ThePaddler 126
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he backpack has internal load straps which prevent the board moving about whilst on the hoof and the padded back and shoulder straps means taking the board on an adventure is a doddle. Another plus point for the bag is that there’s plenty of space for a wetsuit, towel, leash and three piece paddle.
Inflating the board to 20/25psi, the recommended effective pressure, takes some time; it’s not too physically demanding with the supplied high pressure pump and is a great warm up prior to going for a paddle. You can break the inflation down like I did by first getting some air in the board to give it shape and fit the RSS battens, next fill the board up to about 15psi then take time out to get changed and assemble the three piece paddle before returning to finish the inflation.
www.redpaddleco.co.uk
Out on the water the 10’ Surfer glides and tracks remarkably well and heading out over the incoming whitewater and waves posed no problem.The surf on the day was in the 2 to 4 foot range, very little chop and peeling for a good 200 metres, so perfect for this size and style of board. A quick step back turn and the board swings round nicely into position, a few quick strokes and we’re off down the line, it really is that easy catching waves with this board. On the wave and with your weight back far enough you can start getting some good turns in and the board responds well to weight and paddle shifts. One thing that stands out with the RED Paddle Co board is that you don’t get the stall after the initial take off and drop in on to the wave that I’ve experienced with other brands of inflatable paddleboards that flex, this has to be down to the RSS strips and higher pressure giving the board its amazing rigidity. Waiting for waves and paddling into position the board is both stable and quick and I’m looking forward to trying it out on flatwater as even though it’s tagged a ‘Surfer’ I think it would make a great all-rounder for someone looking for just a one board quiver.
With the huge growth of SUP looking set to continue and an equipment market already reaching saturation levels it’s great to see a company sticking to their guns and true to their word by remaining, as they always have been, an inflatable only company. The Red Paddle Co’s range of boards and accessories get better year on year and you wonder where their R&D will take them next. Innovations like the patented RSS battens and fool proof valve along with virtual bomb proof construction and boards that take almost twice as much pressure as the flood of iSUP wannabes means their title as a market leader is sure to continue.
Specification Length: Width: Thickness: Volume: Max rider weight:
10’ 32” 3.93” 193 Litres 90 kilos
Centre grab handle; D Ring leash attachment; EVA non slip deck pad; Front D ring towing eye; Cargo net attachment points; Backpack; High pressure pump; Repair kit.
Pros and cons Pros • • •
• •
Very easy to transport and store Extremely robust Virtually no damage to board or body from impact Super comfy backpack for those wanting to get off the beaten path Airline friendly
Cons •
None, there really aren’t! The competitive price point reiterates what a great board this is when compared with both rigid and the other major iSUP brands out there.