Retrospec Weekender Nano Kids’ iSUP Review – Overview
Buying a paddle board for your child involves way more calculus than you’d think. What size do they need now? How fast will they grow out of it? It cost how much?
With kids’ iSUPs its important to choose a paddle board that isn’t so big they can’t effectively paddle it, and not so small they can’t stand up on it. As your kids grow they may be able to keep using the same board for a few seasons, or they might out grow it in one.
The Retrospec Weekender Nano is a kids’ iSUP that’s built specifically for children to use effectively, with child-size accessories, and is one of the most affordable kids-specific paddle boards available.
Specifications
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 8’ 0” |
| Width | 29“ |
| Thickness | 5“ |
| Weight | |
| Max Capacity | 140 pounds |
| Board Weight | 12.2 pounds |
| Kit Weight (SUP & accessories) | 20 pounds |
| Buying Info | |
| List Price | $229.99 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Returns period | 50 days |
Retrospec Weekender Nano Kids’ iSUP Review – Construction and Durability
The Weekender Nano uses Retrospecs AerGlide-Lite technology for a lightweight and affordable construction.
The Weekender Nano is made with the same construction as the Weekender 10’6 and Weekender Yogi. These AerGlide-Lite paddle boards start with a knitted drop stitch core made with two layers of fabric connected with thousands of yarns between the two layers. These yarns provide rigidity when the board is inflated and keep the board flat on the top and bottom.
The Nano’s drop stitch yarns are only 5” instead of the normal 6” material used in Retrospec’s adult paddle boards. The thinner profile increases the board’s stability by lowering the paddler’s center of gravity, and it makes it easier for kids to climb back onto the board after falling (jumping) off.
The outer layer of the board is made with a single layer of PVC material to make the board air tight and lightweight. There is a layer of reinforced PVC material wrapped around the edge of the board to join the top and bottom together, and then a second, larger layer of reinforced PVC on top of that for additional durability and rigidity.
While the AerGlide-Lite construction is not as rigid as the AerGlide-Fusion dual-layer system, it is plenty rigid enough for smaller paddlers.
The Weekender Nano has a maximum recommended inflation pressure of 15 PSI, and a maximum recommended weight capacity of 140 pounds. I would not recommend this board for a 140 pound paddler as I believe it to be too small, but it is appropriate for a kid up to 100 pounds or so.
Retrospec Weekender Nano Kids’ iSUP Review – Features, Accessories and Versatility
The Weekender Nano has a basic set of on board features for a fun day on the water, and it includes a great set of accessories.
The Weekender Nano is ready for a fun day on the water. The front cargo area of the board has plenty of space for a small dry bag or soft cooler to hold your child’s essentials while they paddle.
The deck pad is made with a comfortable EVA foam material that is soft to the touch, but offers great traction while standing.
Under the board there are three fin boxes. You can use all three fins to maximize how easy it is to paddle straight, use just the center fin to have a balanced feel between paddling straight and easy turning, or use just the two side fins for maximum agility or shallow water paddling. Just slide the fins into the fin box and place the key in the hole. When you are done for the day, press the button on the key to release it, and slide the fins back out.
The Retrospec Weekender Nano also comes with a complete kit of accessories.
The board and all included parts fit in the custom-size backpack. There is a single-chamber hand pump to inflate the board, a coiled leash, 3-piece adjustable paddle sized specifically for kids, a maintenance and repair kit, and a waterproof phone bag.
Retrospec Weekender Nano Kids’ iSUP Review – Paddle
The Weekender Nano comes with a kids’ size version of Retrospec’s aluminum 3-piece adjustable paddle.
A kid’s paddle board without a kids’ size paddle is a bit like getting the right size shoe with socks that are way too big. Sure it can work, but its not going to be comfortable.
The Retrospec kid’s paddle has the same construction and features as the full-size paddle, but scaled down for smaller paddlers.
The aluminum shaft has a powdercoated finish for comfort and increased grip, and the handle section has length markings and an indexing groove to keep the handle properly aligned with the paddle. The paddle adjusts between 52-67” in length to fit kids from 3’6” to 5’1” tall.
The blade is also scaled down for better balance and a more comfortable feel in the water. There’s a scoop shape to hold in the water and make it easier to see which way to hold the paddle, and if there’s ever any confusion, the blade itself is labeled “front” and “back”!
Retrospec Weekender Nano Kids’ iSUP Review – Warranty and Customer Support
Retrospec warranties all of their inflatable SUPs for 2 years from the date of purchase. This is a fairly typical warranty length and is actually more than most iSUPs in this price range. Additionally, they offer a 50-day return period, however, all returns are subject to shipping fees. There is no explicit warranty period for the included accessories. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach the Retrospec customer service team via telephone, website form, website chat, and social media.
Retrospec Weekender Nano Kids’ iSUP Review – Final Thoughts
Kid’s sporting equipment can be really difficult to shop for. Balancing sizes, features, and cost is no easy feat.
The Weekender Nano is the Goldilocks of kid’s paddle boards. It’s sized and shaped appropriately for young paddlers, comes with a great set of accessories including a youth paddle, and it’s extremely affordable.
Retrospec Weekender Nano Kids’ iSUP Review – FAQ
Does the Retrospec Weekender Nano iSUP come with a youth paddle?
Yes it does. The Weekender Nano includes a shorter adjustable paddle with a scaled-down blade for paddlers between 3’6” and 5’1” tall.
How durable is the Retrospec Weekender Nano iSUP?
The AerGlide-Lite construction is a lightweight build, but the PVC shell and dual-layer rails are extremely durable. Like with all paddle boards, you’ll want to make sure that your kids don’t drag it excessively across the ground, but the Weekender Nano is more than capable of withstanding normal wear and tear.
Can I paddle on the Retrospec Weekender NanoiSUP with my kids?
The Weekender Nano is intended to be a solo paddle board for kids. With a relatively low maximum weight capacity it is not advised for adult use. If you’d like to paddle with your child on the same board, we recommend the Retrospec Weekender Plus.