Summers in Oregon have been getting progressively hotter over the years, and the summer of 2024 is no exception. We’ve had a heat wave, and where I used to enjoy hiking around Mount Hood and getting up into the mountains, we’re now spending more time in the lowlands, hanging out at rivers and lakes. Paddleboarding has been something my wife has been into for a long time, and she’s also encouraged me to get into it too and the heat has definitely given me a good reason to explore it further.

I’m not a pro at paddleboarding, so I’m not looking for the high-end models with all the bells and whistles that cost over a thousand dollars. I’m more interested in an entry-level paddleboard, which is why I decided to try out the BOTE Wulf Aero when it came onto my radar. Over the past few weekends, we’ve spent time at the water outside Canby, Oregon, and the Umpqua River in Roseburg in southern Oregon to escape the heat and I’ve used these opportunities to get my feet wet with this stand-up paddleboard.

I’ll share everything I liked about it, a few things that gave me pause, and why more expensive paddleboards are often preferred over cheaper Amazon alternatives. But before we dive into all that, let’s start by covering the basic details and tech specs of this paddleboard.

What Is The WULF Aero

The WULF Aero by BOTE is a lightweight, beginner-friendly, inflatable paddle board designed for effortless water adventures. Featuring AeroULTRA technology and a stable 34″ width, it’s ideal for those new to paddle boarding or seeking a reliable, wallet-friendly addition to their gear. With the new MAGNEPOD™ Magnetic Accessory compatibility, the WULF Aero combines minimalistic style with functional excellence, setting a new standard for entry-level paddleboarding. This paddleboard includes a 3-piece adjustable aluminum SUP paddle, coiled leash, 10″ removable Aero center fin, repair kit, hand pump, and a fabric backpack travel bag.

Available in two sizes, the WULF Aero offers different capacities and weights to suit various needs. The 10′4″ model supports up to 250 lbs and weighs an average of 20 lbs, while the 11′4″ model supports up to 315 lbs and weighs an average of 22 lbs.

Both models utilize AeroULTRA technology for optimal inflation between 10-15 PSI. The paddleboard’s portability is a key feature, with the travel bag dimensions of 38″ L × 18″ W × 12″ D, making it easy to transport and store. The WULF Aero provides exceptional stability and ease of use, making it a perfect choice for beginners and anyone looking to enjoy water activities without hassle.

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WULF Aero SUP Review – What I Dug

It’s High-Quality Materials

As a family man, the durability of the products I bring on trips to Bend, Mt. Hood, or just the river is incredibly important. The durability and quality of the materials of the WULF Aero paddleboard were a real class act, and I could tell from the second I cracked open the box that it came in. High-quality materials are crucial, especially since the places we go paddleboarding often have rough rocks and sandbars. My wife’s had paddleboards get damaged or even pop because of this, so durability is a must.

And that’s before considering the additional hazards my family brings into the mix! My dogs, the pets that our close family friends bring along, and my toddler, who is increasingly interested in aquatic activities, can all be tough on stand-up paddleboards.

My wife has had cheaper ones bought off Amazon years ago when she first got into the hobby pop or become damaged under these conditions. Stand-up paddleboards are generally easy to fix, but that’s the last thing you want to deal with when you’re out in the wild using them. It can turn a fun day into a hassle. However, this paddleboard’s material held up incredibly well!

It Folds Up Nicely

One of the most annoying things about camping gear, whether tents, paddleboards, or whatever, is that they come in these nicely compact vacuum-sealed boxes or bags, fitting perfectly into your car the first time you take them out. But once you’ve opened and used them, it’s nearly impossible to get them as compact and tightly folded as they were originally.

I thought I’d run into the same issue when I saw the vacuum-sealed bag and plastic wrapping that the Wulf Aero stand-up paddleboard came in…

However, after a day at the river floating on the paddleboard, I was surprised that even after deflating and rolling it up, it fit comfortably and snugly back into the backpack it came with. It took up the same amount of space in the back of my car as when it was fresh out of the box, which is something I don’t see often. I wish more products – especially those cheap Coleman camping tents you buy at the last minute – had this feature.

But it seems like BOTE is among the few companies prioritizing this quality-of-life feature!

It’s Super Stable

I’ll be the first to admit my balance isn’t what it used to be, back when I was skateboarding and snowboarding almost every weekend like I did in my younger days. My wife often laughs because I tend to fall in the water a lot, especially on paddleboards, to the point where I probably spend as much time in the water as I do on the board.

But the Wulf Area paddleboard was incredibly stable, thanks to its width and the fin on the bottom. Inflatable stand-up paddleboards can often be a bit wobbly, especially compared to the more rigid boards I’ve rented. However, the Wulf Aero stood out as one of the most stable boards I’ve used, which is great, especially for beginners. The stability is one of the reasons why I think BOTE really nailed the entry-level market with this paddleboard.

They knocked it out of the park for targeting that specific user group.

It’s Got All You Need

Granted, BOTE isn’t the only company that includes everything you need to get started with their products, but it’s still worth noting that the Wulf Aero comes with a full setup. It includes a repair kit, a carrying bag, a pump, and more.

So it really does come ready to use, whether you’re heading to a local river, a lake, or any other body of water; it’s g2g right out of the box. You don’t need to buy any extra equipment at your local store or order something last minute from Amazon. Once again, it caters perfectly to beginners, making it easy for anyone to get started without needing to visit a local shop for additional supplies.

What I Didn’t Dig

The Price Isn’t For Everyone

BOTE markets this stand-up paddleboard as a great option for beginners and while it has many user-friendly features, the price point of nearly $500 can be a bit restrictive, especially considering there are cheaper options available on Amazon for well over half the price. Granted, you often get what you pay for with those cheaper options but I’ll talk a bit more about this towards the end of this review.

$500 is a big investment for an entry-level paddleboard. That said, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about getting into stand-up paddleboarding, offering great value compared to more expensive pro-tier paddleboards on the market.

Some People Like More Rigid Options

I’ve always thought that inflatable paddle boards are the most accessible type and are often the most common on the market. However, it’s important to remember that other options, like fiberglass or carbon, are also quite popular.

Many people appreciate the benefits of a more rigid fiberglass board, which this isn’t. Fiberglass paddle boards can be even more durable than the high-quality materials used in the Wulf Aero. They also tend to be stiffer, which can aid with balance, and have different weight distributions and aesthetics. For those who prefer the features of a rigid fiberglass board, this inflatable option might not be the best choice.

That said, inflatable paddle boards are the most widely used, and they offer a ton of great perks, particularly in terms of portability and ease of access; these are usually all somebody needs to choose something like BOTE’s SUPs over the more rigid options.

Why Not Buy A Cheap Paddle Board?

As with most things, you get what you pay for for stand-up paddleboards. While it might be tempting to grab an inflatable paddleboard for $100 on Amazon, it’s important to know that these cheaper options won’t offer the same quality as a more premium brand like BOTE. While there are things I personally sometimes cut cut corners on price-wise—like buying cheaper cables, cords, or power chargers for my music studio—that approach doesn’t apply to outdoor recreational products like paddleboards. The difference is that, when you’re out on the water, you don’t have the convenience of being at home where you can fix things or swap them out if they break or worst.

You’re often at a local river, far from home, and the last thing you want is to be ready for a day of fun only to find out that the pump is broken or the board pops easily. I’ve heard horror stories about people buying cheap paddleboards only to have issues like broken pumps or odd weight distribution due to flimsy design. These problems can lead to poor balance and an overall bad experience. Investing in a quality paddleboard is worth taking the activity even half-seriously.

The Wulf Aero by BOTE is among the best reasonably priced entry-level paddleboards. I’ve had the chance to use it in various waterways, and it performed exceptionally well. BOTE clearly understood its target user for this paddleboard, ensuring it offers great value and justifies its price tag. I highly recommend this paddleboard to you, your family, and even your dog.

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