HATHA OXYGEN 10’6
HATHA OXYGEN 10’6 TEST REVIEW
Verdict:
A tough board that’s easy on the eye and has loads of float. Feature packed and with a heat sealed deck pad (no peeling) the Oxygen stands up to the rigours of rental, teaching, and kids climbing all over it. Glides well and kick turns easily, at £550 retail with bag, pump and paddle the Oxygen is a smart purchase.
Overview:
Hatha is a British brand making accessible hardboards for a couple of years now and the Oxygen is their first inflatable. They’ve sensibly gone for broad appeal with this 10’6 x 32’ board and beefed the thickness up to 6” to give it a whopping 293L of volume. Thicker board equals stiffer board for the same PSI.
Tow ring (thoughtfully mounted on the deck for easy connection in-water), leash point, front, rear and centre carry handles, two cargo nets, and a comfy heat-bonded deck pad complete the deck with a ‘no tools’ 2+1 fin set up sits underneath.
Brand Claim:
A go anywhere inflatable sup, it’s made from Military grade PVC making it extremely durable and robust without compromising strength and stability. The Oxygen comes with numerous grab handles, a D ring at the rear to add a leash and a D ring at the front for mooring up or to attach an anchor. This board is the ultimate go anywhere paddleboard. Go explore!
Performance:
10’6 x 32” puts the Oxygen right in the middle of the all-rounder class rather than specialising in any particular field (such as ultra distance, race or surf); it’s really suited for those looking for a board to begin paddle boarding adventures and experiences on. It feels good to paddle, glides well considering the parameters and doesn’t buckle when you put the hammer down. Hatha have given a pleasing, out-doorsy look to it with its bright green and blue colours and chunky fittings and overall the Oxygen has a tough, rugged feel which we expect should suck up the abuse. It’s a very keenly priced board but one you’ll enjoy stepping onto or bringing out for your students. It is of course stable, but not to the point of completely sanitizing the activity – the slightly pulled in nose and tail gives a looser feel on the water and a lighter touch to step back turns. £550 is just a great price for everything you need to get you on the water – the supplied alu paddle is fine to start but the Oxygen will happily match your future paddle upgrade.