We got our first Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) off Amazon for about $120. It was on the short and narrow side, was extremely basic, and had just enough weight capacity for me and my fiance. It was essentially a test to see if we would use the board enough.
Needless to say, I was absolutely stoked to test out Retrospec’s premium iSUP offering, The Weekender Plus. Not only is it a very large and stable 10’6”, it also can be utilized like a kayak for extra versatility via a very clever and non-clunky conversion seat option included with the bundle.
The bundle comes with everything you need to get going, well except a flotation device/life jacket, but Retrospec conveniently sells those, too!
Grab your sunglasses & sunhat and set off into the sunset with me for this in-depth review of Weekender Plus Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak Hybrid bundle.
Design
At first glance, Retrospec’s Weekender Plus looks like most inflatable paddleboards. It has a grippy stance pad, elastic netting for locking down dry bags, life jackets and more, as well as fins for straight line control.
However, as you start interacting with the Weekender, you notice subtle features that make it feel a lot more premium than entry level paddleboards. Features like a GoPro mount, carry handles in the front and center, velcro loops for your paddle during transport from car to put in, and removable fins. I have seen paddleboards that are just as pricey not have removable fins, or only allow you to remove the center fin creating an awkward roll up process.
Retrospec didn’t cut corners on this flagship offering, and it shows in both the materials and the extra touches throughout the build.
Stability & Ride Characteristics
At 10’6”, the Weekender is long, wide, and stable. The Weekender Plus sits midrange in Retrospec’s lineup, beat in stability only by Retrospec’s party paddleboards that are specifically designed to carry 2-3 people. That said, we’ve comfortably carried 2 people on the Weekender Plus, we just fall within the recommended weight of 300lbs.
The added stability sacrifices speed. It is not the most nimble paddleboard out there. I found that out first hand while floating sections of both the San Miguel and Dolores rivers in Western Colorado. Overall, it was a great ride down the river, but it wasn’t quite as pointed and maneuverable as a touring or river board would be.
On the open water – reservoirs, lakes, you name it – it was perfect. It moves well, drifts straight, and has just enough upward pitch at the nose to cut down and split smaller whitecaps. It won’t win any speed records, but you can get it going a few MPH if you’re consistently and working for it.
To me, it really is an ideal all-a-rounder. It has all the hookups you need to bring your gear, it can lazily float a river, get going at a decent clip if you need to beat a storm, or just drift and float around for a relaxing afternoon. The choice is up to you!
Kayak Conversion
The Kayak Conversion is a quick, easy, and convenient option to increase your speed and comfort on longer days on the water. The kayak seat itself pumps up in a minute or two, clips into place in another minute or two, and you’re off to the water!
The paddle is also very quick and easy to convert, you essentially replace the handle with another paddle in a few easy button presses, and you’re off to the water!
I was fairly impressed with the speed that the SUP could maintain when paddling hard. I was expecting more drag due to surface area, but I was able to maintain about 3.8 to 4mph when paddling hard. While you might not be quite as fast as your buddy’s touring hard kayak, you can definitely hang when needed.
All in all, a really awesome option. The only downside is, when you have the conversion in place, it is a lot more difficult to fit 2 people on the board, which is very doable when the board is just in SUP mode.
Setup & Teardown
If you’re brand new to iSUP, the Weekender is extremely approachable to setup – whether you read those instructions or not. If you’re an iSUP expert, Retrospec’s setup is one in the same. It has a single inflation point, detachable fins (all three on this one), a removable leash, and a foldable (and adjustable) paddle.
You simply unroll, set the pin, attach the pump, and get after it! Before setting off, you attach your fins, check your leash connection, and slide the fins into place. Simple and approachable for anyone!
Pumping the Weekender to 12-15 PSI takes about 10–15 minutes. It all depends on your stamina and strength! The pump has a high pressure mode, which I switch to as soon as the board takes shape and has a base inflation. Just make sure you have the pin locked for inflation before you get to proper PSI, or you’ll be sorry – like I was!
Durability & Value
At $379.99, Retrospec’s Weekender Plus Hybrid bundle is a great deal. It is right in the price range of other premium offers, but you get the bonus kayak option, the dual paddle option, and all the accessories you need (minus a PFD) to get on the water! It is a very solid value option, and offers a lot for the money.
It also has great build quality and materials that seem like they’ll last a decade plus. After bumping my way down my last river float, I know I caught many rocks, and the Weekender has nothing but some surface abrasion. Pretty good for countless rock catches over a 12 mile float!
Retrospec’s mission is to bring outdoor recreation to more people by offering value-driven products and pricepoints to help folks get outside. I feel that Retrospec’s Weekender is not entry level, but provides long-term value for a beginner to jump right into this tier of paddleboard. Why? Because we very quickly outgrew/wanted more out of our bargain board from Amazon, and we could have just grown into this one! Speaking from experience, spend the extra dollars if you can.
Buy now, or browse all Retrospec’s products. Fun fact, they have a lot more than just iSUPs!
Leave a Reply