Sipa Smart Motorized Paddle Board - Review 2023

Cruising. Smoothly. Effortlessly.

A motorized paddle board is a luxury item. While this touring SUP can be compared to other touring boards without electric drives, it must be said that the experience is different. The rhythm is something else and when paddling with a partner on a non-motorized board, it’s clear that the Sipa board might be a solo-centric experience.

When using the motor, even at the lowest speed, this is really a leisure tourer. Paddling gently helps the board along at speeds that conventional paddlers will have to break a sweat to maintain.

With the e-drive running, the board tracks really straight too, further driving a wedge between this electric SUP and those without power.

Luckily, the Sipa Tourer Drive performs really well as a conventional touring board when the motor is not in use. In other words, just using the self-inflating pump, not using the motor, is a definite option. Unlike some motor-assist bikes that are down-right unpleasant to peddle when the power runs dry.

With the motor turned on, cruising upwind or against strong currents doesn’t have to be straining. Getting back to land as the weather begins to act up doesn’t have to be an arduous or desperate task.

The e-drive works well, especially on the lowest and middle speeds. The battery seems to last more than an hour when not set on high too.

We found the noise generated by the drive when on high was unpleasantly loud anyway.

So, the most important part is the experience on the water. But the process of getting ready for paddling is also a unique, yet critical proposition of this board.

Following the steps laid out in the very simple app, the SUP inflates in two stages. It makes quite a bit of noise, but this is pretty close to other electric pumps.

Unfortunately, we found that the automatic pump consistently inflates the Tourer to 14.1 PSI every time. We tested this at least 10 times and found it landed at the exact pressure point at every attempt. To get it higher demands using another pump for the purpose. That’s something that defeats the purpose of the self-inflating function.

This wouldn’t be a problem, but we found that the board performed much better with a PSI of 15.9. Noticeably better on all metrics of performance. We’ll look into whether it’s possible to reprogram the pump to inflate to a higher pressure and update this guide when we’re smarter for it.

But the Sipa Tourer Drive is a fun experience that will make touring more attractive for many people. It’s more than just a novelty and the price tag reflects that too. To be fair, it’s about the same price as the similar Jobe E-Duna.

For those with the means and the desire for something different, this will be appreciated. For those that are purists, a conventional touring board will suffice.

Tourer iSUP Construction

This SipaBoards electric SUP has a 2-layer PVC shell with a drop-stitch construction core. But what makes Tourer Drive’s paddle board unique? They use the advanced MSL heat fusion technology to double down on its durability while cutting down on some weight.

Compared to typical double-layer iSUPs, there’s additional adhesive on top of the first layer for extra durability and stiffness. It also allows lamination of the second layer, virtually eliminating any bubbles you’ll commonly see in 2-layer construction.

Tourer Drive electric SUP stands 12 feet tall, with 32.2″ deck width and 6″ thickness. The nose also has a traditional touring shape and a bit of rocker, cutting through waves effectively.

The soft rail throughout this electric SUP is also seam-taped. It appears to be really robust and it needs to be because of how much stress this area withstands.

The overall construction of the Tourer Drive is solid enough to provide excellent rigidity. Not to mention, the minimalistic look is so refreshing.

Features

Bungee Cords and D-Rings

This Tourer Drive electric SUP only has bungees for your cargo at the front. You’re pretty limited to how much you can carry with you. We ended up loading aboard one drybag and slinging another over the shoulder as a compromise.

Aside from that, the D-rings are limited to three, one on each side and another at the tail. You’ll have to drop rigging a kayak seat or paddling with a cooler aboard this electric SUP. If you like carrying lots of cargo, Onean Manta is your best bet.

Handles 

There are carrying handles at the nose and tail of this SipaBoard

There’s also a longer strap that attaches to the D-rings along the side of the board. This shoulder strap works pretty well.

Deck Pad

The EVA deck pad offers a comfortable grip. Slipping won’t be a problem while using Tourer Drive since the snakeskin pattern provides good traction. The minimalistic design promoting the brand is also somewhat refreshing.

Fin System

SipaBoards Tourer Drive has a single fin with a classic US fin box.

It’s an ideal match to this electric SUP and its engine, providing the least drag possible out of all fin setups with a touring profile for good tracking. Turning is also easy using the paddle as a rudder when the motor is generating thrust.

SipaDrive

Where all the magic happens, this electric SUP runs and inflates via the SipaDrive System. This jet engine can inflate your paddle board in no time and without any effort. For us, took only 6 mins. and 20 seconds!

It weighs 8.5 lbs. with the 144 Wh battery and motor onboard the 20” x 8” 5.5” plastic case that screws firmly tight. There’s space for keys and an iPhone Mini in there too.

It’ll take a couple of stages. First, pump up enough air, so there’s some leeway to place the SipaDrive into its slot. Second, fully inflate your electric SUP.

Speed-wise, SipaDrive has three thrust settings– low, medium, and high. If gray skies start rolling in and waves begin to crash, cruise to safety at a maximum speed of 3.5 knots or 7km/h.

But a note of caution…

Ensure you give SipaDrive a tight seal, or else you’ll lose the warranty of your expensive electric SUP. If water gets inside the unit, you’re motor is shot. A spare engine alone will run $1500!

And since it’s made specifically for the SipaBoards Drive series, you can’t morph it into one of your existing SUPs like how Aqua Marina can sit on a fin box. The engine is also not as quiet. In the first phase of inflation, it’s already ringing 7 decibels and went full-blown noisy during the second phase at 94 decibels.

Now, under the plastic case, you’ll see LED lights with 15,000 lumens to illuminate your night iSUP sessions. That’s a significant bonus if you prefer paddling and cruising the waters under the stars!

The Paddle

Not included in the package! 

But if you decide to get one, here’s what’s in store. Full disclosure: We’re under no obligation to provide a positive review, but Sipa sent us one.

It’s a three-piece carbon fiber paddle throughout- shaft and blade. Compared to fiberglass-made alternatives, it’s relatively lighter by 30% and more robust with 240 Gpa, ready to go head-on with high pressure and the test of time.

Controls

You can use this SipaBoards electric SUP via its wireless remote-connected Bluetooth 4.0. The remote sits at the top of your paddle’s shaft near the handle to keep controls within your fingertips, literally.

Download the app on your phone to use during inflation. Using the app will allow you to track both the pressure of your Drive Tourer and its performance.

Extras

Your package includes a charger for your SipaDrive engine and a USB cable for the wireless remote. It’s a plus point for us that you can charge the battery and the remote at the same time since there’s a built-in female adapter.

A 10-ft. leash is also there to keep your electric SUP attached to you. There’s also a small repair kit for just-in-case (hopefully never happens) punctures. It contains a tube of epoxy, a tool to remove the valve, a couple of hex keys, and a couple of patch pads.

Performance

Here are some more details of how the Sipa Tourer performs.

Stability and Speed

This SipaBoards electric SUP has a volume of 320 liters and a weight capacity of 110 kg. The rigid build provides good stability for an adult and a kid without sinking. However, there’s still a bit of rockiness compared to SUPs with twin fins or more helping balance the load.

Speeding back to shore for safety, especially when the weather turns, is a priceless perk. And that’s one of the selling points that made us see the value of the e-drive Tourer–for some. It’s not as fast as Scuba Jet Pro, but it’s not designed to be.

Tracking

With a slim touring SUP profile and single fin setup, tracking is far better than most all-rounders. We paddled a straight journey with the motor off without zig-zagging too much. It was even better with the SipaDrive on.

Maneuverability

Longer touring boards are not famous for their maneuverability, and this electric SUP model is no exception.

It’s a well-balanced option that makes paddling a more relaxing experience for beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Charge and Run Time

The average charging time for the battery is 1.5 hrs. and can power your electric SUP for up to 3 hrs., That compares to the JOBE E-Duna’s 8 hrs. charge time.

If you’re into paddle boarding for the workout, you’ll reach destinations with enough battery life to take you back using minimal propulsion from the engine. You can grab a spare unit as a backup.

But for you all passionate adventurers who want to stay afloat in your SUP for eons, Bixpy J-2 might be a good choice. It can last for half a day of continuous use on the lowest speed, with five hrs. of charge time, no need to switch batteries.

Portability

At 27.75 lbs. the Tourer Drive is a relatively lightweight electric SUP. That’s a weight we’re more than willing to carry for all the handy trade-offs we get out of it.

It comes with a burrito-inspired backpack complete with organizational features. The motor has its own zipped case anyways if you don’t like the idea of mixing it in.

There are four sections, and the bag is held together by quick-release buckles.

After you deflated and removed the SipaDrive, start rolling from the tail, so the fin box sits right at the engine slot. This way, you protect your iSUP from any damage the hardware might cause.

All in all, Tourer Drive is a pretty portable electric SUP unit. Of course, there’s additional weight from the jet engine, but it’s a bargain we’ll take any day of the week.

Price/Quality Ratio

For a little over $2500, SipaBoards Tourer Drive is a pricier package that doesn’t even include a paddle. But as soon as you have one, and if $2500 doesn’t scare you off, it’s quite a novel and enjoyable experience. As far as construction and performance are concerned, it delivers most of the convenience it promises.

You enjoy propulsion assistance as fast as 7km/h within your fingertips. Whether you’re suffering from an injury and can’t paddle or a weather disturbance shows up while you’re in the middle of the vast waters, the life-saving and exciting benefits are worth it.

This electric SUP also self-inflates, so you save yourself from lots of unnecessary stress. Get it ready in under 7 minutes without breaking a sweat. There’s also the handy add-on of LED lights underneath, making your night SUP adventures safer and more exciting. Tourer Drive got a decent exchange of run and charge time, at 3 hrs. and 1.5 hrs. respectively. It’s enough for some fun cruising lakes and open waters under the sun.

All of these are in the jet engine SipaDrive. Coupled with its 12′ touring iSUP, cruise the waters with a balanced mix of stability, speed, and maneuverability.

For its high price, this SipaBoards electric SUP might feel like a ripoff. First for the lack of paddle and second for some teeny-tiny inconveniences like missing center handle and insufficient D-rings. But when it comes to the overall value it brings to the table- it’s a reasonable purchase.

Do we recommend it?

Yes. For paddlers looking to raise the bar on the quality of their paddle boarding experience and have the pockets for it. If you don’t have the athleticism to cruise side to side with your experienced peers, SipaBoards Tourer Drive will help you keep up with the game. Mother nature can be brutal, and this electric SUP is a safety net to guide you back to the shores even when you’re far out. And, of course, it’s a highly recommended option for anyone who wants the convenience of an electric pump and jet engine in one unit.