In recent years SUP has exploded onto the watersports scene, with both solid and inflatable boards making it a hugely accessible sport. Check this review of Fanatic Fly Air 12ft iSUP to see how we got on with this inflatable stand up paddleboard.
Fanatic has long been established in the windsurfing world as one of the top manufacturers of kit. Over the last few years the brand has also started producing top quality SUPs.
As SUP continues its global popularity stampede Fanatic has incorporated a range of iSUPs (inflatables) into its range to keep up with current trends. We got our grubby mitts on the 12’0” x 34” x 300L Fanatic Fly Air and took it for spin.
Review of Fanatic Fly Air: First look
In board sizes above 10ft inflatable stand up paddleboards are proving to be a popular choice for recreational paddlers. Due to easier storage and transportation these ‘blow ups’ are the perfect choice for SUPers who don’t want the logistical headache of dealing with a hard board.
Fanatic’s Fly Air certainly looks like a top quality piece of kit straight out of the box – in fact we were given a brand spanking new stick to play with (thanks to K66 Distribution and Nik Baker for sorting this out).
Supplied with a handy backpack, for ease of carrying to and from your chosen drop in spot, a standard pump, with air gauge and ‘quick fix’ US Box fin, this iSUP is well designed and ready for action.
Manufactured using durable Dropstitch PVC, the Fanatic Air would be a great choice of inflatable for a variety of watery environments – open sea, river, lake or even hotel swimming pool (!), the Fanatic Fly Air is just a few pumps away from paddling bliss.
Blowing up an inflatable stand up paddleboard
No review of Fanatic Fly Air 12ft inflatable stand up paddleboard would be complete without blowing it up! At 12ft long there’s a lot of ‘room’ needing to be filled with air and inflating takes about 5 minutes.
Riders should aim to cram 25psi (its maximum) worth into the board to make sure rigidity is kept intact once out on the water. You won’t be able to over inflate by using the supplied pump so aim to put as much in as you can – you’ll thank yourself during paddling sessions.
Review of Fanatic Fly Air: Afloat
Once the Air is inflated to its maximum its stability is fantastic. With little play (or bend) the Fanatic stays rigid and cuts through chop at good speed.
Built for touring rather than racing (although there’s no reason why you couldn’t compete on this SUP) the upwind ability of the Air isn’t quite as efficient as a racing hull.
However, coming back downwind is pure joy. In fact we found the downwind performance of this Fanatic Fly Air inflatable stand up paddleboard to be so good that we were chomping at the bit at the mere hint of breeze.
Catching rolling swells with ease whilst remaining super stable and composed the Fanatic Air would be a great choice of downwind stick for those getting into this part of the sport. It would also be good for SUPers who are looking to plan SUP holidays, but face baggage restrictions.
It would make a perfect partner to a hard downwind board in a larger size and therefore shouldn’t be discounted by elite paddlers.
During the course of this review of Fanatic Fly Air 12ft we were even blessed with some small swell and were pleasantly surprised by its wave riding capabilities. Obviously the Fanatic isn’t a surf SUP but for messing about in small to moderate swells it copes well and serves up a whole load of fun.
Additional features
One great thing about the Air is the fact you can attach a windsurfing rig to the board. Fanatic really try and cater for a diverse audience and by including windSUP features the Air boasts a versatile and super fun personality.
With its ability to cope with swells and small waves, the Air would also lend itself to a spot of moderate whitewater paddling. Care would need to be taken to not snag and puncture the skin on rocks but it’s perfectly feasible to take the Fanatic into the river.
Review of Fanatic Fly Air 12ft: Conclusion
The Fanatic Air 12ft is a great example of an inflatable stand up paddleboard that would suit a variety of paddling styles. It can handle everything from flatwater cruising to downwinding and moderate swell to whitewater.
Perfectly suitable for all levels of paddler the Air would sit happily alongside more performance orientated boards for advanced paddlers or be a one board does us all for recreational users.
We hope you enjoyed this review of Fanatic Fly Air 12ft inflatable stand up paddleboard. Be sure to check out our other SUP articles for more inspiration.
