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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.

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.

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! 

Glad it's working out for you! I was tentative to pick it up as my first board. I'm getting a Boardworks Raven ISUP coming off demo in a few weeks. For now, it'll be a better fit for me.

Well I put a deposit down on a 2016 Boardworks Raven 12'6 Inflatable which is coming off the demo fleet at a local shop - just $875. I'll pick it up for good after Labor Day but can use it before then as long as it's not rented. Would have loved to have taken it out first, but no time this evening and didn't want to miss the opportunity. The board seems to have positive reviews and the guy at the shop  said he's taken it out and it's a great board. They also had an NRS Imperial 6 for the same price, but went with the Raven since I'll be doing more lake paddling. He also said it'll be fine for the Boise River through town.

Thanks for the additional tips - the RED might be a little narrow, but I'll read on it. How is Imagine's quality? Looks like they are selling through a number of retailers but don't see many reviews.

Another interesting one is the http://www.airkayaks.com/sale-c4-waterman-126-itrekker-150-isup-w-cuttlefish-box/ It's on clearance at a few places. Anyone have experience with it?

Thanks all!

Appreciate the suggestion! Thinking more about it, I think you're right on the length. At the very least, I'll look for an 11+ length. I'm agonizing over decisions now, but I'm sure that in another year, I'll be collecting boards!

I'll keep a lookout for a US fin box and will keep an eye out for a better brand. What blows my mind are the number of brands around the $1000 and up level which have such little info/reviews on the inflatable boards; brands like Surftech, Imagine, Boardworks, SIC, etc.

Hello,

Yet another post about buying a new paddle board. I'm new to the sport and have been out a few times and am looking to finally pick-up my own ISUP and need some brand advice. For various reasons, I've settled on an ISUP, but still need options on the various brands, lengths, options, styles, and options available. Budget with paddle: $1000 to $1200.

I'm 43, about 180 lb and am in okay shape. On occasion, I'll be heading out with a 6 and 8 you who may also want to ride along - maybe a dog at some point too. Don't worry - I don't expect to haul everyone at once!

Where will I paddle? I'm guessing 90% will be ponds and reservoirs - I'm 10 minutes away from a few options and only 5 minutes from the Boise River put-in for the float through our great city and would definitely like to take an ISUP on it. At this point I have no plans for river surfing or hitting class III rivers. I really want the portability and durability of an ISUP - I drive a Subaru and when we camp, I already have a car top carrier taking up the roof rack.

So far, I've ridden a rental hardboard (may have been a Glide?), NRS Imperial 6, and a RED 10 8. So far I liked the NRS the best - I wanted to like the RED, but I'm not confident it was inflated all the way - it felt a little floppy. I had about 280 pounds on the NRS - while it paddled like a barge, it was super stable. I'm looking at brands like Starboard, C4, Naish, and RED. Are these brands pretty much rock solid reliable? Any concerns with them failing? Also, should I be too picky about the fin set-up? 1 vs. 2+1? There are some great looking boards out there, but they are a single fin set-up. From what I've read, I should at least look for something where I can swap to a softer fin for the Boise River. And now for length - split between an all around vs. touring length.

Here's a few models which I've been considering: C4 Crossover (don't like the lack of tie-down), Naish Glide, Naish One, Starboard Blend (probably the deluxe), C4 Outfitter, NRS Earl 6, and RED 10 6 (price scares me!). Fortunately, I've eliminated the the online direct brands - there's something off-putting with how they market. Any other options I should look at for an intermountain west paddler?

Thanks! - B