Aqua Marina Vapor Review

Overview
  • Build: Inflatable
  • Skill: Beginner
  • Our score: 7 | Read our conclusion
  • This board can be used for:
All-round
7
7
Our score
Stability
5
Design
8
Performance
6
Price/Quality ratio
8
Supplied accessories
8

Welcome to my detailed review of the Aqua Marina Vapor Stand Up Paddle Board, a highly rated and accessible option for those seeking to venture into the exciting world of paddleboarding. Designed with beginners and intermediate users in mind, this inflatable SUP offers a commendable balance of stability, durability, and affordability.

The Aqua Marina Vapor, with its compact design and lightweight build, provides an ideal platform for those starting their SUP journey or for more experienced riders looking for a highly portable board.

Every year this board is improved in design and quality by Aqua Marina, which makes the Vapor great as your first paddle board. This board delivers ample stability, making it easier for beginners to maintain their balance while also being nimble enough for more adventurous activities on the water.

Constructed from high-grade PVC material using drop-stitch technology, the Vapor ensures robustness and durability, allowing you to tackle various water conditions confidently. This board also comes with a complete set of accessories, adding value to your purchase and ensuring you’re ready to hit the water immediately.

Join us as we delve deeper into the Aqua Marina Vapor’s specifications, performance, and user experience in the following sections of this review. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced boarder looking for a convenient, reliable option, this review will provide a comprehensive insight into whether the Aqua Marina Vapor is the right SUP for you.

Pro’s

  • Great value for money
  • Upon purchase you get a complete package so you do not have to incur extra costs to start
  • Possibility to mount a seat (not included)
  • With only 18.7 lbs this is a real lightweight

Cons

  • Maximum capacity of 308 lbs, this is often rather low
  • The board is not fast enough for the advanced SUP boarder (3+ years experience)

Most suitable for:

Since the maximum weight is not really high this board is mostly suitable for women and children. This board is especially suitable for starters and people who have less than 3 years of SUP experience. The board is not very fast (partly because it is inflatable) but mainly focuses on sportiness and fun.

LengthWidthThickCapacityWeight board
10’431″6″308 LBS18.7 LBS

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 1

Primary use
All Round / Relaxing

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 2

Speed on the water
The board is short and wide, so not suitable for high speeds. More for beginners, slower paddling and relaxing.

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 3

Transport
It is very easy to transport this SUP because it is inflatable and light. Even on your back if you go with a bicycle.

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 4

Stability
The board is stable on the water, but does bend a bit when you get closer to the weight capacity.

Happy Girl on Top of Vapor SUP Board

My own experience

After half an hour of testing, I can draw the following conclusion. The Aqua Marina Vapor is a fine product that excels in anything. Now that the thickness has become 6″ instead of the previous 4.7″, the board is a lot more stable in the water and that is exactly what a beginner needs.

However, this inflatable SUP-Board also has many positive aspects. For a very acceptable price you get a complete package which allows you to start right away.

The board feels robust and is not inferior in terms of technology to the much more expensive variants. Another big advantage is the possibility to attach a SUP seat on the board. This allows you to use the SUP well to sit and paddle over the water.

Finally, I’m very pleased with the developments in the field of design. Maybe you remember the Aqua Marina SPK-2? This is the exact same board (it had a name change) and be honest, the Vapor looks a bit better, doesn’t it?

” For a very acceptable price you get a complete package which allows you to start right away. “


Important features

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 5

Setup

  • Full deck and base quality printing and rail design for superior optics
  • Removable slide-in Center Fin
  • Integrated cargo D-ring with easy-adjustable bungee cord to attach luggage
  • Comfortable neoprene handle
  • Honeycomb grooving footpad for ultimate grip and comfort
Aqua Marina Vapor Review 6

Fins
SUP comes with one center fin

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 7

Material
The Aqua Marina Vapor is made out of lightweight drop stitch material and very sturdy but easy to carry

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 8

Inflate / deflate
SUP is inflated in nearly 8 mins with the supplied pump

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 9

Warranty
1-year warranty on production errors

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 10

Design
Very stylish and modern design


In the package

Paddle

The Aqua Marina Vapor stand up paddle board is delivered including an Aqua Marina Sports III Paddle. The Sports III Paddle is an aluminum paddle in 3 parts, that can be height adjusted so it is always on the right length.

sportsIII-paddle

Pump

The Aqua Marina Double Action Pump makes sure the job gets done as soon as possible, as it inflates both when the pump is pulled up and when it is pressed down.

pagaie sport III

Leash

The board includes a simple Aqua Marina paddle board leash. A straightforward leash without a coil, that is always extended. This version is not as good as the coiled version that is sold separately, but for a free included leash it is good enough.

Aqua-Marina-SUP-Board-Safety-Leash

Backpack

The Aqua Marina Magic Backpack makes it easy to carry your SUP board with you. It really is a basic backpack without luxury soft cover and which is not too sturdy. You can certainly carry your SUP board with you, but you don’t have to put extra stuff in it, otherwise it could tear through. In the long run it is better to buy a higher quality backpack.

Aqua-Marina-Backpack

Optional accessories (not included)

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 11

Restube classic
Because extra safety measures never hurt anyone!

Aqua Marina Vapor Review 12

Aqua Marina Bluedrive Power fin
For those who are too lazy to paddle themselves πŸ˜‰


Difference between an Inflatable board and a Hard board

Advantages Inflatable board

  • Easy to take on holiday (even on the plane)
  • Easy to store in the winter days
  • Much cheaper
  • Technology has improved greatly over the past 10 years. For this reason, these boards are now almost hard to distinguish from hard boards

Advantages Hardboard

  • More speed, which is important if you are a professional
  • Easier to make sharp turns on the water because the board is thinner
  • No inflation needed, you can get on the water right away

Other reviews of the Aqua Marina Vapor online

The Aqua Marina Vapor is a very popular Stand Up Paddle Board and has thus been reviewed by many different websites online.

A short overview of these reviews below:

Amazon.com: Rating 3.9/5. “This is a sturdy board, well made. I like the feel of the rubber pad on top, the pump works well, it folds up and fits into the backpack easily.”

Sunsetpaddler.com: “Aqua Marina Vapor is for paddlers up to 220 pounds, is inflatable, lightweight, fairly beginner-friendly affordable decent quality all-around stand up paddle board that performs better in calmer waters and is designed to go faster than a typical all-around.”

Inflatableboarder.com: Rating 4.3/5. “If you’re a lighter weight paddler and are looking for a cheap inflatable SUP to get your feet wet with, the Aqua Marina Vapor is certainly a board worth considering.”

Paddlelove.com: Rating 4.2/5. “Oriented more towards a touring mindset, you can tell that this isn’t a competitive board. However, that is exactly what makes it such a good option for beginners and amateurs who are looking for a board that can do everything.”

Supboardworld.com: “The Vapor is a good choice for beginners and is easy to paddle about. After all, this board is pretty strong and can take a beating and that allows you to clear your mind and actually enjoy this thing.”

Waveschamp.com: Rating 3.8/5. “The Aqua Marina Vapor is an all-around SUP board that is perfect for beginners and anyone who’s into recreational paddling and small waves riding because the fact that it’s 4 inches thick makes it really light and easy to control as it’ll knife through the water like a dolphin.”


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the maximum carrying capacity of the Aqua Marina Vapor?

    308 lbs / 140 kg

  • What is the weight of the Aqua Marina Vapor?

    18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg

  • What is the air pressure of the Aqua Marina Vapor?

    15 PSI

  • What is the size of the Aqua Marina Vapor?

    10’4″ x 31″ x 6″ / 315 x 79 x 15 cm

  • What is the volume of the Aqua Marina Vapor?

    310 L

  • Which paddle does the Aqua Marina Vapor include?

    The Aqua Marina Sports III Paddle

  • What kind of pump comes with the Aqua Marina Vapor?

    The Aqua Marina Double Action Pump Liquid Air V1

  • How many D-rings does the Aqua Marina Vapor have?

    9Β Drings.Β 4Β DringsΒ on the nose attached with a bungee cord. 4 MoreΒ D-ringsΒ for the kayak seat attachment. 1Β DringΒ on the tail for ankle leash attachment.

  • What is the warranty on the Aqua Marina Vapor?

    1 year warranty

  • How many carry handles does the Aqua Marina Vapor have?

    1 comfortable neoprene handle in the center of the board

  • How many fins does the Aqua Marina Vapor have?

    1 Large detachable central fin

  • What material is the Aqua Marina Vapor made of?

    Lightweight drop stitch technology

Conclusion: Should I buy this board?

As said the Aqua Marina Vapor is a cheap board that is only recommended for absolute beginners who are not sure yet if they want to continue Stand Up Paddling in the long run.

If you have been Stand Up Paddling for a long time already or if you are sure you want to continue doing this sport for a long time, I would recommend purchasing a board of better quality that will last longer and is more durable.

Also, check out my guide for the Best Paddle Boards for 2021 to find better boards that will offer you paddling pleasure for years to come.

For a quick and cheap beginner board this is a good deal because of the low price. Children could use this board well until they grow taller and the board becomes too lightweight for them.

Review written by: Tom

Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)

Questions? Ask me anything.
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  • 3 responses to “Aqua Marina Vapor Review”

    1. Hi, I have this board and was wondering if there are any electric pumps compatible with this board on the market? Thanks

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    Review written by: Tom

    Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)