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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.
Length | Width | Thick | Capacity | Weight board |
10’4 | 31″ | 6″ | 308 LBS | 18.7 LBS |
Primary use
All Round / Relaxing
Speed on the water
The board is short and wide, so not suitable for high speeds. More for beginners, slower paddling and relaxing.
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.
Stability
The board is stable on the water, but does bend a bit when you get closer to the weight capacity.
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
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
Fins
SUP comes with one center fin
Material
The Aqua Marina Vapor is made out of lightweight drop stitch material and very sturdy but easy to carry
Inflate / deflate
SUP is inflated in nearly 8 mins with the supplied pump
Warranty
1-year warranty on production errors
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.
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.
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.
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 donβt 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.
Optional accessories (not included)
Restube classic
Because extra safety measures never hurt anyone!
Aqua Marina Bluedrive Power fin
For those who are too lazy to paddle themselves π
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 youβre 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 isnβt 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 whoβs into recreational paddling and small waves riding because the fact that itβs 4 inches thick makes it really light and easy to control as itβll knife through the water like a dolphin.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the maximum carrying capacity of the Aqua Marina Vapor?
308 lbs / 140 kg
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What is the weight of the Aqua Marina Vapor?
18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg
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What is the air pressure of the Aqua Marina Vapor?
15 PSI
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What is the size of the Aqua Marina Vapor?
10’4″ x 31″ x 6″ / 315 x 79 x 15 cm
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What is the volume of the Aqua Marina Vapor?
310 L
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Which paddle does the Aqua Marina Vapor include?
The Aqua Marina Sports III Paddle
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What kind of pump comes with the Aqua Marina Vapor?
The Aqua Marina Double Action Pump Liquid Air V1
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How many D-rings does the Aqua Marina Vapor have?
9Β D–rings.Β 4Β D–ringsΒ on the nose attached with a bungee cord. 4 MoreΒ D-ringsΒ for the kayak seat attachment. 1Β D–ringΒ on the tail for ankle leash attachment.
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What is the warranty on the Aqua Marina Vapor?
1 year warranty
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How many carry handles does the Aqua Marina Vapor have?
1 comfortable neoprene handle in the center of the board
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How many fins does the Aqua Marina Vapor have?
1 Large detachable central fin
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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.
Hi, I have this board and was wondering if there are any electric pumps compatible with this board on the market? Thanks
I’m wondering the same thing as Jane about an electric pump. Thanks, Carla
I always thought the vapor was no good and fusion a lot better. But now vapor is thicker and bigger is same as old fusion and I can stand better on. For ladies above, shark electric sup pump works on this https://standuppaddleboardworld.com/outdoormaster-shark-review/