77NEW GEAR
with Toby HodgesGranted, that sounds like a bold claim to make, but
anyone who has tried a good quality inflatable
paddleboard lately knows that there is no
looking back. These blow-up SUPs (Stand Up
Paddleboards) are one of the biggest game-
changers in recent years for cruising sailors at
anchor/leisure.
Why? After a season of trying one, I can
safely say the reasons keep growing! For
starters, once inflated, a paddleboard
immediately creates extra deck-cum-
pontoon space. So for lazy summer days
it’s perfect for families to use as a base
from which to swim and jump or board the
yacht, to check the waterline or to scope
out an anchorage.
For use as a tender, a SUP is obviously
hampered by its low freeboard and
payload capacity. But for shipping
waterproof items to the beach, an
esky, kids, etc, it does the job with a
lot less fuss than blowing up a RIB and
rigging an outboard. For an ultimate
testimonial see panel, page 78.
Then there are the fitness and
independence benefits. To wake up,
creep off the boat, and silently paddle
off for some exercise at sunrise is
liberating. I’ve also taken this 10’6
Ride – the world’s most popular
inflatable paddleboard model –
fishing, using a telescopic rod in a
waterproof rucksack. I’ve also tried
it in surf – though don’t expect to
go down the line and carve: soft,
rounded rails and plastic fins mean
your body will try to go one way and
the board won’t necessarily follow.
Perhaps the greatest appeal of
an inflatable SUP, though, is for
parents of young children. Yachts andThe advent of high-strength PVC inflatables and high-pressure
pumps has transformed the world of marine toys. The variety
of inflatable paddleboards, kayaks and windsurfers is getting all
ages afloat with a minimum of fuss.
Infl atable toys
Red Ride 10’6
THE BEST TENDER TOY YOU’VE NEVER HAD
£849
An inflatable
paddleboard can
transform your
time at anchorRed’s ride models come
with a three-part paddle,
pump, leash and bag