Aqua Marina Fusion

If you’re looking for an inflatable all-around SUP that’s best suited for beginner paddlers, take a look at the Aqua Marina Fusion. Priced at €449, this board comes equipped with a bag, paddle, pump, fin, and leash which is essentially everything you need right outside the gate. With an MSRP of €449, this board sits at the lower end of the mid-tier market in terms of affordability. Due to its shape, this board is well suited for paddlers of all skill levels and is designed for paddling short to mid-range distances, able to handle some light chop. The board is extremely lightweight, weighing under 20 lbs, so it’s very easy to carry.

We first reviewed the Fusion back in 2021 and we’re stoked to see the 2024 iteration with some nice updates. One of the first noticeable differences from the 2021 version to this new one is the graphics update. The updated graphics are a really nice touch and the incorporation of the two bold orange and deep red colors mixed in together make it pop on the water. Another new noticeable difference is in the tail design. The previous model had a pintail design which is typically used on a race or touring board but is odd for an all around board. The updated model for 2024 now has a square tail which is much more in line with what we see in all around boards and really adds to the stability of the board. Great upgrade here. Another great upgrade and new feature worth mentioning is the addition of their Red Strap bungee system which is thicker than standard bungees that you’ll see and it really helps further secure any cargo you wish to bring onboard with you during your paddle. And finally, another new feature on the new Fusion is the updated EVA deckpad pattern that adds a new level of comfortability when paddling.

The box that the board came in is beautiful with graphics and beautifully complements the design of the board. The contents inside the box were basic, all black and red branded accessories, excluding the carry bag which was a darker grey. The leash that’s included will definitely serve its purpose in terms of safety, but quality-wise it doesn’t quite meet the standard that we see in most other inflatable packages with a more rigid, durable leash. The lightweight drop stitch technology on the Fusion is also a nice feature in that it makes this board very light but at the same time doesn’t compromise the durability of the board. The backpack that the paddle board comes with is of pretty good quality and everything fits inside of it with ease and it also is very light with very comfortable straps. The pump included in the package is an industry standard dual-action pump that gets the job done. For the paddle that they provide, it's a three-piece paddle, has an adjustable length and is very light as well with an all around scoop blade. Is it the best paddle on the market? No. But for the price point of this package it’s pretty darn good.

Now let’s get to how the board performs on the water. What stood out immediately when paddling the 2024 Fusion Aqua Marina board was how light the board is. This feature makes the board ideal for lighter paddlers who might have a harder time handling heavier boards. When it comes to the stability and glide the board was pretty average. Wasn’t fast, wasn’t slow and it felt fairly stable. The changeup in the tail design definitely helped too with the stability for the board as a whole. Overall, this board would be a good option for someone looking for their first board as a beginner, for their kids that is both affordable and is an all around package.

The board design here was clean and simple, the orange coloring throughout definitely gave it pop out on the water. The box that the board came in is beautiful with graphics and images of the board and the contents inside the package were basic, all black branded accessories, excluding the pump which was red. The leash that’s included will definitely serve its purpose in terms of safety, but quality-wise it doesn’t quite meet the standard that we see in most other inflatable packages with a more rigid, durable leash. Something that stood out on the board design was the pintail which is something you’re more likely to see on a race or touring board. The pintail design provides maximum flow as the water exits the tail section of the board without being “dumped” providing a better hold which helps with speed. The lightweight technology on the Fusion was definitely noticeable when carrying the board to the water—super easy and light, under 20lbs. When getting onto the board, it felt pretty stable due to the thickness being 6 inches, but does lose some of its stability with the narrowing of the board towards the tail, so something to keep in mind if stability is what you’re after. Overall, this board would be good for anyone looking for an all-around board that can track well, is great for both kids and adults alike and is incredibly affordable coming with all the basic necessities needed to get on the water and have a good time.