Aqua Marina Vapor Test

Welcome to the Aqua Marina Vapor Test, in this series of several articles we do the Aqua Marina SUP-Test, this time with the Vapor. The Aqua Marina Vapor has been one of the most popular SUP Boards for more than 5 years. Time for a comprehensive test!

We test the Stand Up Paddle Board extensively, so that you get a better picture of who this Board is best (but also the least) suitable for. We try to be as objective as possible in our assessment.

Do you still doubt after reading this test or after reading our SUP board purchase guide about which SUP board you would like to purchase? contact us and we will gladly help you with your decision.

Summary

The Aqua Marina Vapor is a beautiful entry-level model suitable for those who have just started with SUP-Boarding. The board makes great strides every year in terms of strength, technology and also design. We regret that the Aqua Marina Vapor only has a carrying capacity of 220.5 lbs.

The board has a thickness of 4.7", where we prefer boards with a 5.9" thickness. A board of 5.9" thick offers more stability and sturdiness. We do find that you get a lot for the price you pay.. We also think that the option to attach a SUP seat is great!

We recommend the Aqua Marina Vapor for the recreative beginner. Are you planning long SUP boarding trips, do you already have experience with SUP boarding or would you like to brave some rougher water? Then in our eyes you will have to search further for example for a Aqua Marina Atlas (read the test here).

Have you just started and do you want to get to know the sport but not spend a lot of money? Then the Vapor is a great option. However, are you prepared to spend a little more money? Then choose an Aqua Marina Fusion or an Aqua Marina Thrive.

Specifications of the board

• Size: 9.8' x 2.5'
• Thickness: 4.7"
• Weight board: 18.1 lbs
• Maximum carrying capacity: 220.5 lbs
• Pressure: 15 PSI

The Aqua Marina Vapor Test

To get a fair picture of a board it is always nice if you can compare. So we went for a day to compare and test the following SUP boards. Follow the link if you want to read another test:

• Aqua Marina Vapor (which you are reading right now)
• Aqua Marina Fusion
• Aqua Marina Atlas
• Aqua Marina Magma
• Aqua Marina Super Trip
• Aqua Marina Beast

After half an hour of testing, we can draw the following conclusion. The board itself was getting used to for us. The thickness of 4.7" is not ideal for us. The other boards from our test are 5.9" thick and you notice that well during use.

This board is less stable so you are more likely to fall in the water than on a 5.9" thick board. The maximum carrying capacity of 220.5 lbs ensures that it is (almost) impossible to stand on the Aqua Marina Vapor SUP with several people.

However, this inflatable SUP-Board also has many positive aspects. For a very acceptable price you get a complete package which allows you to start right away.

The board feels robust and is not inferior in terms of technology to the much more expensive variants. Another big advantage is the possibility to attach a SUP seat on the board. This allows you to use the SUP well to sit and paddle over the water.

Finally, we are very pleased with the developments in the field of design. Maybe you remember the Aqua Marina SPK-2? This is the exact same board (it had a name change) and be honest, the Vapor looks a bit better doesn't it?

What do you get when purchasing the Aqua Marina Vapor?

A big advantage when purchasing the Aqua Marina Vapor is the package you get. This package is so extensive, that you do not have to buy anything extra to start immediately. The follow accessories are included for free:

• High-pressure pump for quickly inflating your Stand Up Paddle board
• Carrying bag
• Extra fins for more stability
• SUP anklecord
• Paddle

The Aqua Marina Vapor is an inflatable SUP-Board. We have already discussed this on several pages on our website, but here again briefly the advantages compared to a hard board:

• Easy to take on holiday (even on the plane)
• Easy to store in the winter days
• Much cheaper
• Technology has improved greatly over the past 10 years. For this reason, these boards are now almost hard to distinguish from hard boards.

The disadvantages of an inflatable board are that less speed can be achieved and that inflatable boards are more for beginners and less suitable for more advanced SUP boarders.

The fact that this SUP-board is inflatable has only advantages in our opinion:

• Easy to take on holiday (even on the plane)
• Easy to store in the winter days
• Much cheaper
• Technology has improved greatly over the past 10 years. For this reason, these boards are now almost hard to distinguish from hard boards.

The disadvantages of an inflatable board are that less speed can be achieved and that inflatable boards are more for beginners and less suitable for more advanced SUP boarders.

Difference between the Aqua Marina Vapor and the Fusion

Many people on a budget between € 300 and € 400 doubt between the Vapor and Fusion.

We personally feel that in that case you should go for the Fusion (or the Thrive, only we have no extensive test for it). This board is larger, stronger and more suitable for long distances.

The design is personal and we do not judge about this either. However, you see that the Thrive and Fusion clearly have better specifications. Can you also buy one of these boards for your budget? Then we can wholeheartedly recommend it.