Note: The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 was formerly also called WOWSEA AN15.
The white-blue WOWSEA Bluesky S1 (AN15) is a hybrid (mixed form) of allrounder and touring board from the current series of WOWSEA.
Such models are also often summarized under the collective term “cruising boards”.
The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 measures 335 cm or 11′ in length.
The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 (formerly known as AN15) is a top cruising board, which comes at a low price, is well-built and included lots of accessory products. WOWSEA's paddleboard tracks well. Also, the Bluesky S1 provides enough stability with its wide built and three-fin setup. The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is a great choice for beginners who benefit from the stability the paddleboard provides.
Table of Contents
- 1 Short on Time? Here’s the Most Important:
- 2 The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 Review in Detail
- 3 Construction
- 4 Load Capacity
- 5 Areas of Application and Driving Characteristics
- 6 Material and Weight
- 7 Design
- 8 Workmanship
- 9 Other Features
- 10 Accessories
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 To how much PSI is the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 inflated?
- 11.2 How long does it take to inflate the WOWSEA Bluesky S1?
- 11.3 How long does it take to deflate the WOWSEA Bluesky S1?
- 11.4 To what length is the included paddle of the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 adjustable?
- 11.5 Are the WOWSEA Bluesky and the WOWSEA AN15 the same board?
- 12 Conclusion
Short on Time? Here’s the Most Important:
The cruising board WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is a good choice for advanced paddle boarders who have already been paddling for at least one season, as well as for ambitious beginners.
Four main aspects speak for the WOWSEA Bluesky S1:
- The elongated design improves tracking and allows higher speeds to be reached. However, the three-fin setup provides stability.
- The Bluesky S1 comes in a comprehensive kit consisting of the board, fin, separable paddle, leash, repair kit and air pump, all of which are transportable in the included backpack.
- The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 can also be used as a kayak. The four centrally mounted D-rings allow you to attach a SUP kayak seat.
- The price of this paddle boarding set is low. Especially when you consider the extensive accessories, the price is very fair.
The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 Review in Detail
In this product review, I go into detail about the features of the board and the included accessories. At the end of the article follows a small section with answers to common questions I came across during my research.
If you still have unanswered questions, you can write them to me in the comments. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Product Specifications
| Board Type | Inflatable |
| Brand | Wowsea |
| Skill | Beginner, Advanced |
| Area of Application | Touring |
| Max. Paddler Weight | 120 kg (265 lbs) |
| Length | 335 cm (11′) |
| Width | 81 cm (32″) |
| Thickness | 15 cm (6″) |
| Volume | – |
| Weight | 11,2 kg (25 lbs) |
| Accessories | SUP backpack, 3-piece aluminum paddle, coiled leash (spiral-shaped safety line), reversible double-stroke air pump, spare pressure gauge (manometer), dry bag (10 liters) removable center fin, repair kit incl. valve key |
Construction
The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is an elongated shaped board. The long shape improves the straight-line stability and provides more directional stability.
However, compared to pure touring boards or even racing boards, Wowsea’s Bluesky S1 has a slightly less sporty build.
For real athletes who want to reach top speeds and touring paddlers who want to get the most out of every paddle stroke, the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is not the right choice.
The width of 32” (81 cm), the rounded nose, the rounded tail and the setup with three fins provides a high degree of tipping stability.
Due to the length and the somewhat sportier shape, the Bluesky S1 falls into the category of cruising boards. This term describes boards whose riding characteristics lie between allrounders and touring models. The high stability offered by the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 also benefits less experienced paddlers.
Controlling the elongated shaped board is a bit more difficult than with allrounders like the WOWSEA Bionics B1, or the Trophy T1. However, sporty newcomers can also get started with the Bluesky S1.
Load Capacity
The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is built wide and stable. The maximum load capacity of the 6” (15 cm) paddle board is 320 to 330 lbs (145 to 150 kilograms).
The model is, therefore, also a paddle board for heavy paddlers. Likewise, the board from WOWSEA is suitable for paddleboarding with a dog or tours with a child on board. The board will keep its good running characteristics in practice up to about 265 lbs (120 kg).
Areas of Application and Driving Characteristics
The cruising board is best suited for smaller and longer trips. Paddlers looking for a paddle board to comfortably paddle over lakes and canals or cover longer distances are well advised with this model
Cruising boards have an elongated shape and run a little more pointed than the more round typical allrounder boards. They therefore offer less water resistance and a better transfer of power to the board.
Very extreme paddlers use such boards even for multi-day tours. On the large luggage net and the D-rings can also be attached to the WOWSEA Bluesky S1, many accessories (such as the included drybag with luggage).
Those who plan regular trips in whitewater, are looking for a board for strong waves or want to participate in paddle races, however, need special boards.
We like the riding characteristics of the WOWSEA Bluesky S1.
On the one hand, you have a good directional stability – typical for touring boards. Higher speeds can be reached and longer distances can be mastered better.
On the other hand, the three fins, the width of the board and the round construction of the nose and tail provide stability.
Instead of being a rather tippy touring board that is only really stable in the water at speed, the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 offers plenty of tipping stability even when at rest.
Material and Weight
The outer shell of the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is made of a double-layer PVC board.
In the core, countless interwoven polyester threads connect the upper and lower side (“Dropstitch”). The modern manufacturing process makes the board robust and particularly stiff.
With a weight of approx. 24 lbs (11 kg), the board is in the middle average range considering its size and material quality. The handling is manageable for an adult paddler without any problems!
The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 (formerly known as AN15) is a top cruising board, which comes at a low price, is well-built and included lots of accessory products. WOWSEA's paddleboard tracks well. Also, the Bluesky S1 provides enough stability with its wide built and three-fin setup. The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is a great choice for beginners who benefit from the stability the paddleboard provides.
Design
The design of the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is quite simple. Simple blue longitudinal stripes cover the top and bottom of the board.
The dark gray deck pad provides contrast. The striking WOWSEA logo in blue clearly stands out and rounds off the design wonderfully.
Workmanship
The Wowsea boards have confirmed their good quality for years in our tests again and again. The “Double-Layer-Dropstitch” manufacturing is still the proven stand in the production of high quality, robust and durable paddleboard.
Considering the price tag, there is nothing at all to criticize about the quality of workmanship…on the contrary, the price/performance ratio is very good and sets standards for the competitors!
Other Features
In the following section, I would like to introduce you to the features of the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 in more detail:
- Deckpad: The board features a large EVA deckpad. The special coating is non-slip. Even if the board is covered by water, it provides a safe stand. The size of the deckpad makes the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 also suitable for stand up paddle boarding with a dog on board.
- 5 free D-rings: At the tail of the board is a large D-ring made of stainless steel, which serves to attach the included coiled leash (spiral-shaped safety line). On the 4 other D-rings on the deck pad you can mount a kayak seat!
- Central carrying handle: Centered on the SUP is a carrying handle made of neoprene, which is very comfortable to grab and makes the inflated board easy to carry around. Also, it marks the center of the board and thus the most stable position for your feet.
- Large luggage net: In the front area, a spacious, flexible deck net is attached to 6 more D-rings. Here you can safely store your equipment or provisions. It’s great that there is a matching dry bag included.
- 2+1 fin setup with removable center fin: The 2 small side fins are permanently installed and the 10″ large center fin is removable (slide-in system)
Accessories
The boards of the manufacturer WOWSEA are aimed at beginners and advanced paddlers. Those who are new to paddle sports, of course, do not yet have the necessary accessories at home.
For the first rounds on the SUP it does not need much, but all the necessary basic equipment WOWSEA puts right in the scope of delivery:
- WOWSEA Bluesky S1 SUP Backpack: The color-matching, spacious backpack offers enough space for the board including accessories and has fastening straps inside to keep everything in place. It has a large main compartment, a smaller outer pocket and 2 carrying straps (top and side). The carrying straps are lightly padded and adjustable. A solid and functional entry-level model. Dimensions: 33.5” x 17.5” x 14” (85 x 45 x 35 cm).
- WOWSEA Bluesky S1 switchable double action air pump with pressure gauge (manometer): With the supplied air pump, I needed about 9 minutes to inflate the WOWSEA AN15. In double-action mode, by having the pump air into the board as you push down and pull up, you can fill most of the volume in a short time. When the back pressure increases, you can switch to single action mode…the pump will then only work when pushing down, which is much easier. The achieved pressure you can read after some time, conveniently on the pressure gauge (manometer) in PSI or bar!
- WOWSEA Bluesky S1 Replacement Pressure Gauge (Manometer): Included is a replacement pressure gauge for the SUP air pump.
- 3-piece WOWSEA Bluesky S1 paddle: With the set also includes a height-adjustable SUP paddle with aluminum shaft. The length of the paddle can be adjusted steplessly between 5’8” (172 cm) and 7’4” (223 cm). For transport and storage, the paddle can be disassembled into three individual parts. In this way, it also finds space in the transport backpack, which is also included in the delivery.
- WOWSEA Bluesky S1 10″ Fin: The set includes a large, removable 10″ (25.4 cm) center fin in dolphin shape. This is simply pushed into the rail and secured with a pin. This system is called a plug-in or slide-in system. Fins in the slide-in system have the advantage of speed compared to the US box system (with screw and threaded plate). The disadvantage is the lack of choice of fins for retrofitting.
- WOWSEA Bluesky S1 Coiled-Leash: A so-called coiled-leash is also included. With this spiral-shaped safety leash, you can connect to the board at the ankle. Should you fall into the water, the leash stretches to full length and prevents the board from drifting without you. Please never ride without a leash…it can be a lifesaver!
- WOWSEA Bluesky S1 Dry-Bag: In the included 10 liters Dry-Bag, you can transport your valuables waterproof.
- WOWSEA Bluesky S1 repair kit incl. valve key: With it, you can repair small damage to the board itself, incomprehensibly, however, the glue is missing. With the valve wrench, you can check the valve for tight fit or if necessary completely replace.
FAQ
To how much PSI is the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 inflated?
The recommended air pressure of the WOWSEA Bluesky is 10 to 15 PSI. 15 PSI equals about 1 bar and is the standard value of many inflatable paddleboards (iSUPs). Learn more about the WOWSEA Bluesky S1.
How long does it take to inflate the WOWSEA Bluesky S1?
Inflating the board took about 9 minutes in the test. In the meantime, however, a switchable double action pump is included, with which you should be ready to go rather in 5 to 7 minutes! Learn more about the WOWSEA Bluesky S1.
How long does it take to deflate the WOWSEA Bluesky S1?
Deflating the air, including rolling it up, takes about 5 minutes. If you use the pump to pump air out of the board, it will definitely be even faster. Learn more about the WOWSEA Bluesky S1.
To what length is the included paddle of the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 adjustable?
The included paddle can be continuously adjusted to different lengths between 5’8” (172 cm) and 7’4” (223 cm). Learn more about the WOWSEA Bluesky S1.
Are the WOWSEA Bluesky and the WOWSEA AN15 the same board?
Yes, these are two different names for the same board. WOWSEA has renamed its models several times. The current WOWSEA Bluesky S1 was previously listed under the name WOWSEA AN15! Learn more about the WOWSEA Bluesky S1.
Conclusion
The WOWSEA Bluesky (formerly AN15) is a top cruising board, which convinces by extensive accessories, a solid processing and a low price. The board also convinces in straight running, but compared to pure touring boards, the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is not as uncompromisingly focused on speed.
The slightly wider design, the round nose and the setup with three fins provide stability.
For this reason, the WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is not only a good choice for advanced riders who are tempted to go on longer tours, but also interesting for beginners who benefit from the fact that the board is very stable in the water and are looking for an alternative to the classic allrounder.
The scope of accessories is also convincing. Absolutely all necessary equipment is included in good quality, so you are ready to go right away! The price for this complete set is also really attractive.
The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 (formerly known as AN15) is a top cruising board, which comes at a low price, is well-built and included lots of accessory products. WOWSEA's paddleboard tracks well. Also, the Bluesky S1 provides enough stability with its wide built and three-fin setup. The WOWSEA Bluesky S1 is a great choice for beginners who benefit from the stability the paddleboard provides.
