Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Yet another "which isup" question - trying to purchase in the next few weeks

« on: February 03, 2019, 06:00:14 AM »

These are all very helpful - thank you! I also keep landing at Red Paddle (11" or 11' 3" sport model) but still open...

2

Gear Talk / Yet another "which isup" question - trying to purchase in the next few weeks

« on: January 26, 2019, 10:41:38 AM »

Not to beat this topic to death but I wanted to ask the community for a little help... I am an experienced paddler who spends most of his time touring in light ocean chop.  I am 6' tall, just over 180 pounds and in pretty decent but not tip-top shape.  Generally I paddle between 11' and 12'6" performance boards. (both planning and displacement)  (SIC, Bote, etc)

I split my time between DC and the Bahamas and now find myself traveling quite a bit.  So... I am looking for an inflatable that I can take on business/personal trips.  I'll never race this board but I can't handle the plastic all purpose boards at the hotels. (And we are always arguing about my going too far offshore) I may also use it for Potomac paddles in DC when I can't manage transporting a regular board. I am hoping you help me choose a board with the following criteria in mind:

Travel friendly
Can handle ocean chop - this is definitely not a lake / river board
Primarily for touring but I would welcome something that would allow me to play/surf in small surf
Manual pump friendly - I won't have access to an electric pump.
I don't mind paying up for a better board/durability

I would welcome specific board recs/sizes/shapes in addition to brands (I suspect the brands are Red, Nalu, Starboard)

Sincere thanks in advance to the community for the help!
-carl

3

Gear Talk / Re: Board Advice, please

« on: May 18, 2015, 06:19:56 AM »

Gents,

Thanks for the replies - they are genuinely appreciated. My biggest takeaway is that you both have a strong preference for a 14' board. Given the amount of time I spend touring and that any racing I'll do here (very limited) would be open class, perhaps a 14' board is the way to go.

Again, thanks for the guidance.

-carl

4

Gear Talk / Board Advice, please

« on: May 17, 2015, 07:03:26 AM »

Hi All,

First off, thanks for creating such a great community.  I have been a casual stalker for a few weeks now and have really enjoyed the exchanges and information. Now in classic newbie style I am hoping you’ll let me impose upon the group for some advice.

Here are my details:

I am 6’ / 180 lbs living in the Bahamas for the next year or two with frequent travel to DC (Potomac paddle anyone?) and the occasional trip to St.Croix. (Family is based there) I paddled for the first time about a year ago and was instantly hooked. I now get out  every single day that I am not traveling for work and the weather permits.  Mostly I paddle for 90 minutes with weekend trips that go for up to 3 hours. Conditions range from flat to genuinely choppy/windy.

Currently I using an 11’ liquid shredder (that is taking on water) and an 11’ tri fin surf/sup combo. Obviously neither glide particularly well and I am itching for more speed. So it’s time to upgrade.  I am thinking a 12’ 6’ board between 26” and 30” wide that will allow me to paddle/cruise daily and keep open the option for a race. My biggest requirement, however, is that the board can handle a bit of chop and that I can comfortably cruise.

A few constraints: There are only a few proper brands available in Nassau so my choices are limited. Our local shop (papa surf) offers  404,  Bote, and Naish. Imports  to the Bahamas are way too expensive and I am not optimistic about getting a 12’ 6” (or longer) board on a plane from DC or Miami.

So what say all of you? Any recs? Given how much I use it I am ok with spending some money So everything (by the brands I listed) is in play Would also love to hear your thoughts on the Naish One inflatables. 

Again, thanks for the community.

Cheers,
-carl