Bote Breeze Aero Review

The Bote Breeze Aero measures 10 feet, 6 inches long, 34 inches wide, and 6 inches thick. It is manufactured with carbon drop-stitch technology, making it lighter, stronger, stiffer, and more responsive in a variety of conditions. The military-grade PVC increases durability, and there is front cargo space, multiple grab handles, and side-mounted D-rings. The three-quarter length deck pad provides a soft and grippy surface for paddling, sitting, or Yoga practice. The board weighs in at just 20 pounds when inflated, and it is rated to support up to 250 pounds. When packed up with all its accessories, the bag is comfortable for most adults to carry. Add to that a great price, and you have a fun board with great all-around value.

Performance Comparison

Stability

We took the Breeze Aero out in calm conditions as well as in 10 to 15-mile winds and boat chop. Our paddling testers ranged from those with experience on both inflatable and foam core boards to total beginners. For all, this board was a favorite regardless of conditions. It is designed to sit in the perfect position on the water, allowing it to roll smoothly over waves with minimal rocking or bouncing. It absorbed the movement of waves and chop enough to allow paddlers to have a consistent sense of steadiness regardless of conditions. Dogs wandering the deck had little effect on the board's stability and were willing to ride with us even in wavy conditions.

This board comes in two lengths: 10'6", and 11'6" (we tested the 10'6" length). Our testers were all small to average-sized paddlers and felt confident on the smaller board. They could easily stand in waves from both wind and nearby boats. Our resident Yogini even felt confident balancing in a crow pose on this board.

Glide Performance

While not as fast as other boards on flat water, we found that the Breeze Aero floated along steadily with a rhythmic paddle stroke. Its tapered nose and longer center fin contribute to an overall feeling of steadiness.

In calm conditions, with a consistent paddle stroke, we could retain an easy pace. With a stronger stroke (still in calm conditions), our testers could go about 100 feet in 30 seconds. This board won't win any races, but it feels sturdy and manageable. When we took it out in 10 to 15 mph winds and boat chop, our beginner paddlers felt comfortable both on their knees and standing. The Breeze managed easily when facing into the waves and surfed smoothly to the shore.

Maneuverability

A longer center fin and tapered nose give the Breeze Aero all it needs to turn relatively quickly. One of our testers noted that, for its size, it turns on a dime. We found that choppy water and winds had a minimal effect on maneuverability. When testing in calm conditions, turning around a buoy while standing in the center of the board was a little slower than doing a step-back turn, which is common.

A composite paddle is included in the package, and although heavy, its ABS edge blade indicates that it is durable, aligning with the rest of the board's design. The weight of the paddle did not hinder our paddling or turning. Multiple testers pointed out the shape of the paddle handle as being very comfortable and having a bigger grip that made it easy to use. No hand cramps here.

Testers noted that the padding on the back of this board provides a good grip when stepping back for turns. Even when broadside to the waves, we could easily redirect ourselves. Once again, the Breeze Aero is not the fastest, but it scored high with paddlers due to how easily it maneuvered in all conditions.

Ease of Use

We appreciate the quality of the bag the Breeze comes with and the fact that the zipper allows it to open fully. The board folds up relatively easily with all its components, leaving some room to stash personal gear inside. The bag has multiple adjustments, including side and back straps, which help to bind everything in place or attach items to the outside. It features a rear back pad and padded straps for comfort. Inside, there is a small pocket for tucking away loose items. We were impressed that Bote has included a chest strap, which makes it more comfortable for longer travels and comfortable even for paddlers of smaller stature. We took it for a hike to an alpine lake and had zero issue carrying it for a couple of miles.

Once inflated, the board is easy to carry to and from the water. The front, back, and center handles are useful for pulling it into and out of the water, and the additional D-rings on the sides are great for attaching a shoulder strap. At just 20 pounds, this is an incredibly lightweight board, especially considering the build's focus on durability and stability.

It is our duty to test out every component of each board, including manually pumping every one multiple times. The Breeze Aero comes with a single-chamber dual-stage pump. A switch on the side can be adjusted to make adding the last few pounds of air easier. As with most hand pumps, the last few pounds of air are the most difficult part of what we've come to refer to as “the warm-up.” The dual stage makes this effort a little bit easier, and we found this board to be on the easier end for inflating of the inflatable boards we tested.

One incredibly helpful aspect is that the hose can be plugged into the opposite side of the pump to deflate the board. Pumping all the air out before rolling up the board makes a significant difference when packing it up. It took us about eight minutes to pump up this board. The initial deflation took 30 seconds and an additional two and a half minutes to empty completely using the pump.

Construction Quality

This well-constructed board does not sacrifice durability for weight or attractiveness. It boasts military-grade PVC and carbon drop-stitch technology with a padded deck pad. This board both looks good and performs well. It is an excellent all-around board for beginner and intermediate paddlers wishing to get out in flat water and chop, and comes at a great price.

Should You Buy the Bote Breeze Aero?

Bote has created a comparatively affordable board with a basic setup that performs well for beginner and intermediate paddlers wanting to improve their skills. With a tapered nose and 6-inch height, the Breeze Aero cuts through waves, making it manageable for beginners as they build their confidence in chop and wind. The front-end bungee provides cargo space for basic items you'll want for a day out. Handles in the front, back, and center can be used for carrying, lifting, and loading.

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