Retrospec Weekender-Nano 8ft Inflatable Paddleboard

I have 3 kids and this works for all of them. They are around 80 lb, 95 lb, and 110 lb. I myself am 155 lb. The board sits nicely in the water (when inflated to 15 lb) for all of them, but definitely sits too low for me. (Not that I am surprised! It just means the 140 lb rating is accurate.)

It turns well. Just absolutely spins in the water at low speeds or sitting still, and does a gentle turn while paddling. I feel like it doesn’t track particularly straight in the water, requires switching paddling sides to go straight more than I like. This is often also due to the lack of skill of the small people who are learning to paddle on it, but I also experienced it when I tested it. Since it has lots of fin area, I’m guessing this is due to its length and flat shape.

The leash was comfortable and no one complained about it, even though we’re all picky about how things feel on our skin.

All three fins were easy to install and remove.

The pump worked well, but of course was a real chore to get up to 15 psi. The kids definitely could not pump it by themselves–it requires adult muscle or two kids working together.

The paddle is not great, imo. The paddle is at an angle compared to the shaft, which confused all of us, even though I see how it makes the blade enter the water more truly vertical … if you aren’t holding it backwards. It works, but I’m not fond of it. It adjusts down to 52″, but it slips a lot near the 52-53″ area for us. (I think I can tighten the quick adjust lever, so may be able to fix this.)

Overall though, very happy with this board. All three kids took turns toodled around on it and really enjoyed the experience.

My daughter loves this!

I just purchased and used in my pool for a trial run and then for about an hour on a calm lake in the Dallas area. I really love it, but it is a workout for both my daughter and I! Unlike the long, wide, large paddle boards we’ve rented, this compact one requires you to really work to balance on it – after 45 minutes on the lake my feet were feeling it late in the day. You really engage your thighs, core, and feet, but I had expected this due to the small nature. And I want exercise, so this was a plus for me.

Steered well and was easy going out as with the current. I had to put effort into it on the way back as against the current, but steered well and was able to navigate under bridge and back to exit ramp. Even some crazy jet skiers came into our area, which I don’t think is allowed (an area more for non-motorized kayaks, etc.) and left some crazy wakes. I was able to maneuver and still steered and didn’t fall off.

I chose this board because so petite at 7′ 8″ it can even fit into my Toyota Highlander inflated (with minimal impact to vision on side/back). However, deflating is quite fast for the majority of air in it – and pumping doesn’t require more than a few minutes (just need a safe flat surface, gets a little tiring at the end). I had actually avoided inflatable kayaks/paddle boards because of fears of the dreaded deflation process. I wanted something I could load into my car inflated because our camping mattresses are terrible to deflate: You open the valve and lay on them, sit on them, roll them, and generally struggle to deflate (they are high end self inflating mattresses from REI) – then I give up and throw them in our large indoor storage closet inflated because they are impossible to deflate. I worried this might be the same, but it’s a simple push of a button and deflates the vast majority of air in seconds. So easy to collapse and pop in the car.

I purchased this for myself for the petite size as noted above. I’m an adult woman, 5′ 5″ and weigh between 120-130 lbs at any given time. I knew this was for kids but other small moms noted being fine using kid boards. And I figured I could give to my daughter if it didn’t work out for me. She likes it but noted it requires just as much balancing effort for her – so it’s not unique to a small adult.

Pros:
– Beautiful color and design on the board (summer punch), it gave me great joy opening. Lovely set/packaging, like an apple watch 🙂
– Easy to understand/assemble. I’m terrible with instructions and mechanical things. I wanted something easy that I could put together/carry all by myself (or with my daughter) and not need my husband’s help (he’s not much for water).
– Well made (perhaps that one reviewer got a bad one, I saw no signs of poor construction)
– Wonderful set, thoughtful including everything you need (even phone case)
– Well constructed backpack
– 3 fins, easy to attach/detach

Cons:
– Requires significant balance compared to large/wide boards, so not necessarily a con but noting so all are aware. My child is almost 11 and good for her and I to use our core muscles.
– Correction: Pump PSI indicator is working, I just way underfilled the first time as I was reticent. I went out with another paddle boarder and pumped much more. It still requires a fair amount of balance, but makes for a good thigh/core/feet workout.
– While the board is 12.2 pounds, the full carry case is about 20.5 lbs, which seemed heavy to me and a lot for a kid. That being said, not an issue as we can drive to our location, just pull out of car. But if you are camping and a long walk, be aware.
– No cord for the paddle, although most sets don’t come with this. You may want to buy another bungee for the paddle, especially if for a child who may drop.
– Strong smell from the PVC material, so open outside if that bothers you. I noticed my Ecobee gave me a “poor indoor air quality” alert in the red that day, the first ever received, so I am assuming that was the cause. I do have air filters and ones that do VOCs, but I opened this far from them.

Now that I know how easy it is to inflate/deflate, I may buy a longer more stable one for yoga from this same brand. Or perhaps another brand – but I admit so impressed with this set nervous to try anything else. Other brands I considered:

Waterkids (a few inches wider, may be more stable – I might try this one too)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BCN3S5Q7/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_3?smid=A1O15KMWLC4O20&psc=1

Freein Kids (1 fin and some say poorly made, no bungee cord)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PV7Q53D/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2?smid=A1JAKYBXCMHEJ7&th=1

Tuxedo Sailor (limited ratings – most ratings are on the other options available)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CZLF58H4/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_4?smid=A30G2FBOSXGULL&psc=1