ISUP
Elysium Air Inflatable Race Board 14'x26"
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"The Elysium Air is hands down the fastest inflatable board I’ve ever paddled. It slices through the water like a hardboard but with the convenience of an inflatable. The rigidity is unbelievable, and it feels rock-solid underfoot, even at full sprint. I’ve used it for everything from fitness paddles to long-distance races, and it always delivers. If speed and performance are your goals, the Elysium Air is a game-changer."
– Taylor W.
Hydrus Elysium Air Racing SUP – The Ultimate Inflatable Race Board
High-Performance Inflatable Paddleboard for Speed, Stability, and Rigidity
The Hydrus Elysium Air Racing SUP is more than just an inflatable race board; it’s a meticulously engineered, high-performance inflatable paddleboard crafted for paddlers who demand elite-level speed, rigidity, and durability. Designed for those who seek podium-level performance, the Elysium Air rivals traditional hard boards while providing the convenience and portability of an inflatable.
Why Choose the Hydrus Elysium Air Racing SUP?
The Hydrus Elysium Air is a specialized race iSUP that integrates cutting-edge materials and construction methods to create an inflatable board that’s both lightweight and ultra-rigid. Engineered for intermediate to advanced paddlers, it’s built to maintain form, speed, and efficiency under competitive conditions. If you’re looking for a board that defies the limits of inflatables, the Elysium Air is your answer.
Key Features That Set the Elysium Air Apart
Armalight Air™ Construction: Built for Endurance and Speed
Hydrus’s Armalight Air™ construction is a groundbreaking innovation that combines strength, lightness, and rigidity into one. Using dual-layer fusion PVC and high-tensile fabric, Hydrus has created a board that remains stiff under high pressure, eliminating the typical flex found in inflatable SUPs. Here’s how each component works:
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Dual-Layer Fusion Shell: Instead of using adhesives, the two PVC layers are fused together under high heat and pressure, creating a lighter, stronger bond that significantly reduces the chance of delamination.
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Custom Scrim: The layers are reinforced with a high-tensile scrim material that provides structure without adding weight. The crisscross pattern maximizes rigidity and ensures the board holds shape even under intense paddling conditions.
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Welded Seams: Unlike glued seams, the Elysium Air’s welded seams permanently bond layers, increasing durability and eliminating weak points that could cause failure under high stress.
Advanced Drop-Stitch Core
The drop-stitch core of the Elysium Air uses woven fabrics rather than traditional knitted fibers. Tens of thousands of fibers connect the deck and hull, allowing the board to hold high PSI for greater firmness. These fibers are sewn in a cross pattern to form an “X” shape, which further enhances the board’s stiffness without sacrificing flexibility where needed. This structure keeps the board at a slim 6” thickness without bulging, even under high pressure.
Carbon Fiber Stringers for Ultimate Rigidity
The Elysium Air is equipped with two carbon fiber stringers running the length of the board. These stringers provide a lightweight but powerful reinforcement that drastically minimizes flex, even during high-intensity paddling. This rigidity keeps the board efficient and responsive under varying loads, ensuring that every stroke translates into forward momentum.
Wave-Piercing Bow and Tail Wedge
The wave-piercing bow allows the Elysium Air to cut through waves effortlessly, minimizing drag and helping you maintain speed in choppy water. At the rear, the board features a tail wedge that releases water cleanly, reducing wake size and drag. This tail design also prevents other racers from drafting easily, keeping you ahead in competitive settings.
Ergonomically Designed Deck Pad for Comfort and Control
The deck pad on the Elysium Air combines comfort and function. With a finely textured surface and a diamond-groove pattern at the rear, it provides excellent grip, especially during pivot turns. The tail end features a raised kick pad that prevents you from slipping off during high-speed maneuvers, making the deck ideal for competitive paddling.
Performance on the Water
The Elysium Air’s construction and design make it one of the most efficient and stable inflatable race boards on the market. Here’s what you can expect when paddling the Elysium Air:
Exceptional Speed and Glide
In speed trials, the Elysium Air achieves up to 7.1 MPH in sprint mode, which is rare for an inflatable paddleboard and comparable to carbon fiber hardboards. During testing, the board maintained a steady 5.8 MPH at a sustainable sprint, while a single paddle stroke propelled it forward by over 30 feet, underscoring its remarkable glide and efficiency.
Competitive Stability for Advanced Paddlers
The Elysium Air is designed for intermediate and advanced paddlers focused on speed rather than beginner stability. Its narrow 26” width and wave-piercing shape make it ideal for those who prioritize straight-line speed over recreational stability. Even with this narrow profile, the Elysium Air’s reinforced construction keeps it balanced, making it one of the most stable racing iSUPs in its class.
Construction Details: The Hydrus Commitment to Quality and Durability
Hydrus is known for its meticulous attention to quality, and the Elysium Air is no exception. This board undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets Hydrus’s high standards for durability and performance. Here’s a closer look at the construction process:
Pressure Testing at the Factory
Every Elysium Air board is factory-tested at 31 PSI, far above the recommended maximum of 20 PSI, to identify and address any potential weaknesses. This over-pressurization test ensures the board can withstand intense paddling sessions and variable water conditions without leaking or losing shape.
Laboratory and Real-World Rigidity Tests
The standardized bend test at the Hydrus lab subjects the Elysium Air to 170 pounds of weight at its center to measure flexibility. While other inflatables average around 1.5 inches of flex, the Elysium Air flexes just 1.22 inches, allowing it to maintain a hardboard-like feel on the water. During real-world testing, paddlers report minimal to zero flex, even when sprinting or navigating choppy waters.
Impact and Abrasion Resistance
The Elysium Air’s outer rail and base are abrasion-tested against sand and rocks to ensure durability in real-world conditions. The reinforced rail and high-density PVC layers protect the board from scratches and wear, giving you peace of mind when paddling in more rugged environments.
Who Should Paddle the Elysium Air?
The Elysium Air is designed for competitive and fitness-focused paddlers who want a high-performance inflatable paddleboard that doesn’t compromise on speed or durability. This is an advanced racing board, best suited for paddlers who prioritize speed, precision, and efficiency over beginner stability. If you’re a serious racer or an experienced paddler looking to step up your game, the Elysium Air is crafted with you in mind.
Accessories Included with the Elysium Air
Hydrus includes a premium accessory kit with the Elysium Air to make your paddling experience as seamless as possible:
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Mothership Backpack: A spacious, durable bag for easy storage and transport.
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Coiled Leash: Keeps you securely tethered to the board without getting in the way.
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Three Fin Options: Comes with a 9” touring fin, a 6” keel fin, and a 4.5” river fin, allowing you to customize the board for different water conditions.
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Double-Action Hand Pump: This pump efficiently inflates the board.
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Repair Kit: A compact kit with all essentials for any quick fixes on the go.
Recommended Add-On: Hydrus Tough Blade 3-Piece Carbon Fiber Paddle
For those seeking the ideal paddle to pair with this high-performance board, Hydrus offers the Tough Blade 3-Piece Carbon Fiber Paddle as an add-on. With its carbon fiber shaft and Armalight-enhanced blade, this paddle is both lightweight and exceptionally durable—an essential accessory for any serious racer.
Hydrus Quality Guarantee: Lifetime Warranty
Every Elysium Air Racing SUP is backed by Hydrus’s lifetime warranty against seam failures, showing Hydrus’s confidence in its construction quality. The brand’s commitment to durability and quality assurance makes the Elysium Air a reliable investment for years of high-performance paddling.
30-Day Test Ride
Not ready to commit? Hydrus offers a 30-day test ride guarantee, allowing you to experience the Elysium Air’s performance firsthand before fully committing. Paddle with confidence, knowing you have the option to exchange or return the board if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
The Final Word: A High-Performance Inflatable Paddleboard Like No Other
The Hydrus Elysium Air Racing SUP combines the portability of an inflatable with the performance and rigidity of a hardboard. Built with advanced Armalight Air™ technology, carbon fiber reinforcements, and a streamlined, speed-focused design, it’s the perfect choice for intermediate and advanced paddlers looking to excel in races or intense fitness paddling.
Take the next step in your paddling journey with the Hydrus Elysium Air—a high-performance inflatable paddleboard built to go the distance and beyond.
Get ready to redefine what’s possible on an inflatable race board.