You may have heard about Wavestorm from the last time you went to get yourself a soft-top surfboard. Wavestorm has become quite popular in watersports gear since it started in 2006.
They have swept the nation in terms of popularity. The biggest reason is their method of making sure they are seen everywhere. They are mass-manufactured, affordable, and can be found even in online retail stores like Amazon.
Their fame came to rise with their surfboards labeled the best beginner board. Not long after, they came up with their version of paddleboards.
Was their success with paddleboards as bright as what they have achieved with their surfboards? Let’s find out as we put their paddleboards out of the shadows.
Wavestorm Paddle Boards for Adults
Wavestorm has a line of SUPs specifically designed for adult riders. Most of them feel solid in almost all of the area, and the dimensions are just right to serve adult riders who are just beginning to paddleboard, going back to paddleboard, or trying to enhance their skill more with paddleboards.
- V1 Stand Up Paddleboard
- Expedition Stand Up Paddleboard
- 9’6” Stand Up Paddleboard
| V1 Stand Up Paddleboard | Expedition Stand Up Paddleboard | 9’6” Stand Up Paddleboard | |
| Board Dimensions | 10’6” x 32.5” x 5.25” | 9’6” x 33” x 5.25” | 9’6” x 33” x 5.25” |
| Board Volume | 217 liters | 195 liters | 195 liters |
| Board Weight | 25 lbs (11.5 kgs) | 24 lbs (11 kgs) | 24 lbs (11 kgs) |
| Carrying Capacity | up to 300 lbs (135 kgs) | up to 275 lbs (125 kgs) | up to 275 lbs (125 kgs) |
| Traction Pad | Carven in V-traction pad | Deck traction pads | Inline deck traction pads |
| Material | High-quality EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam | High-quality EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam | High-quality EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam |
| Stringers | Triple marine-ply stringers for extra durability | Triple marine-ply stringers for extra durability | Triple marine-ply stringers for extra durability |
| Fin System | Strong molded fin system (single fin) | Bolt-through fin system with removable 9” fin | Bolt-through fin system and fin parts |
All three have been designed to be a buoyant board that is responsive and easy to maneuver. While the other two are a tad bit smaller than the first one. They all render the same responsiveness in quick turns. They do well in harsh conditions practically because of the dimensions dialed in their build.
The storage strap feature is another thing you will love about Wavestorm paddleboards. This is what separates them from other low-priced paddleboards in the market. Anything you don’t want to leave behind on the beach, like your life jacket, can be tied down with the storage strap and kept safe with you.
Wavestorm Paddleboards for Kids and Beginners
Wavestorm paddleboards have nice foam tops that make them ideal for little ones to learn how to paddleboard. They also produce SUPs that are particularly for kids and beginners alike.
- Taquito 8’ Stand Up Paddleboard
- Taquito 7’ Stand Up Paddleboard
- True Wave 8’ Stand Up Paddleboard
| Taquito 8’ Stand Up Paddleboard | Taquito 7’ Stand Up Paddleboard | True Wave 8’ Stand Up Paddleboard | |
| Board Dimensions | 8’0” x 25.5” x 3.75” | 7’0” x 25.5” x 4” | 8’0” x 25.5” x 3.75” |
| Board Volume | 93 liters | 85 liters | 93 liters |
| Board Weight | 13.8 lbs (5.5 kgs) | 11 lbs (5 kgs) | 13.8 lbs (5.5 kgs) |
| Carrying Capacity | up to 120 lbs (45 kgs) | up to 120 lbs (45 kgs) | up to 120 lbs (45 kgs) |
| Traction Pad | Inline deck traction pad | Inline deck traction pad | None |
| Material | High-quality EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam | High-quality EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam | High-quality EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam |
| Stringers | Triple marine-ply stringers for extra durability | Dual marine-ply stringers for extra durability | Dual marine-ply stringers for extra durability |
| Fin System | Bolt-through fin system | Bolt-through fin system | Bolt-through fin system |
Wavestorm’s Taquito and True Wave line of stand up paddleboards are your kids’ perfect companion for paddling around in ponds, lakes, or rivers. Kids and beginners love how lightweight and easy to use these paddleboards are.
Their dimensions may not be far from the adults’ version, but at 7’ and 8’, they offer greater surface area than other stand-up paddleboards on the market. This makes them buoyant, stable, and easy to paddle.
The stringers are well thought out in each model – triple for Taquito 8’ and double for Taquito 7’ and True Wave 8’. Just enough to make it stiff and to aid with the boards’ stability and durability.
If you need a soft-top surfboard on slow and smaller beach break days, they can instantly turn into just what you need.
Accessories for Wavestorm Paddleboards
Wavestorm paddleboards usually come in packages that include:
- The paddleboard itself
- Fins
- Ankle leash
- Aluminum adjustable paddle
But, there are also other accessories that you can include to enhance your paddleboarding experience.
Expedition SUP Paddle – An ultra-lightweight and flexible paddle with a polypropylene blade channeled with a durable alloy shaft. The blade shape design allows for an increase in the effectiveness of paddling.
Kids SUP Paddle – Formed out of a central foam core, Kids SUP Paddle is light in the waters and is easy to use. The handle can be adjusted up to 6’3 in length.
Wavestorm SUP Board Sock – Made of knitted material to protect your SUP, particularly those with sizes 9’6” and 10’6”.
Performance Surfing SUP Fin – Improved turning and maneuvering are the focus of this fin’s template. It can be used for kids’ 8’ and adults’ 9’6” and 10’6”.
What Is Wavestorm?
Wavestorm has been around since 2006 and makes one of the best-selling surfboards in North America. Their impressive statistics were achieved because of beginners and non-professional riders who don’t need professional and expensive equipment to ride with.
These surfers would instead buy a cheap board they can pick up from Amazon. One that they or their family can abuse without feeling guilty about wearing out a fancy and pricey one.
Agit Global is the company that makes Wavestorm Paddleboards for Amazon and other local surf shops. They are one of the world’s leading developers of modern foam technology used for sporting goods, particularly water sports. Agit Global is a relentless seeker of excellence via innovation, market development, and hands-on involvement with the sporting goods committee.
Wavestorm paddleboards are made the same way their surfboards have been, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint. One of the many reasons Wavestormers appreciate the culture of Agit Global.
Wavestorm SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards)
As with many paddleboards designed and created for beginners and intermediates, Wavestorm paddleboards are made of high-density EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam. These are the same materials most hot tub covers are made from.
Paddleboards made of high-density EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam have pros and cons. The board’s durability is perhaps the most significant upside of a foam-constructed SUP. No more worrying about dents and bumps while you ride, like when you do if it were made from fiberglass.
You may kick, drop, bump, and toss it without feeling bad that it costs too much to be treated that way. It may get a few dimples here and there, but as long as it has not broken down in two.
EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam boards are practically soft-top. This construction leaves you worrying less about your kids falling or knocking their heads on this board. Soft-tops are also known to be easy on your feet, knees, elbows, or tailbone if you do some sitting down while paddleboarding.
The main advantage of EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam boards is they are lightweight. Wavestorm paddleboards, at 25 pounds, are pretty easy to walk around with, especially with their carrying handle integrated right into the board.
With the many reasons that make Wavestorm paddleboards a competitive player in the paddleboarding community, there are also a few points to consider before grabbing them for your next water outing.
The Wavestorm paddleboard design makes it difficult to paddle as a rigid board. This is because its three marine wood stringers add stiffness to the foam. While these features may have been intended to make the board flexible and hard, more was needed to achieve this.
This also made it less stable, with a lower carrying capacity. Therefore, it is better for guys about 250 pounds or more to grab a harder paddleboard, preferably a fiber one.
How Much Does a Wavestorm Paddle Board Cost?
We’ve talked a lot about the fact that Costo Wavestorn Paddle Boards are low priced, which is one of their huge, main benefits – but how low are we talking?
Depending on if you get your board from Amazon or are able to find it at Costco, the price of this board ranges from $379-$599.
Wavestorm Paddle Board Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cost effective, good quality paddle board
- Comes everything you need to start paddling right away (leash, paddle, board bag)
- Easy to adjust paddle to fit all heights
- Designed for all skill levels
- Features Wavestorm quality heat lamination with no harmful glues or epoxies used
- High density foam core with three internal stringers for stability
- Very durable
Cons:
- Few (if any) color options
- Costco only sells these paddle boards seasonally
- Not very fast
- Board bag is not easy to take off and put on
Conclusion
The cost of Wavestorm paddleboards has to be the main reason many paddleboarders go for them. However, you shouldn’t base its quality because it is cheaply priced. The paddleboards have nothing cheap about them.
Aside from the core ESP (expanded polystyrene) foam, it includes more than one stringer for added durability and rigidness. The bottom skin is finished with an HDPE (high-density polyethylene) for more strength while allowing the paddleboard to glide easier over the water.
Most of these paddleboards are covered with patented GFT (graphic film technology) that serves as a strong water barrier while keeping up with being a soft top with a comfortable surface. This UV-protected and fade-resistant technology keeps your paddleboard looking new for a longer period.
It is so easy to assemble and use that all you need to set it up is a Phillips screwdriver to screw on the fin. It feeds the leash through itself with a sturdy eye knot. The paddle doesn’t need any more assembly as it comes built. All there is to do is to adjust it according to your preference.
The best thing is, Wavestorm paddleboards allow you to start paddleboarding by including everything you need when you purchase it. Unlike most expensive boards that require you to purchase gears separately, Wavestorm has the basics they believe you will need in the package.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Should Wavestorm paddleboards be waxed?
Not necessarily. Wavestorm paddleboards do not require waxing since it has a crosslink deck that works as an integrated traction pad to give you the grip you need as you move in the waters. If the deck feels a tad bit slick, a rub of sand will do the trick.
Q: Is Wavestorm ideal for paddleboarding?
Certainly! Ideal for different conditions, they work best for gliding around in flat water while you are beginning to learn and can hold up with challenging wells while giving you an easier time balancing.
Q: What do I need to know to learn how to paddleboard?
As a beginner, you must first find the calmest water possible to get your feeling of proper balancing. It can sure be tempting to go right ahead and jump straight to the waves, but it might lead you to frustration and discourage you from learning.
The waters must be deep enough for your fins not to hit them. Position yourself to the center of the board and start by getting to both of your knees. Start paddling here and there as if syncing your body with the board as you move. Carefully stand up one foot at a time. Once you are up, have your shoulders width apart with your feet facing parallel to the stringers. Bend those knees enough to keep your balance.
Now that you are up, keep in mind the two basic strokes in paddling: forward and sweep stroke. Your top hand is for driving, and your bottom is for angling the paddle. Follow your dexterity so that paddling will feel natural for you.
Q: Any caring tips for Wavestorm paddleboards?
As with any paddleboards, proper care is the secret to making it last. Have them rinsed with fresh water after every ride to avoid dirt, grime, and sand. Those three are the main culprits causing deterioration in a lot of paddleboards. Wipe the freshwater off with a soft cloth or allow it to air dry in a shady place.
Q: What is the maximum weight limit of the Wavestorm paddle board?
The maximum weight capacity for the Wavestorm Stand-Up Paddleboard is 300 lbs.
Q: What is the lifespan of a paddle board?
Taking proper care of your paddleboard is crucial if you want to ensure it lasts you a long time. Generally, a properly cared for paddleboard will last its owner 5+ years, even if used frequently.
Q: What should you wear when you paddle board?
Of course, what you wear when you paddle board will depend on the weather. While paddle boarding may be more commonly associated with winter, many SUP surfers love surfing in the wintertime.
If you’re paddle boarding above temperatures of 30°F/-1°C, you can wear a warm, long-sleeved shirt with a waterproof winter jacket overtop. On the bottom, long johns or leggings are ideal and should be worn underneath waterproof pants.
In the summer, a bikini, board shorts, and/or a short-sleeved rash guard are popular choices for paddle boarding. While it’s highly recommended to paddle board barefoot during the summer, you will need to wear wetsuit booties in the colder months to prevent your feet from freezing.
Q: How do I clean a Wavestorm board?
Rinsing your Wavestorm board down with fresh water after each use is the best way to clean it. This way, anything that clung to your board during your paddle boarding session will be rinsed off. Of course, it’s also important to clean your paddle! Pull your paddle apart and rinse the entire thing with clean water. Remember to store your board away from damaging direct sunlight when storing it until its next use.
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Torsten Bird is a talented and adventurous waterman from Western Australia, passionate about surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, hydrofoiling, skimboarding, snowboarding and skateboarding. Torsten has spent countless hours mastering his skills and his dream is to one day represent Australia as an Olympic athlete. Follow Torsten’s adventures on Instagram.
