Sevylor Alamosa Inflatable Paddle Board

Field Notes: “Fish on!” is the resounding quote attached to this specialist, purpose-built fishing board from Sevylor. Paddling anglers are set free to fish while free floating, with a drag anchor, tied up to shore or beached in places few can access. Particularly during tidal flows that stop boat-bound anglers from staying too long in the wrong place. Alamosa is built to handle calmer waters but proffers enough stability to plow through some chop coming or going to fishing grounds. With that in mind, lakes or inland waterways are the best place for this board. Given Alamosa’s lobed bow, maneuverability is passable with a model that, unlike nearly all others, comes equipped to attach Berkley rod holders. This paddleboard’s shape favors forward loading of fishing gear including a cooler to fish while sitting. Three neoprene-wrapped carry handles allow the paddler to wrangle the fully-loaded board and get help returning with the day’s bounteous catch. Paddle with enough stability to cast and retrieve while standing to move quickly across the water to find feeding and schooling zones. An extended, non-slip EVA decking made it easier to move back and forth (bow to stern) when paddling but particularly when fishing. Despite first, dry-land perceptions, paddling efficiency is better than Active Junky expected from a non-performance inflatable SUP model. Alamosa’s QuikStor storage compartment and viewing window complete the fishing-focused package and did help keep quick access to water bottle, sunscreen and snacks; on the small size to serve as a live well for bait as it heats up quickly in the sun (even when covered).

Pros: D-ring leash attachment solid, valve quality is passable for the board’s usage knowing it will get more loading than most of the boards under evaluation.

Cons: Six bungee attachment points need to be monitored as they get more abuse and stress with the board’s frequent use as a fishing platform

Tester Comments: “Active Junky’s testers favored what they called the ‘2 plus1’ fin configuration using two small side fins for stability and a larger, removable center fin for better tracking on longer recreational paddles or ‘commutes’ to fishing spots. Once again, the board paddled well and more consistently in varied conditions than expected to double-up as a delight for weekend recreational use. Retro graphics were passable and fit in well on North Carolina’s intracoastal waterway, one that harbors a variety of resident and transient fish species from challenging gamefish to family-feeding panfish.”

Key Attribute: Durability

Best For: Spin, still and fly fishing in small to moderate waters that shut down larger boats with more draw, seasonal bird and nature watching (bag, pump and leash included here)