The last traces of summer heat float down to the glistening lake that is reflecting the shoreline’s changing leaves like a large mirror. Tucked away in a pack on my back is the inflatable BOTE Breeze Aero, which I carry to the water’s edge. After inflating the lightweight SUP, I’m cruising around the lake, enjoying the changing leaves and warm sunshine.
Lightweight, nimble, and easy to transport, the BOTE Breeze Aero Inflatable Paddle Board is an ideal SUP for laidback days on the lake. The key to one of BOTE’s flagship boards is the unique AeroULTRA technology, which combines durability with a lightweight design.
The signature material is light enough that one person can easily inflate and carry this SUP, yet strong enough to stand up to the scuffs and scratches that happen getting in and out of the water. The SUP weighs around 20 pounds, and the bag, fully loaded with all the gear, is under 30 pounds, making it a lightweight option, great for solo paddling.
The material behind the AeroULTRA technology is a military-grade PVC surrounding the fiber-reinforced core for added stability and durability on the water. It can support up to around 250 pounds.
The Aero is one of BOTE’s more minimal boards, and as a large guy standing over 6-feet, balancing on this board is more challenging than some of the company’s larger paddle boards, such as the Rackham Aero or even the kayak-hybrid SUPs such as the LONO Aero. The Breeze Aero is a great SUP for a wide range of paddlers, from first-timers just learning the ropes of an inflatable SUP to experienced paddlers. The simplicity of this board is as ideal for a solo outing as it would be for a family adventure with the dog.
The 34” width works with the BOTE Rac Systems, which means you can add a variety of accessories to the board, from fishing rod racks to bucket holders for the KULA Cooler. It also includes *MAGNEPOD™ compatibility, which is a magnet system built into the board that works with everything from koozies to Bluetooth speakers, helping keep your gear in place while you’re on the water.
There are adjustable bungees on the front end of the board for extra gear such as a dry bag or water bottles. The Breeze Aero also has several tie-down points with D-rings for storage or tie-down options.
In the Spring of 2024, BOTE released its Breeze Aero platform. The release also adjusted pricing, as the longer model (11”6’) was previously more expensive. The goal in this pricing change was to ensure that a board size decision was made purely on the needs of the paddler and not on the cost of the board.
The only drawbacks to the board are also its strengths—being smaller and lightweight, this SUP is meant for smaller, lighter paddle boarders. Bigger paddlers may struggle with balance a bit more. The inflation port also got stuck in the open position at one point, so when I disconnected the pump, the SUP deflated before I could adjust the valve. The large fin that comes with the Breeze Aero is nice for tracking, but very hard to put on—get a buddy to help you out. Make sure to slide and lock it in place before inflating the board.
The Breeze Aero comes in two sizes, 10′6″ and 11′6″, and runs from $779 to $988 depending on the version. Included with the SUP is a 3-piece adjustable SUP paddle, slide-in Aero Rac Receivers, a removable Center Fin, an Aero Repair Kit, a hand pump, and a backpack travel bag. The bag has backpack straps, making it easy to carry the bag over trails and rough terrain to the water’s edge.
BOTE Breeze Aero 10’ 6” Specs
- Dimensions: 10′6″ L × 34″ W × 6″ D
- Capacity: 250 LBS
- Weight: 20 LBS
- Construction: Inflatable AeroULTRA Technology
- Optimal Inflation: 10-15 PSI
- Travel Bag Dimensions: 38″ L × 16″ W × 10″ D
- Loaded Bag Weight: 26 LBS
—By Dave Young