Bestway Inflatable Hydro Force Wave Edge Paddle Boards are one of the most popular and inexpensive inflatable paddle boards available on the market. Summertime is just around the corner and you know what that mean — water sports! You might be planning to swim, ski, or boat this year, but if you want a different experience on the water, add paddle boarding to your list. To make that happen, you’ll want to pick up at least one paddle board, so why not consider Bestway?
Inflatable paddle boards are rising in popularity largely because they’re lighter and easier to transport for any level of paddling. Beginners appreciate it, and intermediate paddlers enjoy it. As a budget-friendly option, this beginner-friendly inflatable paddle board has become an excellent option for newbies.
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Bestway Inflatable Hydro Force Wave Edge Paddle Board Features
Because this inflatable paddle board is made for beginners, there are a number of features that it has that you’ll enjoy.
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The Anti-Slip Pad
For one, the paddle board has an anti-slip pad which is great as you’re learning to get your sea legs. There is also a comfortable carry handle along with a total of three fins for stability.
The material used on the anti-slip pad covers more than two-thirds of the surface area, which makes it easy for you to paddle regardless of whether you’re standing or kneeling. With a rubbery soft surface, it’s comfortable for a reasonable amount of time, too.
Quality Bungee System
There is a bungee system that is onboard your paddle board that is meant to keep your belongings in place and in an easy-to-reach area of your board. The Wave Edge is no exception.
The rings that connect the bungee system are useful when you want to attach your lunch or your camera to the board. There is also a 5th ring towards the back of the board so you can attach a safety leash.
Tri-Fin Stability
Some SUPs some with a single fin, but this one from Bestway comes with three fins. One of the fins is removable, but the other two are stationary.
Having three fins is excellent over many different water conditions because they provide your board with stability. The largest fin is central to the board while the other two are lateral.
Accessories
When you buy something like an inflatable paddle board, you’re probably going to want the best package for your money, right?
You’ll find that with the Bestway Inflatable Hydro-Force Wave Edge Paddle Board, you’re going to get a package that includes the pump that you need to inflate the board, the removable fin, a 3-piece paddle, and a backpack to help you carry the whole thing.
Size of the Paddle Board
The board is the right size for beginners and intermediate paddlers as it measures a full 10 feet and 2 inches. The width is 27 inches across which gives you enough room to plant your feet firmly on the mat. If you are on the taller side or have larger feet, you may feel as though the space is a bit cramped, so keep that in mind.
The thickness of the board measures at four inches, which is great for some and not so great for others, depending on the weight of the load.
The Performance of the Bestway Inflatable Hydro-Force Wave Edge Paddle Board
In reviewing this board, you’ll find that there are as many pros as there are cons, but some of them may be more important to you compared to others.
Pros
Overall, this paddle board from Bestway does perform well on a variety of water conditions. It changes direction smoothly, and the fins allow for easy navigation, too.
Stability is also excellent courtesy of the dropstitch material that is used in the construction of the board. Some might even say that if you were to inflate the paddle board to its entirety, your board would feel as sturdy as a more traditional hard board.
It also comes in an all-inclusive package, which is handy so that you don’t have to buy any extra pieces of parts unless you absolutely wanted to. It comes with the paddle, the bag, and everything else you need to get yourself out on the water.
The paddle board is also easy to transport and easy to store. If you wanted to, you can roll up the board after it has been deflated and stuff it into the carry backpack that it comes with. Stick it in a closet or your garage – its small storing size makes it easy to stash just about anywhere.
Cons
Be prepared to pump up the board because it can be exhausting. It takes more time than you think, but it’s easy enough if you were to get an electric pump to replace the hand pump that comes with the board.
Something else to think about is the width of the board. It’s the perfect size for kids, but it may not be enough room for an average-sized adult depending on your personal preference.
On the other hand, some might say that the paddle that comes with the board is a bit heavy and has a cheap feel. With that in mind, you may want to purchase a different paddle that is lighter or built better depending on who would be using it.
Also, as great as it is to require a small storage space when it is rolled up and put away, you may find some difficulty in putting it away correctly. Consider a tent and how you can never seem to put it back the same way it was when you pulled it out. This paddle board can be like that, but even more when you add the lateral fins into the mix.
Who Should Buy It
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No one likes to spend their money unnecessarily, but if you’re a beginner, you should really consider this paddle board as an option. It’s the perfect size for someone that is just getting started, and it’s incredibly inexpensive.
Also, if you’re looking for an all-around paddle board, this is an excellent choice to move forward with. It can provide you hours of paddling fun without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a good board for the kids to try, this is a great option because of the size and the cost. Kids outgrow everything, and eventually, if they love paddling on the paddle board, they will want a bigger board.
Who Should Avoid It
If you’re on the heavier side, you should probably steer clear of this paddle board. It is known in SUP circles that paddle boards that are thin like this one tend to bend or flex in the middle if the load is too heavy.
Also, if you don’t have a hand pump, you may consider avoiding it because it does take some work to get it sturdy enough to use on the water.
Are you thinking about racing on a paddle board? If you are, then this is definitely not the option for you. It will not handle quickly or speed through water. This is purely for those individuals that simply want to have some fun out on the water.
Where to Buy It
You can buy this board in a multitude of places both online and in-store. Prices vary, but not so much that you’re going to get a better deal anywhere in particular.
Amazon often has it in stock, and while you’re there, you can also read some reviews from people that have already purchased it.
You can also find it on Walmart’s website, too, free shipping if you ship to the store. Reviews there echo the sentiments mentioned earlier, too, about this board being good for children or smaller adults, and not so much for average-sized adults that are looking for an inexpensive option.
If you’re still looking for where to buy a Bestway Inflatable Hydro-Force Wave Edge Paddle Board, then don’t forget to check out eBay. That’s right. eBay has them available with shipping based on your location.
The Final Verdict
Customer reviews cover a lot of different opinions that include the positive and negative experiences with the paddle board. More often than not, there’s a reason for the negative opinions, and most of the time it’s user error.
Remember to inflate the paddle board to the full recommended 12 psi even if it feels difficult to do it. You may do better with pushing the inflation with an electric pump as opposed to the hand pump.
Overall, the Bestway Inflatable Hydro-Force Wave Edge Paddle Board is a great product if it’s what you’re looking for. They’re inexpensive and still made with quality in mind.
Don’t forget to do your research and read reviews before deciding to buy this one, but as long as you know what you’re getting, you’ll be happy with your decision.