Topics

1

Gear Talk / Paddle for kids

« on: July 23, 2022, 12:18:45 PM »

I'm looking for a paddle for my kids ages 9 and 6.  My regular 2 piece adjustable is too big for me.  Any recommendations?

2

Gear Talk / SUP for kids (2 on one board or kid specific board)?

« on: July 20, 2022, 12:00:57 PM »

My 6 and 9 year olds are just getting into paddling.  I'll just take them on my local lake (no oceans/surf) at this point.  What I've been doing so far is having them paddle my current boards while I sit on the back of it to help instruct them and paddle if they get tired.  It works pretty well but wondering if I should get them their own boards and if so what I should look for?  Also, any tips from people who have gotten their kids into the sport?

3

Gear Talk / Cheap Inflatable SUP recommendations

« on: July 29, 2021, 05:26:41 PM »

I've been on some nice Red inflatables before but never wanted to spend ~$1200 on one.  I tried my friend's Feah-r-lite today on the lake today and was surprised that it felt better than expected.  I may want to get something more than ~$200 tho.

I'm 180 lbs (have good balance) and just plan to use an inflatable on a lake for casual short paddles a handful of times a year.  I'd also like something that easy-ish/quick to inflate.  Any recommendations?

4

Gear Talk / Inexpensive, decent adjustable paddle

« on: June 30, 2019, 10:18:52 AM »

I'm looking for a second paddle that will be used a few times a year when I take friends paddling.  So I'm not looking to spend a lot, yet I'd like something that is decent and not flimsy or feels like it's going to break.  Any recommendations?

5

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Wing Surfing Reviews

« on: June 03, 2019, 08:11:10 AM »

I'm curious who has tried one.  Which did you try and on a regular SUP or foil?  How tough was it to get the hang of?   How was it...fun level compared to windsurfing and SUPing?

I love windsurfing but don't get a lot of wind where I am.  So don't want to spend thousands on gear.  But was thinking and talking to someone today about how this could be a good compromise.

6

Gear Talk / Which paddle?

« on: May 28, 2019, 05:51:50 PM »

I'm looking for a new paddle as my current Werner Fiji flexes way too much.  I paddle mostly flat water just for 30-45 minutes.  Would like something that won't flex and a good size.  Any recommendations?

7

Gear Talk / Automatic Inflators - worth it?

« on: July 17, 2017, 10:54:37 AM »

I have a friend with a 12'6" Red Inflatable (goes up to 18psi) and he's thinking about getting an automatic inflator for it.  Are they worth it and if so, any recommendations?  Or has anyone used an air tank like - https://www.amazon.com/Performance-W10005-5-Gallon-Horizontal-Portable/dp/B000FW7W54/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500314034&sr=8-1&keywords=air+tank ?

8

SUP General / Tips for giving a lesson

« on: July 01, 2017, 12:46:32 PM »

I donated my time to give a lesson to two people.  They're both in good shape, comfortable on and in the water, so I don't think they'll have a problem picking it up on the lake. 
I think foot placement is critical starting but what other tips would you recommend?

9

Technique / How to catch waves

« on: May 17, 2017, 02:00:50 PM »

I've SUPed for a while, but mostly lake stuff.  I have good balance and board feet as I'm always messing around on my board and often SUP on small windsurfing boards on the lake. 

I've traditionally surfed a couple times, but over the course of years so have caught a couple waves but never got the hang of it. 

One thing I'm torn on which foot forward.  I wakeboard, water ski, wake surf, snowboard all regular but skate board goofy.  Do you put more weight on your front or back foot and which foot has more control over the board?  Also, do paddle perpendicular to the wave or try to catch it at a slight angle? 

I'll look up YouTube videos too, just thought I'd ask her first with those specific questions and for any other feedback. 

10

Gear Talk / Inflatable Touring Board?

« on: May 12, 2017, 08:01:57 PM »

 I was borrowing my friend's inflatables (Starboard 11'6" and Red Sport 12'6") and they seem quite a bit more efficient than my Bic 10'4" Dura Tec. I assumed they were, just wondering by how much as I haven't been able to compare the boards side by side. 

Has anyone done an analysis of a ~12' inflatable vs a ~10' solid or just know based on experienced?  I know I'd enjoy an inflatable touring board but am not sure how often I'd use it since I already have a few boards, bunch of kayaks, bikes, boats, etc.  I probably don't want to spend a $1,000 but also want to get something half decent if I get anything at all.  Not sure how Xterra boards are, but if the quality is decent something like this could work well - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PO9BA9C/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i1?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B00PO9BA9C&pd_rd_r=73WC2HPR690ECFY86YB1&pd_rd_w=PERu2&pd_rd_wg=zq7Bs&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=3YSV8HQWTBYGTD6M2GB8&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=781f4767-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

Any recommendations?

11

SUP General / Safest way to transport a SUP (Subaru Outback long distance)

« on: May 12, 2017, 10:27:42 AM »

I'm planning to take my board to the coast (~200 miles, 70 mph speed limit).  I usually just use lashing straps and strap it tightly directly to the rack - but my typical trip is 5 miles.  I'm wondering if some foam pads or and also some reinforcement (like bungeeing the bag of my board to my hitch) would help just in case.  I have a Subaru Outback which has very wide crossbars so I'm not sure if the typical size pads would fit.  I may need to go with something like this - https://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Apex-Cargo-Roof-Rack/dp/B0156XEEBG/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1494609274&sr=8-26&keywords=surfboard+rack+pads  or just make my own out of foam and zip ties.

Anyway, any recommendations?

12

SUP General / What is the D-ring for?

« on: April 16, 2017, 08:16:14 AM »

My friends just got inflatable SUPs and both have D-ring attached to the bottom front.  I would think they'd create drag.  What function do they serve?

13

SUP General / Anyone paddle at night?

« on: March 28, 2017, 12:33:43 PM »

Working out at night is the best time for me to workout and I've been mountain biking at night quite a bit.  Also considering paddling at night. 

It would be on a lake and I have a lot of safety gear - pfd, leash, dry bags for phone, whistle.  The biggest danger is probably lightening, so I'll make sure to not go out if storms are in the area.  Hypothermia could be another concern, but I won't be going that far out and the air and water temps will often be in the 80's.

I also have some high powered lights that claim to be waterproof, but I'd probably want a new water specific one?  Any recommendations?  Any other tips?

14

Gear Talk / Any motorized paddleboards?

« on: March 26, 2017, 12:33:43 PM »

I saw this on Adventure Capitalists and thought it was pretty cool - http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/23/adventure-capitalists-vc-invests-in-motorized-paddleboard-start-up.html

I don't think I want to spend that much on one, but was wondering if anyone has used one, how they worked and what they thought. 

15

Gear Talk / Inflatable Touring SUP Recommendations for 130lb

« on: February 14, 2017, 11:46:36 AM »

I have a family member who has paddled a lot and is considering getting her first board.  She wants to go with an inflatable for storage and transportation reasons.  She's athletic, has great balance (we often SUP on my 24" wide windsurfing boards), ~130lbs.  She'll mostly use it for long days on the lake but will also take to the beach every once in a while.  I don't think she plans on riding waves with it.

Some questions she has are:

Considering an inflatable SUP - any recommendations on brand or type? Anything else that would be helpful to know before purchasing?

Here are a few I'm considering:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LV9SD5S?psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Starboard-Touring-Astro-Inflatable-Paddle/dp/B018YG8POO

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I4HLW34?ref_=ams_ad_dp_ttl&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Tower-Paddle-Boards-Adventurer-Inflatable/dp/B007VP6RA4/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1487094005&sr=1-2&keywords=tower+paddle+board

The Starboard seems like the best brand and fit, but seems wider and higher volume than she would need.  Any others to consider?

Also, any paddle recommendations? I'm assuming the ones that come with the boards are pretty poor and she would want to upgrade.