This Roc Inflatable stand up paddle board from American manufacturer Roc is now just $224.95 for Black Friday. We should flag up here that although the listed discount is 63% we have have seen the price this low once before, for Amazon Prime Day earlier this year. But this is still the joint cheapest it’s ever been, so take the discount % with a pinch of salt.

Ultimately, you’re here because you want to know if you should buy this deal. As a paddle board tester I can safely say that this package would suit any beginner to the sport. With a 2 year warranty from Roc you can be safe in your purchase and it is a good buy compared to other similar options on the market.

Don’t forget, if you want to get the best price, you’ll have to be an Amazon Prime member – if you aren’t already, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial.

Roc 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board starter kit – save 44%
Was $599.99 Now: $224.95
This offer is a great way to get on the water. With a manual pump, two paddles, a fin, ankle tether and a dry bag, this bundle includes everything you need to start paddle boarding – and it’s the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this board.

View Deal on Amazon.com

As is increasingly the case with inflatable paddle board manufacturers, this Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board comes as a set with pump, leash, fins, bag, and paddle. This makes it a great option for those new to the sport of paddle boarding providing everything you need to get started in one easy package.

Paddle boards that are sold as sets such as this one, are almost always aimed at the beginner – for fairly obvious reasons as experienced paddlers will usually have paddles etc. already. As such this board is pretty clearly a beginner board and measures in at 10ft long, 33in wide, and 6in deep. These are pretty typical beginner dimensions and are almost identical to other market leaders such as the Bluefin Cruise paddle board.

If you re new to the sport then this all means a very big, very stable platform that will give you the best chance of standing up and paddling from your first time out. However, size does come with some drawbacks. Although the longer a board is, the further it will glide for each stroke the wider it is, the more difficult it will be to paddle in waves and the deeper it is the more affected it will be by wind.

All paddle boards are something of a compromise and generally as a beginner you are most likely to be paddling in relatively flat and calm conditions so the added stability offered by a bigger board is an acceptable compromise.

The max inflation of this board is 15psi. While that is fast becoming industry standard, it is also worth noting that the more a board can be inflated the better it performs – allowing more energy from each stroke to go directly into forward momentum. Some premium brands such as Red Original paddle boards pump up to 20psi, which does deliver significantly better performance, though at increased manufacture cost.

Again this is unlikely to be an issue for the beginner, but something to bear in mind – and remember on a hot day you will want to pump it up to less than 15psi to ensure it does not pop as the air inside heats up and expands!

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Black Friday sales highlights

• Amazon: Savings on paddle boards, kayaks, marine clothing and much more
• West Marine: Up to 30% off marine electronics
• Decathlon: Water sports deals from kayaks to diving gear
• Walmart: Up to 50% off life jackets, paddle boards, tenders and more
• Gael Force Marine: Top bargains on chandlery for UK boaters
• North Sails: 30% off a wide variety of North Sails clothing

The post This is not a typo save 63% on this paddle board deal for Black Friday appeared first on Yachting World.

I can’t be alone in being pretty suspicious of cheap Black Friday paddle board deals on Amazon – indeed, I’ve tested a some pretty low quality cheap paddle boards in my time – and so, when I first came across a Bluefin paddle board kit a couple of years back, heavily discounted in an Amazon sale, I was pretty dubious of the quality.

With that in mind I grabbed a Bluefin Cruise paddle board kit at the start of summer 2023 and have been using it pretty regularly all summer.

My conclusion is that it is far, far better than I had assumed. As with many paddle board packages, you may want to upgrade to a better paddle board pump and paddle over time, but the ones that come with the set are certainly good enough for your first few years of paddling.

Is it the best inflatable paddle board on the market? Frankly, no. Is it surprisingly good for the cost? Absolutely.

This Black Friday week, the Bluefin Cruise is discounted by 25% for UK shoppers but only 15% for deal hunters in the US. This package comes up fairly regularly in sales, and this is not the cheapest I have seen it offered. However, I have recommended the board to people at RRP, so any discount is worthwhile.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

UK – Bluefin Cruise 10ft 8in paddle board – now £375.99, was £499.00 , save 25%

I’ve tested this Bluefin Cruise paddle board in extensively this summer and found it to be a great bit of kit for the price. And with a Black Friday week discount you can make a decent saving on what is already a good value-for-money proposition. It contains everything you need to get out on the water. Build quality is good and it pumps up to a decent 15PSI offering good levels of rigidity.

View Deal

US – Bluefin Cruise 10ft 8in paddle board – now $508.15, was $599.00 , save 15%

As this Bluefin Cruise paddle board is not quite as deeply discounted for US customers, it’s less of a no-brainer. As mentioned, I’d happily pay the list price, so 15% off is decent. But if you are looking for a real bargain you may want to hold on for future sales.

View Deal

The Bluefin Cruise is very stable for paddling and has a fair amount of buoyancy thanks to its width and depth. Of course this does also mean it is more affected by wind and waves than other, smaller designs.

I like that the grip runs almost all the way to the tail of the board, meaning you still have grip to stand on if you have a heavy dry bag strapped to the attachment point on the nose of the board – or a small child – both of which would see you stand much further back than normal

This model excels in versatility and manoeuvrability, making it well-suited for most novice or occasional paddlers.

While the backpack makes transportation convenient, and the inclusion of everything you need to get on the water is a boon, as a package it is up there in weight terms, so carrying the complete set may be challenging for some smaller users. I certainly wouldn’t want to carry the whole kit a long way.

Looking for more Black Friday boating deals? Check out our hub page for the best discounts.

The post I’ve spent the summer testing this paddle board which is now 25% off for Black Friday week appeared first on Yachting World.

Given its significant increase in popularity in recent years, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) likely requires no introduction for those who spend time on the water. If you’re interested in joining the world’s fastest-growing sport, we’ve compiled a list of the best paddle board options suitable for beginners and more experienced paddlers. Alternatively, you can skip ahead to learn more about the differences in stand-up paddle boards.

For newcomers to the sport, many of these options are available as complete kits, providing everything you need for an immediate water adventure. However, if you’re considering a board-only choice, or if you find yourself needing to upgrade your accessories, it’s advisable to explore our guides on the best paddle board pumps to ensure you can easily inflate your paddle board.

While paddle boarding can be enjoyed in simple swim shorts, if safety and comfort are priorities, you’ll want to learn about appropriate clothing for paddle boarding, from athletic tops to paddle board life jackets and buoyancy aids.

I’ve personally tested many of the models listed here and other testers in our group have tested some too, to ensure these paddle boards live up to the marketing hype.

If you’re looking for a deal on Paddle Boards, there are plenty of Black Friday Paddle Board deals right now. 

Quick look

Best overall paddle board – Red Paddle Co 11’0 Compact
Best paddle board for families – Red Paddle Voyager 12’6″
Best paddle board kit – Bluefin Cruise 10ft 8in paddle board
Best non-inflatable paddle board – TAHE 10’6″ Beach Performer

Best inflatable paddle board

Bluefin Cruise inflatable paddle board

Specs: Size: 10ft 8in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: 150kg

Reasons to buy: Great kit at a reasonable price | Good manoeuvrability for its size | Holds plenty of weight with lots of space, good for adventuring
Reasons to avoid: Quite heavy when everything is packed together | Accessories such as the pump, might want upgrading in time

I can’t be alone in being deeply suspicious about any number of the cheap paddle board bundle options on Amazon and so, when I first came across a Bluefin paddle board kit a couple of years back, heavily discounted in an Amazon sale, I was very dubious of the quality that might be on offer.

However, I’ve now been testing the Bluefin Cruise 10ft 8in paddle board kit for the entire summer and can report that it is far, far better than I had assumed. As with many paddle board packages, you may want to upgrade to a better paddle board pump and paddle over time, but the ones that come with the set are certainly good enough for your first few years of paddling.

Is it the best inflatable paddle board on the market? Frankly, no. Is it surprisingly good for the cost? Absolutely.

As noted above this board often appears in sales, I think it’s good value at RRP, but if you’re thinking about buying one and Black Friday – or another big sale – is on the horizon, it might be worth holding out until then.

The Bluefin Cruise is very stable for paddling and has a fair amount of buoyancy thanks to its width and depth. Of course this does also mean it is more affected by wind and waves than other, smaller designs.

I like that the grip runs almost all the way to the tail of the board, meaning you still have grip to stand on if you have a heavy dry bag strapped to the attachment point on the nose of the board – or a small child – both of which would see you stand much further back than normal

This model excels in versatility and manoeuvrability, making it well-suited for most novice or occasional paddlers.

While the backpack makes transportation convenient, and the inclusion of everything you need to get on the water is a boon, as a package it is up there in weight terms, so carrying the complete set may be challenging for some smaller users. I certainly wouldn’t want to carry the whole kit a long way.

Buy it now from Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Red Paddle Voyager 12’6″

Specs: Size: 12ft 6in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: 150kg

Reasons to buy: Widely considered the best inflatable paddle board manufacturer | Carries weight well | Ideal for long distance paddling
Reasons to avoid: Expensive

I tested Red Paddle’s 12ft 6in Voyager throughout this season. The board is designed for heading off and exploring as well as just being a water toy.

With 370 litres of volume and 32in wide, it is buoyant and stable enough for a large adult plus a couple of kit bags, or an adult with a child on the front, without losing its long, efficient shape.

The board is flat and is made stiffer in the mid section by battens inserted along the edges. And a large single skeg fin makes straight line paddling easy, though to turn quickly you’ll need to take a step or two aft to lift the nose. The board inlfates to a solid-feeling 20psi, which is about as good as you will find on the market and means all your paddling effort goes into propulsion, not flexing the board.

While it is one of the heavier boards at 11kg, it’s still light enough to carry under one arm.

You can choose the paddle to go with your board – or even a full package option. I’ve been using the three-piece carbon 50 paddle, which is £205 (the alloy version is £95) that packs down to fit inside the bag.

Other accessories that made the board more useful were the Red Paddle dry bag that clips neatly on deck, the cable lock so you can leave the board safely ashore, and the Titan twin-chamber pump for faster inflation.

It should also be noted that Red Paddle’s position as a market leader means resale remains high on many of their products, so if you want to upgrade in the future, purchase price is not all sunk cost.

Buy it now from Amazon

Bestway Hydro Force Fast Blast SUP

Specs: Size: 12ft 6in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: 120kg

Reasons to buy: Cheaper than almost everything else on the market | Works well as a basic paddle board
Reasons to avoid: Needs to be well weighted when in use | Supplied paddle is very poor

With so many people getting into stand-up paddle boards in recent years there has been a similar boom in boards that have rapidly hit the market. There are several very established brands on the market – such as Red Paddle Co. But their boards tend to be around the £1000 mark, and sometimes more. Experienced paddle boarders will tell you that they are well worth the price and they undoubtedly are. But what of the cheapest brands on the market, can they be worth it for the novice?

We decided to test out one of the cheapest boards we could find. We found the Bestway Hydro Force Fast Blast SUP for around £200 and conducted a full SUP test. Our conclusion was that it was remarkably useable.

There are some drawbacks – as you would expect for something so cheap – the board is happiest when well-weighted, ideally near to its 120kg max. The Bestway Hydro Force Fast Blast SUP gets along nicely enough for what it is and did the intended job for our reviewer, Jake Frith as a two person fun craft and for occasional yacht tender duties, but don’t get it if you’re a lightweight and definitely budget for a half decent paddle as we found the one included was of very poor quality.

Buy it now from Decathlon

The board pumped up well to 15PSI with the included pump

Light 10ft 6in stand up paddle board

Specs: Size: 10ft 6in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: 140kg

Reasons to buy: Very lightweight for the size | Room for an adult and a child of needed | Good directional stability
Reasons to avoid: Slightly unbalanced due to weight | Non-slip could extend further forward and backward

The real winner for me – and the reason this and the slightly smaller 9ft 10in version –  was the weight and pack size. Made with Single Layer ULT (Ultra Light Technology) Dropstitch, they roll up very small and can even be folded in half first. The total weight for the whole package for each board (board, rucksack, two-speed pump, leash, two fins, and three-piece aluminium paddle) came it at 11.1kg (9.10) and 11.7kg (10.6).

This is light, easy to handle and packs away small. The aluminium paddle worked well without too much flex, and the pump was effective at fast inflation and at high pressures. I was really impressed with the boards from what I could see of their quality, and they were fun boards to use on the water. Their weight recommendations can be stretched if you’re an experienced paddleboarder, but otherwise opt for the size up. For the price, I would highly recommend these.

Buy it now from Amazon

Isle Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Specs: Size: 10ft 6in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: 130kg

Reasons to buy: Versatile for a variety of uses | Durable construction | Comes with bag, leash, pump, paddle
Reasons to avoid: Performance will be limited | Not ideal for experienced paddlers

Isle have produced a number of paddle boards that have impressed us and they tend to focus on creating paddle boards that offer a range of uses. We were particularly impressed by their paddle board / Kayak hybrid, which the US-based company brought out in 2022.

Across their range, Isle have a variety of clips and accessories so you can carry belongings with you. This does mean that they are not always the absolute best boards for the aspiring paddler who wants to do nothing but get the very best paddle board performance from their board, but if you want to head off on an adventure then these could be the choice for you.

The Pioneer 2.0 is what Isle call their ‘all-round’ board and would be well suited to beginners with plenty of volume and with a width of 36in, it should be plenty stable enough. However, with a suggested maximum pressure of 12psi, it is on the soft side compared to the very best inflatables, so might not be as suited to advanced paddlers.

Buy it now from Isle

Red Paddle Co 11’0 Compact Inflatable Paddle Board

Specs: Size: 11ft x 32in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: 110kg

Reasons to buy: Incredibly portable – fits into smallest of backpacks | High build quality | 5-year warranty
Reasons to avoid: Premium price

Red Paddle were the pioneers of high-quality inflatable paddle boards and they remain the most innovative brand out there, with an extensive product range – in fact many of the best inflatable SUPS on the market are made by Red and we have tested many of them. All the Red boards we have used have offered impressive performance and demonstrated great build quality. It is easy to look at the price of Red products and struggle to justify the cost. But if you want one of the best inflatable boards on the market, you’d be hard pressed to beat this one.

The reason we particularly like the Red Paddle Co Compact SUP is that, in addition to offering all the quality you expect from Red, this board also packs down into the smallest backpack on the market: half the size of most inflatable paddle board packages. Yet folded into that space is a real do-it-all board with a truly top-end finish.

This 11ft x 32in Compact is an ideal all-round size, though it does also come in a 9ft 6in option (best for small surf) and 12ft x 32in option (best for flat-water and touring.)

Superb for stowage and transport, pricey yet super-high quality with a 5-year warranty.

Bluefin SUP 10′8″ Aura Fit SUP

Specs: Size: 10ft 8in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: 160kg

Reasons to buy: Small size makes it very convenient | 5-year warranty for peace of mind
Reasons to avoid: Premium price

If you are relatively new to the paddle boarding scene then a key consideration is going to be stability. Although this SUP from Bluefin is relatively short it is designed specifically for water-based yoga and Pilates.

That width and stability are also ideal for a general newcomer to the SUP world. Another side effect of the yoga specialism is an extra wide deck with plenty of grip and a gentle, rounded profile. This means it is unlikely to be the absolute best performer, but it will provide the ideal platform for those wishing to take their fist step into the world of stand up paddle boarding – and is, obviously ideal for those tempted by a little water-based yoga too.

A three-fin setup adds stability and good water manners, while the fibreglass paddle and polyurethane blade are reasonably light weight, so you won’t get tired paddling for long periods of time.

The kit also includes a double action pump, leash and rucksack for transport, letting you take on waterways as near or far as your fancy takes you.

Buy it now from Amazon

Decathlon ItiWit Tandem

Specs: Size: 15ft | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: N/A

Reasons to buy: Great value | Stable and manoeuvrable | Optimised for two people but can stretch to a small family
Reasons to avoid: Doesn’t include a pump, leash or paddle | Not the fastest or most directional

Multi-person boards aren’t commonplace in paddle boarding, yet it is a lot of fun to paddle in company and a few manufacturers do produce quads and tandems.

The best value you’ll find is this Decathlon ItiWit at a little under six-hundred quid – although be warned that doesn’t include a pump, leash or paddle, so do budget for those too unless you already have your own.

At 15ft x 35in this is relatively short and wide for a tandem, so while it won’t be the fastest or most directional it will be stable and pretty manoeuvrable.

Well put together for the money and good for 17psi of air pressure, so robust and rigid enough to work nicely on the water.

Optimised for two-person paddling, although a board this big could take a small family at a push.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Mistral 11ft 5in Adventure Paddle Board

Specs: Size: 11ft 5in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: N/A

Reasons to buy: Fairly cheap for the quality | 2-year warranty
Reasons to avoid: Accessories could be better

If you are looking for a brand you can rely on in the increasingly congested world of stand-up paddle boards, you could do a lot worse than picking up a board, but Mistral a brand that have been at the forefront of windsurfer boards and sails for many years – in fact it was a Mistral windsurfer that was used when the sport was first included in the Olympic Games.

Falling back on years of board construction, the Mistral Adventure’s body uses a single skin made from Mistral’s Fusion Layer Technology which helps to make it lighter than double-skinned paddle boards and polyester strands run between the upper and lower faces of the board to maintain the correct board shape and add extra rigidity – as is the case with many top-end inflatable paddle boards.

A small word of warning, however. Although the board inflates to high pressure and is very rigid, and is very well constructed the accessories that come with it are somewhat lacking in quality. As such, you probably want to consider the price as ‘board only’ and expect to want a better pump and paddle in relatively short order.

Buy it now from Amazon

Gul Inflatable Paddle Board

Specs: Size: 10ft 7in | Type: Inflatable | Max Weight: N/A

Reasons to buy: Light | Good stability for beginners | Max inflation of 20psi means a rigid board when pumped up
Reasons to avoid: Slightly cheaper options are available for beginners

As with Mistral, when it comes to looking for a SUP, you can be overwhelmed with choices, so it can be a good idea to go for a well established brand so you know you are less likely to be sold a cheap dud. Gul have been making marine products for many years and we really rate their wetsuits and a variety of other watersports kit they produce.

This board features a double wall design and strands between the decks, which mean it can be inflated to 20psi, which makes for a very rigid board. This is important as it means more of your effort is transferred into moving forward and the board will behave consistently in waves.

Buy it now from Sports Direct

Best paddleboard – rigid options

Jobe Ventura 10.6 Bamboo Paddle Board

Specs: Size: 10ft 6in | Type: Rigid | Max Weight: 110kg

Reasons to buy: Rigid and durable | Beautifully-constructed
Reasons to avoid: Bulky to transport | Surface is delicate

This Jobe Ventura 10.6 paddle board is certainly easy on the eye, with bamboo construction really help it stand out from the other options, visually.

The solid construction also makes it highly robust in use. Although the bamboo deck draws the eye, the bulk of the board is made from a foam core for buoyancy with fibreglass for strength – that buoyancy is visible in the sizable 110kg weight limit (good for this size rigid board). Two channels in the underside promote stability and speed, while the sharp nose rocker will help the board to carry itself over waves well. A single toolless fin is great for long-distance stability, while the bungee and camera plug make this a practical choice too.

However, that strength and performance come with the problem of a 10.6-foot board to transport and store, something worth thinking through before buying. Portability is always going to be a problem when it comes to buying a rigid SUP, but the additional rigidity does help performance – even if that becomes less of a case each year as pressures continue to rise in the inflatable paddle board market.

Buy it now from Amazon

TAHE 10’6″ Beach Performer

Specs: Size: 10ft 6in | Type: Rigid | Max Weight: 90kg

Reasons to buy: Great brand reputation for virtually indestructible boards | Strong outer skin | Solid value for money
Reasons to avoid: Sold as board only | Hefty weight

BiC Sport – the watersports subsidiary of the famous biro company – rebranded as TAHE following a 2019 merger. BiC’s surfing and windsurfing reputation has long been for virtually indestructible, mass-market products, and TAHE paddle boards follow that theme.

This 10ft 6in x 31.5in is a no-frills, versatile solid that looks wave-friendly and should be fun in flat water too.

Constructed in thermoformed ’Tough-Tec’, an extremely strong outer polyethylene skin wraps a watertight EPS foam core for maximum impact resistance, but that comes at the price of weight – a hefty 14.5kg.

Solid value for money, but supplied without a leash or paddle.

Buy it now from Decathlon

What size of paddle board do I need?

In SUP, as in surfing, measurements are generally imperial. In a nutshell, an average all-round paddle board is around 11 feet long and 32 inches wide. The wider the board the more stability it has – but that width is also drag, so a narrower board will be faster yet tippier.

Taller, heavier riders generally appreciate a little more width for comfort. A 32” wide board is a sensible beginner / all-round option – although a lighter or more progressive rider might prefer a 30”, while heavier or more nervous paddlers may appreciate a full 34”.

The longer the board, the better it will glide in a straight line, but the harder it will be to turn. All-round boards tend to be 10’ to 11’4” in length; longer will be more satisfying for flat-water ‘touring’, shorter more suited to ‘messing about’ in choppier water and even catching small surf.

Best paddle board brands

The massive growth in paddle boarding over recent years has also seen un upsurge in frankly substandard brands looking to ‘cash in’ on the sport’s popularity for both the boards and the many SUP accessories, such as paddle board pumps, to be found on the market.

Most reputable brands are sold via dealer networks, although there are a few notable small independents selling direct on the domestic market. Many of the best paddle board brands were borne from the windsurfing industry; Starboard, Naish, Fanatic, JP – and in fact the inflatable market leaders Red Paddle were founded by Tushingham Sails down in Devon.

Solid or inflatable?

Although the best paddle board for top-end surfing and racing is still generally of solid construction, inflatable paddle boards are justifiably more popular for most recreational uses. A good quality inflatable (ie; well constructed and able to pump up to sufficiently high pressure) has minimal performance disadvantages, yet will be much more resistant to damage from the inevitable knocks and scrapes.

Often more pertinently, storage and transport is much easier with an inflatable that packs down into a backpack than a relatively delicate solid board. This is particularly true for sailors, who increasingly have a paddle board onboard as a boating accessory.

If you are specifically looking for a pump up paddleboard take a look at our guide to the best inflatable paddle boards on the market.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

The post Best paddle board: Top SUPs for beginners and seasoned experts appeared first on Yachting World.

The stand up paddle board market has grown at an incredible rate in recent years and now there are a great many companies on the market. One of the earliest inflatable paddle board manufacturers – and one which lays a strong claim to producing the best paddle boards out there – is Red paddle boards. I tested this Red Paddle Voyager 12’6″  for a full season while cruising on my yacht to see how well it performed.

Where windsurf boards once festooned cruising yachts, now an inflatable stand-up paddle board (SUP) is de rigeur and with good reason; being able to step off the boat and explore, escaping any hint of cabin fever, adds a brilliant extra dimension to cruising.

Inflatable SUP design has come a long way and there’s now a lot of choice, but Red Paddle is still one of the top brands for quality and their products command a higher price as a result.

Red Paddle Voyager 12’6″ paddle board

I tested their 12ft 6in Voyager throughout this season. The board is designed for heading off and exploring as well as just being a water toy for the boat.

With 370 litres of volume and 32in wide, it is buoyant and stable enough for a large adult plus a couple of kit bags, or an adult with a child on the front, without losing its long, efficient shape.

The board is flat and is made stiffer in the mid section by battens inserted along the edges. And a large single skeg fin makes straight line paddling easy, though to turn quickly you’ll need to take a step or two aft to lift the nose.

While it is one of the heavier boards at 11kg, it’s still light enough to carry under one arm.

You can choose the paddle to go with your board. We had the three-piece carbon 50 paddle, which is £205 (the alloy version is £95) that packs down to fit inside the bag.

Other accessories that made the board more useful were the Red Paddle dry bag that clips neatly on deck, the cable lock so you can leave the board safely ashore, and the Titan twin-chamber pump for faster inflation.

My verdict on the Red Paddle Voyager 12’6″ paddle board

We used this paddle board more than our inflatable tender over the summer. We even used it a few times getting to and from our home mooring with two adults and four waterproof kit bags without any mishaps, so it’s pretty stable.

The convenience of picking your ‘tender’ up under one arm and walking back to the car is a revelation.

This paddle board is on the longer side for storing on deck when inflated, at least on a small boat, but packing it down was easy enough. The only real downside is the high cost. There are cheaper boards on the market, but you sacrifice longevity and stiffness.

If you’re happy to spend the money, you’ll certainly have fun with this board.

There is little doubt that a paddle board adds a new dimension to yacht cruising without taking much space, and this is one of the best boards I’ve tried for going on longer paddles.

Red Paddle Voyager 12’6″ paddle board specifications

Pric: From £1,069
Length: 12ft 6in
Width: 83cm / 32in
Thickness: 15cm / 5.9in
Volume: 370 litres
Rider Weight: <150kgs / 330lbs
Board Dimensions: 11kg / 24.2lb
Bag Diumensions: 96cm x 39cm x 36 cm
Fin: Removable FCS US Box Fins

Buy it now from Amazon

The post Red Paddle Voyager 12’6″ paddle board review appeared first on Yachting World.

Note: Prime Day 2023 has now concluded, if you’re in the market for paddle board accessories from paddle to pumps and more take a look at our full paddle board accessories guide 

If you’ve already got a stand up paddle board or you’re looking at a Prime Day paddle board deal, then you might want to consider what Prime Day paddle board accessories to pick up to make your life on the water – or before you get onto the water – that bit easier.

Most people that are new to paddle boarding will buy a package deal, which includes a board, pump, bag, paddle etc. Often the accessories included, while serviceable for the beginner, can be of a lower quality than the board itself. As such, paddle board paddles and pumps might well be the first things you consider upgrading after you’ve got to grips with the basics.

Don’t forget, if you want to get the best price in the Prime Day sales, you’ll have to be an Amazon Prime member – if you aren’t already, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Prime Day paddle board accessories US deals

OutdoorMaster 20PSI High Pressure SUP Air Pump The Shark – now $129.99, was $204.99, save 37%
Anyone who has stood on a beach pumping up a paddle board to a high pressure by hand will appreciate just how helpful an electric pump can be. This Shark pump comes up time and again as a top performer, with the rare ability to pump up to 20PSI. It has an auto shut off when it achieves your pre-set pressure, so you can just plug it in an ignore until it’s done its thing. It will need plugging into a 12V DC car connector.

View Deal

AILCION Electric Paddle Board Pump for Inflatables – now $49.99, was $79.99 , save 38%
I’ve not used this pump (unlike the Shark, which I’ve borrowed a couple of times) so can speak to it’s quality. However, if you’re in the market for a cheap paddle board pump then this is about as cheap as you are going to get. As with the Shark you’ll need access to a 12V DC car power supply and it pumps up to 22PSI.

View Deal

Super Paddles carbon fibre paddle – now $75.96, was $94.95, save 20%
There are cheaper paddle board paddle deals out there, but if you’re looking for a step-up in performance then this might be the paddle for you. They key points in paddle board paddles are weight and stiffness and carbon fibre offers the best of both of these world. This paddle will be less tiring on your arms – because it’s light – and allow more of your energy to go into moving your board forwards – because it’s stiff.

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Goture Carbon Fiber Paddle – now $59.19, was $69.99 , save 15%
Another carbon paddle board paddle on offer in this year’s Prime Day sale is this one from Goture. It comes with a case to protect it while you travel and, like the Super Paddles option above is a 3-piece carbon shaft with nylon blade.

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Earth Pak -Waterproof Dry Bag – now $15.99, was $19.99 , save 15%
If you want to go any distance on a paddle board, one of the most useful things you can have is a drybag in which to store your phone, a spare top, your lunch etc. This 10lt dry bag is the perfect size for clipping onto the front of your board, keeping things dry and out of the way.

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Prime Day paddle board accessories UK deals

OutdoorMaster 20PSI High Pressure SUP Air Pump The Shark – now £109.99, was £129.99, save 15%
Anyone who has stood on a beach pumping up a paddle board to a high pressure by hand will appreciate just how helpful an electric pump can be. This Shark pump comes up time and again as a top performer, with the rare ability to pump up to 20PSI. It has an auto shut off when it achieves your pre-set pressure, so you can just plug it in an ignore until it’s done its thing. It will need plugging into a 12V DC car connector.

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The Whale battery paddle board pump – now £135.99, was £179.99, save 24%
Many of the paddle board pumps on the market require them to be plugged in (usually to a 12V car power socket) to pump up your board. That’s all well and good if you have a car nearby, but if not, you’ll want a (relatively rare) battery powered pump. OutdoorMaster, who make this pump are a market leader in the pump field, so you can be sure this is high quality. It will only pump to 16PSI, however, so if you have a board that’s capable of taking 20PSI of pressure it might not be for you.

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iBOARD Carbon Fiber Paddle – now £71.99, was £84.99, save 15%
We note that this carbon paddle has appeared in previous sales on Amazon at £69, so this is not the cheapest it has ever been. However, it is still a pretty good deal for a carbon paddle board paddle so if you’re in the market for one anyway you might as well save yourself a few quid.

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The post Prime Day paddle board accessories: the best deals from pumps to paddles appeared first on Yachting World.

In the last few years, stand up paddle boards have become increasingly popular and, as a result, hundreds of manufacturers have sprung up offering paddle board kits aimed squarely at the casual or first time paddler and the Bluefin 10ft 8in Cruise is just one such kit. But does it deliver on the water?

I can’t be alone in being deeply suspicious about any number of the cheap paddle board options on Amazon and so, when I first came across a Bluefin paddle board kit a couple of years back, heavily discounted in an Amazon sale, I was very dubious of the quality that might be on offer.

However, I’ve now been testing the Bluefin 10ft 8in Cruise paddle board kit for a couple of months and can report that it is far, far better than I had assumed.

Is it the best inflatable paddle board on the market? No. Is it surprisingly good for the cost? Absolutely.

Note: This board is currently on sale in the Prime Day paddle board deals 2023.

Bluefin 10ft 8in Cruise Paddle board construction

Bluefin says their range of Cruise boards boast several features that set them apart from the competition. They are constructed with military-grade PVC material, which offers exceptional durability, ensuring it can withstand bumps, scrapes, and rough waters. Its rigid design allows for improved weight distribution and prevents flexing, delivering a stable platform for riders of all skill levels.

As mentioned I’ve been paddling on this board for a few months, so would not feel comfortable making a judgement on long-term durability. But the build quality seems very good and there are certainly no signs to date that my opinion on that will change.

The Bluefin Cruise paddle board range come as a complete package, including a paddle, leash, backpack, dual-action pump, and repair kit and even, in the model I have been using, a waterproof phone case. It really is a case of buy this and get straight out on the water.

One area I would note, however, is that the board itself and the paddle are both of higher quality than the rest of the accessories.

The pump is perfectly serviceable but if you are going to be going out regularly you’ll probably want to invest in a paddle board pump that can inflate the board a little quicker – or an electric pump, which makes things much, much easier.

The bag, though well thought out with plenty of pockets and straps, does not feel of the highest quality and I suspect it could well be the first thing to show serious signs of wear.

On the water

The board features a tri-fin setup, which should enhance tracking and manoeuvrability. I’ve been testing this alongside many other paddle boards, some with a longer single fin and some with tri-fin setups.

For the market this is aimed at, either choice is fine. The tri-fin tracks slightly better than a single, though the single is easier to pivot around if you want to perform a sharp turn or turn from stationary.

The process by which the fins clip into the board – most inflatable paddle boards have removable fins for rolling up the board when deflated – is excellent. They sit in a socket and have a small lever which locks them in place.

Other manufacturers use a slide in fin style with a pin to lock it in place. This latter option is much more susceptible to sand getting into the slot and preventing the fin from sliding in. Though lots of sand might be a problem with the Bluefin setup, it does deal with a little sand very well.

When I first got into paddle boarding one of the pieces of advice that was shared with me about buying an inflatable board was to ensure that it could pump up to at least 15PSI. The higher pressure a board can take the better it is to paddle, the more direct feedback you get from the board and the more energy from each stroke goes into moving the board forward – instead of energy being lost flexing the board. However, for manufacturers, higher pressures mean more complexity and manufacture and thus more cost.

Th Bluefin Cruise advises to pump up to 15PSI, so it does pump up to an acceptable level. It is not as much as some of the very top-end brands (Red Original paddle boards typically pump up to 20PSI for example.

While the Bluefin Cruise 10ft 8in paddle board offers numerous benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase. Firstly, due to its slightly shorter length, experienced riders looking for maximum speed might prefer a longer paddle board.

That being said, it’s very stable for paddling and has a fair amount of buoyancy thanks to its width and depth. Of course this does also mean it is more effected by wind and waves than other, smaller designs.

I like that the grip runs almost all the way to the tail of the board, meaning you still have grip to stand on if you have a heavy dry bag strapped to the attachment point on the nose of the board – or a small child – both of which would see you stand much further back than normal

This model excels in versatility and manoeuvrability, making it well-suited for most novice or occasional paddlers.

While the backpack makes transportation convenient, and the inclusion of everything you need to get on the water, as a package it is up there in weight terms so carrying the complete set may be challenging for some smaller users. Certainly I wouldn’t want to carry the whole kit a long way.

Buy it now from Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

The post Bluefin 10ft 8in Cruise paddle board review appeared first on Yachting World.

Paddle boards are a brilliantly simple way of getting around an anchorage. Their simplicity, lack of bulk and the fact that they are fun to use have made them almost ubiquitous aboard cruising boats and if you want a light weight one, then the Spinera Light 10ft 6in stand up paddle board might well be for you.

The only downside of the touring board I’ve been using up to now is it’s size and weight, at nearly 14kg, and I was keen to try something that was lighter and less bulky to stow. The Spinera Ultralight range does just that. The 9ft 10in board weighs 6.2kg and the 10ft 6in version 6.7kg. There is also a large 11ft 2in board that comes in at 7.3kg.

The 9ft 10in is lighter even than the lightest Compact board from Red Paddle (£1,399), with a higher volume for more rider weight. The board I tested was the 10ft 6in version version recommended for riders of 95kg (though I have also tested the 9ft 10in version too, which has many of the same characteristics but rated for a 80kg rider).

The board pumped up well to 15PSI with the included pump

In terms of buoyancy both options are pretty good for me as I fall between the two weights. However, the narrower width of 30.5 inches on the smaller board required a little more concentration on balance at first, though I managed to avoid a dunking and enjoyed its manoevrability.

The larger board at 32.8in wide wasn’t a problem at all, and I’d have happily put one of our children sitting on the front, as we do with our old board (in a lifejacket of course). I found the twin 9in fins made the boards track straight and the boards felt easily driven when paddling. The fins were easy to mount and unmount, as long as the grooves were free of sand.

The real winner for me – and the reason these are two of the best paddle boards I’ve tested –  was the weight and pack size. Made with Single Layer ULT (Ultra Light Technology) Dropstitch, they roll up very small and can even be folded in half first. The total weight for the whole package for each board (board, rucksack, two-speed pump, leash, two fins, and three-piece aluminium paddle) came it at 11.1kg (9.10) and 11.7kg (10.6).

Plenty of space to store a drybag

While I can’t yet comment on their longevity, the boards certainly seem well-built with no obvious flaws or cheap construction. They held the recommended 15PSI of air pressure, and there was no evidence of flex on the water (which makes boards slower and harder to balance).

I only find two minor issues with the board. They are so light that when you are carrying them with the central handle that the twin fins are heavy enough to make the board unbalanced and tail heavy. Remove these, however, and the board is well balanced around the carrying handle.

The other minor issue was that the soft EVA foam pads are restricted to just the central part of the board, to save weight and bulk, so if you’ve got more than one person on board, or your playing in some waves, the front and back of the board lack grip, though you could add more pads, or rub on some surf wax.

For normal paddling, however, the pads were totally sufficient, gripy and comfortable to stand on in bare feet. There’s also a four-point bungee strap for holding bags and gear, and a coiled leash to keep you connected to the board if you fall off.

See our guide to the best stand up paddle boards on the market

Buy it now from Amazon

The post Spinera Light 10ft 6in stand up paddle board review appeared first on Yachting World.

What to wear paddle boarding? It might sound like a silly question – but the answer isn’t necessarily as straightforward as you might expect. From those with no watersports experience, right up to people with long histories in aquatic environments, it’s easy to assume wrongly. 

If you’ve identified the best paddle board  for you and made that big purchase, and bought all the stand up paddle board accessories that you might need, then the next thing you will want to consider is what to wear paddle boarding to maximise your enjoyment. Choices can be a little confusing, should you go for a paddle board wetsuit or would it be better to start with some less technical clothing?

Thing is, unless you’re intending or expecting to fall in a lot – in surf, for example – paddle boarding on flat water isn’t usually that immersive an experience. Although of course, no matter how good you get there’s always an outside chance that you might end up in the water. Therefore in many situations, much like running or cycling, it’s about layering up or down to suit the weather and conditions. 

If the water’s cold though, then you really must dress appropriately – and that means neoprene. You will need enough neoprene that you’re safe in case you fall in, which is always a possibility, yet not so much that you’ll overheat when paddling.

The ‘problem’ with neoprene is that it’s not breathable, and wetsuits are really designed to be used wet. Hence most flat water stand-up paddlers tend to minimise the amount of neoprene they’re wearing. 

So in most SUP situations a full wetsuit maybe isn’t the ideal clothing to wear paddle boarding. But what is? Here we look at a range of suitable SUP clothing – the essentials to cover you for various weathers and situations.

What to wear paddle boarding

Ion Plasma Boots 

Reasons to buy: Good foot feel due to thin material | Keep your feet warm
Reasons to avoid: Not necessary for many in warmer months

Truth be told, when possible most experienced paddle boarders tend to prefer paddling barefoot. But when the water’s cold, a priority for comfort is keeping your feet – and specifically toes – warm.

Especially on flat water you’ll find that as you’re not moving your feet around so much they can get very cold very quickly. So over winter and into spring, a good thick pair of neoprene boots is a must-have.

These Ion Plasmas are primarily designed for kitesurfing, but they cross-over perfectly into paddle boarding when you also want to ‘feel’ your board underfoot.

At 6mm thick they’re as warm as you’re going to need for most cold-water conditions. Yet a segmented sole with strategic cuts in just the right places enhance flexibility for that bare-foot feeling.

Buy it now from Sup Co

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3mm Wetsuit

Reasons to buy: Thin neoprene enables good movement | Warm and comfortable
Reasons to avoid: Only really suitable for cold weather

Certainly in the surf, and in some other situations when you’re expecting to fall in regularly, if the water’s cold a full wetsuit is definitely appropriate.

Of the various different styles of wetsuit – specifically designed for disciplines from swimming to windsurfing to diving etc – a surfing suit is undoubtedly best for paddle boarding.

And what better brand to represent the genre than O’Neill – eponymous to Jack O’Neill who’s widely cited as inventor of the world’s first wetsuit in 1952.

Today, O’Neill’s Hyperfreak wetsuits are constructed in super-light, super-stretchy ‘TechnoButter’ neoprene.

This makes them lightweight, well sealed, easy to get into and out of, but above all warm and comfortable. Hence a 4/3mm wetsuit as featured here is ample for most paddling situations. 

Buy the men’s wetsuit now from Amazon
Buy the women’s wetsuit now from Amazon

Palm Quantum Longjohns 

Reasons to buy: Lack of arms makes for easy paddling | Comfortable once on
Reasons to avoid: Can be difficult to put on

Unless you’re out in waves, or expecting to be in the water a lot for some other reason, even in winter a full wetsuit is often too much for paddleboarding.

Sleeveless long-johns such as these Quantums from Palm are ideal though, as with your arms and shoulders free you won’t overheat when paddling.

Yet 3mm of neoprene will keep your legs and core more than warm enough, even if you do take the occasional dip.

The Quantum are Palm’s ‘budget’ long-john range, but should be ample for most SUP purposes. Featuring reinforced knees, flatlocked seams and a stretchy lumbar back panel, they’re available in both men’s and women’s cuts.

These Palms are ideal for spring and autumn – and suitably layered, they could see a proficient flat-water paddler right through winter too…

Buy the men’s longjohn from Amazon
Buy the women’s longjohn from Amazon

ItiWit Paddleboarding Trousers 

Reasons to buy: Designed specifically for paddling | Protects your legs but leaves your torso free
Reasons to avoid: Not needed in summer

Some flat-water paddlers find even long-john’s are too much – particularly in autumn, springtime or on a fine winter’s day.

When you’re really not expecting to fall in but there’s still a chill to the water, neoprene leggings are a good call.

Enough to protect your legs if wading into the water, these leave your upper body free from neoprene so less likely to over-heat.

These ItiWit neoprene leggings from Decathlon are specifically designed for paddlesports. In cold weather, 2mm of stitched neoprene provides warmth and you can layer up with breathable fabrics on your torso.

With an anatomic design in both men’s and women’s styles, a drawstring waist, plus knee reinforcements to provide abrasion resistance, these ItiWit trousers are very good value.

Buy the men’s trousers from Decathlon
Buy the women’s trousers from Decathlon

Quiksilver Waterman Paddler Boardshorts 

Reasons to buy: Great quality board shorts | Length allows movement in the legs | Environmentally sound
Reasons to avoid: Offer little warmth

Every self-respecting stand-up paddle surfer should have a decent pair of boardshorts.

In summer – and surprisingly deep into autumn – they’re often all you need to wear on your bottom half. When the water and air temperatures are warm enough, there’s no need for more.

So if you’re going to spend much time on a SUP, it’s worth getting a quality pair of boardshorts. These mid-length Quiksilver Waterman Paddlers are a fine example.

Made from a traceable recycled 4-way stretch fabric they’re ethically sound. They’re technical too, quick-drying with a water-repellent hydrophobic coating.

Equally at home on the water or chilling out afterwards they offer a blend of durability, flexibility, strength and comfort.

Buy it now from West Marine

Roxy Wave Boardshorts 

Reasons to buy: Great quality board shorts | Length allows movement in the legs | more coverage than a swimsuit
Reasons to avoid: Offer little warmth | Length may be on the short-side for some

For women, you might imagine a bikini or swimsuit is the best option in hot weather. And for some it is – although most paddlers appreciate something a little less revealing.

After all, stand-up paddling can and does include a fair degree of squatting and bending, so boardshorts are a more popular option.

These Roxy Love Boardshorts are also made from a traceable, 4-way stretch fabric produced from recycled plastic bottles. With a fully elasticated waist and relaxed cut they’re comfortable as well as stylish.

A minimal short-length design means they won’t mess with your tan-lines too much. Plus a back pocket on the right leg even provides an element of practicality.

Buy it now from Amazon

Red Paddle Performance Top

Reasons to buy: Good technical top | Breathable to help wick away sweat
Reasons to avoid: Even with breathability may offer too much coverage in warmest weather

So, we’ve established that layering’s key for most recreational paddle boarding. But the question is what to wear when the water’s not too cold yet there’s a chill in the air?

Red Paddle’s Performance Top is a great technical mid-layer – ideal for regulating body temperature in colder weather. The super-soft fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying and even odour resistant.

Red Original have fast gained a reputation for super-high quality clothing and accessories, not least thanks to this great garment.

You’ll really appreciate the attention to detail too: the zipped pockets are big enough for your phone, wallet and keys. The long neck zip makes donning and doffing super-easy.

Plus thumb-holes in the sleeves are great for keeping your hands warm. Available in men’s or women’s cuts.

Buy the men’s top from Red Paddle Co
Buy the women’s top from Red Paddle Co

HH LIFA Stripe Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer

Reasons to buy: Super lightweight makes it very comfy | Excellent moisture wicking | Useful year-round
Reasons to avoid: None

A high quality base layer is an extremely versatile garment that should be in every paddle boarder’s wardrobe.

Weighing in at just 90g, this Helly Hansen is super-lightweight, but constructed in hydrophobic LIFA fabric it provides light insulation and wicks moisture away from the skin.

Hence in summer it can be worn alone to help regulate your temperature. It’ll keep you warm enough if the sun’s not out, or can protect from UV if it is.

In spring and autumn it’s a great base layer beneath a breathable mid and/or top-layer.

And even in winter if you’ve opted for a full wetsuit but aren’t expecting to fall in, it’s good to have something to save your suit from getting too sweaty. Available in men’s or women’s cuts.

Buy the men’s base layer from Helly Hansen
Buy the women’s base layer from Helly Hansen 

Dakine Loose Fit Short Sleeve Surf Shirt

Reasons to buy: Good sun protection | Keeps shape when wet
Reasons to avoid: Short-sleeves limit the sun-protection qualities

In summertime when the air and water are warm enough, a t-shirt’s often as much as you need to wear up top.

These Dakine Loose Fit Surf Shirts are technical tees that look just like ’normal’ casual shirts.

Although the material looks just like cotton, Dakine’s synthetic blend fabric amazingly keeps its shape when wet rather than clinging to your skin.

Soft, quick-drying and offering full UPF 50+ sun protection, flatlock seams make paddling really comfortable with minimal rubbing.

Great looking tops that can transition seamlessly from the beach to the bar! Similar styles are available in different cuts for each gender: Dakine call their men’s surf shirt ‘Heavy Duty’ and the women’s ‘Dauntless’…

Buy the men’s t-shirt from Amazon
Buy the women’s t-short from Amazon

Vaikobi VDRY Lightweight Vest 

Reasons to buy: Plenty of warmth but allows arm movement | Vents allow some breathability
Reasons to avoid: Would only really want to wear it in very poor weather

To fully encapsulate your layering, a breathable waterproof outer shell is a useful bit of kit for poor weather.

The danger with too heavy a top layer is that you can soon overheat when paddling. After all, you are exercising your arms, shoulders and core which will soon warm up!

Antipodean paddle outfitter Vaikobi offer this fully waterproof, breathable Lightweight Vest with water repellent function.

The high collar is fleece lined to protect your neck from chilly winds while a soft mesh lining allows the vest to move with your body as you paddle.

A scooped back provides extra protection from the elements, vented for added breathability and body temperature regulation.

An adjustable waist cord keeps it in place while a half front zip allows scope for extra aeration. Constructed in reflective silver for optimum winter visibility. 

Buy it now from Vaikobi

Musto Evolution FD Technical Cap 

Reasons to buy: Keeps sun out of your eyes (without the worry of losing sunglasses) | Integrated clip to prevent loss
Reasons to avoid: Very personal decision if caps are your thing when paddling, not for everyone

Topping everything off, a good cap is another multi-functional garment that’s indispensable for many paddle boarders.

Of course you can wear shades if it’s sunny, but you do risk losing them if you fall in. Whereas a cap – particularly this Musto with its elasticated back strap and retaining clip – will shield your eyes from the sun without any worries about losing it to the deep.

Equally, in inclement weather, keeping the rain off your head and face can make an enormous psychological difference. Quick-drying fabric on the peak and across the top of the hat will keep you comfy, while open mesh side panels provide ventilation.

In winter even a lightweight cap like this can retain enough heat to stay that bit warmer. Reflective detail on the peak helps keep you visible in low light too.

Buy it now from Amazon

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

The post What to wear paddle boarding in any weather appeared first on Yachting World.

Inflatable paddle boards now make up the vast majority of recreational SUPs around the world. And of course inflatables need blowing up, hence the sound of pumping punctuates many a calm summer’s day beside the water. Yet basic pumps supplied with even the best paddle boards often aren’t the fastest or easiest to hit 15-20psi of air pressure. Thankfully there are plenty of upgrade options compatible with the HR (Halkey-Roberts) non-return valve, as found on all quality iSUPs. Here we look at some of the best paddle board pump options, both manual and electric…

Often you will find that even the best inflatable paddle board options come without a great pump so it is worth considering an upgrade. In fact, many of the starter paddle board packages come with a large number of paddle board accessories,  but these are often below-par, so it is worth considering an upgrade to your paddle, fins, etc. as well as a new pump.

Manual or electric paddle board pump?

With a basic single-chamber, single-action pump, manual inflation can take a fair bit of time and effort. Hence it’s understandable that many paddlers assume that an electric pump will outperform a manual.

But that’s not necessarily so. The double-chamber, double-action or even triple-action manual pumps featured here are usually the fastest way to inflate. While they’re much more efficient, there’s still no denying that manual pumping can be tiring.

Of course the benefit of an electric pump is to save your energy for the paddle itself. Most will need plugging into a power-source though – usually a car or boat’s 12V ‘cigarette lighter’ socket. The biggest drawback is certainly the extra noise generated by an electric pump, so use one with consideration for others.

Best manual paddleboard pump

Red Paddle Titan II SUP Pump

Reasons to buy: Impressive capacity and efficiency | Made by the Paddle board market leader | Inline twin chambers
Reasons to avoid: Bigger than some other options

The original Red Paddle Titan was already the market leader, widely acclaimed as the best manual paddle board pump money could buy.

Red’s stated aim with their second generation Titan II was to half the time it takes to inflate a board… And the results are impressive – it’s good for well over 20psi of pressure and produces airspeeds of 60mph!

To help with storage and transport, the Titan II was realigned with in-line twin chambers. Plus the feet and handles are collapsable and easy to disassemble for maintenance and part-replacement.

This reimagined double-chamber design is the most efficient manual out there, setting new benchmarks for pumping speed and ease.

Buy it now from Red Original

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Shark SUPer Bravo Paddle Board Pump

Reasons to buy: Lightweight for easy transportation | Inflates on push & pull stroke
Reasons to avoid: Only a single cylinder limits speed of pumping

A double-action pump is the smallest, lightest manual option – and Shark’s SUPer Bravo is a great example.

Although just a single high-pressure cylinder, a double-action design inflates either two-way or one-way.

To get volume into your board, it can pump on both the compression and extension of the handle.

Then once up to pressure (c.5psi) switch to inflating on just the downstrokes. (It’s much easier to push your bodyweight down onto the handle than pull up.)

The hose attaches to the body, rather than up on the handle, so it stays put whilst you pump. It also offers a deflate option to extract every last bit of air from your board before rolling it up.

Buy it now from SUP Inflatables

ItiWit Triple Action Stand-Up Paddleboarding Pump

Reasons to buy: Triple action pump, inflates your SUP quickly and effectivley
Reasons to avoid: Not as cheap as other options

Building on the great reputation of double-chamber and double-action designs, Decathlon’s own-brand ItiWit paddle board pump has gone a step further.

Borrowing from a combination of both concepts, they now offer a triple-action manual pump.

Start off double-action on both chambers to rapidly get the volume into your board on both the push and pull of the handle.

Then once your board has taken shape, flick to single action on both chambers to inflate on just the downstroke like a ‘standard’ double-chamber paddle board pump.

Finally, switch to just the single high-pressure chamber to get right up to 20psi.

Not cheap, but it promises to be fast and efficient for your money.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Best electric paddleboard pumps

OutdoorMaster Shark II SUP Air Pump

Reasons to buy: One of the best electric paddle board pumps on the market | More robust than other electric options
Reasons to avoid: Expensive

Over the years there have been a couple of notable ‘top end’ electric SUP pumps promising 20psi of air pressure.

Unfortunately they’ve not proved very reliable or long-lived: the problem being that over-heating often melts the plastic internals.

But at last, the OutdoorMaster ‘Shark II’ has proved itself a robust, efficient, high-pressure electric paddle board pump that can really be trusted.

It’s dual-action, so will pump at high volume up to 1psi, then switch to low-volume high-pressure to get up to a full 20psi of pressure relatively quickly to ensure your new paddle board is as rigid as possible in no time. Operates off a 12V socket with your engine running.

Meanwhile the patented internal cooling system prevents the unit from over-heating. In fact, OutdoorMaster proudly attest that it will happily pump three boards in a row!

Buy it now from Amazon

ItiWit Electric Pump 0-20PSI

Best cheap paddleboard pump

Reasons to buy: Relatively cheap electric paddle board pump
Reasons to avoid: Takes a while to inflate to full pressure

New from Decathlon, the high-pressure ItiWit Electric paddle board Pump is a viable 20psi option for a tight budget.

As it’s only single-action, it’s going to take a while to get the initial volume of air into your board. So in practice, you’ll be better off starting manually if you’re in a hurry.

But then this simple little design will get on and finish the job with your engine running.

Just set your pressure, press the button and leave it pumping while you get yourself ready to paddle. There’s also a deflate option.

Has to be said, it’s hard to believe an electric pump at this price will stand the test of time. However, Decathlon’s warranty does offer peace of mind with a 2-year product guarantee.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Sevylor High Pressure Pump

Reasons to buy: Cheap | Small and light for travel
Reasons to avoid: Only inflates to 15psi, which is less than some SUPs might need

This is the ‘classic’ electric SUP pump. It was one of the first reliable high-pressure electric pumps, albeit only capable of inflating to 15psi.

Absolutely not the fanciest or fastest you’ll find, but it is good value for money.

Pleasingly simple, with push-button pressure selection and auto shut-off, it runs off a 12V DC ‘cigarette lighter’ socket in your car or onboard your boat yet doesn’t need your engine to be running to operate. (That said, to preserve charge in your battery – if not the environment – it might be a good idea to keep it ticking over…)

Most importantly it’s conveniently small, light and robust: a popular option for an affordable, occasional SUP pump.

Buy it now from Amazon

Best paddle board pump accessory

Red Paddle Multi Pump Adapter

Reasons to buy: Allows you to connect two pumps to your paddleboard
Reasons to avoid: Pointless if you usually SUP alone

OK, no, this isn’t actually a pump – but it is incredibly useful and one of the best SUP accessories for using alongside your pump

Red Paddle’s Multi Pump Adapter is particularly interesting if you want to make the inflating process as quick and easy as possible.

Containing two non-return HR valves, this innovative product allows you to connect two pumps to a single paddleboard valve.

Great for really speeding things up if you have an electric pump as well as a manual. Or in the unlikely event that you find a willing assistant with a spare manual, you could share the effort!

Definitely worth having if you’re investing in an electric pump.

Buy it now from Red Original

Don’t miss our guides to:

Best Paddle boards
Best inflatable paddle boards
Best paddle board accessories
What to wear when paddleboarding

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

The post Best paddle board pump: Manual and electric options appeared first on Yachting World.

Stand-up paddleboarding is a pleasingly simple activity: essentially all you need is a board and a paddle. But of course there is a little bit more to it, so getting the best paddle board accessories can live your best paddle board life.

Many boards – especially entry-level inflatable paddle boards – are sold as complete packages including paddle, pump, fin, sometimes more. But to keep the package price low and the perceived value high, these peripherals are often not of the highest quality.

On the plus side, this gives scope to upgrade and really appreciate the difference.

Your paddle is a great place to start, as that’s what you’ll be swinging around several thousand times a session!  You might also consider a different size or shape of fin to suit your style.

For safety, a good quality leash is a must, whereas a buoyancy aid is up to you, as is much of the rest your clothing when you choose what to wear paddle boarding. Plus it’s worth having something waterproof to keep your phone in. If you have an inflatable board, you’ll certainly want a decent paddle board pump. And wearing the right clothing is vital too.

And to protect expensive boards and paddles, a paddle bag and board sock are both worth considering.

Here we look at nine of the best paddle board accessories for recreational stand-up paddlers…

Best paddle board accessories

Starboard Enduro Paddle

The paddle delivers power to your SUP, so of course it’s one of the best paddle board accessories to buy – rather than an optional extra.

But actually, if you’re upgrading from a complete entry-level or all-round package – which often comes with a cheap, heavy, 3-piece – investing in a new paddle will have an enormous positive impact on your paddle boarding.

A fixed one-piece paddle will always be lighter than an adjustable 2-piece or 3-piece. Better construction – usually with a higher carbon content – will be lighter still, and deliver power more efficiently as it will flex more dynamically.

The Enduro from Starboard is a brilliant all-round blade and among the best paddle board paddles on the market. Various sizes and constructions are available, and this ‘UD Carbon’ laminate offers superb value for money.

Buy it now from Tri Ocean Surf

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

K4 SUP Race Fin

Another prerequisite for paddle boarding is a fin – without one, you’d just go around in circles!

In waves or on the racecourse your choice can have an appreciable impact on performance. Yet for most all-round paddling you’d be hard pushed to tell the difference between two fins.

Basically, the longer and straighter a fin the more ‘directional’ it will be to help keep the board tracking straight. Whereas a smaller, more swept-back fin will make a board ‘looser’ and easier to turn.

As long as your finbox is the ‘classic’ US screw-in type, there are plenty to choose from.

This example from K4 is very much a flat-water fin, designed for racing but also brilliant for shedding weed thanks to its 45° rake. Constructed in composite moulded material rather than carbon, it won’t break the bank either.

Buy it now from K4 Fins

Red Paddle Coiled SUP Leash

The last paddle board accessories essential; a leash is an absolute must for safety in almost all paddle boarding situations.

As long as you’re attached to your board it will keep you afloat in case of emergency. If needs be you can always paddle home prone, like a surfer, much more safely than if you lost your board and had to swim for it.

Unless you’re catching waves, a straight surfer’s leash isn’t ideal as it will trail in the water behind you and can get caught on all sorts of stuff.

Hence a coiled leash, that will sit on the board until you need it to extend to it’s full length, is the best option for most flat-water situations.

Red Paddle’s coiled leash can either be worn around the ankle or just below the knee as a calf leash, for better access to the quick-release. (For fast flowing water, compatible waist belts are available.)

Buy it now from Red Paddle Co

Palm Glide PFD

Paddle boarders should always wear a leash. (The arguable exception being in very fast-flowing water, when a buoyancy aid becomes the safety essential instead.)

Hence PFDs – personal flotation devices – are an optional accessory for most.

In practice, a bulky buoyancy aid can impede an effective stroke and ironically makes it more difficult to climb back onto your board if you’ve fallen in. And beyond the learning stages, in flat-water conditions most paddle boarders are rarely in the water anyway.

For peace of mind, a popular option is a ‘waist-belt’ PFD, such as this example, the Palm Glide.

Most of the time it will be unobtrusive and out of the way … until you need it! Then at the pull of a cord a CO2 cylinder provides instant flotation with a 100N pullover bladder.

Buy it now from ebay

Overboard Waterproof Phone Case

Talking of safety, it’s always good practice to carry a mobile phone on the water, just in case… Consider it an insurance policy in the very unlikely event that something goes wrong.

While some top-end phones are water-resistant these days, salt water really isn’t good for them and regular immersion won’t do your tech any favours.

It’s therefore wise to put your phone in a decent waterproof phone case – and this OverBoard is a trustworthy option.

Although many complete board packages come complete with a waterproof phone case, they’re often not so well made and can soon develop leaks.

Whereas this is built to last; made from eco-friendly TPU fabrics and featuring OverBoard’s trademark 100% waterproof ‘Slide Seal System’.

Buy it now from Amazon

Red Paddle Titan II SUP Pump

If you own an inflatable paddle board, you’ll soon get to know your pump very well indeed. Pumping by hand can feel like a chore, but actually it’s quicker than electric inflation.

As long as you consider it a warm-up and leave yourself enough time to inflate at a sensible pace before your paddle, it’s really not so bad once you get used to it. A good quality pump does help though – and Red Paddle’s Titan is the best out there.

Newly redesigned for 2022, the Titan II is a double-chamber pump. Use both barrels to get the volume into your board up to 5 or 6psi, then flick the switch to take it to the low-volume, high-pressure chamber and pump up to full pressure.

Look out for our feature on the best SUP pumps, both manual and electric, coming soon…

Buy it now from Red Paddle Co

Olaian Surf Poncho

Changing towels are ubiquitous in surfsports, and even if you don’t tend to get wet whilst paddling this sort of garment is ideal for getting changed before or after a SUP too.

Decathlon’s own-brand Olaian Surf Poncho is a great example of the genre.

Thanks to stretchy underarm panels and hip cut-outs there’s enough room inside to comfortably strip off, dry yourself on soft, 100% organically produced cotton, then climb back into your civvies – modesty intact!

Obviously this isn’t a garment to wear while paddling though.

Buy it now from Decathlon

ItiWit Paddle Cover

If you’ve opted to upgrade your paddle to a one-piece, particularly if you’ve gone for a lightweight high-carbon option, a paddle bag is on the list of must-have SUP accessories to protect from knocks, scrapes and scratches.

Decathlon’s own ItiWit brand offer a nice budget option. Fully padded for maximum impact resistance, it’s a simple slide in with velcro closure to keep your blade in tip-top condition.

Suitable for paddles of up to 1.95m long, it’s adjustable for shorter shafts with a rip-tab size adjustment strap. Constructed from Polyethylene with a Polyurethane coating, in grey with orange trim.

Maybe not the most prestigious brand, but does everything you need of a paddle bag.

Buy it now from Decathlon

FatStick SUP Sock

Paddle boards are generally pretty robust – especially good quality inflatables. Yet if you’re planning to leave a SUP aboard your boat it’s wise to get a boardbag to keep it protected from the elements and your boat protected from the board.

Or if you’ve invested in a solid paddle board, it’s nice to have something to keep scratches at bay whilst you store or transport it.

A full-on paddle board bag will offer maximum protection for delicate boards, yet in most situations a simple paddle board sock should be more than enough.

This SUP Sock from FatStick is 10’6” long but will happily extend to 11’+. With a protective nose cover and draw-cord closure, made from super-soft thick material it protects your board yet remains light and stretchy enough not to hinder carrying it.

Buy it now from ebay

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The post Best paddle board accessories: the best paddleboard gear appeared first on Yachting World.

It might come as a surprise to discover that the vast majority of the stand-up paddle board (SUP) market is inflatable. In fact, in most conditions good quality pump-up boards can perform every bit as well as their solid counterparts. As such, to a degree, the best inflatable paddle board can be considered a synonym of best paddle board.

If you’re not specifically looking for an inflatable paddle board, be sure to check out our guide to the best paddle boards on the market.

An inflatable SUP (or iSUP) is the obvious choice for stowing aboard a boat or yacht – and below we look at the best inflatable paddle boards for a whole range of different uses, from beginner-friendly all-rounders to specialised surf, race and even whitewater board.

If you want to learn more about specific air pressures and what you’re looking for in an inflatable paddle board you can also jump to our handy guide below.

Best inflatable paddle board

Red Paddle Compact inflatable paddleboard

Red Paddle Co 11’0 Compact Inflatable Paddle Board

Best inflatable paddle board for travel

Reasons to buy: Incredibly portable – fits into smallest of backpacks | High build quality | 5-year warranty
Reasons to avoid: Premium price

Size Options: 11′ x 32″ | 9’6″ x 30″ | 12′ x 32″

Red Paddle were the pioneers of high-quality inflatable paddle boards and they remain the most innovative brand out there, with an extensive product range – in fact, all eight of the boards featured here could easily be Red designs, so no apologies that we’ve included three!

Red Paddle’s Compact packs down into the smallest backpack on the market: half the size of most inflatable paddle board packages.

Yet folded into that space is a real do-it-all board with a truly top-end finish.

This 11′ x 32″ Compact is an ideal all-round size, while the 9’6″ x 30″ would be better for small surf and the 12′ x 32″ more suited to flat-water and touring.

Superb for stowage and transport, pricey yet super-high quality with a 5-year warranty.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

The Gladiator Pro 10’6″ is our pick of the bunch for those on a budget

Gladiator Pro 10’6″

Best cheap inflatable paddle board

Reasons to buy: Great value | Decent build quality | 3-year warranty
Reasons to avoid: Not as all-round as led to believe | Not ideal for extensive or professional use, more for casual use

Size Options: 10’6″ x 32″

If you’re really just after a tender for your yacht or boat, or maybe an occasional beach toy or splashabout platform, then a basic 10’6″ x 32″ design would do the job perfectly well.

While nowhere near as all-round as the marketing might have you believe, this standard SUP design is fine for learning, playing about on and covering shorter distances.

Although this size of board is ubiquitous, the build quality varies massively between brands – so it’s often false economy to buy the cheapest thing you can find online.

But if price really matters to you, Gladiator offers the best constructed ‘budget’ range on the market: this 10’6″ Pro is double-skinned, good for 20psi of air pressure and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Buy it now from Gladiator Paddleboards

Red Paddle’s Voyager

Red Paddle 13’2″ Voyager

Best inflatable paddle board for touring

Reasons to buy: Ideal length for glide and comfort without sacrificing speed | Twin-fin set-up provides stability | Options to suit a variety of riders
Reasons to avoid: Premium price

Size Options: 13’2″ x 30″ | 12’6″ x 32″ | 12′ x 28″

While few go to the extremes of carrying much kit or overnighting from their paddle boards, arguably the most popular form of recreational paddling is ‘touring’: basically covering a route on flattish water.

For this purpose a relatively longboard that’s not too wide is ideal – length for glide and enough width for comfort without sacrificing much speed.

Many manufacturers offer some form of touring board, but Red Paddle’s Voyager remains the inflatable market leader.

In recent years Red has cleverly built some vee into the hull, which combined with a twin-fin setup provides extra stability.

This 13’2″ x 30″ Voyager would suit experienced riders, the 12’6″ x 32″ is more all-round, while the new 12′ x 28″ is a perfect size for smaller paddlers looking for a pacey cruiser.

Starboard All Star Airline

Best inflatable paddle board for endurance racing

Reasons to buy: An adaptable and competitive racer | Great endurance option over longer distances | Many options to suit a variety of riders
Reasons to avoid: Premium price | Top-end scene is almost exclusively solid boards

Size Options: 14′ x 26″ | 14′ x 24.5″ | 14′ x 28″

Although the top-end SUP racing scene is almost exclusively solid, semi-carbon boards, a suitably rigidified inflatable can be surprisingly competitive – especially over longer distances and endurance courses when absolute top speed is less of a factor.

While several pedigree brands produce impressive inflatable raceboards, Starboard probably offers the widest range on the market right now.

This 14′ x 26″ All Star would be the best choice as an adaptable yet competitive racer: they also offer a super-charged 14′ x 24.5″ for lighter, more experienced racers, and a 14′ x 28″ for heavier, less experienced riders, plus a dedicated 14′ downwinder – and a pair of 12’6″s for the shorter race category.

Buy it now from SupCo

Red Paddle 8’10” WHIP

Best inflatable paddle board for surf

Reasons to buy: Catches waves, charges down the line and turns well | More robust and less prone to injury than a solid board | Super-rigid
Reasons to avoid: The top-end surfing scene is almost exclusively solid boards

Size Options: 8’10” x 29″

The best rigid paddle boards reign supreme in the surf too – but again, suspend your disbelief and a well-designed inflatable can more than hold its own in the waves.

Of course, it won’t carve rail-to-rail turns quite like a solid, but a pump-up will catch just as many waves, charge down the line brilliantly and turn perfectly well off the back foot.

For the vast majority of budding SUPsurfers, an inflatable is arguably a better choice as it’s more robust and less prone to injure you or anyone else in a wipe-out.

The best exponent of the genre is Red Paddle’s Whip; an 8’10” x 29″ single-fin round-tail with Red Paddle’s patented rail stiffening battens, which combined with its capacity to take 20psi+ of air pressure makes it super-rigid for that solid-board feel.

Freshwater Bay Compact Tourer

Best all-round inflatable paddle board

Reasons to buy: Great all-rounder | Excellent build quality and finish | Great value and sold complete with extras
Reasons to avoid: One size option

Size Options: 11’5″ x 32″

For flat to choppy water paddling, the ideal all-rounder is 11’+ and 30-32″ wide to provide the optimum mix of speed, stability and manoeuvrability.

This Freshwater Bay Compact Tourer is a brilliant example, at 11’5″ long and 32″ wide its glide is good yet with over 300L of volume even heavier riders will have no trouble with balance.

Build quality and finish is excellent for the price: double-skinned, drop-stitched and impressive maximum air pressure of 30psi.

Hailing from the Isle of Wight and sold complete with paddle, pump and bag, this would be a great all-rounder to stow aboard a yacht as it will ably turn its hand to whatever conditions you might find from any harbour or mooring.

Buy now from Freshwater Bay

Decathlon ItiWit Tandem

Best multi-person inflatable paddle board 

Reasons to buy: Great value | Stable and manoeuvrable | Optimised for two people but can stretch to a small family
Reasons to avoid: Doesn’t include a pump, leash or paddle | Not the fastest or most directional

Size Options: 15′ x 35″

Multi-person boards aren’t commonplace in paddleboarding, yet it is a lot of fun to paddle in company and a few manufacturers do produce quads and tandems.

The best value you’ll find is this Decathlon ItiWit at a penny under six-hundred quid – although be warned that doesn’t include a pump, leash or paddle, so do budget for those too unless you already have your own.

At 15′ x 35″ this is relatively short and wide for a tandem, so while it won’t be the fastest or most directional it will be stable and pretty manoeuvrable.

Well put together for the money and good for 17psi of air pressure, so robust and rigid enough to work nicely on the water.

Optimised for two-person paddling, although a board this big could take a small family at a push.

NRS Quiver 10.4 paddleboard

Best inflatable paddle board for whitewater river paddling

Reasons to buy: Durable and safe | Great brand history amongst whitewater rafting | 3-year warranty
Reasons to avoid: Niche in the UK | Premium price

Size Options: 10’4″ x 35″

Whitewater river paddling really is a very specialised discipline indeed, more popular in North America and mainland Europe than the UK.

Inflatable boards rule in river-running for reasons of durability and safety, as they will inevitably spend time bouncing off boulders, rocks and riverbanks.

NRS have a 50-year history in whitewater kayaking and rafting, so are a safe bet if you’re ready to throw yourself downriver on a SUP.

This 10’4″ is a sturdy, voluminous, 35″ wide twin-fin design, boasting extra rocker for charging rapids, eddies and ferries.

Stable and responsive, it pumps to an impressive 20psi – complete with pressure release valve to avoid over-inflation – and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Buy it now from Outdoor Play

How much air pressure does an inflatable paddleboard need?

Air pressure is key. You really must find a board that recommends inflating to an absolute minimum 15psi of pressure – ideally 18psi or more.

The harder you can pump an inflatable, the more it feels and behaves like a solid board.

Cheaply constructed boards won’t paddle effectively as their build quality, seams and valves just won’t take the pressure to inflate hard enough. Whereas if your warranty covers you for 20psi+, performance can be akin to a solid board.

To ensure you are able to pump up your paddleboard to the right pressure you will need a paddleboard pump. Often the pumps that come with boards are not up to the task, or require you to expend too much effort. So it’s worth looking around for the best paddleboard pumps, whether manual or electric.

What’s the difference?

So not all boards are created equal – but even beyond basic build quality and adequate air pressure, board design and dimensions have a huge impact on how an inflatable paddleboard performs and what conditions and/or specialism it best suits.

Basically, width provides stability yet also creates drag, while length makes a board directional yet harder to turn.

An all-round board might be c.11 feet long by 32 inches wide, a waveboard will be shorter and more rounded in planshape, whereas a tourer will be longer with more parallel rails, a raceboard longer still and very narrow for optimum speed.

Here we look at examples of some of the best inflatable paddleboards for various different specialisms…

What else will I need?

There are many SUP accessories on the market, some of which are essentials, some optional extras. Of course, if your board’s inflatable you’re going to need a pump! Most iSUPs will come packaged with a manual high-pressure pump; generally you get what you pay for in terms of quality and hence ease of inflation.

All boards come complete with a fin too, which is essential to keep you tracking in a straight line.

Also essential, but this time for safety, is a quick-release leash to keep you attached to your SUP – whereas in most situations a buoyancy aid is entirely optional.

Finally, you will also need a paddle: most entry-level and all-round packages will include a basic adjustable paddle, but as some of the boards featured here are a little more specialised, they won’t necessarily come complete with one.

Don’t miss our guides to:

Best Paddle boards
Best paddle board pumps
Best paddle board accessories
What to wear when paddleboarding

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

The post Best Inflatable Paddle board: 8 of the best iSUPs appeared first on Yachting World.

The advent of high-strength PVC inflatables and high-pressure pumps has transformed the world of marine toys. The variety of inflatable stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and windsurfers is getting all ages afloat with a minimum of fuss.

Read our guide to the best paddleboard options on the market. Or, if you’re specifically looking for a pump-up paddleboard then check our guide to the best inflatable paddleboards on the market now.

Don’t miss our guides to: Best paddle board pumps; Best paddle board accessories; What to wear when paddleboarding

Red Ride 10’6 stand-up paddleboard review

The best tender/toy you’ve never had – granted, that sounds like a bold claim to make, but anyone who has tried any of the good quality inflatable stand-up paddleboards on the markety knows that there is no looking back. These blow-up stand-up paddleboards are one of the biggest game-changers in recent years for cruising sailors at anchor/leisure.

Why? After a season of trying one, I can safely say the reasons keep growing! For starters, once inflated, stand-up paddleboards immediately create extra deck-cum-pontoon space. So for lazy summer days it’s perfect for families to use as a base from which to swim and jump or board the yacht, to check the waterline or to scope out an anchorage.

Red’s Ride models come with a three-part paddle, pump, leash and ba

For use as a tender, a stand-up paddleboard is obviously hampered by its low freeboard and payload capacity. But for shipping waterproof items to the beach, an esky, kids, etc. it does the job with a lot less fuss than blowing up a RIB and rigging an outboard.

Then there are the fitness and independence benefits. To wake up, creep off the boat, and silently paddle off for some exercise at sunrise is liberating. I’ve also taken this 10’6 Ride – the world’s most popular inflatable stand-up paddleboard model – fishing, using a telescopic rod in a waterproof rucksack. I’ve also tried it in surf – though don’t expect to go down the line and carve: soft, rounded rails and plastic fins mean your body will try to go one way and the board won’t necessarily follow.

Perhaps the greatest appeal of an inflatable stand-up paddleboard, though, is for parents of young children. dinghies can seem alien to the young. But give them an inflatable paddleboard, something they can’t hurt themselves (or the topsides) with, and watch them become veritable ducks to water. In an instant, small kids literally cannot get enough of being in and around the water.

The best investment for parents of young children…

As a parent, it is intensely satisfying to witness and, for that reason alone, I cannot rate this product highly enough.

The quality of even the best paddleboard is commensurate with how much use you will get out of it. Red has been in the business for ten years and arguably has the best reputation for the stiffness of its boards, its superb pumps and carrying cases. I’ve tried cheaper, less stiff alternatives which result in more of the banana shape you might expect from an inflatable when you step onto it.

Red’s secret lies in its Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL) Fusion technology. It creates a laminated layer on both surfaces to offer the stiffness of a double-layer board with the comparative lighter weight of a single layer type. There is a Top Gear-style video series of Red lab-testing a 10’6 board, including firing paint balls at it and driving a 22.5 tonne digger with caterpillar tracks clean over one.

The deck pad is robust and comfortable for bare feet and the integral bungee tie-downs on the bow are, handy for strapping a bag/barbecue/child in place. Red’s Titan twin-chamber pump is superb. It allows you to quickly pump in around 10-15psi pressure, before switching to a single chamber for the final, crucial extra pressure.

Five minutes pumping on the foredeck and your stand-up paddleboard is ready to go. The wheelie rucksack makes it easy to pack away the board, three-part paddle and pump and keep it in a locker or in the car boot. Yes the Ride is expensive – but you’ll quickly get your money’s worth in fun.

RRP: £849

YW Rating: 5/5

Using a stand-up paddleboard as a second tender

After the demise of his previous dinghy in Lanzarote, Aleko Stephan used a stand-up paddleboard as the primary tender aboard Beduin, a Nicholson 32, for a voyage to the west coast of Chile via the Magellan Straits and Beagle Channel. “At first everyone laughed at me,” he says, “but when they saw how good it was they also started to buy paddleboards.”

“It’s good to have a board with lots of buoyancy – at least 10cm deep – and a longer one: mine is 3.85m (12ft 8in). It will take two people, and I have used it for carrying anchors in the Patagonia Canals, as well as provisions and up to 70lt of water and diesel.”

Alternative inflatable toys – the best of the rest

Tiwal inflatable sailing dinghy

The Tiwal stows into two compact bags and can be launched, assembled and sailed in 20 minutes.

It uses the same high-strength PVC material as inflatable paddleboards, but an alloy structure gives it a backbone and allows the helmsman or crew to sit out. The carbon mast splits into four.

The latest models are more streamlined, practical and comfortable and hiking rack pads are on the accessories list.

RRP: €5,490

Buy it now on Tiwal.com

Starboard Blend Windsup

The rise of stand-up paddleboards, windsurfing SUPs and inflatable SUPs led to a hybrid of all three. Since Starboard launched an inflatable windsurfer seven years ago, the design and build quality has risen to produce fun, planing, freestyle boards.

Inflatable rigs are available, but for those wanting more performance, a four piece solid mast and three piece boom makes a compact solution with an inflatable board.

RRP: £1,799

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence

Intex Explorer K2 inflatable kayak

For those who like to do things as a couple, a two-person inflatable kayak can be an economical solution to exploring creeks. The Intex Explorer K2 is one of the best selling models in the UK.

RRP: £329.99 / $149.99

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Buy it now on eBay

First published in the July 2018 issue of Yachting World.

The post Why stand-up paddleboards have become the must-have boating accessory appeared first on Yachting World.