11' Inflatable Hybrid SUP Kayak

My family has a beach flat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and I have wanted to take a stand-up paddleboard down there to leave. The problem is that it is very difficult to check a board on the airlines longer than 9’2.” Here in Las Vegas fall 2011, I saw some inflatable boards in the 11’ range starting out @ $550 that seemed like a perfect solution. I did a little research on the net and found that the cheapest solution was an 11’ Saturn SOT 330, which I ordered Nov. 2011 from Boats To Go. I paid $349 for the board and $49 for the paddle plus shipping for each.\r\n\r\nWhen I received it, I found that it was made in Korea. This was not a disappointment as I had done some white-water rafting in Costa Rica and found the Korean-made rafts to be very durable even with repeated scraping over rocks and trees/strainers.\r\n\r\nI inflated the board with the manual pump that was enclosed and was able to get to nearly 11 p.s.i. The “Naru” valve system is very good in that very little air is lost when the inflating hose is detached and it seems to hold air well for a prolonged amount of time due to the spring loaded valve system.\r\n\r\nHere in Southern Nevada, even though we are in a desert we have several lakes that are year-round accessible for water sports. I had so much fun stand-up paddling on my SOT 330 that I went three times in the first five days. Even in December, without a wetsuit I like to go out anytime that I have a long lunch break. I first tried stand-up paddling in Maui July 2010, where the ocean presents a much steeper learning curve.\r\n\r\nThe bottom of the SOT 330 is smooth which would appear to more apt to catch ocean waves than some of the more expensive inflatable boards with fancy-looking decks and corrugated bottoms. It has the look of a raft with the rings along the periphery, but this is simply more practical for securing items without sacrificing performance. The Naru valve cap elastic is even great for securing flip-flops/slippers/”slips” near the nose of the board!\r\n\r\nThe collapsible paddle from Boats To Go was shipped separately and extends to nearly 7’, yet folds up to fit in the bag in which the SOT330 inflatable SUP was shipped. This paddle works great maneuvering and powering through the water! The SOT 330 is great for being transported in any vehicle providing that one brings the manual pump along. The carry bag is great for holding all the gear. I love the kitsch “SATURN” (with accompanying ringed-planet) logo on the bag and board!\r\n\r\nIf not for the legal ramifications, I’d love to paddle the SOT 330 around the Bellagio fountains or any Las Vegas Strip pool navigating through bikinis. I have some friends who are identical twins from Long Beach, CA who took their collapsible two-piece foam surfboards to Stonehenge to pose for pictures after surfing at Cornwall, England. That might be an idea for the Saturn SOT 330 prior to its final destination in Puerto Vallarta, only 300 yards from where the original “Love Boat” cruise scenes were filmed. It could inspire new episodes. ; )

I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with my new inflatable paddle board! I've been impressed with the sturdy construction of the board -- it really seems top quality. I love being able to throw it in the trunk of my little car and just go paddle -- no hassle! Setup is really quick and painless. I am new to paddle boarding and have had an easy time using the board, so I can recommend it to beginners. Thanks for my board, and for your excellent customer service -- I'm looking forward to buying from you again in the future!