All-round board with a wide range of uses
The Crivit brand, Lidl's own brand, offers several different SUP boards. In addition to products from other manufacturers, we are focussing here on a Crivit board in the popular all-round size 315 x 84 x 15 cm (equivalent to 10'4" x 33" x 6"). These dimensions stand for a compact, wide board with the standard thickness of 6 inches, which provides the necessary rigidity. With a price of 199 euros (>> e.g. available here), it is in the affordable entry-level segment and still promises solid all-round properties.
Equipment and processing
The board is a single-chamber board with a recommended air pressure of 15 PSI (approx. 1 bar), which corresponds to the current standard. With a dry weight of 7.78 kg as measured by us, it is pleasantly light and easy to carry, even for teenagers or children. Unfortunately, there is only one carrying handle in the centre, but it is well padded and in the right place. There are no additional handles at the front or tail.
A special feature is the built-in viewing window at the front of the board. It is designed as a recess with transparent PVC film on the underside and allows a limited view under water. This window is combined with the front, slightly larger of the two luggage nets. The rear net is significantly smaller. The front net can be stretched crosswise and can also hold a larger bag securely.
Comfortable, stable stand
The deck is covered with a non-slip EVA pad that offers good grip even when barefoot. It is pulled so far forwards that a child can easily sit on the board. For tight turns, however, you have to place your foot on the smooth foil area behind the pad, which can be slippery in wet conditions. Here, savings have been made in favour of weight - but the pad still fulfils its purpose.
The fin is a medium-sized slide-in fin in a sliding box system, can be mounted quickly and makes a sufficiently stable impression. The board shape has parallel edges in the centre area, which merge relatively abruptly into the curves of the bow and tail. This may look a little unharmonious, at least if you look at it very critically, but has not had a negative impact on the water.
The overall finish is decent. There are no significant creases or bubbles at the seams. The cut is clean and the glued seams are even. A special feature is that - in contrast to more expensive models with welded seams - all the seams on the Crivit board are glued. The manufacturers of welded boards at least promise longer durability, but it certainly explains the very favourable price.
When inflating for the first time, a hissing noise caused a brief scare. However, the hissing noise was only due to a valve that was not screwed on tightly - an assembly error that the final inspection should normally detect, but which is easy to rectify. A suitable valve spanner and repair kit with colour-matching repair kit and special adhesive are commendably included in the scope of delivery.
Optional SUP pump from Lidl
The Crivit double-stroke pump (€19.99) with gear shift that we use is available as an option: initially, a lot of volume is pumped quickly when pulling and pushing, but when the pressure increases, you can switch to a single push by moving a lever, which reduces the effort required. It has a slim, long piston, two small but stable feet and an ergonomically shaped handle. In our test, the pressure generated matched that of a reference pump - 15 PSI can be achieved with little effort.
Robust, solid rucksack included in the scope of delivery
The scope of delivery also includes a robust rucksack made of solid material, but without wheels - which can actually be an advantage and saves unnecessary weight. The board can be rolled compactly and there is enough space for a pump and paddle.
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Driving characteristics on the water
The board is very stable on the water, which can be attributed primarily to the large width of 33 inches. This width runs through a large part of the length, as the bow and tail are also relatively wide. As a result, the board has parallel edges over large sections, which also has a positive effect on the directional stability.
The board is definitely suitable as a family all-rounder, for beginners and for moderate tours
The board is stable in the water, even when kneeling or standing up. The 15 cm thickness provides noticeable rigidity, even for heavier paddlers - the test person weighing 84 kg was able to use the board without any problems. Even with deliberate rocking, it remains relatively calm and torsionally rigid, which is due to the good length to width ratio and the solid height of 15 cm. Overall, the board lies pleasantly flat on the water, with only a moderate upturn in the bow - so it doesn't feel like a "banana".
When lo-paddling, the board accelerates quickly, which is thanks to its low weight. The directional stability is good for an all-round board of this size - there is no exaggerated "wagging" and four or five paddle strokes per side are easily possible without leaving the course too much - but a good paddling technique is half the battle for good directional stability. Of course, it does not achieve the directional stability of a touring board, but it is absolutely sufficient for leisure paddling and shorter tours.
Nice gimmick on the Crivit iSUP: viewing window into the underwater world
The slightly curved bow glides effortlessly over waves or flat water. The viewing window allows you to see under the board when travelling calmly or when stationary. When paddling at speed, small air bubbles and water eddies move under the board, so visibility is restricted - but the window still offers a nice added value as an alternative to snorkelling when splashing around or in clear water.
The board is also very easy to manoeuvre. Even with a crossbow turn, i.e. pulling the paddle in a wide arc while remaining in the centre, it turns quickly. Tight turns are also possible if you carefully place your back foot behind the deck pad - but be careful here, as this area can appear quite slippery when barefoot.
The load capacity is specified as 140 kg - a realistic value. Two children or an adult with a child can easily be accommodated. Compared to more expensive boards with similar dimensions, there is hardly any difference in the paddling experience. If you prefer a board with a flatter bow that is more in the direction of a touring or race board, you should look specifically for such shapes. The Crivit board, on the other hand, offers the typical, good-natured all-round characteristics - suitable for families, beginner-friendly and more agile than even wider models.
Conclusion on the Crivit iSUP from Lidl
For 199 euros you get the Lidl Crivit SUP A neatly finished all-round board with very good tipping stability, well thought-out features, easy handling and convincing riding characteristics - ideal for beginners, families or occasional users. The viewing window is a nice bonus that can provide additional fun on the water.
In terms of performance and quality, the board has nothing to hide, provided you don't have any touring requirements. It is a thoroughly suitable option for swimming trips, smaller tours and leisure fun.
