Solstice Bora Bora SUP Review

--Product Information--
Product Name: Bora Bora SUP
Product Brand: Solstice
Best Use: Light touring, to whitewater, but not so much ocean waves.
Sizes Available / Specs: 12'6 inflatable.

--Test Information--
Location of Test: The Clackamas
Duration: A few hours

--Ratings--
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 8

Full Review: The Bora Bora 12'6 is a great entry level inflatable SUP. It is definitely a substantial amount of board and can hold a larger person. Although it is over 12 feet long, it handles pretty well on flat and rough water for being such a large craft. My experience with this board was on the Clackamas from Riverside to Clackamette. Compared to other inflatables I've seen, the Bora Bora has a shape that is similar to a touring board only with a bit more rocker. It was a great time, although I swam a bunch as it was my first river run ever! Over all the board was decent and I would recommend it to someone looking for a beginner SUP with some versatility both for rider and conditions.

The Good List: It is super durable and stable. I wrapped it around a couple of rocks and dislodged it and there was no damage at all; I just got back on kept riding. It also has a really big nose that cargo can be stored on or clipped to, or you could bring a dog along on a flat water adventure.

The Not so Good List: In more tumultuous conditions, this board does tend to flex a bit giving it a mattressy feel, and if under inflated can "taco" (technical term for folding in half.) This is not uncommon in the inflatable/whitewater SUP world, but should be noted.

The Bottom Line: This a great board for multiple uses. It can perform reasonably in a variety of water conditions and with a variety of rider sizes. This is not a high performance, specialized machine, but it's super fun.

The Solstice SUP in all her glory.