Need Tips on Installing carrying handle in deck of old SUP

[Stansurf]

I purchased a Jimmy Lewis 10'6" about 8 years ago.  I like the board, BUT it does not have a carrying handle cut into the deck, making it hard to carry over long distances.  Of course, I have purchased straps and wheels, but these are unwieldy and I never know where to secure them when I go into the water.

I need suggestions on the following (1) What is the best product available to install into the SUP board deck, (2) what are the tools, equipment and materials needed to successfully complete such an installation, (3) who would be best equipped to perform such a task in a professional manner, (4) how much should such a job such as this cost from beginning to end, and (5) does anyone have a name of someone (or surf shop name) in the Rhode Island area who they would recommend?

Thanks for any ideas you have!

[hbsteve]

The built-in handle on my board was in the wrong place.  I used the EZ Plug Handle Kit for SUPs.  It has stayed on for 1 1/2 year so far.
The kit comes with some glue. 
You need to very carefully cut away the pad where you want to install the handle.  Follow the instructions.
Originally, I had one end come off.  I reapplied that end with some epoxy.
You can search this forum for suggestions on how to apply the EZ Plugs.  Do a web search for the kit. 

[Bean]

+1 on the EZ Plug

Retrofitting a recessed handle requires removal of a wide enough area of pad to run a router and glass the handle in.  Not too hard to do and worth while if you are replacing the pad anyhow. This picture is of a 10' Corban that needed a new handle (and deck pad) a couple months ago.

[TallDude]

Built in handles are a mixed bag. I have big hands, so if the handle pocket is too tight or not deep enough, they suck. Carrying a board by your finger tips is fine if you're a rock climber, but I'm not. The strap handles are the easiest to carry a board a long ways. Plus you can hold your paddle in the same hand while you carry the board. I had the same problem as HB on my old Naish Nalu. I put an O'Fishl ( not available anymore) surface mount carry strap on and now my wife and kids can carry it. The O'Fishl installs like an EZ  leash plug system, but it has a soft hippie strap which lays flat when its wet. It rarely gets in the way when I'm surfing that board.
The other problem with some of the cheaper handles is they are a major leak point. The thinner white plastic handles flex, and will eventually de-lam. Being on the top and partially hidden by the deck pad, the handle leak quite often goes unnoticed. The newer ergo board handles (like the SIC and Hobie proprietary handles) are a lot better for carrying boards a distance. If you find a supplier, I would use one of those over a strap handle for a SUS board. For a race board, I like the strap. Here is a cut-in handle that has a slight ergo look, but I don't know how it feels? http://www.foamez.com/fcs-sup-handle-wvent-p-1010.html

[blueplanetsurf]

We offer our SUP Grip handle for retrofit installation, it's a very comfortable and secure handle:
http://blueplanetsurf.com/products/sup-grip

[Zooport]

Blue Planet's handle, or the LiftSup handle are my two favorites.  Both can also be used to lock your board to something with a bicycle lock.  The  "Futures" handle is my least favorite, too hard to hold onto. 

[blueplanetsurf]

Oh yeah, we sell the Liftsup handle as well:

http://blueplanetsurf.com/products/liftsup

Here is the installation video for the LiftSup handle:
http://youtu.be/YUgKYHile1w

[supthecreek]

Thanks Robert, I always appreciate your "how to" videos 

[supsurf-tw]

For retro I'd just use a strap

[blueplanetsurf]

Thanks Robert, I always appreciate your "how to" videos 

Thanks SUPthecreek but I can't take credit for that video, it's Brian Shimanski showing how to install the LiftSup handle.  I would not recommend the LiftSup installation it you don't have the router template and the right router bit, it's best to get it professionally installed.

I agree that a glue on strap is the easiest way to retrofit a handle but make sure to use good two part epoxy to glue it on, not superglue or the peel and stick plugs.