Tried my Boardworks Raven isup today

[bdlee73_Idaho]

I was finally able to pick up my new board today - a 2016 Boardworks "SHUBU" Raven inflatable. I bought it used from a local shop selling off their demo boards - Labor Day they go back to being a ski shop. I picked up a Werner Soul paddle from Backcountry.com.

Initial thoughts: I took it out today with my 6 and 8 yo so 80% of the time I was paddling around approx. 280 pounds! Pumping up manually wasn't too bad and hitting 15 psi was not too hard. I need to email Boardworks to double check the recommended PSI. The board says 14 psi but the website say 14-18 psi. At 15, there was some flex if I bounced up and down on it in the water. One thing I noticed right away is that it was more tipsy than I expected so it took a little bit to get the right muscle memory for balance. Second thing I noticed is that it was faster than the other isups I have tried: NRS Early 6 and RED paddle sport. I suppose it was to be expected for a touring isup but I really liked the glide it had. Paddle probably helped too - the Werner was a dream to use!

This week I hope to get out sans kids and get some more experience with it...so far so good! 

[TallDude]

I'm sure you will be paddling more than you know. Once you start thinking about squeezing in a midweek paddle or two, you're hooked. When I had an ULI inflatable, I left it inflated for months on end. I also rigged a compressor attachment and almost never used my manual pumps.
Enjoy your time on the water....

[deepmud]

280! that's me with no kids on board lol -- well - I'm paddling hard 2-3 days a week and I'm down to 270   I sometimes push my Blue Planet to 18 psi - it's enough I can feel it but still bouncy if you jump up and down - but this is also true of my new Red Paddle Elite at 25psi with rail insert-thingies, soooo......... I know it would be faster to have a hard board but I have to be be able to roll it up and stash it for the next few years so....it's great to be on the water Nice board! Congrats.

[bdlee73_Idaho]

Should have added that without kids, I'm about 180 and 6'1". After doing a little more reading, I think the flex is normal. I have a Subaru outback, so until I get some tie down straps, I'll need to inflate/deflate each trip - or do the electric pump.

[bdlee73_Idaho]

Got a nice response from Boardworks re: the PSI

The recommended pressure is 14-18 psi. it all comes down to how and where your using the board. Use in a rapid or extreme water conditions I would go with a lower psi, 14 to 16 psi. think of it as a suspension in a car.  The more flex, the easier it will be to maneuverer through a rougher condition. Use in a flat water condition; lake, inlet or soft river area, I would use a stiffer psi rating 16-18 psi.  this will allow for better glide and speed.  A stiffer board will have a better stride with little resistance in the water.

[Night Wing]

Enjoy that new board of your's. Get as much paddling in as you can before the weather starts turning cold from cool.