[MedSailor]

I have to admit, I've had my eye on this sport for a while. (Admit it! You'd look too!)

It sure does look like a great form of exercise and a fun way to explore a calm anchorage. Since the water where I boat is typically <45F, I imagine that I'd learn to get really good at this sport very quickly. Negative feedback works!

A couple years ago when I was looking at inflatable SUP boards, there were only a couple models. Now, there are LOTS of them. Any recommendations from users out there?

MedSailor

 

[Minnesail]

I've only used one inflatable, a friend's, I think it was this model:
NRS Earl 6 Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard 10' 6"

It inflated so well you basically couldn't tell it wasn't a rigid board. You also got a good upper-body workout with the pump getting those last couple PSI in. It tracked really straight and seemed extremely durable.

I was totally sold that day, until I got home and discovered they're $1200&#8230;.

In regards to your picture above, the little lake where I keep my boat has paddleboard yoga classes. The ladies paddle out and do their whole yoga routine on a board. The first time we saw it my wife said "That's cool, you should get a picture!" Yeah, no way am I gonna be the perv with the telephoto lens scoping out the yoga class&#8230; So she snapped a couple shots.

 

[MedSailor]

$1,200... THAT must be why the USCG now considers them a boat.

I've seen them from around $500 on up to a max of $2,700 for THIS beauty which includes an electric motor and lithium battery for those who don't want the excercise.

Exotics aside it seems like the price range is $500-$1,500 from what I can tell. I've bought on the low end and regretted it before, but on the other hand, I don't ever expect to compete or take this puppy into the surf, so I may not need the higher end ones.

MedSailor

 

[capta]

I've dying to get one and done quite a bit of research. One conclusion I've come to on the inflatables is that they are pretty much calm water boards. This would kind of defeat the purpose if one wants regular exercise. I can't see trying to paddle a board that is nearly 5" thick into a 15 to 20 knot wind, which isn't a rarity down here.
Certainly the convenience of the inflatable seems nice, but even though the solid boards are much more expensive to ship down here, they are the only ones I see people paddling around the anchorages.
I suppose, like in most things, you get what you pay for in SUP's.

 

[TQA]

Lots around in the liveaboard community and lots with leaks.

I am looking at maybe getting a SUP but think I will go for a solid one.

 

[krisscross]

I have been paddling several different boards over the last 3 years - including inflatables - and would never buy an inflatable one. They have too much give and I do not feel in control. My favorite board is an old windsurfing longboard that is 13 feet long and displaces 240 liters, with a daggerboard and large skeg. It is very fast, relatively stable (I paddle on the ocean when waves are around 1 foot or less), and cheap. These old boards can be found under $150. Would I trade it for one of those new wide, rigid boards? If I was doing more ocean paddling - yes, stability is important with sharks around. But they are so much slower then windsurfing boards. I paddle 3-4 miles round trip when I'm on my lake and love my old board.

 

[miatapaul]

I think someone on the board made one. Said it was about 500 in materials to make so 1000 does not sound unreasonable. His was not inflatable.

Must not make inflatable joke about above picture. I try to be above grade school level sometimes. I will say the shot has a great use of depth of field!

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[aeventyr60]

I tried out a Hobie SUP. The latest ones are great. Think I'm just going to stick with my inflatable kayak.

Hobie Stand Up Paddleboards - 10' ATR-II

 

[Lomcevak]

This thread is TIMELY!

Having a MacGregor 26D, space is at a premium. I just can't seem to imagine ANY scenario where I could have any sort of tender on deck, or hanging off the stern. So my mind went to the SUP - then I realized that there were inflatable ones on offer! What a great idea!!! And I found this purpose built tender version: http://star-board-sup.com/2014/products/boards/astro--11-2-x40-tender

Absolutely gorgeous, I said. Perfect solution! Until, that is -like Minnesail- I found the price was OVER $1500.00!!!!!!!!!! Ok, now, as a business owner, I understand that you need to price your product to make money off of it. But really?!?! A VINYL dinghy (that's what this is, essentially, isn't it?) for $1500.00? Actually, no, it doesn't even use as much material as a vinyl dinghy. And how is it, that it's actually more than a great many variations of composite SUPs?

I'm sorry, but these prices seem to be about 4 times what would seem to be ridiculous prices.

 

[Lomcevak]

On a related note, how practical would it be to tow a rigid board while underway? Can you foresee any issues that would make it a bad idea?

 

[Dog8It]

I have been using Isle SUP for the last two years. No complaints so far.

Pros: very stable, pretty solid feel, fairly light, easy to store on board, decent speed, easy to board from water (both me and the dog).

Cons: pumping w/ manual pump is pain in the ..., there is some slight bounce in waves. Best used in flat and protected waters.

Primary use for me: taking the dog for shore duty (much easier for the dog to board than dingy or kayak).

 

[Minnewaska]

I have to admit, I've had my eye on this sport for a while. (Admit it! You'd look too!) .....

I think I have to have one. Wait, what are we talking about?

 

[TQA]

On a related note, how practical would it be to tow a rigid board while underway? Can you foresee any issues that would make it a bad idea?

Fine in settled conditions, but if you are running downwind with a big following sea then the dinghy will start to surf and will make determined attempts to join you in the cockpit.

 

[Maine Sail]

I have to admit, I've had my eye on this sport for a while. (Admit it! You'd look too!)

It sure does look like a great form of exercise and a fun way to explore a calm anchorage. Since the water where I boat is typically <45F, I imagine that I'd learn to get really good at this sport very quickly. Negative feedback works!

A couple years ago when I was looking at inflatable SUP boards, there were only a couple models. Now, there are LOTS of them. Any recommendations from users out there?

MedSailor

We have a Solstice Bali and it has been great, The skeg is removable for roll up storage and it was reasonably priced. Found it on Amazon Prime as "used" because it had damaged packing. Delivered for under $470.00 in two days..... It gets lots of use and often becomes a floating raft for the kids at anchor... Good place for a picnic....

 

[Rhapsody-NS27]

I've been looking at these one's lately.

Kaholo Wood Touring Stand-Up Paddleboard: Build Your Own in Under 60 Hours!

 

[Maine Sail]

I have been paddling several different boards over the last 3 years - including inflatables - and would never buy an inflatable one. They have too much give and I do not feel in control. My favorite board is an old windsurfing longboard that is 13 feet long and displaces 240 liters, with a daggerboard and large skeg. It is very fast, relatively stable (I paddle on the ocean when waves are around 1 foot or less), and cheap. These old boards can be found under $150. Would I trade it for one of those new wide, rigid boards? If I was doing more ocean paddling - yes, stability is important with sharks around. But they are so much slower then windsurfing boards. I paddle 3-4 miles round trip when I'm on my lake and love my old board.

For us we simply will not ever use our hard paddle boards on the boat. Yes the performance of the hard board is better but stability wise our inflatable is much more forgiving, easy to stow and safe for kids. If you actually get the PSI correct, most don't, they they are pretty darn stiff. Beyond that the ability to easily damage a very expensive high performance epoxy board is just far to easy when using it based off a boat... We have both but for us the inflatable wins for cruising.

 

[krisscross]

I tried out a Hobie SUP. The latest ones are great. Think I'm just going to stick with my inflatable kayak.

Hobie Stand Up Paddleboards - 10' ATR-II

IMO that Hobie 10' board is too small for most adult men - too short and not enough displacement. Maybe on flat water it is adequate for folks under 170 pounds, but I would not recommend it for beginners.

 

[krisscross]

I've been looking at these one's lately.

Kaholo Wood Touring Stand-Up Paddleboard: Build Your Own in Under 60 Hours!

Great looking boards, especially the 14 footers. Large skegs give you good tracking. I can make 3-4 paddle strokes on one side before I have to switch sides in order to maintain straight course. My SUP board is actually faster then most kayaks. I use a lightweight wood and aluminum pipe paddle I made. Don't like carbon fiber paddles as they are too light. Paddle is also a balancing aid and should have a bit more weight then carbon ones. And my paddle cost me $20 and 5 hours to make.

 

[krisscross]

For us we simply will not ever use our hard paddle boards on the boat. Yes the performance of the hard board is better but stability wise our inflatable is much more forgiving, easy to stow and safe for kids. If you actually get the PSI correct, most don't, they they are pretty darn stiff. Beyond that the ability to easily damage a very expensive high performance epoxy board is just far to easy when using it based off a boat... We have both but for us the inflatable wins for cruising.

True, inflatable SUP boards have their advantages. It is all about the right features for your application / intended use.

 

[MedSailor]

This thread is TIMELY!

Having a MacGregor 26D, space is at a premium. I just can't seem to imagine ANY scenario where I could have any sort of tender on deck, or hanging off the stern. So my mind went to the SUP - then I realized that there were inflatable ones on offer! What a great idea!!! And I found this purpose built tender version: Starboard SUP 2014

Absolutely gorgeous, I said. Perfect solution! Until, that is -like Minnesail- I found the price was OVER $1500.00!!!!!!!!!! Ok, now, as a business owner, I understand that you need to price your product to make money off of it. But really?!?! A VINYL dinghy (that's what this is, essentially, isn't it?) for $1500.00? Actually, no, it doesn't even use as much material as a vinyl dinghy. And how is it, that it's actually more than a great many variations of composite SUPs?

I'm sorry, but these prices seem to be about 4 times what would seem to be ridiculous prices.

You might consider an inflatable kayak. I've been pretty happy with my sterns spray tandem kayak. It was around $400 if I recall. I've also tried out the tandem from advanced elements (same price point) and it was pretty good. Both fold up into a "large checked suitcase" sized bag.

Whatever you do do NOT get the Sevylor Fiji or Tahiti. Worse than worthless!

MedSailor