Pau Hana Big EZ Stowaway Lite

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly inflatable standup paddle board that is both affordable and unique check out the Big EZ Stowaway inflatable SUP from Pau Hana Surf Supply. The Stowaway is a limited edition stand up paddle board that is exclusively sold at REI and has 10 unique designs to choose from. This paddle board is very lightweight and best for those looking for a recreational board best for short distance paddling in calm, flatwater conditions. Priced at just $599 this board sits in the mid-tier market in terms of affordability and is a great entry-level board that is eye catching and easy to use. It comes in a complete package with the board, paddle, pump, leash, fin and drybag for storage.

Straight out of the gates this board was one we were really excited to unbox based on the packaging alone. It had really cool graphics on it and stood out among other boxes in our review lineup. The unboxing of the board did not disappoint either. The second we pulled out the board it immediately made our entire team say ‘wow’! The board is gorgeous and the design is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before and is possibly one of the most eye-catching paddle boards we have ever seen. We’re borderline obsessed. And the best part is this limited edition series from Pau Hana has 10 unique designs in total, all of which are stunning to say the least. The board colorway we tested is called the ‘Hippy Wave’. And not only was the board awesome at first glance, the quality of the included dry storage bag is amazing too. The material is thick and durable but also thin and light! It’s quite rare to have the included bag with a paddleboard double as a dry bag so this is a very thoughtful touch from the design team at Pau Hana. Another design feature on this board that we really enjoy and appreciate is how the traction pad spans all the way from the tail to the nose. The full grip makes having kids or pups on board a lot easier (less slip on the nose) and also works well if you plan on using the board for some SUP yoga or fitness. A big takeaway on this board is that its design is incredibly compact and lightweight but it doesn’t seem to sacrifice on durability or quality to get that lightweight feel. And because of this unique feature the board and package as a whole is an excellent option for adventure seekers who want to go off the beaten path to paddle but don’t want to lug around a heavy bag. Alternatively, it’s also a great option for the city folk who need something small and compact. On the water the board wasn’t as stable as something you’d experience in larger inflatables but it definitely was manageable. Beginners might just have a little more of a learning curve to feel stable and get the hang of it. The glide on the board was also on the slower side, likely due to the twin fin design. It felt like it dragged a little bit but wasn’t too heavy. That being said, this board is meant for recreational use, not speed, so in that sense it serves its purpose well and does an excellent job. Overall, the Pau Hana Big EZ Stowaway is a stunner of a board at a great price and is a great fit for someone who wants/needs something lightweight and easily transportable, has good quality and can be used for just about all skill levels and paddler sizes. A well deserved A-grade board.