inflatable SUP, got one?

Tried out a red paddle board tonight, loads of fun. I think I might get one….
Any advice?

Take a one hour lesson with an instructor, it’ll improve your stroke and balance which will enable you to enjoy the board and conditions.

Had my first go on a friends yesterday. Our spaniel, who never swims without lots of encouragement, also loved it so I think we will be getting one. I know Costco had one but not looked online yet.

Friends have some. I will ask for the brand. Its not for me (have tried it twice in Turkey so great weather and warm sea) but they love it and it enables them to get out on the water (river) on a summer evening after work or a bit of an adventure at the weekends.

Didn’t realise how expensive they are. Was using a Red 9″2 at the weekend. Possibly want something slightly bigger for me. Will have to keep an eye out second hand.

I’ve been out a couple of time on a Red SUP with a local club.

Was quite impressed with the inflatable boards. Small enough to go in the boot of the car but plenty stiff once inflated.

The local club sell new Red boards and second-hand equipment in their shop if you are interested:
http://www.kitesurfinglessons.co.uk/shop/

Thing with inflatables is that you get what you pay for. The budget jobs are generally awful. Much better to buy quality second hand, although the inflatables really do hold their value.

The Red boards are hugely popular. If you’re going to buy one, make sure it’s the 2016 model. They look the same as 2015 but have a different internal technology which makes them about 25% lighter.

had a go on a red inflatable SUP last week, good fun, but more difficult than I expected.

Would like to get one, but they’re too much money for me unless you use them a lot.

I have a Red ride 10’6 and it’s fab! Use it on lakes, rivers and canals, as well as the sea. It’s been to Mallorca too!
Reds are brilliant, really stiff, great quality, but pack down to a v carryable size and weight. As Sponge said with iSUPs you get what you pay for. Look online for end of season sales, or buy an ex-rental – make sure it holds pressure, no delamination (bubbles), tears and that the fins are attached. To be honest though they take a real beating – my kids (11 and 13yo boys) use ours and have floating fights on it, drag it up the beach, knock it off the car roof etc and you’d never know.
Might go for a quiet evening paddle as the sun goes down tonight…

To be honest though they take a real beating

The club I mentioned above paddles them down the Tyne a couple of times a week. Bashing them into all kinds of rocks and the like. They seem to survive pretty well.

Red Paddle 10’8″ here. Its awesome. I love it, so do the kids. So much fun. Don’t put it off! I got mine as an ex-hire, it has done a couple of seasons but is like new. Chuck it in the boot an away you go.