The Bote Breeze Aero is a blast and a half. Photo: Jenna Miller/The Inertia
If you hop online and Google “inflatable stand up paddle board,” you will get hundreds of results. So how do you know which board is right for you? First, consider how you plan on using the board and search for that specific type of board. Next, read through reviews, such as our review of The Best Inflatable Paddleboards of 2024. Finally, take a leap a faith and hit ‘Buy.’
I have been paddling for over a decade and in that time have tested dozens of boards. I live on Oahu, Hawaii and whenever my family visits I like to take them paddling, but the boards that I lean towards (more advanced, touring-style boards) are not as good of a fit for the occasional/inexperienced paddler. I have been on the hunt to find a wide and stable board for my not-so-agile father. When the opportunity arose to test out the Bote Breeze Aero I was all for it because I thought it could be the perfect board for dear ol’ Dad. After testing, here’s what we found.
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide and stable | Paddle is cheap and slides up and down |
| Lots of compatible accessories | Fins are cheap plastic |
| Lightweight |
First Impressions
When the Bote Breeze Aero arrived in the mail, I was impressed by the size of the package. Included with the 11’6” Breeze Aero inflatable paddle board are a three-piece adjustable paddle, a 10” removable center fin, a repair kit, and a hand pump.
The entire package packs down into the included travel bag that is conveniently outfitted with handles and padded shoulder straps. For such a large board, it packed down small – I was curious if I’d be able to get everything back in the bag after my session.
Although I liked the bag everything came in, one of the zippers arrived broken, which had me concerned about the overall quality. On closer inspection, the board appears well-made but the fin and paddle are on the cheaper side. I was eager to hit the water and see how everything performed.
See the Bote Breeze Aero on Amazon
A wide, stable board for every type of paddler. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Notable Features
Dimensions: 11′6″ × 33″ × 6″
Capacity: 315 lbs
Weight: 22 lbs
Construction: Inflatable AeroULTRA Technology
Optimal Inflation: 10-15 PSI
Travel Bag Dimensions: 38″ × 18″ × 12″
Loaded Bag Weight: 28 lbs
As the Bote Breeze Aero is a large, wide paddle board, it took some work to get inflated. Bote recommends inflating the board between 10-15 PSI, but I would recommend getting as close to 15 PSI as possible for a more stable ride. If you only inflate it to 10, you may find that it wobbles a bit underfoot, especially in choppy conditions.
Underneath, the board has two built-in side fins and one center fin that snaps in. It’s by no means a high-performance fin, but it’s super easy to get in and out and you don’t have to worry about screws or a key fin – it’s a nice option for the casual paddler.
Once we got everything set up and inflated, we paddled down the ‘Anahalu River on the North Shore of Oahu. It’s a little bit of a walk from the parking lot to the river and I was blown away at how light the Breeze Aero was for such a big board. I had a feeling it was going to be incredibly stable due to the length, width, and thickness and I was absolutely right.
The Breeze Aero has adjustable bungee straps in the front, which is perfect for storing gear. There are also a multiple D-rings along the side of the board should you wish to attach additional gear.
Another cool feature of the Bote Breeze is the Magnepod magnetic base. Essentially, it’s a magnet that you can attach compatible products like mugs and speakers to. Bote has a whole slew of fun accessories that pair nicely with the board if you’re looking to upgrade your experience.
This board is perfect newer paddlers, parents that like to paddle with their children, humans who like to paddle with their dogs, or anyone who appreciates a stable ride. If you’re looking to go fast, this board wouldn’t be the best fit, but if you want to chill and have a good time, this board is a great pick. I have no doubt my dad will love it. The board also comes in a 10’8″ version if you prefer a slightly smaller model.
The Bote Breeze Aero is the perfect board for a sunset cruise. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Drawbacks
At $799, the Bote Breeze Aero isn’t crazy expensive, but it isn’t a cheap board, either. The board itself is well made and durable but some of the accessories are cheaply made. The fins are plastic and seem a bit flimsy. For a casual paddler, they will get the job done but they’re certainly not top-tier quality.
My biggest qualm is with the paddle. A three-piece, adjustable paddle is nice for packing and sharing with multiple people, but the downsides there come in weight and stability. This paddle in particular falls prey to both of those problems. It’s fairly heavy in comparison to one-piece paddles and I also had some trouble getting the latches that keep the paddle together to stay tight enough to keep it secured at one length – especially if you put any amount of force into your stroke. You could probably pull out some tools and get it tightened up, but you may want to consider purchasing a paddle elsewhere if you plan on paddling often.
The Bote Breeze Aero has bungee straps in the front and D-rings throughout. Photo: Jenna Miller/The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The Bote Breeze Aero is a behemoth of a board. At 11’6 x 34” x 6”, the Breeze Aero is a super wide and stable board, making it perfect for beginners, families, and paddling with the pup. It comes with everything you need to hit the water and packs down well into a convenient travel bag.
Check 11'6 Price on Amazon Check 10'8 Price on AmazonEditor’s Note: To see how this board stacks up against the competition, check out our guide to The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards. For more options, including hardboards, here’s our overall Best Paddleboards Review. We’ve also reviewed The Best SUP Paddles, and The Best Lifejackets for Paddleboarding. Need something to wear when paddling? Here’s our guide to The Best Board Shorts, The Best Sun Hats, and The Best Rashguards. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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