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SUPs for the family - 2019

Paddle boarding with the family is a great way to spend time together on the water and great opportunity to bond with the children, not only that but it has many health benefits for you and your children.

  • Gets them and you outside
  • Helps with balance
  • Great Cardio Workout
  • Burns A Lot of Calories
  • Reduces Stress
  • Low Impact Exercise
  • Works Your Entire Body
  • Boosts Vitamin D Levels.



If you want to get a SUP, there are first a couple of choices to make

Inflatable Board OR Hard Board


Inflatable Pros
Minimal storage space required
Easier to travel with
Won't damage if dropped or crash into rocks

Inflatable Cons 
Have to inflate
More affected by the wind due to thickness


Hard Board Pros
Better glide
Easier to catch waves
Don't need to inflate

Hard Board Cons
Storage (unless you have some)
Will need a roof rack for car
Will need to be repaired if dropped or hit rocks


Why we chose inflatable.
We have couple of inflatables and the reason why we went for inflatables are...

Storage
we don't have a lot. We also have a 13ft kayak which for many years was kept a few miles away from where we live for secure storage. Our paddle boards easily fit in a cupboard at home

Travel
We like going camping and taking the boards, a hard board would have to be kept on the roof of the car, which isn't always secure, our inflatables can be safely locked away in the car.

Durability
Inflatables wont damage so easily, the children like to throw stones on the beach, if they hit the board they just bounce off, if we drop the boards they wont damage.

Check out Red Paddle Co's durability test on their boards  







Top 10 best inflatable SUP boards


1: Red Paddle RIDE 10'6 - £869

Red Paddle Co are defiantly the biggest name for iSUPs, and they have been making them since 2008 
The Red Paddle Co 10'6 Ride is award winning and the best-selling inflatable paddleboard in the world it will hold firm for paddlers of upto around 100kg which will suit most adults and child on board. 
Red Paddle Co SUP boards use a unique MSL fusion composite and airtight coating. MSL – otherwise known as ‘Mono-Structural Laminate’ - fuses a second layer of hard-wearing polymer to the dropstitch core at the raw material stage, removing hand gluing errors. This high-tech industrial process also saves almost 2kg in weight and makes the boards stiffer at lower pressures, when compared to other brands.
The Red Paddle RIDE range also features a 9'8 which is more ideal for single or smaller riders (but apparently surfs well for larger riders) a 10'8 which easily accommodates paddlers weighing up to 115kg.



Board Specs: Length 10'6 - Width 32 - Thickness 4.7 - Weight 9.8 kg

Whats in the bag: Ride 10'6 Air SUP Board, Alloy 3-Piece Paddle, Red Original All Terrain Back pack/Board Bag. Titan Pump. Repair Kit. Water Resistant Phone Case and Leash 





2: Red Paddle Co VOYAGER 12'6" - £1,068.95
The Red Paddle Co VOYAGER 12'6" was created with epic adventures in mind.
Load the kids on and a whole load of stuff for some epic adventures, comfortably taking a rider weight up to 150kg, using the same MSL fusion composite and airtight coating as on all Red Paddle iSUPs, it also uses their patented Rocker Stiffening System or RRS Battens It works by slotting two stiffening battens into pockets that are individually laminated onto the side of the board and has proved this makes the board up to 40 per cent stiffer.
Also in the Voyager ranger is the 13’2″ VOYAGER+ and the 15’0″ VOYAGER TANDEM.

If you want to save a few quid and buy second hand, keep an eye out for the Red Paddle Co 12’6 Explorer and 13’2 Explorer, the Explorer is the older model to the Voyager.

Board Specs: Length 12'6 - Width 32" - Thickness 5.9" - Weight 20.8kg

Whats in the bag: 12'6 Voyager Air SUP, 3-Piece Paddle. Titan Pump. Repair Kit. Water resistant phone case. Removable FCS US box fins. RSS Battens.

Fanatic was founded in 1981 and have a large range of solid and inflatable boards available.
The Fanatic Fly Air Premium 10'4 is suitable for rider weights up to 105kg and a perfect all round board suited to flatwater cruising as it is playing in small waves.This board features Fanatic's own 'Double Layer Light' technology, saving loads of weight when compared to standard Double Layer construction, as well as producing an inflatable that is a far stiffer and more effective paddleboard, second layer of PVC is welded directly the core layers and V-Drop Stitch material - saving weight by using less glue - with an additional third layer of rail bands contributing to the durability and 'premium' quality. The result is a board that is both lighter and stiffer when compared to its Double Layer counterpart, with a 20 - 25 % reduction in weight, and around 25 - 30 % increase in stiffness.
Also in the Fanatic Fly Air range is the 9’0”, 9’8”, 10’4” and 10’8”.

Board Specs: Length 10'4" - Width 33" - Thickness 5.5"

Whats in the bag: Fanatic Inflatable Board, Fanatic 3-Piece Paddle of your choice, Fanatic HP2 Power Pump, Fanatic Premium Backpack, SUP Co Coiled Leash, Repair Kit

4: Fanatic Pure Air 10'4 - £459
The Fanatic Pure Air 10'4 is a budget friendly all-round iSUP, designed with everyone in mind. Easy to transport, simple to setup, stable and versatile, it’s guaranteed SUP fun for all levels.
Using a single layer Drop-Stitch Light technology provides a quality construction without costing a small fortune. Still produced at one of the world’s most renowned manufacturers, this inflatable technology is created with top quality materials and production standards you’d expect from Fanatic.
The Fanatic Pure Air 10'4 has a recommended User Weight of 105 kg


Board Specs: Length 10'.4" - Width 33", Thickness 5.5"

Whats in the bag: Fanatic Inflatable board, Fanatic Board Bag, Carbon Pure 3-Piece Paddle, SUP Co Coiled Leash. Repair Kit, Fanatic HP2 Power Pump and SUP Co Phone case


Two Bare Feet offer a wide range of iSUPs and accessories, we ourselves have owned this Two Bare Feet board since 2015 and get on really well with it. The Entradia range are available in a choices of sizes and colours to suit you.
Entradia 10'10" x 34" x 4" / Maximum Payload: 110 kg
Entradia 10'10" x 34" x 6 / Maximum Payload: 170 kg
Entradia 11'6" x 34" x 6 / Maximum Payload: 172 kg
The Entradia range are made of a double layer of reinforced Fusion DWF PVC (Heat laminated Double Wall PVC Fabric), the boards are incredibly rigid and durable. This material and construction process saves weight as no glue is used to stick laminate layers together. This also reduces the risk of delaminations and leaking seams that often occur in other double layer boards not using the DWF material. This ensures exceptional quality boards that are made to last and designed to perform highly.

Board Specs: Length 10'10"/11'6" - Width 34″ - Thickness 4"/ 6″

Whats in the bag: Two Bare Feet Inflatable Board, aluminium 3-piece paddle, pump, repair kit, coil leash & 90L dry bag



6: Starboard IGO DDC - £1,280.84 - £1,369.18 

Starboard are another big name in the SUP world and the Starboard IGO DDC is a fine example. The DDC stands for (Deluxe Double Chamber), the DDC technology brings the inflatable boards one step closer to a hard board feeling. The Double Chamber also stiffens the board significantly, thanks to the double side walls around the second chamber. The second chamber also offers extra safety floatation for any emergencies. Starboard are also shifting toward recycled EVA deck pads from post industrial EVA waste, increasing UV protection & reducing the use of petroleum.
The Starboard iGO DDC has a maximum payload of 120kg

Board Specs: Length 12′ - Width 33″ - Thickness 6″

Whats in the bag: Starboard Inflatable Board, Leash, Pump, removable fin, bag





 7: Bluefin Cruise - £499
The Bluefin Cruise range of iSUPs are made to a very high standard using a 1000 derniere Exo Surface Laminate technology which is unique to Bluefin boards, it is ultra tough and can easily withstands up to 28 PSI (recommended riding range 15-18 PSI ), UV resistant decking, military grade PVC construction. Bluefin boards & accessories are designed to last which is why they also provide a 5 year warranty!.
In the Cruise range there is: The JR 8' suitable for the kids, a 10'8", 12' and a 15' Multi person SUP if you want to stick the whole family on one.
Kits will also come with a Kayak conversion seat and Kayak Paddle conversion end.

Board Specs:  (various see links)

Whats in the bag: Bluefin Cruise inflatable SUP Board, Durable Travel Backpack, Dual Action Pump, Coiled Leg Leash, Smart Lock Fin, Adjustable SUP Paddle with lightweight Fibreglass shaft, Kayak conversion seat, Kayak Paddle conversion end, Universal Waterproof Phone Carry Case, Repair Kit, Instructions on getting started.

8: AQUAPLANET 10ft 6 - £260

Aquaplanet is probably the best budget friendly all-round iSUP on the market today, it has hundreds of reviews praising it. Aquaplanet uses a multi-cell construction which means that it's easy and quick to inflate, and maintains extreme rigidity until you're ready to head home. It packs up into it's own bag, with backpack straps for easy transport, and the adjustable paddle can be locked into the best size for both kids and adults & broken down for easy transport inside the bag.
Aquaplanet also have a soft, luxurious EVA deck pad for enhanced grip. Recessed handle for easy carrying to the water’s edge. There are also 4 extra D-Rings allow you to add a kayak seat.
They also offer a slightly smaller and cheaper 10' iSUP

Board Specs: Length 10′6″ - Width 30″ - Thickness 6″ - Weight - 10.8kg

Whats in the bag: Aquaplanet Inflatable Paddle board, Air Pump With Pressure Gauge,Adjustable Aluminium Floating Paddle, Repair Kit, Heavy Duty Rucksack, Premium Leash




9: AQUAPLANET 10ft 6 PACE - £270 
The Aquaplanet 10ft 6 Pace, made to the same quality as their all-round model above, but with a more pointed shape it is perfect for choppier seas and cutting into waves, but just as conftable on lakes, rivers and canals.

Board Specs: Length 10'6" - Width 30" - Thickness 6" - Weight 11Kg

Whats in the bag: Aquaplanet Inflatable Paddle board, Dual action pump, Carry Rucksack, Repair kit & Valve spanner, Waterproof Surf Sack, Shoulder Carry Strap & Board Retaining Strap, Premium Coiled Leash, Floating Aluminium Paddle





10: Aqua Marina monster - £599

The Aqua Marina Monster 12ft inflatable SUP is a premium inflatable stand up paddle board and very rigid as it is fortified with a double wall drop stitched PVC construction. Super-sized for the best SUP experience. A tourer and explorer rolled into one, its ultra-stable and measures 12′ x 32″ x 6″ and weighs in at just under 24 pounds. The Monster is a good board for larger riders who want a bigger, all-around SUP that is versatile and capable of performing in a wide variety of conditions, or if you want to load a child on with you this will also work perfectly, it has a maximum payload of 160kg.


Board Specs: Length 12′ - width - 32″ - thickness  6″ - Weight - 10.8kg

Whats in the bag: Monster Inflatable Board - Removable Centre Fin - 90L Magic Backpack Carry Bag - High Pressure Pump with Gauge - Valve adaptor - Action camera mount - Sports II Aluminium 3-Piece paddle

>> Check out latest prices on Amazon <<

Any New or Used on eBay??



Hopefully this is enough to get you started and out on the water, all kits listed above will come with everything you need, SUP, Pump, Paddle and Board Bag, most will also include repair kit and Valve spanner. Make sure you also invest in a buoyancy aid, also a wetsuit if planning on going out on colder days, wetsuit socks/booties are also a must in colder water. Blue toes is no fun.

If your not planning on paddling in the sea, make sure you also check if your are allowed in the local rivers as some are privately owned, there is a lot of useful information available online nowadays, also its very easy to hook up with a local SUP group via social media.
If you are in the UK I would also recommend this book "Paddling Britain: 50 Best Places to Explore by SUP, Kayak & Canoe"




Get out and enjoy the water.
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