Best inflatable board (10.6 - 11 +)

[thatdeonguy]

Hey Techpartner:
You get what you pay for.
The Saylor SUP is a fancy pool toy.
The ULI is easy to get to 16 psi because the ULI pump is the best.
I weigh 225 and ride my ULI GLX-1 in very choppy surf.
ULI's do flex a little under your feet but I love it. It's like wearing CROCS on your feet.
The slight flex of the deck makes paddling on your knees painless.
The other huge bonus is I am fearless about paddling out through whitewater.
The ULI hurts when it hits you in the face, but no blood or broken teeth!

[supErik]

Anyone experiences with the inflatable SUPs of Aqua Design?

[steamroller]

 

[andygere]

I've been traveling with my Uli Steamroller for a week now, and I'm totally stoked to have it with me.  I've been doing daily fitness paddles in LI Sound, and have had a great time introducing SUP to nieces, nephews, and in-laws.  Next week I'll be using it daily surfing on Cape Cod (waves permitting) as well as continued fitness paddling.  It cost me $0 to check it on Southwest, and the fun factor is off the charts.  17 PSI is easy, no blisters, and the board is rock solid.  Get the Uli.

[DCW]

Wow those Ulis sound nice. Do they make a thicker one than 4"??

I heard that Naish is making a 6"!!! Has anyone tried it out?

DCW

[chrislee]

Well it definitely sounds like Uli is the way to go.

I was thinking of getting an iSup so I could hit the lake in the morning and then deflate & head straight to work (by way of gym/shower). For those who paddle Uli, is it stiff enough and do you like it enough to make it your main training board? I live in AZ so it's all flat water.

Of course the travel capability is a huge attraction but would it also do a good job as your main training board?

Thanks!

Chris

[supsurf]

I have two ULIs

they are the only two boards I have owned so far. I have never paddled a different brand but from what I hear ULI is the stiffest. Not the cheapest but that's ok for me if it's a good product, which the ULIs are. Indestructable and very stiff. Also Jim is a great guy and I think small, innovative businesses should be supported - so my money is going his way...

I have a 11' Steamroller for paddling the lake and a 10' Lopez for wave surfing on vacation, but sometimes also use it on the lake as it works just fine. Both work great!

I live in zurich,switzerland, and I mainly paddle flat lakes with the occasional boat wave. But when the vacations arrive, I'm off in the car or a plane and the ULI is right there with me in a bag. No extra costs or hassle. Great fun for the kids too.

@chrislee
that's exactly what I do! I may visit a client by car with my ULI in the boot and then head straight for the lake (or vice versa). I have also been paddling by public transport as I can whack the ULI into my boogie-board bag and head for one end of the lake, downwind to the other and then get the train back home.... :-)     

A word of warning before you get into this:
There is a real danger of a lifestyle change - But a good one!

There are some videos and posts on my blog if you are interested.
lots of it is in german but some of it is in english too (top right of screen)

http://www.supsurf.ch/news/?lang=en&quick=y

if you want to know anything in particular - just let me know

cheers!
Martin

[chrislee]

@martin

What do you think about the Steamroller versus the Gerry Lopez? I'm in Arizona with no sign of waves anywhere. Looking really just for training and flatwater paddling. Not really any creeks near. Any recommendation there?

Thanks!

Chris

[supsurf]

@chrislee

The steamroller paddles straighter for more strokes than the lopez. The Lopez is made in such a way that you can turn it easier when surfing, so I would recommend the steamroller for pure flat water paddling - glides great and is sooo stable. perfect cruising board I think. as it is so stable it is also great if you want to transport stuff on top of the board when touring/fishing.

If you know that you are only going to do fitness/race-type paddling then maybe the race board is an even better option, because it would glide even better - but then again it is more a specialised board.

I think you'll have tons of fun on the steamroller. If you have any doubts you can call Jim at ULI as he can give you really good advice.

regards
Martin