Blue Wave Sports Stingray Inflatable SUP Board Review

Let me premise this by emphasizing just how big Blue Wave Sports got under the rein of inflatable paddle boards. Indeed, one of the best transitions in the history of the industry is when Blue Wave Sports decided to go after inflatable paddle boards and boy was it a perfect match.

This is truly one of the most prominent brands out there and one which brought out some of the best selling iSUPs to the market. Evidently, there is a complicated formula behind the growth and success of Blue Wave Sports boards and to analyze it we’ll have to deconstruct their latest and supposedly greatest Stingray.

Blue Wave Sports Stingray Review — Features & Specs

Measurements

As far as inflatable paddle boards are concerned, measurement is certainly the most critical aspect about a paddle board and one which you must lock down before you move onto the rest of the specs.

Indeed, the size of the board can significantly define the range of users and performance characteristics of the board which is why we always initiate our reviews with measurements.

Starting at length, Stingray comes at a fairly generic 10 feet which is guaranteed to cater for most paddle boarders. Truly, at this length, the board is considered to be a nice match for adults, young adults and even teenagers. Also, it is important to note that the longer the board, the more likely it is to perform paddle boarding tasks better. However, it is even more significant that it actually matches your size; so don’t compromise.

On the second axis comes width; which might not sound as critical as the previous dimension but it can definitely impact your experience to the extremes. Accordingly, the Blue Wave Sports at hand stands at a comfortable 30 inches in width, eliminating all of our concerns. To elaborate more on that point, a board this wide is certainly going to perform better under the command of a beginning paddler as it will grant you more stability and balance in most circumstances.

Last but definitely not least, the thickness of an inflatable paddle board has taken a sharp turn after 2010 due to a lot of quality complaints. In fact, these complaints were more related to thickness than quality itself as boards were prone to flex under excessive weight. Still, Blue Wave Sports decided to go with 4 inches in thickness which is nothing to write home about compared to 6 inches paddle board. Don’t get me wrong here. It is still perfectly reliable and as long as you respect the weight limit, it should be fine.

Quality

Our concern with quality is certainly justifiable with every purchase and especially with inflatables.

Accordingly, Blue Wave Sports is surely aware of this concern and that is omnipresent in their robust Stingray. The Stingray is made out of double layer industrial grade PVC material which is meant to withstand outdoor elements. Indeed, this is the same material the army and heavy industries use to build most of their equipment and boy does it last.

However, a robust body is clearly not sufficient for something filled with air. Hence, Blue Wave Sports went with an industrial multi drop stitch high pressure construction, putting the needle at bay and perfectly sealing all seams on this hull.

Features

As for features, the board at hand has managed to be labelled the richest inflatable paddle board on the market and the answer to that can be simply answered by looking at it. Indeed, this is a board rich in features which might not appeal to authenticity fanatics. However, if you’re a beginning paddler and you’re looking for a smooth and fun experience then you’re going to love it.

• First on the list of things to appreciate about the Stingray has got to be the premium anti slip gripping pad, covering around 50% of the board’s surface. In fact, this is the one feature which you’ll definitely notice if it went missing and that’s because it doesn’t only grant you a firm grip on the board but it also helps you navigate a lot better.

 

• Further, the board also comes with an impressive set of D-rings which reaches the extremities of the board, bringing along plenty of possibilities. Thus, Stingray’s 7 D-rings are set in different groups: 6 at the center which are meant for a kayak seat installation and a cargo net and one extra D-ring on the tail for safety leash attachment.

 

• Moreover, the board also features a foot rest and a central carry handle which will make transporting it on land an easier task especially if you like to go paddling solo.

 

• Finally, one of Stingray’s most defining features has got to be the tri-fin navigation system which is suitable for both beginners and professionals. Indeed, this system has proven to be extremely efficient on steady water as it tracks better in a straight line and responds faster to commands.

Packaging

Packaging is definitely the candy of paddle boarders because it can give so much value to the board or in the same respect, take away so much value. Hence, Blue Wave Sports hooks the Stingray with a complete package, including:

• Dual pressure hand pump
• High pressure screw valve and wrench
• Multi configuration blade paddle with 3 uses
• Removable kayak seat
• Foot rest
• Detachable central tracking fin
• Repair kit
• & a carry bag that fits all of the above + board.

Performance

As far as performance goes, it is important to understand the difference between a competitive and a recreational board. Of course, the difference would be strikingly obvious based on the price tag alone but that does not take away from recreational boards in anyway.

Sure thing, Stingray won’t be able to compete with highly competitive paddle boards but that’s not what it’s made for. The board at hand is made to appeal to entry level users and cater to their needs; which often indicates some sacrifice on the level of performance for the benefit of comfortable use.

Nevertheless, don’t let that compel you to underestimate this Stingray because the fluid smooth body, lifting nose and triple-fin navigation system is going to take your experience to another level.