Tahoe SUP Zephyr
1,249.00
Pros
- Fast
- Looks Great
- Turns Great
- Lots Of Storage Plugs
- Super Light!
- Strong
Cons
- Tips Easily
- No Upper Deck Pad
- Not For Beginners
Tahoe SUP Paddle Board Review: 12’6″ Zephyr
I am lucky enough that Nate form Tahoe SUP called and asked me to test and review a few of their boards. I obviously said yes right away and really looked forward to getting them and trying them out.
The first board I had heard about for some time and that was the Zephyr. I remember reading that it was a good board and I always loved the design of it from the pictures that I saw.
Now I just want to quickly remind everyone before I get into the review that I don’t in any way claim to be a professional paddle boarder of any kind. I am more of an everyday SUPer who just loves paddle boarding and is passionate about learning more and trying as many different boards as possible. This is not to say that I won’t get good in the process, but I just want to look at these reviews from an every day guy standpoint.
Unboxing The Zephyr
I am impressed with the boxing on the Tahoe SUP boards. As you can see it completely wrapped in cardboard and bubble wrap that really protects it quite well for shipping.
On the inside of the box don’t forget to look for their 10″ Tahoe SUP fin that is typically fasted to the side with some tape (I had to look for it for a while at first).
That is all that came with this specific package, but I will be trying the SUPack on it as well
The Board Specs:
- Dimensions: 12’6″ long x 30″ wide
- Board Weight: 29 pounds
- Max Capacity: 280 lbs
- Construction: PINEWOODtech™
- Fin setup: 10″ Single
- Deck plug setup: Front / Back
As you can see the hull is very pointed and sleek.
About PINEWOODtech Construction:
PINEWOODtech is Tahoe SUP’s process of epoxy lamination that has real pinewood sheets that are fastened together and then vacuumed tight over an EPS foam core. The natural grain look of the PINEWOODtech construction gives it the look they have been known for in their paddle boards. The tech also creates a really lightweight and versatile paddle board while still improving the rigidity, strength, and durability at the same time.
My Very First Thoughts Of The Board
My first thoughts were excited! Like I said before, I had heard and read about this board but never ridden one, so this would be a new experience on a nice touring board. Very sexy, sleek, and I like the colors and hull design. It looks fast, but who knows till I test it. I still like the look of the Paddlecraft the best so far, but looks only go so far.
My Thoughts On The Color And Design
The colors are great and the design of the board is pretty and sleek. It looks like a board that is in the $1,000+ range and that is what it is.
Like the Paddlecraft, I really like the sunken deck and the lines are super pretty. The wood accent gives it a nice touch as well.
The board is basically 5″ thick for the most part, but tapers down to 2″ thick in the tail. This is also not as wide as a lot of boards (only 30″) which I will go more into in a bit. This is a touring board, so to get more speed, it is going to have to be narrower which will require a more advanced rider.
The one fallback I could say has to do with the handle again, much like the Paddlecraft, it is not quite weight centered on the board so it tips forward (nose heavy) a bit when you carry it (especially with the SUPack on it). Small complaint but easily fixed honestly.
The deck pad is very comfortable. Its soft but not too soft and offers really great grip with shoes or just bare feet. It is comfortable with just bare feet which I like and the dirty cleans off pretty easily. It also like the colors of the deck pad and the nice, clean designs on it.
So How Does The Zephyr Paddle And Ride?
Talk About The Speed Matt…
My Overall Thoughts About The Zephyr SUP
My Final Thoughts
Thank you again Tahoe SUP for making me want to buy your boards as always….lol. But honestly, This is a great touring board. I wouldn’t start off with this board, or get it for SUP yoga or paddle board fishing, but I would get it for performance.
Be sure to get more information and check out the current price here.
I look forward to reviewing more boards in the future including the fuchsia Tahoe SUP Bliss.
Thank you as always for stopping by and please be sure to ask any questions you may have or comment below!
