Messages

331

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Re: Jimmy Lewis Rail

« on: December 10, 2016, 12:29:29 PM »

I like that shot as it clearly shows that each board is uniquely different !  Makes for a nice arsenal. I'd add a 14ft iSUP for exploring unknown territory.......when there is a serious chance of bumping into things!!

332

Sneak Peeks, Rumors, and Wish Lists / Re: Using a scuba tank to fill iSUP ?

« on: December 10, 2016, 12:24:45 PM »

I suppose if I ever to get around to purchasing an iSUP I would be better off to accept that "hand pumping" is part of the "pre-paddle" warm-up and muscle building

333

Gear Talk / Re: Wrist Based Heart Rate vs. Strap?

« on: December 10, 2016, 09:21:06 AM »

The hr strap I use is the Garmin Premium Soft strap. After about a year of daily use,  the readings started to get a little "wonky". I wasn't sure if it was the battery, or the sensor, or the strap. So (after much difficulty removing the 4 tiny screws that hold the battery cover in place) I replaced the battery. Ok,  that did not solve the problem.
So I bought a replacement strap (without the sensor) and tried that. Guess my old strap was worn out,  because it started working reliably again. So I guess the life of these straps is about a year.
I don't really like having to wear a strap (don't care for the permanent "racing stripe" around my chest from paddling so much in the sun with my shirt off:).......but I would not be happy with a wrist based hr watch that wasn't accurate or dependable.
When I am having a good paddle my heart rate is usually around 135-145.  On my first Viento downwind run in Hood River my hr was at 170 during the first couple of miles......about killed me!  I am new to downwinding and was surprised at how taxing it can be....but very exhilarating ! I was on a V2 for the first time and really liked it.....should have bought one......but came across a deal on a used Connector (2014 model...a bit heavy and wide.....but a real battleship).  Anyway,  thanks for the hr info.....always looking for something better!

334

Sneak Peeks, Rumors, and Wish Lists / Re: Using a scuba tank to fill iSUP ?

« on: December 09, 2016, 10:46:10 PM »

3000 psi is pretty common for scuba tanks. Don't think it would take long to inflate a 14ft. iSUP...just have to stop and check the pressure when you get close to the end !

335

Gear Talk / Re: Wrist Based Heart Rate vs. Strap?

« on: December 09, 2016, 10:41:19 PM »

Thanks for the replies......sounds like my current setup is going to have to do until better tech comes along.
Funny though how we get to depend on these devices. I really don't feel like I am really working properly unless I've got my 78sc to watch for my speed, distance and hr.

336

Sneak Peeks, Rumors, and Wish Lists / Re: Using a scuba tank to fill iSUP ?

« on: December 09, 2016, 03:52:01 PM »

Yes,  that should work well too. Easily refilled from a home compressor?  (I've got quite a number of scuba tanks, 
but something like this might be easier and safer to carry around). Enough volume to fill 2 14ft. iSUPs a couple of times.....do you think?

337

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Re: Jimmy Lewis Rail

« on: December 09, 2016, 03:34:29 PM »

I sure like the looks of that board.....reminds me of the newer Imagine Connectors 

338

Sneak Peeks, Rumors, and Wish Lists / Using a scuba tank to fill iSUP ?

« on: December 09, 2016, 12:46:01 PM »

Anybody using a scuba tank to inflate your iSUP?  Just curious....I think if your are careful,  it should work well as long as don't overdue it!

339

Sneak Peeks, Rumors, and Wish Lists / Re: New 2016 SIC Air-Glide Bullet 14.0 (iSUP)

« on: December 09, 2016, 12:35:21 PM »

"and I also found it more tiring than a hard board. Something about the sponginess of the deck I think fatigues the legs more and I get this with all iSUPs."

I completely concur that the spongy decks of iSUPs cause your legs to work harder. And from watching my heart rate you can sure see it go up quickly as soon as the legs really start working....like in side chop and "messy" water!

 

340

Gear Talk / Wrist Based Heart Rate vs. Strap?

« on: December 09, 2016, 12:27:48 PM »

Currently I have been using a Garmin Heart Rate Strap to send (via ANT+) to my Garmin 78SC that I have mounted to the deck of my board. I also have Endomondo running on my S7 and so I have a running record of my stats that I can look at later. I can easily monitor my average speed, distance, and heart rate as I am paddling. This works for me,  but frankly if I could ditch the strap and get the same accuracy from a wrist based heart rate monitor I might go for it. (would also want the heart rate data to be "seen" by my 78sc as well as my smartphone S7).
So my question is:  any of you paddlers out there using a gps smartwatch like say the Vivoactive AND using a smartphone with an app like Endomondo to track your workouts?

341

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Re: RED 2017 14'x25" Eilte racing machine!

« on: December 09, 2016, 12:05:10 PM »

Appreciate your comments and insight. Do you have any experience with Hala Nass?  I only mention this because one of the shops I deal with in Hood River, Oregon said they are going to start carrying the Hala Nass brand and they have a new 14ft. board that I am told will be able to downwind nearly as well as a true downwind board. I won't mention any names,  but I trust the opinion of the guy that said that.  This particular shop also sells SIC and Starboard and based on my needs they didn't recommend either of their inflatables for me...specifically said "not enough rocker and not stiff enough". (this alluding to how they would work downwinding...which is important to me).
I have only seen pics of the Hala Nass and the Uli brands......and compared to the appearance of the Red Paddle Race and the Starboard Race.......they certainly are NOT as appealing. But I realize that is not a good way to rate anything!
Guess I just need to be patient and what for a chance to try,  try ....try!

342

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Re: RED 2017 14'x25" Eilte racing machine!

« on: December 09, 2016, 10:16:55 AM »

Which board do you feel is the "stiffest" (between the Starboard and the Red Race 14)?

Stiffness in the standing area is of particular importance to me because of the way I move on the board. If the board is "springy" I have more trouble moving around....it's my biggest weakness,  but unfortunately something that I don't seem to be able to change. (some days better than others).

343

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Re: RED 2017 14'x25" Eilte racing machine!

« on: December 08, 2016, 05:25:18 PM »

I am really enjoying this thread. I have been seriously considering an inflatable board,  but so far have not tried anything that comes close to the 14ft. boards that I currently use. (14 X 29 Connector and 14 X 28? Bark Dominator). I am looking for something with at least similar performance,  but is more travel friendly and more durable. This new 2017 looks awesome,  but I fear it is probably too narrow for my skill level in true downwind conditions......I could probably handle it on flat water....but when traveling and exploring new waters you never know what you are going to encounter as far as conditions.  I wish Red Paddle would make a wider version of this same design (like maybe 27-28) for the older "balance challenged".  I like the concept of the new stiffening system....why not incorporate that into some of the other touring boards, etc?
I need to find a dealer in my area so that I can at least try this awesome looking board. (by the way,  I really enjoyed the quality of the tests and reviews of this board.....good job!!)