocked. Not only did it track straight as an arrow, but it was super stable and my wife and I both got on it with no issues, and it’s fast. Bang for your buck, you can’t do any better and I’m saying this as the owner of a BOTE Drift inflatable as well. Lastly, the fin boxes on most inflatables (BOTE, Tower, NRS and most others) are the same and NRS sells fins that fit Tower iSups and most other inflatables on their site. I say this because you can buy a 4″ fin for shallow water paddling. Lastly, I find a backpacks a bit of a pain for my inflatables. I never use them. I use the strap and that’s all. I also purchased white PVC D-rings and installed them. Overall, my investment in my 14 foot Tower was still hundreds less than most boards and I’m thrilled with it. 🙂
Thanks Mike for sharing your opinion on the 14′ Tower board. Awesome info – this will be super helpful for others 🙂
Allison. Thanks for just a wonderful grouping of information and insight. Very much appreciated. After reading your reviews I am leaning towards the Tower 14ft. I Will almost exclusively use it in the ocean and as a beginner the stability will help and my wife wants to “ride” along. Do you have recommendations on leashes and life jackets. Any other important accessories. Thanks again for being such a font of knowledge.
Thanks Rick, really glad you are finding the site helpful! The 14ft Tower will be extremely stable and a great choice. The lease and the PFD are your two most important accessories. As far as leashes go they are all pretty standard. I like the ones that attach to the ankle as opposed to the calf personally, I find them more comfortable. Be sure to get a ‘SUP’ leash and not a ‘surf’ leash… the SUP leashes are stronger and typically a little longer. As a general rule the leash should be at least as long as your board. For life jackets, I use the Onyx Manual Belt Pack Vest. It’s one of those that you wear around your waist and tug the cord if you need it to inflate. I find for stand-up paddling it is more comfortable than a traditional life jacket. However if you are not a strong swimmer a traditional PFD might be better. Hope that helps, good luck!
thanks – will let you know my experiences once I get started in a week or so!
Hi. I’m looking for a review of Isle Paddle Board (10′)…
Thank you, and congratulations for this amazing site!
Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to try the Isle boards yet. Hopefully soon!
Hi Allison. Really great review and I love what you’ve done with this site. This is a great way to get an expert opinion on boards especially when it is so difficult to test iSUPs before buying them!
I am interested in the Tower boards because I’d like to paddle with my wife sitting on the board and combined we weigh about 325 (it seems like other boards do not support as much weight). We go to the Outer Banks and would like to have a board that we can use in the bay, but also take out in the Ocean. Do you think the 14′ board would be better for the ocean? From what I understand, paddling in the ocean is tougher and it helps to have a longer board since they are more of a race/touring board. I know you haven’t tried the Xplorer but do you think it would be better than the Adventurer for our purpose?
The 14′ Xplorer is definitely going to be more stable in the ocean. It’s long and I believe 8″ thick which is going to feel really stable and secure. The added length and thickness will make turning and quick maneuvers a little more difficult but if you mostly plan to be touring then it would be the right choice. The Adventurer is a little better suited for surf and will be slower to paddle. Both good boards however I think with your wife sitting on the board and you paddling, the 14′ length is also going to be more comfortable. The Adventurer isn’t very big.
Wanted to update my recent comment…I just called and spoke with Allison (super nice and helpful, by the way) at Tower SUPs. She said that for my height, a 9′ 6″ board, like the Adventurer, would be too short. She suggested the 14′ Xplorer. Do you have any experience with that board? Any input is much appreciated : )
I haven’t tried the 14′ Explorer yet. The price is good for a board that size. At 14′ long and 8″ thick, I would think it is extremely stable and able to hold a lot of weight. At 8″ thick I can’t imagine that it’s all that easy to maneuver and would be slower to turn. However it’s supposed to be able to track well and pick up decent speed. It would certainly be ideal for piling on the kids while you’re paddling. Sorry I couldn’t help you more, hopefully I’ll get a chance to review it soon.
I’m looking to purchase my first iSUP. I live in Colorado and plan to use the board on lakes and flat sections of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. I am a beginner and am hoping to find a stable, yet efficient SUP as I have a feeling we will be using the board a lot.
I also hope to find one that will work well with my kids on board with me (one is 60 lbs the other is 70 lbs). I am 6’5″ tall and weigh 175 lbs. I have been considering the Tower Adventurer. (The free Amazon shipping is certainly appealing!) But, the shorter length concerns me a bit. I am hoping to spend less than $1,000 for this board. I’d be open to other brands, if you think of something that might work better for me. Thanks so very much : )
One other question…How is it that the Adventurer can carry so much more weight (400 lbs) than other comparably sized iSUPs?
Hi, I’m about to make my first iSUP purchase, and I’m torn between the Tower Adventurer and the Airhead Na Pali. I will be starting off mostly in the calm, very slow waters of the Cuyahoga River, but would like to eventually be able to advance to the chop of Lake Erie. I’m 5’4″ and around 200 lbs (and losing), and I’m a beginner now but plan to spend quite a bit of time on this hobby. Do you have a preference between these two boards for someone like me (or other boards in the same price range)? I really appreciate it!
Hi Molly, I think I’d recommend the Tower board for you. It’s a basic board but it is so rigid and stable. The 6″ thickness of the Tower over the 4″ thickness of the Na Pali allows it to hold a lot more weight without flexing. It is great for flat water and rivers but I also feel very secure on it when in choppy water as well. It’s not super fast but it is very strong and super easy to maneuver. It’s a great product for the price. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the great info! Which is more stable between the tower adventurer and the Sea Eagle Needle Nose? I am 6’0″ and 170 pounds. I would like a stable board, and also I want a board that is very durable. Are they similar or is one more resistant to tears and damage? I see that the tower board is rated to hold 350 pounds and the 12’6″ is for 225 pounds (which model se eagle would you recommend?). are the speeds and tracking very different between the boards besides the stability?
The only board I have ridden is the isle Glider All Water paddle board, and I would like to find something at least as good and easy as that- thanks! I am curious as to how the tower adventurer stacks up against it, and also about a solid 10-11′ board that is an all purpose board and very durable.
Hi Matt, the one thing about the Tower Adventurer is that it is extremely solid. I don’t find it to be a super performer but it’s rigid, stable and very easy to paddle. No problem using it on flat water and on light surf. It turns and maneuvers really well. I haven’t tried their G-Sup yet but I’ve heard good things about it. The only difference I find between the inflatable board and a solid board is stability. I find the inflatable to be slightly more stable, mostl likely because of the extra thickness. As far as which board I’d recommend for lakes or bays would be the Sea Eagle Needlenose. You can get it for around $900 and it’s the best board I’ve paddled on flat water. Cuts nicely through the water and tracks well. However the Tower board is really popular and the price point is great. It’s very durable. Hope that helps.
Thank you for the great info! How is the Tower Adventurer compared to s solid board ? Does it feel like an inflatable? Have you tried the new Tower G-Sup ? What board do you recommend under $1,100 for a beginner/intermediate to use in places like a lake or Galveston Bay? Can the Adventurer be used to surf too?
Hi Allison,
I’ve been all over this site and your kayak site. Thanks for all the great info!! I purchased two of the tower adventure boards based on your review. I’ll be taking them out for the first time this weekend but wanted to mention two items that I noticed right off the bat when doing a test inflate… 1) The skeg now uses an attached pin so no more hex screw. 2) The carry strap is now connected to the board via d rings and looks more substantial than the one in your photo. Overall very easy to inflate/deflate.
Looking forward to trying these out.
Thanks Again!
Thank you JP, I really appreciate hearing about the updates. Hope you enjoy, happy paddling!
Quick trip report after the initial unboxing… When I purchased these boards (I got 2 of the adventure sup packages at around $650) I envisioned a well made starter board what was stable, light and tracked well. After taking them out in Maine and Annapolis I can confirm that they meet my expectations. I’m 5’8, 200 and found these boards to be very rigid at 11 psi. Inflating was easy with the included pump and took less than 5 minutes. As a first timer I had no problem getting up and maintaining balance and was able to taxi my 10 year old with me no problem. The included aluminum breakdown paddles are fine but I may opt for the new fiberglass paddle tower just came out with. Haven’t used a hard board or other isups so I can’t offer a comparison but am very happy with my purchase. The one downside is that the velcro on one of the carry straps is not working. I found a $4 extra large carabiner that looks like it will be a perfect replacement. Cheers
I’ve had the Tower Adventurer for about a year now and continue to be impressed. Couple of quick notes: getting an extra large carabiner (couple of bucks) to slip through the d-rings instead of the velcro strap made carrying much easier. The board works well in the surf in addition to flat water although the added thickness does make it a bit difficult to maneuver when riding waves. The aluminum paddle that comes with the adventurer package has a foam (or neoprene?) wrap on the upper section that I think was added to make the paddle more buoyant. It also makes the paddle very heavy. I recommend removing it (you can simply tear it off with a bit of force) given the added weight and frankly I’ve yet to be in a situation where I dropped the paddle. Tower now has a new version of the adventurer (V2) which appears to have a more streamlined shape and pointed nose and also includes a cargo net on the front which is one thing I really wish my board had. Overall still very happy with the purchase.
Awesome tips, thank you JP for sharing! Really glad you are happy with the Adventurer. I’ve heard good things about the newer Adventurer 2 as well… I’m hoping to review it soon. Happy Paddling!
It does, thank you for your answer. That’s what I was afraid of…lol Not sure what I’m going to do yet, I want to make sure I get a board that will be enjoyable, but I also need to keep costs down.
I actually contacted Tower to ask if they had any lengths between those two in the works (they don’t). And they said the same thing about the 14′. Good to hear it from you too though.
Thanks so much!
Hi Allison,
I have a question. Since I learned of the Tower Adventurer a few weeks ago, I’ve been on the verge of pulling the trigger and buying one. I’ve been a couple of times before (on hard boards) and I don’t think either one was really big enough for me (I’m 5’11”, 260 lbs), so it was less enjoyable as I struggled to stay balanced. Fun on my knees or sitting though! So my biggest concerns are volume and stability. I don’t want to be struggling as that obviously takes away from the enjoyment.
I realize the Tower Adventurer will hold my weight, but I’m really feeling like 9’6″ is pretty short. As I looked I was looking at boards in the 11′-12′ range. So my question….. do you think the 9’6″ is fine, or am I right to think I need a longer board? I just wish they had something between 9’6″ and 14′. That’s a big jump!
That worry is the only thing that’s keeping me from ordering. I just discovered your site and have found it extremely useful, thank you. So I would appreciate your insight.
Thank you!!
Hi Alice, The Tower board is super stable and it can definitely hold a lot of weight with no trouble. However I agree with you that a longer board would probably suit you better. The Adventurer is quite short and I really feel you’d be happier with a longer board. It is too bad that they don’t have an 11 or 12 footer but but even though the 14′ Tower board is quite a bit longer it still rolls up into a compact package. It’s a nice board and would paddle quite well… much better than the 9’10” board in flat water in fact. I think you’d be okay with the shorter board but probably happier with the 14′ board. I always thought that the 14 foot long isup’s would be a bit of a pain until I tried one and really quite liked it. Although a little heavier they glide nicely and provide a great platform. Hope that helps.
Great site. I’m interested in my 1st iSUP and your site has some of the best information. I’m actually looking to purchase 2 iSUP to be used by the family. We’re all newbies. Big range in sizes with the kids being 11 and 13 and I’m 6’2″ 225. Since I was purchasing 2 and we’re very new to SUPs I wanted to keep prices in check so was considering the Tower or the Saturn SOT330 11′ board. I think for 2014 Saturn has released it as a xLight at 17 lbs. Primary use will be Lake Michigan which can have some small waves. Maybe a Florida beach once in a while. I’m leaning towards the Saturn primarily because of price for at least 1 of them. Since at 225 I’m at the limit of the Saturn 11 I’m considering a Saturn 12 or a Airis or a Fishbone for the 2nd one. What would you recommend. Thanks.
Thanks Tom! Glad you are finding the site helpful. I really like the Tower board for kids to use. It’s extremely easy to paddle and maneuver and it’s ultra stable. It’s great for adults too but it’s my favourite to take out with kids. The Saturn is good too, it’s a nice board but I think the Tower is a little easier for kids to paddle. For the second board, you can’t really go wrong either way with the Saturn 12, the Airis or the Fishbone. I’ve just spent the last few weeks on the Fishbone and I have to say I like that one a lot. It’s a nice board and it paddles really well, especially in small waves. That would probably be my pick. Hope that helps!
I have been reading reviews on a variety of SUP. I am looking for lightweight to lift but durable. I will be using it for bay and lake use. Please advise best for this use. I am 5’6 140 lbs.
Thanks
My two favourite boards right now are the Sea Eagle Needlenose (23 lbs.) and the Starboard Astro Whopper Fun (22 lbs.). They are both very lightweight and easy to carry. The Needlenose paddles faster and straighter and takes less work to go further. The Whopper however is extremely easy to maneuver and very versatile. Both are awesome boards and a lot of fun to paddle. The Needlenose is a little better suited for flat water whereas the Whopper will perform better in light surf or chop. However both could be used for bay or lake use. Both are stable… the Needlenose is 6″ thick and the Whopper is only 4″ thick but is a little wider. One more option would be the Sea Eagle Longboard (22 lbs.) which is also a very cool board and quite versatile… just not quite as stable as the other two.
My two favourite boards right now are the Sea Eagle Needlenose (23 lbs.) and the Starboard Astro Whopper Fun (22 lbs.). Both are lightweight and very easy to carry. The Needlenose will paddle faster and straighter taking less effort to go further. The Whopper is very easy to maneuver and fun to paddle. Both are good for bay and lake use. The Needlenose will perform better in flat water and the Whopper will excel in light surf or chop. Both very stable. The Tower Adventurer is also a great board, it’s basic but super stable and very easy to carry. It won’t perform quite as well as the other two but for the price it’s a good buy. Hope that helps.
I live on a lake and would like to leave my Tower SUP stored in my garage in a fully inflated state, instead of blowing it up every weekend when we are there during the summer. Is this okay to do or should I partially or fully deflate it each time to relieve the pressure?
Hi Greg, It shouldn’t be a problem as long as it’s stored away from the elements. I’ve just left my Tower board inflated all winter. I don’t see any reason to relieve any pressure… Normally they will lose a little air pressure over time anyway. My Tower board however kept the majority of its air pressure over a period of a few months, which is extremely impressive. Just check the air pressure before taking it out again, it may need a few pumps to top it off after awhile.
I live on the Lake as well and looking for something to paddle around on, also I can’t stand for long periods I was wondering if the inflatable would be better for me. Also I am 5’4″ do you think the board would be ok for me or Should I get a 11′ one.
I personally like an 11 foot board, I find it more versatile for different people and I like how it glides through the water. At 5’4″ you could go either way with a shorter board or an 11 footer. In my experience however the 11′ SUP’s are usually very popular. Inflatable’s are great because they are comfortable to sit or kneel on if you need to take a break from standing.
I have been doing research and i am worried about how much the board will flex with my 6′ 270 lbs.
Alot of other inflatable boards only hold up to 250lbs. All other aspects of the board seem to be great.
Hi Scott, I have tested out the Tower Adventurer with several guys around your height and weight and some even heavier and there was no flex with the Tower board.. it is extremely rigid. I don’t think you’ll have any issues as long as you stick to a board that is 6″ thick such as this one. My boyfriend weighs about 180 and finds that there is a little flex under his weight with 4″ thick boards but all the 6″ ISUP’s we’ve tried have supported him really well with no flex at all. Hope that helps, good luck!
I am looking to justify the purchase of two ISUP for some upcoming trips. My use will range from surfing on smaller ocean waves to deeper river and also include cruising lakes and ponds. I would appreciate a recommendation on size for the best all around board. I would also like to purchase a package including pump, carry bag, etc for less the $500/ea. I have seen a few Solstice models online that fit the bill but I thought I would look for an informed opinion.
Thanks
Hi Jeff, A board anywhere from 9′ to 11′ would work best for you. My personal favorite size for an all around board is roughly 11 feet long. Your options are limited for under $500 but I think that Soltice board is your best bet. I’m not overly fond of the Soltice brand, they aren’t known to hold up as well as many of the others. However the 10’8″ Soltice ISUP consistently has great reviews by those who have bought it and the price on Amazon is great.
Hi! Is this isup suitable for surfing small waves?
Hi, yes the Tower Adventurer is perfectly fine for small waves. It is actually very stable in waves and easy to maneuver.
I’m new to SUP in general and looking to purchase two iSUPs. Right now I’m leaning toward the Airis SUV11, but had also considered the Tower board. Do you have a preference between the two? Is there another great board that I should consider? The board will be used in lakes and deeper rivers around PA and OH. I appreciate your advice and any other thoughts you may have…
Hi Christopher, The Airis SUP and the Tower board are quite different. Both very solid, both 6 inches thick and very stable. However the Airis SUP is far more advanced in my opinion. It will paddle further with less effort and track straighter. It also has added features such as D-rings and bungee cords to secure gear which is nice and it comes with a carry backpack whereas the Tower board has no bag. Nothing against the Tower SUP as I believe it’s a great little board for the money but the Airis SUP is in a different class. I greatly prefer paddling the Airis SUV11 over the Tower board. Another couple of options would be the 6″ thick Sea Eagle Needlenose or the NRS SUP’s. NRS has a few 6″ thick boards which are really nice and would work great for lakes and rivers. Hope that helps, good luck! Allison
Hi there I’m interested in buying an inflatable SUP but I’m a bot concerned about the durability, and how easterly it can get damaged. How many people can go on 1 board? 2max?
Any advice would be great thanks,
Also do you by any chance know the shipping cost to Thailand Bangkok.
Thanks 🙂
Hi Chizanne, the majority of inflatable SUP’s are extremely durable and can take a fair amount of abuse. I find most people are very pleasantly surprised with just how strong they are when they try them out. Some tips to keeping the board strong are to store it out of direct sunlight and be conscious of not dragging it over rocks and gravel when not necessary. I’ve personally never had a single issue with any of my boards. The weight capacity will vary by board but as a general rule it will paddle best with one person but I would say could easily handle two people or one adult and a couple kids. Unfortunately I don’t know the shipping rates to Thailand however most online retailers are able to provide that info. Cheers.
I noticed that you inflated the Tower with an electric pump. I was curious as to which one you have as I am in the market for one. I own a SUPATX inflatable 10′. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Kirk
Hi Kirk, I use the BTP Electric Turbo pump from SeaEagle.com. I have the one that comes with the battery which is kind of pricey but I really like it. They also have the same pump without the battery that hooks up to a 12V power supply which costs a little less. It works great and inflates the boards really fast.
That sound great!! Thank you