This is a review of the BOTE Breeze Aero inflatable paddle board.
When it comes to a family fun day, I don’t want to be hauling a load of heavy gear that may or may not get used, depending on how the kids feel. I’m lucky that my gang usually has a great time playing on the SUP at the lake or in the ocean, but I still don’t want to carry a heavy, all around paddle board with me whenever we go paddling.
That’s why I love the BOTE Breeze Aero – as it’s a lighter board that still performs well, from a well-respected manufacturer. It weighs just 20 lbs, so it doesn’t add near as much to my beach load as my touring SUP would.
The Breeze Aero is excellent value yet packed with features, with a choice of three graphic designs. The superb stability inspires confidence, whether it’s when the little ones are clambering around, or I’ve finally escaped for a solo paddle.
I think the BOTE Breeze Aero is worth considering for anyone looking for a well-built, entry-level inflatable paddle board. The Breeze Aero performs well and has a great feature list for its price. Will this be the board for you?
Read on to find out.
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BOTE Breeze Aero Pros and Cons
- Extremely light SUP. Just 20 lbs in weight, so it’s easy to carry
- Highly durable construction thanks to AeroULTRA technology
- A choice of three gorgeous graphic designs
- Super stable due to the 33” board width
- Travelink SUP carry sling compatible
- Side fins are fixed and make rolling up the board for storage a bit harder than removable ones would.
- Doesn’t include a leash, although this means you can choose your own for your fit and style preference
BOTE Breeze Aero Board Specs
- Length: 10’ 8” (Also available in 11’ 6”)
- Thickness: 6”
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs (315 lbs for 11’ 6” model)
Who Should Buy the BOTE Breeze Aero Paddle Board?
The Bote Breeze Aero appeals to anyone looking for a well-built inflatable paddle board – it is an excellent choice for a first timer, casual users, and families. BOTE has an excellent reputation for quality, and I believe that the Breeze Aero is no exception to this rule.
Anyone looking for a first paddle board will find the BOTE Breeze to be a terrific choice. The board is nice and stable on the water, thanks to its 33” width. This means that it’s a confidence-inspiring platform to learn on.
Casual users will enjoy how well the BOTE Breeze paddle board performs on the water without needing to be an expert. For the avid paddler, the Breeze is highly maneuverable and tracks beautifully. It’s possible to make a decent speed on it too.
Anyone looking to travel will appreciate the lighter weight of the Breeze. At just 20 lbs it’s 20% lighter than similar quality paddle boards.
The BOTE Breeze Aero is an excellent choice for family trips to the water. With its bright, eye-catching designs, this is a fun paddle board that everyone can enjoy.
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Features of the BOTE Breeze Aero Inflatable Board
I will continue my BOTE Breeze Aero review with an in-depth look at all of the features that make this paddle board such an excellent package.
High-Quality Construction
The Breeze is the first inflatable SUP using the new BOTE AeroULTRA Technology. BOTE uses military-grade PVC that they say is virtually indestructible. During my testing, it definitely seemed to resist the usual knocks without so much as a mark.
The BOTE Breeze Aero has a core made up of tens of thousands of composite drop stitch fibers. These connect the top and bottom layers of the PVC shell to maintain the board’s rigid shape perfectly.
AeroULTRA is the very latest drop stitch technology that enables a single layer of PVC skin to be used. This reduces total board weight dramatically without compromising on strength and performance.
Very Light Yet Sturdy
The AeroULTRA Technology means that the BOTE Breeze Aero is exceptionally lightweight.
In fact, the Breeze Aero is the lightest paddle board of its class. At just 20 lbs, this is one of the lightest quality inflatable paddle boards that I’ve come across.
Choice of Three Distinctive Designs
I especially like the designs of the entire range of BOTE boards. This company produces amazing-looking boards that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
I chose the Classic Teak as I love the look of the wood effect accent that reminds me of a traditional solid board.
There’s also the cool Native Eclipse or the arty Native Floral Jaws.
BVA Foam Textured Deck Pad
The excellent BVA foam deck pad covers about half the board and gives excellent protection against fatigue as you paddle. It is also anti-slip to make sure that you can stand safely.
BOTE has used heat-sealed BVA, which means that water absorption is avoided.
Additionally, the deck pads pattern design sheds water quickly. There is also a tail traction area, so accomplished paddlers can safely make step-back pivot turns.
Bungee Cargo Area
At the nose of the BOTE Breeze Aero, there is a large bungee storage area to secure cargo safely. The 6 D-rings that secure the bungee can also be used to clip items, such as cooler bags.
Bungee storage is ideal on inflatable paddle boards for holding items you want to grab quickly but need to be safe as you paddle. I use mine for storing things like my flip-flops, water bottle, and lunchbox. You can also use it to hold your paddle when it’s time for a rest.
Carry Handles
The BOTE Breeze paddle board has three practical handles for carrying the board and maneuvering it in the water.
There’s a center handle for carrying the board, and there are also handles at the nose and tail. All have neoprene padding for comfort, as well as a nice BOTE logo.
Compatible With BOTE Travelink SUP Carry Sling
The board has two D rings mounted on either side which can be used with the available Travelink SUP Carry Sling. This is an excellent accessory if you need to carry your board over long distances, handsfree.
Includes a SUP Accessory Package
The BOTE Breeze Aero package includes a selection of accessories. This is ideal as many people who buy this board will be first-timers, needing the essential gear.
The one essential item missing that I would expect to see is a SUP leash. However, BOTE offers an excellent coiled leash that can be added to your shopping basket at checkout if you don’t have one already.
a. Backpack Bag
The included BOTE travel bag is suitable for carrying the board and all its accessories. This is a padded backpack-style bag with nice wide shoulder straps that spread the load, ultimately making it more comfortable to carry.
There’s an adjustable chest and waist harness to ensure that the bag stays secure on your back as you walk. There are external straps that are perfect for securing a paddle board life jacket. Finally, the bag material is water-resistant and looks hardwearing, so it should last a long time.
b. 3-Piece Adjustable SUP Paddle
The SUP comes with a 3-piece adjustable paddle that has an aluminum shaft and an ABS blade. The paddle is nicely color-coded to match the center section of the Breeze Aero.
c. Hand Pump
To inflate the Breeze, BOTE has included a single chamber, dual-stage hand pump. This pump can inflate the board rigid to the recommended 10-15 PSI without too much effort.
However, I prefer to save my energy for out on the water. For this reason, I always recommend new SUP boarders factor in the cost of an electric pump when they budget for a board. Trust me, it is an item you’ll never want to do without after you’ve used it once.
d. 10” Center Fin
The Breeze has a tri-fin setup. The center fin is removable without needing tools, and BOTE has supplied a 10” fin suitable for most water conditions. If you will be paddling in shallower water, BOTE offers 3” Shorty and 6” Midtown fins on their website.
The two side bite fins are molded into the hull and are there to improve tracking. I’d generally prefer larger, removable fins as they are more effective and make the SUP easier to pack up. However, on a board targeting beginners and intermediate levels, these are simpler than more removable parts.
e. Aero Repair Kit
Finally, there is a simple repair kit if you should manage to give your board a knock while you’re out. There are a few different patches and a tool to tighten the inflator valve.
Performance on the Water
The BOTE Breeze Aero is a lovely SUP out on the water. But before you even get there, it’s easy to move due to its lightweight construction.
The Breeze has ample stability due to its 33” width. This is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate or infrequent paddlers. You could use it for flat water family fun with the kids or comfortably use it for short to medium-distance touring.
The 10’ 8” length is sufficient for most boarders, and there’s plenty of space. If you are taller than 6” or need the extra weight capacity, then it’s worth knowing that the 11’ 6” Breeze Aero shares all the same features.
The BOTE Breeze keeps things simple and provides a great paddle board experience. It is excellent on flat water, including lakes, enclosed bays of marinas. In addition, the entry rocker hull stays rigid even when venturing onto the ocean in small surf or chop.
I found the BOTE Breeze pretty fast on the water, and it glides very smoothly without having to put in much effort. Tracking is solid, and the Breeze Aero is nice to maneuver. In fact, with the rear traction area, you can readily back pivot turns.
The Breeze Aero is solid, and I didn’t feel much in the way of flex, especially when I filled the SUP to its maximum 15 PSI.
Overall, this is a well-performing and fun paddle board. The Breeze Aero stacks up very well against other entry-level inflatables.
Warranty
Finally, the Breeze comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty to protect you against any defects. There is also a 30-day guarantee that allows you to return the SUP if you’re not happy.
What Users Are Saying About the BOTE Breeze Aero
You’ve seen that I think that the BOTE Breeze Aero is a fantastic inflatable paddle board.
To see what other users thought, I scoured the internet. The Breeze Aero is a new SUP board, but I still found several highly positive reviews.
Reddit user “mcarneybsa,” an ACA Instructor, recommended someone asking which board to choose to “Go with the Breeze.” He added that “BOTE makes a great product, have good customer service, and the Breeze is a very capable SUP.”
Another happy purchase Kirk J comments that they enjoyed the lightness and stability of the board. On the water, he said that as a beginner, the Breeze Aero feels solid.
Finally, Lisa C said that she was thrilled with her purchase. As an experienced paddle boarder, she mentioned that she was particularly impressed with how solid such a light board feels in the water. She said that she could easily forget that it isn’t a solid board.
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Conclusion
The BOTE Breeze Aero is undoubtedly an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, lightweight, and well-priced stand up paddle board.
The AeroULTRA Technology has resulted in a lightweight board weighing just 20 lbs that is really fun on the water.
The Breeze Aero has ample stability, is maneuverable and fast. It is a great board for first-timers or intermediate-level paddlers. It is also ideal for an avid paddler that doesn’t get paddle boarding as much as they would like to.
For me, this is an amazing, family-orientated inflatable paddle board. Being the lightest paddle board, it is easy to move from the car trunk to the beach. We can inflate it and head out for a great time.
I highly recommend the BOTE Breeze Aero as your next paddle board, so make sure that you take a look as soon as possible.