Reccomend an inflatable for my wife's friend

[TonyGring]

I'm clueless. My wife's best friend told me she wants to get into SUP. Seeking advice after being asked " What should I get?".  She lives in Oklahoma City. Plenty lakes around there but it does get windy some times. She would be a total noob and wants an inflatable as she doesn't have or want to deal with car racks etc.  She's athletic and weighs about 150.  Off the top of my head I told her around 9'6'' X 31 or 32 as I'm not sure of her balance skills.     OK-    what do I tell her?  Anything worthy at Costco she had asked.  Help me out guys.  Thanks !

[SUPcheat]

She'll still have to deal with pumping it up in situ, but it is a kind of warm up exercise, anyway.  I would pump my inflatable at home and carry it on the car that way.

I think at her weight, she could start on nearly anything.  Your recommendations are about right.  If it is flat water exercise, maybe one of the shorter racing hull types.   

Red Paddle has a 10'6" Max Race model that looks really cool.

http://redpaddleco.com/usa/board/106%E2%80%B3-max-race/

[mtmilam]

I always recommend a Red Paddle brand…..Everything is Good with them…bag, valve, rudder,….I have 7 Sups and 5 are inflatables…I've compared a bunch and have sold off the others in favor of the Red Paddle……the 12'6" race ONE is a Good board for Her….Plenty Stable and Fast too!!….Light enough to carry and the Side battens make it almost like a hard board…..Its not Cheap, but you get what you pay for when it comes to inflatables.  I've averaged 4.7 mph with mine for over a hour paddle on a lake…just cruising, not race pace.  The Cheap ones work, but for how long??  and she'll enjoy paddling a good board instead of a air mattress.  

I have two Red Paddle explorers…one a 2014 and a 2013 and A 12'6 Race one….about ready to get another Race one.

[Green Water Sports]

Hi TonyGring,

The size you mention 9'6"x 31/32" is a good start. Not too long, but still wide and stable. That'd be the Red Paddle Co 9'6"x32" All Water. SUPCheat mentions the 10'6" Max. I haven't heard much about them, we don't have them in the shop or on the way but it could be a good board if she is looking to more touring and fitness paddling. It's only 27" wide.
You could also look at the 10'x30" Surfer. Yes it's called a Surfer but at her size it'd be a good all round board. Longer but narrower so better glide. Anything bigger wouldn't be needed, unless she wants to carry gear or go for more glide in the 12'6" Race or even Elite. Don't be worried by the Race name, it's a great touring and cruising board for all riders- noobs to pros.

Got a couple 2013's left over before the 2014's arrive this week or next. 2013's are on sale: http://greenwatersports.com/on-sale

MtMilam, can I tempt you? http://greenwatersports.com/shop/red-paddle-co-12-6-race