UPWELL 10'6"/11'/11'6" Inflatable Paddle Board, Stand Up Paddlboard for Youth & Adults, Stable Design, Premium SUP Accessories, Backpack, Leash, Hand Pump, Fins

Amazon had this in the deal section and decided to give it a go. There was a coupon so it made for a very good deal.First, when I opened it it smelled really bad, like PCV glue so I recommend not opening it in the house or apartment. I would recommend keeping it in a garage or balcony if possible.The pump- it will take some time to pump this thing up. Took about 15 minutes but we only got it to about 11 PSI on the pump guage and it was solid as a rock. Following the instructions we left it for 24 hours to make sure it maintained the inflation, which it did.Took the board outside and hosed it down and did not see any leaks or air bubbles. Deflating wasn't too bad either- just read the instructions concerning the valve.Took it to the river to give it a try and pumped it up. I totally forgot to turn the valve close before pumping and when I took the hose off I got a blast of air that blew my hat off. Although it was rather funny, I still had to pump it up again but I made sure to close the valve. Got it to about 11.50 PSI and it was solid.Added the fins and my kid grabbed her life vest (ALWAYS USE A LIFE VEST) and took off. She had a blast launching it. I had to catch up with her on my kayak.It is pretty stable sitting and paddling. We didn't bother with the seat attachment though, but you can clip on the included kayak seat and use it like a kayak. She paddled with the included paddle and was pretty efficient with it.The paddle is adjutable, just flip the clip open and raise or lower it to the desired length, then close the clip to secure it. Sitting on the board and using the paddle was ok, but it was more like using a canoe having to switch sides back and forth to keep it going in a straight line. When I got on, I found the paddle to be a pain so I used my kayak paddle and it was sooooo much more efficient to paddle with and to steer with so I would recommend getting a light paddle (Pelican makes some really nice light weight inexpensive paddles that are also adjustable). The board does have a bungee mesh at the front so you can actually secure the included paddle while using the kayak paddle and vice versa. Using a kayak paddle while standing up just doesn't work very well so having both available is nice.Steering: Using the included paddle was tricky but workable. I just found the kayak paddle to be easier to use and steer but in any case it does track pretty well and keeps straight rather easy.Standing up stability- This will depend on your balance and water conditions.JUST FOR NOTE: We only used this on the river, which was not a fast flowing current and did not have any rapids- just a flat wake with the occassional boat or jet ski wake that was mellow. We found the board to be pretty stable in thise conditions. The board is very stable but will tip if you don't balance yourself, which can take some practice. Always use a life vest, even with a paddle board. My kid did the stand up test and the board was pretty stable until she lost her balance and tipped over. Even though we were in shallow water, her vest did help her recover quickly. It was her first time paddle boarding, so it might take some practice to become stable while standing up. We did this test in a shallow area of the river, about 4 ft of depth so if she fell over she wouldn't hit the bottom and still be able to float. Getting back on the board is tricky so I recommend practicing those types of situations before going out in deeper water, again use a life vest. Also I recommend using the included foot leash so if you do tip over your board won't float away and you can use it as a flotation device to paddle back to shore if necessary. I didn't bother with the stand up test, I was perfectly comfortable sitting using it like a kayak, even though I didn't add the seat attachment. I'm a heafty guy and it was very stable and very confortable to use. Even without the seat attachment it was honestly very comfortable dangling my feet over the sides and paddling. Just a great way to enjoy the day on the water.Deflation: It is easy to deflate and roll up, not much else to say about that.Overall: Excellent paddle board and is at a very good price point. Loaded with features like an included adjustable paddle, kayak seat attachment, fins that lock in place, a waterproof dry bag for taking things with you, a repair kit, an included waterproof pouch for your phone, a backpack for storing the whole thing (although I didn't put the pump or the seat in the bag with the paddleboard, just didn't want to take a chance and damage the board).It has several metal loop attachments throughout so you can bungee things like coolers or bags. And it has a screw on attachment point at the front of the kayak so you can mount a GoPro or similar camera (make sure you use a waterproof case or camera).Side note: we only used this on a river, not a fast flowing current and not in rapids. I haven't tried in the ocean, just river with off and on mellow wakes from boats and jet skis. We did use life vests and they came in very handy when my daughter tipped over in shallow water. Tipping over, even though you expect it, is shocking so having the vest to help stabilize you is a must.

Great board!Took it on a lazy river with some gravy trains here and there… class 1-2 cfs.I ran it without the fins because I like twirling around. I like how it maneuvered when I zig zagged from one side of the river to the other looking for obstacle course moves of squatting under low hanging branches.Great price and nice handling size of 10’6It’s going to be a good summer :)

It take quite a while to pump even though the pump given pushes air both up and down. I will be getting an electric pump this year! Perfect size for someone 5'9" 150lbs. Others tried it and thought it was sturdy as well (slightly larger than myself) i really enjoy spending time on the water on this, it is rather fun. Even trying to initially stand. It was well worth the money to me, I just wish I had gotten it sooner. I sepately punched some accessories like a paddle strap and it is super handy! I have not tried it with the seat yet however I am grateful for the accessories it has come with. The dry bag and everything else! The backpack is comfortable and the straps don't dig into your shoulders when carrying.

Works great

REGARDING CUSTOMER SERVICE OPINION: SHORTLY AFTER MY REVIEW, UPWELL CONTACTED ME.THEY ASKED ME TO VIDEO THE ISSUE AND SEND TO THEM. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE ALREADY PACKED UP MY PADDLE BOARDING EQUIP WITH THE CHANGE OF SEASONS. BUT I DO APPRECIATE THEM REACHING OUT! MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE IN MY RATING. NEXT SEASON, I WILL TRY THE BOARD AGAIN.FIRST REVIEW: Checked ratings and reviews before purchasing the Upwell Inflatable Paddle Board in July 2024. After using friends boards, I wanted my own. I'd had experience with inflating and deflating other boards and never had problems. Upwell was delivered on July 20, 2024. I took it to water only 3 times..July 29, Aug 5 and Aug 19. Each time the High Pressure Valve stuck in the down position allowing a blast of air to whoosh out when the hose connecter was removed. On third time out I brought tweezers and needle nose plyers to make sure it was in up position before attempting to fill. Still stuck in down position. Obviously, can't put it on the water if it can't fill to air capacity.I contacted the seller and manufacturer for advice, and heard back from neither! Very discouraging customer service, and Amazon had no ability to help since the return window was closed. I won't try to sell it to someone else to recoup some of my money. That would be passing on the disappointment.