Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Compact iSUP for hiking

« on: August 09, 2020, 02:12:52 PM »

I've paddled more than 8 miles on a 9-6 Red Compsct!

They are fine for casual paddoing. The board itself if very light but everything else about the package is not, so it ends up weighing quite a lot in the backpack. You wouldn't want to be trekking far with it..

Haha yeah I'm planning to put it into another backpack that's more suitable for carrying the weight! I'm used to hauling 50lbs so I'm not too worried about it being heavy. My current isup is just too tall to fit in mine! Glad to hear it's good for casual paddling.

Wait a few weeks. 2021 Red will come out late Sept. A few updates.

Thanks so much for this info! I suppose I can wait a few more weeks...

2

Gear Talk / Compact iSUP for hiking

« on: August 08, 2020, 09:50:54 AM »

Hi! I am looking to get my 2nd isup. I always figured I would get a more touring oriented one but now I also want to get one to take on a hike. Looking for suggestions, ranging from specific isup models to backpack rigs for a standard isup to "this is a bad idea".

I see Red has an 11' compact isup but is that too much of a compromise? My longest trips have only been 8 miles so I'm not sure I actually need a touring board anyway. The Red compacts seem great but the Titan pump is so heavy! Can they be inflated with a different pump (albeit with a lot more effort)?

3

SUP General / Re: Seattle Times Article on SUP Related Drownings

« on: July 30, 2019, 04:15:29 PM »

This is sadly unsurprising. I've only been SUPing in Seattle for the last 4 years but even in that time it's exploded. iSUPs have gotten so popular due to their low cost, easy storage in city apartments and small homes, and quick access to water from nearly anywhere in the city. I've seen many people without PFDs and some without leashes. Most of them don't get too far from shore though.

I had my own close call early on when I flipped my iSUP. My PFD was strapped to the bungees and now underwater. The bottom, now facing the sky, was too slippery to hold onto and I struggled to right it. Fortunately it was calm water, I was goofing around when I jumped off it and it flipped, so eventually I figured out that I needed to flip it from the end and not try to get on top and across it. I learned my lesson but not everyone gets that chance. I'm glad they're trying to educate users more.

4

SUP General / Re: Newbie here! What do I need to know?

« on: June 27, 2016, 07:25:00 PM »

Wow! Thank you all so much for the great advice!  I still have a few weeks til my trip so I'm going to try to get myself as prepared as possible in the meantime. Next stop, Metsker Maps!

Remickulous I will probably take you up on your offer. So far all I know is we are staying on the west side of San Juan island and somewhere on Orcas island.

5

SUP General / Newbie here! What do I need to know?

« on: June 26, 2016, 03:11:31 PM »

Hi everyone!

I just got an inflatable SUP and am super stoked! I've only taken it out to the local lakes so far and it's been a lot of fun. I'm headed to the San Juan islands soon and want to bring it with me for some half day trips. What do I need to know for paddling in that area? I'm a little concerned because it's an area known for orcas and other whales but also it's a larger and colder body of water than I've been on.

Sorry if this is not the right place to ask but I didn't see a newbie forum.