December 2017 Leisure Boating^23
N
o doubt you’ve seen a stand
up paddleboard (SUP) on your
favourite stretch of water, and
wondered what it’s all about.
So we jumped at the opportunity to test
a few inflatable boards from the market
leading Red Paddle Co.
Paddling these boards is fun! They offer a
great vantage point to quietly explore the
shallows (and depths), can provide a solid
workout if you choose, and are an easy way
to keep the more active family members
busy when your boat is moored. It’s really
not nearly as difficult as it looks but rather
a matter of choosing the right board and
then getting out on the water for some
paddling. In the beginning, stability is
definitely your friend - the rule of thumb
is that a longer and wider board offers
more of this. Long and narrow boards
equate to greater speed, while conversely
a short board is generally slower and more
manoeuvrable. It’s always best to try before
you buy and chat to an experienced SUP’er,
or the folk at Red Paddle Co.WHY AN INFLATABLE BOARD?
Packed away it’s considerably more
compact than a hard board and doesn’t
require a vehicle roof rack. A sturdy
backpack contains the board and all its
accessories, and can easily be transported
in your car, inside your boat, on your back,
or in the hold of an aircraft as you head off
on a boating holiday.A SET UP TO GET YOU UP
Inflating the smaller SUP’s with the
supplied pump is relatively easy, taking
about five minutes to reach a decent
pressure, and a few more to get it really
firm. The stiffer the board, the better it
responds and the easier it is to paddle.
The four-person board (14’0” Ride MSL)
is supplied with three pumps and valves- making inflatation easier when roping
in the services of the entire family. With a
further minute or two to insert the plastic
fin (some models), just attach the leash and
you’re good to go.
These Red Paddle boards are built tough
and made to last. They consist of a double
layer of hard-wearing and extremely
durable polymer. This is a big plus when
paddling in rocky areas and launching off