Surf's up! Sort of.. Isle Pioneer 3 Paddleboard/Kayak Review

 

Isle Surf and Sup

Hey!  Did you forget about me?  Yes, I know, it's been a while since I've posted or blogged, but looking to get back into it.  I am also looking to get back into running some races next year (I've been volunteering this year), so stay tuned! 

Isle Pioneer 3

So, as we sit here close to Thanksgiving, and having had 2 feet of snow drop in Colorado Springs about a week ago, what better time to talk about summer adventures!   

Thanks to the great folks at Isle, I've been able to go on several adventures with my first experience with a SUP (Stand up Paddleboard), and wow it was awesome!   

I was able to try out the Isle Pioneer 3 (10'6"), with the Kayak conversion kit, which makes it super versatile.  Anyway, check out my full review below.  Happy Holidays!

Unboxing:  

Just a few pics of unboxing the Pioneer when it arrived.  I was impressed with how well everything was packed, and the weight of the complete packages comes in around 36 lbs.   I think my set was just a little heavier as it included the optional kayak seat, paddle extension and dry bag.  Also, the bag doubles as a backpack, or it has wheels to drag it around easily where ever you are headed. 

Here it is unpacked in the living room :-)

This was my first experience with a paddleboard, but it was super easy to set up.  Isle provides some fantastic first-timer videos on YouTube, as well as a set up video, so that made it simple.  I will admit however, that inflating it with the provided pump is a workout, especially at 6K ft above sea level. I did get a chance to do it at sea level, which I'll talk about later.  The D-Ring system along the edges made it super easy to install the seat and foot rest, and very easy to adjust quickly as needed. 

First outing!  

So, for my first outing, I took the Pioneer 3 up to Manitou Lake, which is just outside Woodland Park, CO and sits right around 9K ft.  In several pics you can see Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's 14'ers in the back ground.  Beautiful place, and a great place for a first try at paddleboarding. 

I went with my friend Amy, who has a Body Glove SUP, so it was great to get her feedback on comparing products.  She really liked the self sealing valve, and all the D-ring attachement features of the Isle compared to her board.  

It was also great to have someone there to give me some tips!  I did watch the first time paddleboarding videos from Isle, so that helped as well.  I started with the kayak attachements whichprovides a foot rest, and a back rest/seat, both which were inflatable. I had the additional paddle attachment which converts the SUP paddle to a kayak version.  

I love it as a kayak!  So comfortable and easy to control.   From there I switched to kneeling, after removing the seat/rest, and swapping the paddle back to a standard SUP paddle (which had some super convenient settings (based on height) to get it dialed in right. 

After getting comfortable, I made the shift to standing.  That was tricky!  At first it really feels like its not stable, as my legs were shaking like crazy.  But after standing still for a bit, and then wobbling it back and forth, my brain realized it was way more stable than I thought.  Did get to exercise some new muscles balancing for sure!  

Eventually I got comfortable standing and paddling.... too comfortable LOL.  I tried to make a hard turn by back paddling, and my weight shifted backwards, and next thing I knew I was in the water.  Here I learned that you certainly need to attach the ankle strap as I had to swim a bit to get back to the board.  And then I learned how to get back on to the board, which was good.  At least it was a mid to high 70's day (not bad at that altitude), so the water felt great :-)

woops!

Next outing, road trip!!!

So the next outing was actually during a road trip to the Seattle area.  We were headed out to visit my kids (and grand daughter), so I decided to throw the Pioneer 3 into the car.  We drive a smaller Mazda CX-5, but as you can see above, the full packed Pioneer doesn't take up much room really.  

ALSO, I had a big concern that after I unpacked it the first time, it would never fit back in the bag, as you know how that can be.  Happily, the full set up fits in the bag easily, and I can even squeeze in my PFD. 

We went out to Lake Wilderness in Maple Valley, WA, and it was just so beautiful.  And I found that pumping up the board to the recommended 15lb PSI, was a bit easier at sea level!  Something to do with molecules being more compacted.. science!  

So much fun, and so easy to bring out in the back of the car, set up, and pack up later.  Also, took my 2 year old grand daughter out on it and she LOVED it.   I don't have a pic, because her overwhelming cuteness would break the internet. 

Isle on Facebook

So there you have it, a little summer adventure to share.  If it wasn't obvious, I highly recommend Isle for the best variety and feature laden boards out there.  For a newbie, they made it super easy, and the quality is amazing.  These boards feel bullet proof, and are so easy to work with.   Check Isle out by clicking HERE, and right now the Pioneer 3 is $200 off! 

Ok, that's a wrap.  I hope you and yours have a safe and happy holiday season.  I'll check in with you soon!

Happy trails!

Jeff

barefootinclined@gmail.com