The Pau Hana Navio VFT (Vacuum Formed Technology) has fundamentally changed how I approach flats fishing, especially after putting it through its paces during an unforgettable week along Florida's Nature Coast. As someone who's tested countless SUP platforms for sight fishing, I can confidently say this board stands apart.
I say this with the weight of experience behind it. For the past 15 years, I've immersed myself in stand-up paddling across both whitewater and flat water environments, building on my 20-year foundation as a professional whitewater kayaker. Since 2018, I've channeled that water expertise into my true passion: fly fishing in both salt and freshwater.
As the operations manager and a member of Pau Hana's product development team, I've had the unique opportunity to rigorously test various SUP platforms. But it's my personal experience on the water that truly informs my perspective on what makes the Navio VFT special.
At 11 feet long with a 34-inch width, the Navio VFT strikes an ideal balance between tracking and stability - a critical factor when you're false casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. The displacement hull, combined with the 6-inch thickness, allows for silent approaches in depths under 2 feet, which proved invaluable during a falling tide in Ozello's labyrinthine mangrove systems.
A common challenge for fly anglers is maintaining balance while executing complex casts in challenging conditions. During my trip, I faced this head-on in 15-knot winds. The Navio VFT's generous 240L volume and 34-inch width platform meant I could focus on my double-haul technique rather than worrying about stability. Even with a loaded cooler and full gear complement, the board's 375-pound capacity easily handled everything I needed for a full day on the water.
The technical advantages of the board became particularly apparent during a memorable session when I got into some sea trout. The displacement hull, complemented by the single 4-inch flex fin configuration, tracked true even in crosswinds - a crucial feature when positioning for shots at cruising fish. The extra-soft EVA deck pad, which spans the entire standing area, provided secure footing during prolonged periods of sight fishing, significantly reducing fatigue compared to harder surfaces I've fished from.
What impressed me most was the board's versatility. At 36 pounds, it's manageable for solo transport, yet substantial enough to remain stable in choppy conditions. I used a cooler as a seat, which doubled as storage for my fly boxes, food, Yak Attack Omega Rod Holders and hydration. The board's thoughtful design allowed me to maintain a clean deck, with everything secured and within reach - essential when quick shots present themselves.
During my time in Ozello, I encountered everything from curious dolphins to cruising sharks, with countless rays and shore birds completing the ecosystem. The Navio VFT's stability meant I could sit on my cooler and just watch these encounters without compromising my position or disturbing the wildlife. Whether paddling through mangrove tunnels, drifting across open flats, or anchored into position to cast to a fish the board always stayed stable.
The Navio VFT's durable construction reflects Pau Hana's commitment to sustainability, scoring in the 85-90th percentile in REI's Product Impact Standards. Our comprehensive repair support program ensures product longevity, essential for those of us who fish in sensitive marine ecosystems.
For serious anglers looking to elevate their fly fishing experience, the Navio VFT represents more than just a paddleboard - it's a specialized fishing platform that addresses the specific challenges of sight fishing. The combination of stability, stealth, and thoughtful design features makes it an exceptional tool for pursuing fish in skinny water environments. I highly recommend this board for anybody interested in fishing in flats from a paddle board.