SipaBoards Drive Allrounder E-Paddle Paddleboard – First Self Inflating and Powered SUP
Michael Clemente
When I recently received an invitation to test an E-paddleboard, I was definitely intrigued. I first thought, well, the self-inflation feature sounds incredible (it is). But assisted paddle? That was something I had to try for sure.
Some have asked me, it is necessary. Well, if you’ve ever ridden an e-bike and seen how much further you can go, it’s easy to compare the benefits with a power-assisted board. Want a longer trip? This will help you get there. Want to paddle against the wind (like biking uphill) and have a little “push”? Or gone out on the lake further than you might have planned on and need help getting back? Maybe heading out with some faster paddlers and wanting to help to keep up? All of these examples are where you might appreciate the benefits of a Sipa powered board.
Before even getting out onto the lake, I’ll start with what is arguably one of the more challenging parts of a paddle workout: inflating a board with a standing pump to the right PSI. With the Sipa board, it can inflate itself while you’re getting ready, applying sunscreen, or simply enjoying the lakeside view. What’s more, it inflates to just the right PSI without having to check up on it.
If you’ve ever underinflated a board, perhaps you’ve found yourself out on a lake with your toes submerged and having a tough time paddling around. I’ve certainly made that mistake a couple of times. I didn’t time the self-inflation feature on the Sipaboard, but inflating this thing was relatively quick and ready to go in under 10 minutes.
Sipaboards has a few different models, but certainly not a crowded lineup. They offer 4 models with a motor and 3 models that offer self-inflation without a motor. There were 2 available to test, and I opted to try the Drive Allrounder. While this board is a bit larger and not as sporty or fast as the Drive Tourer, I personally prefer the stability of a bit wider board. This gives me the option to easily travel with my pup on the front or feel a bit more comfortable fishing and carrying other gear on my board. There is a Fisherman model specifically designed for this as well.
Once the board was inflated, I carried it over to the lake and was also pleasantly surprised that it was not terribly heavy considering the motor and batteries. Like most other inflatable boards out there today, it comes with the same familiar bag and backpack-style carry straps to get it to the lake. If you didn’t know it, this would appear to be the same as any other paddleboard. And even without the assistance of the motor, it’s just as easy to get around on the lake.
So, the big question is: How is it using the motor assist? I mentioned before that if you’ve ridden an e-bike, it’s easy to compare the benefits. The first time pedaling an e-bike, I felt a slight hesitation, hoping it didn’t speed up too quickly, and I had the same concern here.
I put the motor on the lowest setting, and it started to glide across the lake almost effortlessly. I didn’t have any issues balancing, and it wasn’t overpowering. It really felt just right to cruise around the lake with a bit of assistance. And I could use the paddle to steer while enjoying the views, or I could paddle with the motor and get even further, faster.
Controlling the motor is also really easy. The board comes with a very nice and incredibly light carbon paddle. At the top of the handle, there is a Bluetooth controller with 3 power settings. When I first picked up the paddle, I was incredibly impressed with the quality and lightweight materials. This was the case with every detail on the board. Even setting aside the hallmark feature of the battery-powered inflation and motor assistance, the build quality was fantastic.
So why is the motor assist beneficial? Paddling on lakes in Colorado often means encountering windy conditions. I’ve sometimes found myself cruising to one side of a lake with the wind behind my back, only to have to fight the same winds heading back. On some of these occasions, in the past, I would have welcomed the assistance.
While I was out on the lake, it so happened that my friend and fellow Engearment writer, Wil, called me to chat. Rather than stop, I put the motor on the low setting and still got to cruise around the lake while chatting with my friend. We each had a laugh about how amazing that was.
So, is it worth it? Well, of their available models, if I were buying one, I’d personally invest in the self-inflating model. That was by far my favorite feature, aside from the incredible build quality of the boards. So, yes.
And as for the motor assist, I can certainly see the benefits and enjoyed getting around with a bit less effort. And if I wanted to carry extra gear or go a bit further on the lake? This thing would definitely help. I’d say that the same arguments for an e-bike can all apply here.
Some purists might not want the motor assist; however, others might appreciate being able to go for a longer paddle or simply enjoy being out on the water without having to exert as much effort. All very cool reasons to check out Sipa Boards.
For more info, visit: https://sipaboards.com/product-category/motor-boards/
Michael Clemente
Michael loves to ski. No, seriously, Michael loves to ski. Let’s qualify this.
Growing up on the East Coast he found NYC and DJ culture. While working for a massive tech company during the day he played and mixed electronic music at night. Somewhere amid this excess, he found skiing. It was enough to inspire a transfer to Denver. And, after driving over Loveland Pass on his way to ski at Arapahoe Basin for the first time, he realized how good his decision was. He also took up yoga.
60lbs lighter and tons of fun later he recognized how skiing had started him on a journey. He gave up the corporate job, bought a truck and a multi-resort ski pass and took off. #trucklife is like #vanlife only smaller and more frugal. A winter touring the US, Canada, and AK was inspiring. But, he wanted to be home in Colorado, so he moved to Summit County and started working in Outdoor Retail.
Did you guess you can find him skiing in the winter? Backcountry or resort its all good. In the summer he is thinking of skiing, riding a mountain bike, or hiking in the mountains.
You can find out more about his trip skiing 22 resorts or some of his other adventures at www.othersidemtn.com or Instagram @michaelclemente
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