Author Topic: What do you think about inflatable SUPS for flat water cruising? Any good ones?  (Read 19723 times)

magentawave

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Have you paddled on an inflatable SUP yet? What did you think about it? Was it funky like trying to paddle an freaking air mattress? I normally surf sup but I was thinking an inflatable might be good to have for cruising flat days while traveling in my motorhome because it would be easy to store. Does anyone make a decent inflatable sup for flat water cruising?

Thanks
Pluto Platter: 7-10 x 29.25 x 4.25 x 114.5 liters

esskay1000

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I have a C4 ISUP and I love it, but I'm sure it's not the best inflatable for cruising.  I bought it to mess around on parts of the Potomac River near DC where it's guaranteed you will hit rocks.  It packs up nice too which I love, so when I have my kayak or my rigid board on my roof, I can throw my inflatable in the trunk and bring it along on trips.  As for how it feels, if I pump it up properly you would almost swear its a rigid.  The thing is solid and bomber. 

Overall I'm very pleased with it but again, it's probably not the best cruiser, for speed at least.
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magentawave

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And would you say that about all inflatable sups?

...it's probably not the best cruiser, for speed at least.
Pluto Platter: 7-10 x 29.25 x 4.25 x 114.5 liters

Fog City Rider

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I've tried a few & if you enjoy them for what they are, they're great.  Yes they feel a little floppy compared to a hard board, no escaping that.   

There's a lot of good press on the 'Zone for ULI & Red inflatables, both of these brands produce a more rigid board that can handle higher PSI than the rest.  The only downside is that they're a few pounds heavier, and of course, a few hundred dollars more.   

I tried the Red 12'6 x 30, I'd say it's pretty darned good for cruising.  Fiberglass rods insert into the sides to stiffen the rails, and it had a US fin box which not all inflatables have. 

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magentawave

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Would you dare go fishing with an inflatable sup?
Pluto Platter: 7-10 x 29.25 x 4.25 x 114.5 liters

Green Water Sports

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Hi magentawave,

I'm a SUP surfer at heart but have a 10'6" Ride Red Paddle Co board as my cruiser. It's tough as nails, pumps up super duper tight (20psi - and more if i wanted). As mentioned they are a little heavier than some of the cheaper models but when you compare the inflation pressure and rigidity, it's night and day as far as performance goes. Nothing beats more pressure for a stiffer and better performing inflatable board. It's 2 layer construction and 4 layer around the rails keep all that air in and make sure it'll also take any kind of abuse from rocks, sticks and probably fishing hooks.

As mentioned, the bigger Red Paddle Co boards do have the US fin box and the smaller ones feature their iFin rubber fin system. Some models also feature the RSS rail battens for up to 50% more stiffness. http://greenwatersports.com/1885/how-to-install-the-rss-battens-on-your-red-paddle-co-sup

If you're looking at the motorhome storage options, an inflatable is the way to go. It can be stowed in a closet out of the sun, elements and no chance of theft or low bridges!

For cruising - I also take this board out on our local lagoon and it rips along. If you went for the 12'6" Race version, it'll probably move along quicker, and the 12'6" and 14' Elites even faster still. The 10'8" Mega is the big boy and might be ideal for fishing on. If you're smaller in stature, the 10'6" could be the pick. (I'm about 190-195lbs for reference.)

You can see the full range here: http://greenwatersports.com/shop/product-category/stand-up-paddle/boards/inflatable-boards
A review of the 10'6" Ride: http://greenwatersports.com/1293/red-paddle-co-106-inflatable-sup-review
A review of the 10' Surfer: http://greenwatersports.com/2043/review-of-the-red-paddle-co-10-surfer-inflatable-sup

I'm currently running specials on the 10'6" and 10'8" packages using coupon code "holidays" for $100 off and a free leash. Packages here: http://greenwatersports.com/shop/product-category/stand-up-paddle/packages?filter_brand=47

Any questions, you can reach me via my site or here.

Julian
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Green Water Sports LLC - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more. Call us on 1-888-252-4983
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JillRide45

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I have a 12'6" ULI that I use for some flatwater touring.  Actually this past summer I was between hard boards and used the ULI for everyday paddling.  I have used the ULI for open ocean, flatwater, river, and overnight camping trips.  I really enjoy paddling the ULI, not quite as fast as my Starboard sprint but it is a lot more fun to paddle.

Just like a hard board find the inflatable that fits you.  Mine is a 12'6" x 27 pin tail that no one else really likes to paddle, just a little small for them.  Too small of an inflatable and it will be really tippy, too large and it will feel like a barge.

Jill

JimK

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I'm not the best guy on inflatables since I'm 6'2 almost 300# but the stiffest ones I've found are the JP, Fanatic, Naish For just paddling around focusing on the scenery and enjoying the company these NEW inflatables seem fine. BTW These new inflatables can even be windsurfed (just another way to enjoy SUP )

The first round of Airmatters " inflatables were just BAD!

Sounds like you have a perfect application for inflatable SUP

JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com

raf

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I was super impressed with the Starboard 12-6 and 14 inflatable touring boards.  They are very fast and just about the lightest boards of that size I have ever picked up (including high end carbons).  If I was not serious about challenging for a podium spot, I would choose a quality race/touring inflatable over just about any other "cruising" SUP.  I have investigated a number of different brands to fill my need for a durable, high quality, fast touring inflatable and have decided to stick with the Starboards as our primary brand for a number of reasons.

Ulis are also fantastic value, especially when you factor in the possibility of getting the board customized as Jillride has done.  27" is not an off-the-shelf width. 

magentawave

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Thanks for the info guys, but dang, those inflatables are a lot more pricey than I thought they'd be. And what about fishing with one?
Pluto Platter: 7-10 x 29.25 x 4.25 x 114.5 liters

esskay1000

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I fish from mine all the time. The main advantage is that it allows me to access shallower water where I may hit rocks and I don't have to worry about it.
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magentawave

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How would you feel about paddling your inflatable a couple miles offshore and fishing for bigger fish? Are you concerned at all about poking a hole in it with a hook?

I fish from mine all the time. The main advantage is that it allows me to access shallower water where I may hit rocks and I don't have to worry about it.
Pluto Platter: 7-10 x 29.25 x 4.25 x 114.5 liters

spookini

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Magenta:

I can only speak from what I own (Red Paddle Co.)...

* Double-skinned, I wouldn't have any qualms about fishing off it (I have).  Doubt a hook would puncture it.   A fillet knife?  Yes. :)
*   "Would you be comfortable (x) miles off-shore"?  PFD PFD PFD PFD.  (Granted, I'm not going to go marlin fishing from an infllatable)

*  Price:  yep, they are not any cheaper than a glass'd SUP.  But really, they are more versatile, more fun (subjective but..), and ding-proof.  Dropping your board off the car and/or using it as a sidewalk cushion while you put your socks on = priceless

Demo a qood inflatable -- you'll be impressed...
« Last Edit: December 07, 2013, 08:51:15 PM by spookini »
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esskay1000

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Magenta, you'd have to try pretty hard to puncture my board with a fishing hook, I doubt it could be done.  It's a non-issue
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magentawave

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I appreciate the info guys - thank you! A big inflatable for cruising and fishing is now on my list of things to acquire for my rolling adventure through Mexico, and Central and South America.
Pluto Platter: 7-10 x 29.25 x 4.25 x 114.5 liters

 


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