Are you tired of being advised to buy an allround board as a sporty beginner? Then you should definitely read on. Because with the new Wowsea Flyfish F2 you might have found the solution.
Its medium-length touring shape (silhouette) promises a good glide, yet its width and 2+1 fin setup provide solid basic stability that can suffice even for ambitious beginners.
This combination sounds promising! Wowsea boards have been with us since the early days of our board tests a few years ago and have since been able to confirm their firm place in our best lists again and again.
The Wowsea Flyfish F2 is overall a great touring or cruising board, which is also very suitable for sporty beginners. It offers a very attractive price-performance-ratio. In view of the extremely large and good accessory package including triple action air pump and fiberglass paddle, few wishes remain unfulfilled and you can get started right after delivery.
Table of Contents
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At 365 x 81 x 15 cm (12’0″ x 32″ x 6″), the middle ground that the manufacturer takes with this board is already clear in the dimensions.
It is slightly shorter than most touring models and the width is fully within the average of an allrounder. The shape is much clearer… The pointed nose and the straight tail of the Wowsea Flyfish F2 speak clearly for a touring board.
But already with the fins the uncertainty in the classification continues. With the classic 2+1 variant of 2 fixed, small side fins and a large, removable center fin in the plug-in system, we find the standard design of most allrounder boards.
Tilt stability and good maneuverability are the strengths of this setup.
The complete outer shell including the rails is made of double layers. This proven manufacturing method can be found throughout the entire Wowsea board range.
Good stiffness and robustness are the main reasons why this construction is still the proven standard in the manufacturing of high quality inflatable paddle boards (iSUPs).
When it comes to features, the Wowsea Flyfish F2 also offers a large, useful repertoire.
2 carrying loops, a luggage net and 4 D-rings on the deckpad are available. The possibility to mount a kayak seat and a kickpad (elevation in the rear area of the footprint) are not found quite so often on boards of this type.
So that you can start right away into the floods without any worries, an accessory set is included in the scope of delivery, which has quite a few little surprises in store:
Instruction manual, board bag, luggage strap, 3-piece fiberglass 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.
For the sake of completeness, I would like to mention here briefly that there is the board also a number smaller (Wowsea Flyfish F1)!
The WOWSEA Flyfish F2 Review in Detail
Our goal is to provide you with all the facts and features of the boards in detail. We benefit from our many years of experience in testing paddle boards.
We are in close contact with the manufacturers and can therefore provide you with a lot of information that you will not find anywhere else in this form!
If you have further individual questions, please feel free to leave us a comment. We will try to answer you as soon as possible!
Product Specifications
| Board Type | Inflatable |
| Brand | Wowsea |
| Skill | sporty Beginners, Advanced |
| Area of Application | Touring |
| Max. Paddler Weight | 110 kg (242 lbs) – 120 kg (265 lbs) |
| Length | 365 cm (12′) |
| Width | 81 cm (32″) |
| Thickness | 15 cm (6″) |
| Volume | no information from the manufacturer, approx. 320 liters |
| Weight | Board: approx. 11.5 kg (25.5 lbs), with accessories in backpack: approx. 16 kg (36 lbs) |
| Accessories | Instruction manual, board bag, luggage strap, 3-piece fiberglass 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
Visually, the Wowsea Flyfish F2 clearly belongs to the touring boards. However, if you take a closer look at the dimensions and the individual elements, an assignment to the so-called cruising boards comes into question.
This collective term was created for boards that combine characteristics of allrounder and touring models.
This is exactly the case with the Flyfish F2 due to the ample width and the 2+1 fin setup, which are usually identifying features of the allrounders!
This combination is particularly appealing in terms of versatility and therefore also for sporty beginners.
Tilt stability and nimble gliding are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Nevertheless, you have to live with slight sacrifices in both directions.
The Wowsea Flyfish F2 has a single air chamber, unfortunately, the manufacturer traditionally does not provide more precise information on the capacity.
So I am left only with the estimate and comparison with similar models. Accordingly, the volume should be in the range around 320 liters, but a certain tolerance (+/- 10%) can certainly not be excluded.
The “Noserocker” helps you to conquer light waves with confidence. Due to the upward curved board tip, the board does not sink easily even in rough conditions.
Load Capacity
The maximum load capacity of the Wowsea Flyfish F2 is stated by the manufacturer to be approximately 127 kg (280 lbs).
Related to the reasonable limit of the load capacity, I agree with this. Here one may also praise the manufacturer that he does not specify completely exaggerated values, as unfortunately happens all too often.
Regarding the optimal running performance, I would still advise subtracting a few kilos from this specification. I see the maximum recommended user weight in the range of 110 to 120 kg.
However, it must be clearly underlined here that the solid double-layer paddle board can withstand a colossal 22 PSI pressure, which is of course worth its weight in gold in terms of stiffness!
Either way, very light adults can also do smaller laps in pairs from time to time. For average built paddlers, there is always enough buffer to paddle a kid or the dog around!
The Wowsea Flyfish F2 is overall a great touring or cruising board, which is also very suitable for sporty beginners. It offers a very attractive price-performance-ratio. In view of the extremely large and good accessory package including triple action air pump and fiberglass paddle, few wishes remain unfulfilled and you can get started right after delivery.
Areas of Application and Driving Characteristics
I’ve been allowed to test a few SUPs in the past, and at some point you form the idea that just by looking at a model, you know how it will feel when you ride it.
However, as soon as I got up on it for the first time, I was surprised at how full the Wowsea Flyfish F2 was in the water. Not quite as tippy as an allrounder but far from the tippy feeling of a touring board at rest.
With the first strong paddle pulls, the board then tilted a bit to the side, as is typical for touring.
And again I was amazed that you can glide relatively quickly with the board. Of course, the board can not fully equal a narrower, longer touring board with single fin.
During acceleration, I could accordingly only look at the tail of the gliding touring model in front of me, which was getting smaller.
But then the time had come…as if on order, the wind picked up a gear and the small, short, treacherous and often exhausting Lake Constance waves came up. And lo and behold, the cards were reshuffled.
While the Wowsea Flyfish F2 glided smoothly over the rougher waters, still stable in the water and easy to steer, the paddler in front of me was increasingly struggling.
A perfect example of why the middle ground of different running characteristics can be worthwhile. But versatility always means compromise and that’s not for everyone!
Experienced paddlers who enjoy the luxury of having a specialized paddle board in their closet for every body of water and every condition will be smiling tiredly right now.
But especially for price-conscious beginners who would like to combine good basic stability with sporty ambitions, the Wowsea Flyfish F2 can be a really hot candidate. The middle ground is, at least in my opinion, first class.
In terms of maneuverability the same picture. Due to the curved rails and the 2+1 fin setup, the board lies exactly between an agile allrounder and a track-following touring board. For the vast majority of applications, this is an absolutely practical mix.
It gets sporty when you use the kickpad. A sudden shift of weight to this raised spot on the tail takes the tip out of the water. Spectacular turns (“Kick- or Pivot-Turn”) become possible, but also require a lot of practice and involuntary swimming!
Also always welcome is the mounting option for a kayak seat. The 4 D-rings on the deckpad make a good impression. However, the seat and a second paddle blade or a double paddle are not included.
What I also really like is the fact that you can inflate the board up to 22 PSI. Personally, I prefer 18 PSI in this case, which is also a compromise between very good, above-average stiffness and hardest work when inflating.
In principle, I see the Wowsea Flyfish at home on almost all waters, of course, always apart from extreme conditions.
If you already have good skills and do very long, straight runs, however, the classic touring board is still the way to go. Even closer to the very stable and maneuverable allrounder board feeling is the Wowsea Flyfish F1.
Material and Weight
Paddle board manufacturers like to come up with flowery marketing terms for their material construction…for Wowsea, it’s the so-called “F1 Technology”.
In order for you to better understand what’s behind it, I’ll gladly explain the construction to you in understandable words and generally accepted terms:
The material construction of the Wowsea Flyfish F2 is also called “Double-Layer-Dropstitch”. This means that the outer shell consists of 2 laminated layers of PVC (“Double-Layer”).
In the board core, many polyester threads are very tightly interwoven (“dropstitch”) to achieve increased strength.
The rails (sides) of this board are also 2-layered. This makes the board robust and resistant to external influences and additionally increases the stiffness. This combination is still the proven “gold standard” of high quality paddle boards.
The weight of the Wowsea Flyfish F2 is with 11.5 kg in the upper average comparison range. However, given the material construction, this is a very good value. The handling is still easy to master for an adult.
Workmanship
Considering the price, the build quality is impeccable and absolutely above average.
Minimal glue residue and the smallest air bubbles in the rail can unfortunately not always be ruled out nowadays, and experience has shown that they are not a problem at all in the long run.
I find the quality of the Wowsea Flyfish overall really amazingly good.
The PVC used is of very high quality (military grade) and UV resistant coated. The dropstitch core of the board is very tightly woven (11200 threads/sqm). These are good conditions for durability.
It is always a good sign when the manufacturer makes clear statements here. Another indication of very good quality is that the board can withstand 22 PSI.
Cheap boards are not at all suitable for such a high pressure range. A 2-year warranty rounds off the good overall impression.
Design
Green, green, green is all I have…for fans of this color, the design is a dream. In addition, the design also visually blends in very nicely with the existing Wowsea board range. The elements used are clear and lead to a sporty look.
On the top, the bright green is complemented by a contrasting olive green tip, white logo and black and white deckpad.
A white rectangle tells you the dimensions of the board. The rails are also dark green in the front area and decorated with the white lettering of Wowsea.
In the transition to the black rear area, which is inscribed with the logo, the board name and the slogan “Love Enjoy My Lifestyle”, 2 white stripes are used.
A narrow white design stripe runs down the center of the tread, interrupted by the logo and the re-placed lettering. The combination of light and dark green (lace, fin patches) is also used here.
Personally, I really like the bold colors. What you can argue about is whether the light blue of the paddle and the backpack fits the green of the board…I find rather not!
The Wowsea Flyfish F2 is overall a great touring or cruising board, which is also very suitable for sporty beginners. It offers a very attractive price-performance-ratio. In view of the extremely large and good accessory package including triple action air pump and fiberglass paddle, few wishes remain unfulfilled and you can get started right after delivery.
Other Features
The Wowsea Flyfish F2 has the following additional features:
- Deckpad: There is an anti-slip EVA deckpad on the top of the board. The well-known and popular “diamond embossing” provides a stable structure and reliably drains the water.
- 5 free D-rings: At the tail there is a D-ring integrated into the rear carrying loop, which invites you to hook in the coiled leash (safety line). This is complemented by a total of 4 more D-rings on the deckpad. Here you can attach an optional kayak seat.
- 2 Carrying Loops: In the middle of the board is a central carrying loop. Here is also the center of gravity and shows you the most stable standing position. This loop is padded with soft foam, wrapped in sturdy fabric and decorated with a rubber patch including lettering. At the tail you will find another handle (with D-ring) made of webbing material embroidered with “Wowsea”.
- 2+1 fin setup with removable center fin: The two small side fins are firmly glued and the center fin is removable via a plug-in system.
- Luggage net: In the front area there is a black and flexible deck net, which is attached to 4 more D-rings bordered with triangular PVC patches. Here you have enough space to safely store your equipment or provisions. Use the included dry bag to keep everything dry.
- Kickpad: This elevation in the rear area of the deckpad is elementary important for fast changes of direction and turning maneuvers. If 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 F2 comes with the following accessories:
- Wowsea Flyfish F2 board bag: The set includes a light blue paddle board board bag with 2 compartments and padded back panel. In addition to the large main compartment with all-round zipper, which offers enough space for the rolled up board and the large parts of the equipment, it has a small front pocket with zipper for small components of the equipment (coiled leash, fin, repair kit, etc.).Here you can of course also store personal belongings (smartphone, keys, wallet, etc.). There is also a small mesh pocket on the side where you can put your paddle and secure it with the strap above it, or carry wet items or clothes. Through the two side straps you can additionally lash the contents. For this purpose, there are also 2 more adjustable straps with buckles on the inside.The model can be carried via the upper carrying strap. With the adjustable, well-padded carrying straps (including chest and hip belt), the backpack can be transported comfortably on the back and individually adjusted. For this price range, the model is very versatile and makes a good impression.
- Wowsea Flyfish F2 luggage strap: To keep the rolled up board together optimally, you can secure it with the included luggage strap.
- 3-piece Wowsea Flyfish F2 fiberglass paddle: The included 3-piece paddle has a shaft made of fiberglass, the paddle blade and the handle are made of plastic. It is continuously adjustable between 172 and 218 cm. A very good entry-level model with reduced weight (880 g). Due to the fiberglass applications (“binding”) on the shaft, the surface is somewhat grooved, which leads to a good grip, especially with wet hands. I also noticed positively that the paddle blade part is secured with an additional clamp fastener in addition to the click connection. Dimensions of the paddle blade: 46 x 21.5 cm, pack size: 85.5 cm.
- Switchable Wowsea Flyfish F2 triple action air pump with pressure gauge (manometer) incl. transport bag: The set includes a triple action air pump (model HP 5) with pressure gauge (manometer). The pump has 2 pistons and 3 operating modes.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. In the third stage, only one piston is working. These graduations allow you to conveniently reduce resistance as backpressure increases. If you screw the tube to the other port, you can pump air out of the board to make it easier to roll in. The base and handles are removable, so the pump can be stored in the included mesh bag to save space. On the integrated pressure indicator you can read from about 7 PSI the pressure reached. A really good and very powerful model.
- Detachable Wowsea Flyfish F2 center fin (10″): The approx. 25.4 cm long dolphin-shaped center fin can be quickly slid into the rail and fixed with an enclosed 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 fewer models available for retrofitting.
- Wowsea Flyfish F2 coiled leash incl. key pocket: This spiral-shaped safety leash connects you to your board via a neoprene-padded Velcro sleeve at the ankle. Only when you fall into the water does the leash stretch to its full length (10′ or 305 cm). Hidden in the Velcro is a small pocket where you can store, for example, a key or some coin.
- Wowsea Flyfish F2 dry-bag: A really helpful gimmick is the 10 liter blue dry bag. Here all water-sensitive items find a protected place.very well liked with the additional safety clip on the buckle!
- Wowsea Flyfish F2 repairkit incl. spare pressure gauge and valve wrench: This small set consists of matching PVC strips (patches), a valve wrench and a spare pressure gauge (pressure indicator) for the pump. In case of a defective pressure gauge on the pump, you have the appropriate spare parts immediately at hand, which is really extremely rare in the scope of delivery is included. With the valve wrench, you can check from time to time whether the valve is still properly seated or replace it completely. Important: Please never use the valve wrench when the board is still inflated…risk of injury!
FAQ
How long does it take to inflate the Wowsea Flyfish F2?
With the included triple action air pump, the board should be ready to go in 5-7 minutes! Learn more about the Wowsea Flyfish F2.
How much PSI should the Wowsea Flyfish F2 be inflated to?
The recommended pressure range is from 15 – 22 PSI. In practice, 18 PSI is a good, above-average value for maximum stiffness that can still be easily achieved with a manual pump. The fact that the board can withstand 22 PSI speaks for a very robust and durable quality. Learn more about the Wowsea Flyfish F2.
Is the Wowsea Flyfish F2 also suitable for beginners?
Yes, the board is great for more demanding beginners, as it has good tipping stability and is versatile. After the shaky early days you will enjoy much better gliding characteristics compared to an allrounder board. Learn more about the Wowsea Flyfish F2.
Conclusion
The Wowsea Flyfish F2 is overall a great touring or cruising board, which is also very suitable for sporty beginners.
It offers a very attractive price/performance ratio. In view of the extremely large and good accessory package, including triple action air pump and fiberglass paddle, few wishes remain unfulfilled and you can get started right after delivery.
The driving characteristics are a completely successful compromise between tilt stability, maneuverability and good glide. If classic allrounders are not fast enough for you and you still want a good basic stability, the Wowsea Flyfish F2 is ideal.
Of course, narrower and longer touring boards with a single fin are ultimately faster and also more true to track, but this board is also much more versatile to use.
In terms of features, I especially like the kickpad and the 4 D-rings for a separately available kayak seat. These features again clearly underline the all-round suitability of the board.
From a future perspective, you have good cards with the Wowsea Flyfish F2, here it offers much more than the classic allrounder board…at least if touring and sporty motives play a role for you.
For smaller and lighter paddlers as well as for beginners who want to be even closer to the allrounder in terms of tipping stability, the more compact Wowsea Flyfish F1 is another, also recommendable alternative.
The Wowsea Flyfish F1 is a successful mix of allrounder and touring with a very good price-performance ratio. 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.
Both specimens have completely convinced me in the test and cement the good impression I have of the brand so far!
The Wowsea Flyfish F2 is overall a great touring or cruising board, which is also very suitable for sporty beginners. It offers a very attractive price-performance-ratio. In view of the extremely large and good accessory package including triple action air pump and fiberglass paddle, few wishes remain unfulfilled and you can get started right after delivery.
