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BOTE Flow Aero youth inflatable paddle board

BOTE Flow Aero 8′ Inflatable Paddle Board For Kids Review

In recent years, paddleboarding has become increasingly popular. After all, it’s an activity the whole family can enjoy together!

However, the sport of paddleboarding has evolved, and there are many factors to consider when choosing a SUP board. So picking the right board for your childcan be a bit overwhelming when there are so many options.

BOTE has developed the Flow Aero iSUP that is ideal for junior paddleboarders.

Let’s take a look to figure out if it will suit your needs.

Table of Contents

BOTE Flow Aero Inflatable SUP Features

The BOTE Flow Aero Inflatable SUP offers the perfect blend of stability and efficiency. It’s approximately 8 feet long, 30 inches wide, and 4.5 inches thick. With these dimensions, the SUP is lightweight and child-friendly.

Although this SUP is for kids, BOTE uses a high-tech construction process and durable materials to make it.

The dense drop-stitch core combining with the military-grade PVC layer ensures that the SUP can withstand whatever your child may throw at it.

In addition, it has a reasonably simple tri-fin setup. The two side-bite fins are in strategic positions to ensure better stability. 

This system also means you can quickly attach the central fin depending on where you wish to paddle. In contrast, removing the large fin makes paddleboarding safer in shallow waters.

Plus, the SUP package has nearly everything your kid will need to get in the water. Specifically, the three-piece kid’s paddle is a hit among the youths. 

BOTE Flow aero child sup paddle

Sadly, the package does not come with a safety leash. However, you can purchase a SUP safety leash, and this board is relatively inexpensive, so it won’t break the bank.

This board is not only stable, but it’s also easy to paddle and handle. Additionally, it’s colorful and stylish. Therefore, it’s an iSUP your kids will love riding. 

Main Advantages

  • Stable
  • Efficient
  • Easy to handle
  • Durable
  • Lightweight

Main Drawbacks

  • It does not come with a safety leash
  • Low carrying capacity

The Specifications

  • Brand/Model: BOTE Flow Aero
  • Length: 8′
  • Width: 30″
  • Thickness: 4.5″
  • Type: PVC (Inflatable)
  • Color Option: Off White, Light Green, Orange
  • Suitable For: All-around, Flat Water

BOTE Flow Aero Paddle Board FAQ’s

What is the BOTE Flow Aero SUP Best Suited For?

This iSUP is suitable for kids of all ages. However, it performs best when the paddler weighs less than 90 lbs or 40.8 kg.

It’s also perfect for beginners learning the ropes of paddleboarding. After all, with two small side fins and one long center fin, this short, wide board is pretty stable in the water.

BOTE Flow Aero youth inflatable paddle board

The sturdy construction materials ensure that the board will survive rough weather and rock-infested waters. The AeroBOTE Technology enhances this durability, and together, they deliver a fantastic performance in a child’s tiny hands!

In addition, the board is lightweight, so it will be easy for your kids to carry around. Plus, it’s relatively easier to paddle this board in almost any environment.

As a bonus, this board comes with a child SUP paddle. It’s simple to the point where even your kids will be able to use it comfortably and take it apart without much effort. 

What does the Flow Aero SUP Package Include?

The SUP package includes, BOTE Flow Aero inflatable paddle board for kids

  • The BOTE Flow Aero Paddle Board
  • A lightweight, three-piece SUP paddle
  • Aero center fin
  • Manual pump
  • Repair kit
  • Aero bag

This package does not come with a SUP leash. Thus, for the sake of safety, it’s better to purchase a SUP safety leash before letting your kids paddle in the water.

What is the Maximum Weight Limit for the Flow Aero iSUP?

BOTE Flow Aero kids isup reviewThis SUP can carry up to 100 lbs or 45.3 kg. But, it’s best to keep the weight under 90 pounds or 40.8 kilograms to be safe.

Overloading the board will cause it to lose stability. Moreover, the water can be unpredictable, and a weighed-down board will quickly capsize if it encounters an obstacle.

Nonetheless, if your child is a skilled paddler, they can carry more cargo on the board.

Which SUP Activities are Suitable for it?

It’s an all-rounder, so you can use it for a wide range of paddleboarding activities.

The board has a hybrid pointy nose to cut through the water efficiently and glide smoothly. Plus, the cutaway tail makes maneuvering the board much more manageable.

Additionally, it’s wide enough for kids to learn to paddle or even go on SUP fishing trips!

Is BOTE Flow Aero SUP Board Durable?

This SUP board is reasonably durable. Even accidental drops and paddle hits will not damage it too much. Although you can paddle it in rough waters, over time, it may wear down.

All in all, it has a sturdy enough build to keep your child happily paddleboarding for a long while. Nevertheless, like most inflatables, it will not last long when it comes into contact with sharp objects.

How does the Fin System Work?

There is a tri-fin system on this SUP. The two side-bite fins are permanent, but they are in a position to offer incredible maneuverability and stability.

Moreover, you can attach a central fin that is larger than the two side fins. Adding this fin is relatively simple, and it will make the SUP track straighter. However, it’s best not to use the center fin if you plan to paddle in shallow waters.

Comparable Boards to the BOTE Flow Aero SUP

BOTE Flow Aero is quite similar to the Retrospec Weekender Nano in terms of ease of use and performance.

These two boards have identical lengths and feature a tri-fin setup. The Weekender Nano, however, is a bit more durable than the Flow Aero.

In contrast, BOTE’s SUP has a removable center fin, whereas Retrospec’s board has permanent fins. Thus, the Flow Aero sports superior versatility compared to the Weekender Nano.

If you’re looking for the best versatility in a kid’s SUP you may consider the Bluefin Cruise Junior. It’s more expensive than the BOTE Flow Aero board, but it also converts into a kayak!

Plus, the Bluefin board is more prominent and can carry more weight than the BOTE’s child SUP. But, children will have a more challenging time getting the Cruise Junior ready before going out on the water. 

BOTE Flow Aero Paddle Board Customer Reviews

An astonishing 86% of buyers who chose the BOTE Flow Aero praised its stable performance in the water. More specifically, they were amazed by how quickly the kids adapted to this SUP!

Most young paddleboarders seem to enjoy the board’s lightweight and straightforward nature. They love how it requires very little skill to maneuver and paddle this board, even in rough waters.

The buyers also mention how this board is efficient when going on extended trips. Moreover, it stands to be one of the best boards in its price range.

However, there are some dissatisfactions regarding the lack of safety and small carrying weight. It would have been better if the package included a SUP leash or the board supported a bit more cargo.

Nevertheless, buyers want an affordable but high-quality board. This SUP offers just that!

Our Verdict on the BOTE Flow Aero 8′ Inflatable SUP!

The BOTE Flow Aero Inflatable SUP is stable and easy to paddle. Its kid-friendly design ensures that the little ones will enjoy paddleboarding to the fullest.

It offers exceptional performance for its price range. Just ensure that your child is wearing a Coast Guard-approved PFD, safety leash, and you are good to go.

Try it out on your next adventure, and your kids will have a blast paddleboarding with it.

In short, the BOTE Flow Aero Inflatable SUP is a fantastic option for young paddleboarders.

Guru Rating: 8.6/10