WOWSEA Flyfish F1 Review (2022) iSUP Paddleboard

Wowsea is no longer an unknown quantity in the paddle board scene.

For years, the boards of the company are very popular in the low-cost beginner range, and especially the allrounder boards are also recommended by us because of the good price-performance ratio.

Since this year, the new Wowsea Flyfish F1 is available for purchase, which, just like its big brother (Flyfish F2), cannot really be put into the classic categories of board classes.

The touring shape in combination with the allrounder width and the 2+1 fin setup does not make the classification easy.

Whenever there are 2 very similar boards from one manufacturer, my focus during testing is primarily on the differentiation of the models.

Whenever there are 2 very similar boards from one manufacturer, my focus during testing is primarily on the differentiation of the models.

In the following test report, I have looked into this question very closely and, with the help of many years of experience, have of course also compared it with the quality and equipment of similar boards.

Short on Time? Here’s the Most Important:

At 335 x 81 x 15 cm (11’0″ x 32″ x 6″), the Wowsea Flyfish F1 could definitely be categorized as a longer allround board.

The classic fin setup of 2 smaller, glued sides and large center fin in the plug-in system would also fit. But the touring silhouette with a pointed nose and straight tail doesn’t seem to play along at all.

Whenever a board has characteristics of an allrounder as well as a touring model, classification as a cruising board is the solution. It is precisely for these hybrid boards (hybrids) that this disparate board class was created.

In the driving characteristics this compromise between tilt stability and glide is particularly apparent!

In the production of the outer shell, Wowsea is fully committed to the classic double-layer manufacturing method.

This is also used for all other representatives of the board range and is also called “F1 Technology” by the company. In the production of high-quality, stiff, durable and robust paddle boards, this variant is still indispensable.

Also in terms of features, the manufacturer has focused on proven and very popular elements that allow versatile use.

A large anti-slip EVA standing surface (deck pad), a luggage net, 2 carrying loops, 5 D-rings and a kickpad increase in the rear area of the standing surface) are among the equipment.

The extensive accessory set includes the following items:

Instruction manual, board bag, luggage strap, 3-piece paddle, triple-action air pump incl. transport bag, center fin (plug-in system), coiled leash incl. key compartment (spiral-shaped safety line), dry bag (10 liters), repair kit with valve key and spare pressure gauge.

Bluefin Cruise Review in Detail

We do our best to make sure that every reader is able to find the right board for them, regardless of their previous experience.

We, too, have been faced with the confusing choice of paddle boards and know exactly how difficult the decision is. Likewise, we use our years of growing experience to explain all the facts and features of the boards and accessories.

If you have further individual questions, you can always leave us a comment. We will be happy to help you and try to answer you as soon as possible!

Product Specifications

Board Type	Inflatable
Brand	Wowsea
Skill	sporty Beginner / Advanced
Area of Application	compact touring board (Touring) or cruising board (Cruiser)
Maximum Paddler Weight	100-110 kg (220-240 lbs)
Length	335 cm (11′)
Width	81 cm (32″)
Thickness	15 cm (6″)
Volume	no information from the manufacturer, estimated at approx. 300 liters
Weight	Board: approx. 11.3 kg (25 lbs), with accessories in backpack: approx. 15.8 kg (35 lbs)
Accessories	Instruction manual, board bag, luggage strap, 3-piece paddle, triple action air pump incl. transport bag, fin (plug-in system), coiled leash incl. key compartment, dry bag (10 liters), extensive repair kit with valve key and spare pressure gauge

Construction

The shape of the Wowsea Flyfish F1 undoubtedly belongs to the class of touring boards. However, with 335 cm (11′) length and a width of 81 cm (32″) it clearly breaks out of the average of this board type…it is too wide and too short for that.

The 2+1 fin setup with removable center fin, which is extremely widespread especially on allrounder boards, does the rest.

Thus, for me, only an assignment to the cruising boards comes into question. Alternatively, one can also speak of a very compact touring board. Ultimately, this is conceivable for all cruisers.

The Wowsea Flyfish F1 has a single air chamber, the volume of which is not specified exactly.

However, comparison with similar boards suggests a capacity in the range of 300 liters, based on experience. Together with the 2-layer material construction, the board achieves good stiffness with rock-solid buoyancy values.

The slightly upward curved board tip (“Noserocker”) makes paddling in waves easier, as the nose sinks less easily.

Load Capacity

The maximum load of the Flyfish F1 is stated by Wowsea to be about 118 kg (260 lbs). Thus, this value is just under 10 kilos below the load limit of the Flyfish F2. As a limit, I definitely agree with this specification.

As always, however, it is advisable not to completely exhaust the load limit for this board. Up to 100 kg, there will certainly be no restrictions in practice.

For experienced users, even 110 kg are still in it, from this load then becomes increasingly sluggish and unstable.

A paddle board ride with a child or dog is therefore also conceivable with the Flyfish F1 for most adults. Who prefers a little more reserves, should accordingly rather reach for the larger Wowsea Flyfish F2.

Areas of Application and Driving Characteristics

First of all, it is amazing how stable the Wowsea Flyfish F1 is in the water. Here is really not much missing to the classic allrounder board.

This is especially good news for beginners, because this is still the most significant feature for the often shaky start. The width and the 2+1 fin setup do a great job here.

With a little stamina and a few more swims, the vast majority of beginners should quickly succeed in making their first progress.

In the beginning, balance often seems to be an insurmountable obstacle, but this is deceptive…it is amazing how with a little practice this topic moves into the background and needs less and less attention.

This is exactly why you should carefully consider whether an allrounder board is right for you.

If you want to practice the paddle board sport permanently, regularly and on a long-term basis and also want to tackle tours sometimes, a cruising board, like the Wowsea Flyfish F1, is often the better and future-proof choice.

The minimal losses in tipping stability and maneuverability are more than compensated by the much better glide. When accelerating, you can clearly feel the compact dimensions of the board, it feels more agile than the big version.

It is much easier to turn, but is also correspondingly less track-following on the road. Here you can feel the difference of 30 cm in length
in length very clearly.

With regular side changes, you can reach a good speed despite the width and leave many allrounders behind. In currents and waves, the maneuverability is even more noticeable.

Longer touring boards fall behind much faster in these conditions. With the targeted use of the kickpad, you can even turn on the spot and with a lot of practice also perform elaborate tricks (“pivot turn” etc.).

So does the board make an allrounder superfluous? Of course not, but it is a sporty alternative!

Ultimately, disadvantages include less usable space for additional passengers and alternative uses (yoga, fitness, fishing, etc.), as well as a lower volume/carrying capacity than boards with a rounded front end.

Even if swimming fun is important to you and touring rarely or never happens, a conventional allrounder board has the advantage!

The fact that a kayak seat can be mounted, however, also expands the sporty application areas of the Wowsea Flyfish F1…because here, too, the pointed nose ensures a great gliding pleasure.

The board can be used on almost any body of water, from lakes to canals to rivers and calmer stretches of ocean.

Compared to the Flyfish F2, however, it cuts a somewhat poorer figure on longer, straighter stretches. For smaller and light paddlers, however, it is still the better overall package due to its agility.

Material and Weight

This is where the classic in the production of high-quality paddle boards comes into play: the “double-layer dropstitch technique”.

Translated, this means that in the core many additionally braided polyester threads connect the top and bottom (“Dropstitch”).

This textile core is covered by 2 layers of resilient PVC (“Double-Layer”), which are glued together. Of course, Wowsea has also come up with an impressive marketing term for this and calls this construction “F1 Technology”.

In terms of the important stiffness and load capacity, this construction has crystal-clear advantages.

One drawback, however, is the slightly higher weight, which is about 11.3 kg for the Wowsea Flyfish F1. However, the handling is still within the problem-free range for an adult.

Workmanship

Cheap paddle boards are unfortunately often a gamble in terms of build quality. There the Wowsea Flyfish F1 is a refreshing exception. All materials and especially the transitions are really well made.

Small optical flaws like minimal color defects or detachable glue residues are unfortunately often found nowadays. Overall, however, the quality has completely convinced me. I have no concerns with the board that it will give pleasure for a long time.

I always find it absolutely praiseworthy when a manufacturer, like Wowsea, shows a clear edge and names all the materials used and the construction without a doubt.

In the low price segment, this is rarely the case, which usually has clear reasons and should make skeptical. A company with high-quality boards makes no secret of the details.

The 2-year warranty on the board and the fact that it can withstand a massive 22 PSI pressure are further indications that the quality is right! The price-performance ratio can only be rated as very good.

Design

“Going blue” is something you can do very well on this board, as the most popular maritime color comes into its own on the Wowsea Flyfish F1.

On the top, the lighter blue is complemented by a color-contrasting dark blue tip with an underlying logo in white.

The white rectangle within the area of the luggage net tells you the dimensions of the board. The light gray deckpad is broken up and waisted by various black and blue elements.

The rails are dark blue in the front area and decorated with Wowsea’s lettering.

On the black rear area of the sides is a design logo consisting of manufacturer and model names, as well as the brand’s slogan (“Love Enjoy My Lifestyle”).

On the tread runs a narrow central stripe interrupted by the logo and the re-placed lettering in black.

The entire design makes a pretty sporty impression on me and will surely find its fans. The blue color scheme is very popular in water sports. However, the company is not making any optical experiments or ventures with this board.

Other Features

The following useful features distinguish the Wowsea Flyfish F1:

• Deckpad: In the case of the deck pad, both the choice of material (EVA foam) and the structure (diamond embossing) ensure a good grip and reliable drainage of water. These features have proven themselves for years.

• 5 free D-rings: The rear D-ring is integrated into the carrying loop at the tail and is used to attach the coiled leash (spiral-shaped safety line). In the side area of the footprint are 4 more D-rings, here you can fix an optional kayak seat.

• 2 Carrying loops: The already mentioned rear carrying loop is supplemented by another, central handle in the middle of the board. Here is also the center of gravity, so that the board can be carried well balanced. It shows you at the same time the most stable standing position (“sweet spot”), which is always a good orientation aid, especially for beginners. The middle loop is padded with soft foam, wrapped in sturdy fabric and decorated with a rubber patch including lettering. The handle at the tail is made of webbing material embroidered with “Wowsea”.

• 2+1 fin setup with removable center fin: The two small side fins are fixed, the center fin is removable via the plug-in system.

• Luggage net: Under the elastic in the front area, which is attached to 4 additional D-rings reinforced with triangular PVC patches, you have enough space to safely stow your equipment or provisions. Great that for this a 10 liter dry bag is included, in which everything stays dry.

• Kickpad: This elevation in the rear area of the deckpad is elementary important for fast changes of direction and turning maneuvers. When you shift your weight to this point, the tip lifts out of the water, and you can easily turn the board.

Accessories

The Wowsea Flyfish F1 comes with the following accessories:

• Wowsea Flyfish F1 SUP Backpack: The paddle board board backpack is an often neglected piece of gear…poor models quickly become a nuisance with regular use. All the more pleasing, then, that Wowsea’s included example has a lot to offer: large main compartment with all-round zipper and integrated luggage straps, small front compartment with zipper, side mesh insert pocket with strap above (e.g. for the paddle), adjustable side straps to adjust the volume of the backpack… The model can be carried either via the upper carrying strap or with the adjustable, well-padded carrying straps (incl. chest and hip strap). The additionally padded back section ensures a comfortable carrying feeling. Dimensions: approx. 96.5 x 46 x 30.5 cm (38″ x 18″ x 12″).

• Wowsea Flyfish F1 Luggage Strap: This allows the rolled up board to be optimally fixed so that it does not roll up again when packing.
• 3-Piece Wowsea Flyfish F1 Paddle: The included 3-piece paddle is continuously adjustable between 172 and 218 cm (length scale on the retractable handle section). The shaft is made of aluminum, the paddle blade and the handle are made of sturdy plastic. A solid entry-level model. Like all aluminum paddles, it is a bit heavy, but also extremely sturdy. Dimensions of the paddle blade: 46 x 21.5 cm, packing size: 85.5 cm.

• Switchable Wowsea Flyfish F1 triple action air pump with pressure gauge (manometer) incl. transport bag: This pump (HP 5) is equipped with 2 pistons and 3 operating modes. Through these fine gradations you can comfortably reduce the resistance as the back pressure increases. In the first stage, it works with both pistons in double-action mode, which means that you pump air into the board both when pulling up and when pushing down. In the second stage, both pistons are in use in single action mode. Finally, in the third stage, only one piston is working. If you screw the tube to the other port, you can pump air out of the board to make it easier to roll up. The base and handles are removable, so the pump can be stored in the included mesh bag to save space. On the integrated pressure gauge (manometer) you can read from about 7 PSI the pressure reached. A really good and very powerful model.

• Detachable Wowsea Flyfish F1 Center Fin (10′): The 25.4 cm dolphin-shaped center fin slides into the rail in seconds and is secured with an included clip. This system is called a plug-in or slide-in system. It has clear advantages over the US box system (with screw and threaded plate) in terms of speed. However, there are also fewer different models available for retrofitting.

• Wowsea Flyfish F1 Coiled-Leash incl. key compartment: The blue safety leash is spiral-shaped. This means that the leash only stretches to its full length (10′ or 305 cm) when you fall into the water. It connects you to the board via a sturdy, black Velcro cuff at the ankle and prevents it from drifting away from you. The cuff also has a small key pocket with a separate Velcro closure. An essential piece of your safety gear!

• Wowsea Flyfish F1 Dry-Bag: In this blue pack bag, which holds 10 liters, all water-sensitive items find a protected place. Dry-Bags belong to the sensible basic equipment…perfect that this is included. Very well liked with the additional safety clip on the buckle!

• Wowsea Flyfish F1 Repair Kit incl. spare pressure gauge and valve wrench: Small damages to the board you can repair yourself with the matching color PVC patches…a suitable adhesive is missing, however. In case of a defective pressure gauge on the pump, you have the right spare part right at hand, which is really extremely rare. With the valve wrench you can check from time to time if the valve is still tight or replace it completely. Important: Please never use the valve wrench when the board is still inflated…risk of injury!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Wowsea Flyfish F1 could really convince me in the test. It offers a lot for this price.

Starting with the good material construction to the solid workmanship to the extensive and powerful accessory package, there are hardly any points of criticism, which is an absolute rarity in this price range!

A pity or little comprehensible for me is the fact that in contrast to the Flyfish F2 only an aluminum paddle is included.

For ambitious beginners who prefer varied areas of use but are also looking for a sporty challenge, the Wowsea Flyfish F1 is a serious and promising competitor for the often recommended allround boards.

It is overall closer to the characteristics of an allrounder than its big brother (Flyfish F2). The compact dimensions suit smaller and lightweight paddlers very well.

If you are willing to trade a little stability for even better touring characteristics, however, the longer Wowsea Flyfish F2 is the better board for you.

Both models have their justification for existence with the described advantages and disadvantages. What unites them is an absolutely attractive price-performance ratio, which is underlined by 2 years warranty.