Christos Nicolaou, Divemaster and Paddle Boarder
Summary The Gili Air is an amazing entry level iSUP board for new riders looking for a lightweight and stable paddle board. It’s beautifully designed and comes in a range of different colors making it a very stylish choice for beginners. Overall the Gili is Air is Gili Sports’ successful attempt to craft an all-round, lightweight and stable board to provide beginners with an inflatable entry-level option for paddle boarding. Like what you see? Then jump ahead and get this SUP board now. We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think: The Gili Air paddle board provides a stable and affordable board for beginners to the sport of paddle boarding. The stability of this board will allow riders to feel comfortable on the water and allow them to quickly progress to some intermediate maneuvers such as the back-step turn. In terms of maneuverability, the board tracks well in the water due to the Gili Sports fin system. That said, this board does become challenging to ride in harsher wave conditions or when the wind picks up. Additionally, the board is quite lightweight and portable and is fantastic for travellers who want to take their board on holiday. The travel bag provided is not only airplane friendly but also very comfortable to carry thanks to the padded shoulder straps. This board is also very comfortable to ride on and Gili Sports has made it a priority for the rider to feel comfortable with the implementation of a large and plush EVA traction pad. In calm conditions, this board can be used to transport another passenger and even for some basic yoga flows. The Gili Air paddle board package is equipped with all the necessary accessories to get you set up and out there on the water. Gili Sports provides you with a Gili Aluminum 3-Piece Adjustable Paddle that is great for travelling. This package also includes a coiled leash, a manual two stage hand pump and a Gili Inflatable SUP Backpack. Although the Gili Air weighs in at just 19lbs the board offers riders plenty in the way of stability due to its rounded design. This is impressive given that 31 inches for width tend to make for pretty lively boards. The board is stable in most conditions and provides an enjoyable and smooth ride on the water. As the paddle board is not only lightweight but also extremely stable, the Gili Air is recommended for beginners. The Gili Air offers its rider superior maneuverability as well as great tracking in almost any condition. Twists and turns offer no obstacle to this board in calm waters, however when the wind picks up, it can be a challenge to dictate your course. This is mainly due to the light weight of the board and as such riders will require more energy to maintain their bearing. The Gili Air comes with an inflatable SUP backpack that is extremely lightweight and comfortable. It is also very airplane-friendly and can take the bumps and knocks, leaving your board and gear unscathed. Deflating and packing the board into the backpack isn’t too challenging and all included accessories fit into the volume of the bag, making for an easy check-in item. The Gili Air offers the same quality and design as some paddle boards that cost twice as much. Although it is not a competitive or performance paddle board (and wouldn’t compete well against such models), the price/quality ratio of this brand and model is very competitive. Considering the price the Gili Air package costs, beginners who purchase this paddle board package can get a real feel for what paddle boarding is all about on a quality board. Do we recommend it? We definitely recommend the Gili Air for beginners looking for an all rounder board with great stability and versatility. The Gili Air is also extremely travel friendly and features stunning designs, depending on your choice of color. Paddling on knees or with the additional kayak set for paddle boarding, increases the versatility of this iSUP for beginners and intermediate alike. Ultimately, this board is for anybody who wants to get into paddle boarding with an all inclusive, high quality package that is available at an affordable price. Apropos cost: part of the price tag also includes a portion that goes to environmental causes, including clean-up initiatives. See the complete list of the best Paddle Boards here!Gili Sports Air 10’6 Inflatable SUP Board Review (2020 Model)
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Gili Sports Air 10’6 Inflatable SUP Board Review (2020 Model): Key Specifications
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Gili Sports Air 10’6 Inflatable SUP Board
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How long does it take to inflate the Gili Air SUP board?
The Gili Air SUP board can be inflated in 5 minutes with an electric pump or 7-8 minutes with the included high-pressure hand pump.
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What pressure can the Gili Air SUP board be inflated to?
The Gili Air SUP board needs to be inflated to between 12-15 PSI.
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What does the Gili Air SUP board come with?
The Gili Air SUP board comes with a paddle, fin, leash, pump and backpack.
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What weight can the Gili Air SUP board hold?
The Gili Air SUP board can support a weight of up to 275 pounds.
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Is the Gili Air SUP board covered by warranty?
The Gili Air SUP board has a 2 year manufacturer warranty, as well as a 60 day money back guarantee policy
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