Bote FlowRider Aero 8’ Kids Hybrid iSUP Review | 2024

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Bote FlowRider Aero 8’ Kids iSUP Review – Overview

Including your kids in all of your favorite activities is a great way to build memories together. While there has been a new wave of hybrid paddleboard and kayak options for adults, until now kid-specific options have been left behind.

But the Bote FlowRider Aero is ready for your little shredders to catch up with a great iSUP / Kayak hybrid kit.

Specifications

Bote FlowRider Aero 8’ Kids iSUP Review – Construction and Durability

The FlowRider Aero uses Bote’s AeroUltra lightweight construction.

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Bote’s AeroUltra construction is designed to create a lightweight paddle board using traditional materials and construction techniques to help keep prices lower.

The inside of the board is made with a standard knitted drop stitch core with a layer of knitted fabric on the top and bottom and thousands of yarns stitched between them to give the FlowRider its 6” thickness and flat shape.

The outer shell of the board is made with a single layer of PVC material applied directly to the drop stitch core. While a single layer construction is less rigid than a dual layer build, it still has plenty of rigidity for a kid’s specific paddle board.

The top and bottom are joined together with a glued inner rail, and then a second outer layer to protect the first. The FlowRider’s construction is finished with a narrow PVC pin line on the upper edge of the outer rail.

All together with the deck pad and other features, the FlowRider Aero weighs 15 pounds and has a maximum recommended capacity of 150 pounds.

Bote FlowRider Aero 8’ Kids iSUP Review – Features, Accessories and Versatility

The FlowRider Aero is built with a core set of features for a fun day paddle boarding or kayaking.

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The Bote FlowRider Aero is ready for both stand up paddle boarding and kayaking.

The inflatable board has a small cargo area on the front of the board for a water bottle, dry bag, or other small essentials. There are three pairs of D-rings on the side of the board that are ready to attach the included inflatable kayak seat.

I really like the overall design of the Bote inflatable kayak seat. The extra air chamber under the seat lets you sit at a slightly elevated angle and keeps your legs and feet in a more comfortable position compared to a flat seat. The adjustment for the seat back is easy to use by simply attaching the G-hook to one of three positions. The seat is easy to install on the board with the included cam straps, but it does feel like an overlooked part of the system. The seat only attaches in two points which still lets it slip and tilt on the board, and the cam straps are way too long, leaving a nearly 4’ tail that needs to be tied up and out of the way.

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The Bote FlowRider Aero also comes with a complete kit of accessories.

In addition to the board and the kayak seat, the FlowRider kit also includes an extra large fin for improved tracking and stability, a coiled ankle leash, hand pump, repair kit and a 3 piece SUP paddle with an extra paddle blade for use as a kayak paddle.

Bote FlowRider Aero 8’ Kids iSUP Review – Paddle

The Bote FlowRider comes with a kids’ size version of the Bote 3-piece adjustable paddle that comes with the LowRider paddle boards.

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Bote’s FlowRider paddle, like the FlowRider itself, is designed specifically for kids. Not only is the paddle shaft shorter, but the blade has been sized down as well.

Both the main paddle shaft and the handle section are made with fiberglass for excellent durability and a lightweight feel. The handle section has a length scale to easily reset the paddle between uses. The plastic grip is lightly textured for improved traction when wet.

The plastic paddle blade has a skinny, elongated teardrop shape that is designed for both stand up paddling and seated kayaking. To change between the two, simply remove the SUP handle from the paddle shaft and install the second paddle blade that comes with the kit.

Bote FlowRider Aero 8’ Kids iSUP Review – Warranty and Customer Support

Bote includes a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty with the FlowRider Aero, but only after it is registered with Bote. The bag, paddle, and other accessories are only warrantied for 90 days from the date of purchase. After purchase, users have a 30 day return period for like-new products returned with all accessories. Returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee and the cost of shipping. This is a fairly strict warranty and return policy, and the warranty period extends for what I consider to be the minimum brands should be covering their products. You can contact Bote’s customer service team via web form, website chat, email, or social media.

Bote FlowRider Aero 8’ Kids iSUP Review – Final Thoughts

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With a full kit of accessories including a complete kayak conversion kit, the FlowRider Aero is a fantastic option for kids who want to be able to stand up paddle and kayak. The Bote kayak conversion system is ergonomic and easy to use. The FlowRider is quite wide for a kid’s board at 32”, so very young kids may have difficulty paddling the board straight because of the width. However, this does give the Bote FlowRider Aero excellent stability for your young paddlers.

Bote FlowRider Aero 8’ Kids iSUP Review – FAQ