These inflatable WindSUPs are included in the test
- F2 Glide Surf 10'8'' x 35''
- Gunsails Mov'Air 10'9'' x 34''
- JP-Australia WindSUPAir SL 11' x 34''
- JP-Australia WindSUPAir LE 10'6'' x 32''
- Naish Crossover 12'0'' x 34''
- Sport Vibrations 11'5'' x 31'' Multisport
- Starboard Wing 4in1 Deluxe Lite 10'4'' x 31''
- Starboard iGO Deluxe Lite 11'2'' x 31+''
- STX Cruiser Crossover 11'0'' x 32''
Despite all the love for finely laminated windsurf boards, there is a lot to be said for inflatable WindSUPs as water toys for summer holidays. Even though hard boards undoubtedly offer better windsurfing characteristics, the longer WindSUPs are also suitable for (touring) paddling and as a bouncy castle or bathing island. In the combination of windsurfing and paddling, a Windsurfer LT would still be superior as a hardboard, but the bulky dimensions of 3.65 metres and comparatively higher weight put many people off such an actually ideal light wind device. With very few compromises, inflatable windSUPs offer a similar fun factor and are also much lighter than a hardboard, significantly cheaper, more versatile and come with the paddle option without any disadvantages.
Compared to step-on boards, WindSUPs are longer (for paddling) and more voluminous and can easily carry an adult plus at least one child. However, the manufacturers' volume specifications sometimes still smell of the coffee grounds from which they were apparently read and should not be taken to the litre. Beyond 200 litres, however, volume no longer plays a significant role as a rule, and high rigidity and large width are the more important data in terms of suitability for heavy paddlers. There are no width specifications on the F2 board, which is by far the widest board in the group at around 35 inches according to measurements, which differs significantly from the specifications found on some sales platforms.
Centre fin is mandatory - one or two?
As a demanding windsurfer, it is better not to look too closely at the fins, as they are dominated by very simple plastic - which fortunately has less of an effect in the wind range up to twelve knots. The thin, unprofiled fins from F2 and STX look particularly simple. All other brands at least give the fins a recognisable profile. GunSails adds two comparatively high-quality-looking GRP fins to the board and the fins from JP - like those from Starboard - appear to be stiffer than average.
The question of one or two centre fins was actually answered by the Starboards in the test. The board with Wing in its name uses two centre fins, the windsurf model only one. That would also be our test conclusion: With the Wing, the benefits of the additional fin outweigh the disadvantages. Going upwind is even easier and noticeably better. However, the SUP is usually only used briefly for waving and manoeuvres are rarely learned on it. The WindSUP with sail, on the other hand, also makes it possible to learn jibes, tacking and light wind tricks. Boards with a fin turn noticeably better and the disadvantage of the single fin when travelling upwind has less of an effect.
Sharp thing: the additional tear-off edge
A really exciting feature is the additional "sharp" rubber edge on the Starboard, Sport Vibrations and STX. In planing winds, the water tears away more easily, the board becomes a little faster and the sail pull decreases slightly as a result. And the edge can even have a noticeable effect when paddling. Certainly not for normal cruising or touring paddling at five to seven km/h - but if a wind wave does push from behind on the lake, the boards with the planing option accelerate a little better and more nimbly in front of the wave.
All-round or touring SUP
The SUP characteristics can be quickly assessed on land based on the rough key data, as the edge shape is almost identical on all inflatable boards. For good rigidity, a board should be six inches (15 centimetres) thick, like all the boards in this test. The width of touring boards ranges from 30 inches (sporty and slim) to 32 inches (versatile) and 34 inches (stable). Pure SUP touring boards for kilometre-long distances are usually between 11'6" and 12'6" long. However, a stretched 12'6" board almost only goes straight when windsurfing, which is why these shorter hybrids can - with small compromises - be considered to have relatively decent touring qualities from 11 feet. A touring board usually lies quite straight on the water so as not to give away any length. All-round SUPs, on the other hand, are often used as family boards in the visible area of the beach and should therefore be more stable and turn well. In return, a board can also be more curved at the bow, it is between 32 and 34 inches wide and no longer than 11'6".
Windsurfing characteristics
All boards are suitable for learning the basic manoeuvres up to planing and trapeze surfing. In general, boards with a base plate that is a little further back or with only one fin turn better. The double centre fin steers more in the wrong direction when jibing, which can only be compensated for by good technique and loading the outside edge. The Starboard 4in1 is a prime example of this, but it runs extremely well upwind. You have to put up with a little more drift on the JPs with a centre fin, for example, but tacking and jibing are much easier on it.
Type recommendations
- Who actually wants a particularly stable Touring SUP If you are looking for a board with which you can also cruise with a sail or practise basics, the Naish or boards of similar dimensions are a good choice.
- As an almost sporty-looking Windsurf intermediate and SUP touring boards we recommend the boards with a tear-off edge from Sport Vibrations, the Starboard iGO Windsurf and STX Cruiser Hybrid.
- As a comfortable Family all-rounder For sails and paddles, F2, GunSails and both JP boards, which turn well even with small sails, have proven themselves.
The WindSUPs in the individual evaluation:
- F2 Glide Surf 10'8'' x 35''
- Gunsails Mov'Air 10'9'' x 34''
- JP-Australia WindSUPAir SL 11' x 34''
- JP-Australia WindSUPAir LE 10'6'' x 32''
- Naish Crossover 12'0'' x 34''
- Sport Vibrations 11'5'' x 31'' Multisport
- Starboard Wing 4in1 Deluxe Lite 10'4'' x 31''
- Starboard iGO Deluxe Lite 11'2'' x 31+''
- STX Cruiser Crossover 11'0'' x 32''
Click to see the test results and details
