The big known sports store Decathlon also has its own line of Stand Up Paddle Boards. As these are also quite popular (at least here in the Netherlands/Europe) it was time for me to also try out these boards.
I will review the 5 boards that Decathlon has launched all over the world. As it is originally a French company the collection in Europe is bigger than for instance in the US. In Europe they have 10 boards in the collection, in the US and the rest of the world, these are 5 boards.
Also in Europe, these boards are named “Itiwit Paddle Board”, whereas the rest of the world has the brand used, but it is not specifically used in the name of the boards. Because of (probably) shipping and import costs prices are also a bit higher outside of Europe.
In general, I can say the board feels very light and floats well on the water. There are lots of sizes available which makes sure you can always find a nice board.
However, I think these boards also have a lot of downsides, too many actually. Inflating the board is really hard (after purchasing the extra pump), this took me 5,5 minutes on high speed, way more than for other boards on normal speed.
The boards do not have a kick pad and the EVA deck sometimes almost has the same color as the nose of the board, which makes the design unattractive and plain. There is no D-ring to attach your SUP leash, only a leather strap, which is not at all convenient.
Last but certainly not least, these boards do not include a paddle or a pump and some of these do not even have a leash included. The ones that do just have a plain leash instead of a coiled leash. Only a backpack is always included, which does not even have padded straps.
So all in all there is enough to say about these Decathlon paddleboards, read my complete guide below to find out the difference between the boards and what they are suitable for.
Pros and Cons
Pro’s
- Good quality boards for little money that are stable
- Different model for kids, all-around and touring
- Suitable for both quiet and slightly wilder water
- All boards have a bungee cord on the front for carrying stuff
- Lightweight product that is easy to carry
Cons
- No paddle or pump included
- The board is missing additional D-rings
- No kick pad on the boards
- It feels like they overestimate the maximum carrying weight by a lot
- Simple leash included no coiled leash
Decathlon paddleboards are available worldwide
Note: On their website, all 5 boards have “touring” in the name, which is completely ridiculous. I would surely not recommend an 8’9″ board for touring, which gives me the first impression that they do not know a lot of what they are talking about.
Most suitable for:
The Decathlon paddleboards are clearly aimed at two groups: beginners and touring. As the 8’9″ is a very small board that is most suitable for children, I would also add this as a target group. As the target groups for these boards are different I will review them one by one below.
Decathlon Itiwit 10’0 All-Around Paddle Board for Beginners
The Decathlon Itiwit 10’0 All-Around Paddle Board for Beginners is 10’0″ long and 32″ wide and suitable for people under 175 lbs. (Decathlon lists the maximum carrying capacity as 500 lbs, but I assume that is the load needed to sink it to the bottom of the lake..)
A small but stiff board, which is made for recreation and learning to Stand Up Paddle and due to its low length and high width it is not for use at higher speeds or racing.
The board has a thickness of 5″ which makes it a bit flimsy/wobbly and it weighs a total of 19.8 lbs, so it is easy to carry along on your trips. It can be inflated up to 15 PSI and has a bungee cord in the front.
In my opinion, the board is not very stable, mostly because it is only 5″ thick and my feet got a bit wet (I weigh about 80 kg/176 lbs). So the maximum carrying capacity that is listed as 500 lbs makes no sense at all.
Looking for a good but cheap Stand Up Paddle Board? Check out my Best Cheap Paddle Boards Guide.
Primary use
All Round / Relaxing
Speed on the water
The speed on the water is rather low because the board is thin and wide and also bends a bit. Not suitable for higher speeds.
Transport
It is very easy to transport this SUP because it is inflatable and light. The board weighs 9 kg / 19.8 lbs.
Stability
For beginners, the 5.3″ thickness is not great and this board is rather wobbly. Do not use this board at all if you weigh over 176 lbs / 80 kg.
Decathlon Itiwit 11’0 All-Around Paddle Board for Beginners
The Decathlon Paddle Board Itiwit 11’0 All-Around for Beginners is 11’0″ long and 34.1″ wide and suitable for people over 175 lbs. (Decathlon again lists the maximum carrying capacity as 705 lbs, I would not recommend anyone to test this out though!)
This board is the most sold Decathlon paddle board and has a common size. Except for the size, this is basically the same board as the 10′, with the same lack of accessories and also aimed at all-around paddle boarding and relaxing for beginners.
The board is 5.9″ thick and is a lot more stable than the 10′ because of the thickness and size so this would be more recommended for beginners to start on if they insist to purchase a Decathlon paddle board.
Also be aware that this board is missing a kick pad and there is only one fin included, which is very fragile. The design is a bit strange with the deck that almost has the same color as the front.
If you insist on purchasing one of the Decathlon paddle boards this would be the first choice, so it is understandable that this model is sold the most. But still, a price of $449 is a lot for a board this basic without a paddle or high-pressure pump.
Looking for a better board in a complete package? Check out the Bluefin Cruise 10’8″
Primary use
All Round / Relaxing
Speed on the water
The speed on the water is rather low because of the width, not suitable for high speeds or racing.
Transport
It is very easy to transport this SUP because it is inflatable and light. The board weighs 10.5 kg / 23.1 lbs.
Stability
This board is as stable as a regular Stand Up Paddle Board of this size and thickness and is just fine for beginners.
Decathlon Paddle Board Itiwit Beginner 8’9″
The Decathlon Paddle Board Itiwit Beginner 8’9″ is 8’9″ long and 30″ wide and suitable for people under 130 lbs. This is why this board is mostly for children (although the lady above seems to manage), as most adults weigh slightly over 130 lbs 😉
This board does include a coiled leash as the only one of the Decathlon paddle boards, so that is a nice addition. The board is currently very cheap with a price of only $200 (normally $299), but keep in mind that a Decathlon paddle and Double Action Pump will cost you at least $40 each.
The board is also 5.9″ thick, which makes me wonder why only the 10′ board is so thin if even the children’s board is thicker than that. As 130 lbs is quite a low limit it is probably better to purchase a Stand Up Paddle board for children that can take on a bit higher weights also, so it can be used even when the child got bigger.
Check out the Best Paddle Boards for Children
Primary use
All Round / Relaxing
Speed on the water
The speed on the water is rather low because of the small size, not suitable for high speeds or racing.
Transport
It is very easy to transport this SUP because it is inflatable and light. The board weighs 8.2 kg / 18 lbs.
Stability
This is a stable board for children up to 60 kg, but the bigger they get the less stable this board will be.
Decathlon Paddle Board Touring 500 12’6″ – 29″
Decathlon Paddle Board Touring 500 12’6″ – 29″ is 12’6″ long and 29″ wide and suitable for people who want to achieve some higher speeds on their inflatable paddle board. The maximum weight limit of the board is 285 lbs / 130 kg, which is reasonable for this size.
This board does not include a leash, like the previous boards did, which is a miss as this is surely needed when racing/touring (one more upsell for them woohoo). The board is currently also on sale for a price of $500 (normally $699), which shows me mostly that usually it is way too expensive for a board with no accessories. I could purchase a Bluefin or Blackfin board for this price in a complete package and higher quality!
The board has a nice look and shape for racing and can help you reach higher speeds, where the 32″ wide version is more suitable for touring. If you want a Decathlon paddle board that is suitable for racing, this is your choice!
Primary use
Racing
Speed on the water
The speed on the water is high because of the shape. A long and not so wide board to glide quickly through the water.
Transport
It is very easy to transport this SUP because it is inflatable and light. The board weighs 11.8 kg / 26 lbs.
Stability
The board is not the most stable as it is only 29″, but when you reach higher speeds the board gets more stable.
Decathlon Paddle Board Touring 500 12’6″ – 32″
Decathlon Paddle Board Touring 500 12’6″-32″ is 12’6″ long and 32″ wide and suitable for people who want to take longer tours on their Stand Up Paddle Board. The maximum weight limit of the board is 310 lbs / 140 kg, which is sometimes even enough for two people.
This board does not include a leash either, so that is something you will have to purchase next to the board, the paddle and the double action pump. The price is the same as for the 29″ wide, so $500 at this moment but normally it has a price of $699. So for that price I would still recommend you to look at the more known Stand Up Paddle Board brands.
The board has a nice look and shape for racing and can help you reach higher speeds, where the 32″ wide version is more suitable for touring. If you want a Decathlon paddle board that is suitable for touring, this is by far the best option!
Looking for a complete package for almost the same price? Check out my Best Stand Up Paddle Boards
Primary use
Touring
Speed on the water
The speed on the water is decent because of the shape and the longer board, but not as fast as the 29″ wide version.
Transport
It is very easy to transport this SUP because it is inflatable and light. The board weighs 13.2 kg / 29 lbs.
Stability
The board is more stable than the 29″ because of the extra width which makes it suitable for longer tours.
In the package
Leash
The Decathlon SUP Leash is unfortunately just a plain non-coiled leash that is always fully extracted. I would recommend purchasing a coiled leash, which they do offer in their assortment but just do not include with the boards. This makes sure the leash only extends when needed and that it wont get in your way or even get stuck on something.
With the 8’9″ there is a coiled leash included though, but with the two touring models no leash is supplied at all.
Backpack
The Decathlon paddle board bag is a very colorful and simple bag with 1 extra pocket with zipper inside the bag. The bag is colored like your board, which is a nice details. The straps are not very comfortable though and there are no extra pockets on the outside for your stuff, but it does what it is made for.
Optional accessories (not included)
Decathlon SUP Paddle
Because it is hard to paddle with only your hands!
Decathlon Double Action Pump
Since an inflated paddle board floats better than and empty one.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Decathlon Paddle Board
What is the best Decathlon Paddle Board for All-Around use?
The best Decathlon Paddle Board for All-Around use is the Decathlon Itiwit 11’0 All-Around Paddle Board for Beginnners
How many different Decathlon Paddle Boards are there?
Currently Decathlon has 10 boards in the collection in Europe, in the US and the rest of the world these are 5 boards.
Is there a Decathlon Paddle Board for children?
Yes, this is the Decathlon Paddle Board Itiwit Beginner 8’9″
What is the best Decathlon Paddle Board for touring?
The Decathlon Touring 500 12’6″ – 32″ Paddle Board
What is included when purchasing the Decathlon Itiwit 11’0 Paddle Board?
A backpack and a (plain, non-coiled) SUP leash
Difference between an Inflatable board and a Hard board
Advantages Inflatable board
Easy to take on holiday (even on the plane)
Easy to store in the winter days
Much cheaper
Technology has improved greatly over the past 10 years. For this reason, these boards are now almost hard to distinguish from hard boards
Advantages Hardboard
More speed, which is important if you are a professional
Easier to make sharp turns on the water because the board is thinner
No inflation needed, you can get on the water right away
Conclusion – Should I buy a Decathlon Paddle Board?
After having looked at these boards and tested them, I honestly have the feeling that Decathlon is just a company that is too big and seems less focused on specific products. The boards they have created are decent, but feel like they are unfinished.
D-rings are missing, none of the boards a kick pad and no paddle or even pump included with any Decathlon paddle board. Besides that the technology that used for the boards outdated. Parts glued together where every Stand Up Paddle Board focused brand uses fusion technology or something similar.
This can cause tearing and for the seams to come apart. Which is not something you are looking forward to on the water! (Even the repair kit sold separately!) It feels very much like the Decathlon paddle boards are still in a testing phase. Where a brand like Aqua Marina was at quite some time ago (+- 5 years).
As Aqua Marina developed itself in its brand and started using better technology. Now includes all accessories, I hope so will Decathlon in the future. In the end you will pay too much money for the complete package. Where you could buy a complete package of way better quality for about the same price as you have seen on this site.
For these reasons, I recommend to wait a while before purchasing. A Decathlon paddle board and instead to choose a complete package of higher quality with the same costs. In the future the Decathlon paddle boards might improve due to the larger production. Research department that this large company has, certainly something to keep an eye on!
What do you think of the Decathlon paddle board or about the brand in general? Do you believe that a company that has its focus on so many different things could excel in a single market?
Personally I have more faith in companies that solely focus on Stand Up Paddling (and maybe other water sports) as they have proven to have high quality and will do their research on improving their boards for sure. Let me know in the comments and share your thoughts and experiences with me!
