SUP Inflatables (Any Good?)

Rougebladez · 22-04-2011 10:28pm #1

Hi People

I have been looking at a few SUP boards and was attracted to the Inflatables due to their portability and storage as compared to their rigid counterparts.

I know once I get lessons that the instructor will recommend the proper board etc.

But just wondering are they a gimmick or are they worth getting?

Also which would be the best inflatable as there are so many brands out there between Gekko, Red Paddle etc.

I'd prefer if you speak from your own experience and not to pimp your brands if you are a shop owner/rep etc.

That said any info iwill be a great help.

cornbb · 23-04-2011 8:37am

Haven't had first-hand experience but I've talked to people who have who said they are "surprisingly good".

LifesaverNiall · 25-04-2011 11:26pm

if you find any good cheap ones throw up a link there

Rougebladez · 26-04-2011 8:18pm

The cheapest I've seen online, is one on ebay called a GEKKO 11 ft for 399 sterling, but they say on ebay and on their own site that they dont ship outside the UK.

If you contact them personally you might twist their arm, but again I stress, I am only looking for one myself and dont have a clue about these boards yet, so this type might be crap.

I'd find out from someone if these sup boards are any good before splashing out several hundred blips on one only to discover they are crap.Thus the reason I started this thread.

Best of luck with whatever you do and let me know how you get on.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Gekko-11-Inflatable-Stand-Up-Paddle-Board-SUP-/330554316752?pt=UK_Surfing&hash=item4cf69297d0

LifesaverNiall · 27-04-2011 12:44am

yea ive seen that pure magic in clontarf have started doing lessons, they started last thursday.. my birthday

so i couldnt go..
but im going to wait and see how much their lessons are and see if i like it first before i decide anything!
thanks though!

Rougebladez · 28-04-2011 10:51am

Ya Niall I only recently have gotten interested and for the life of me couldn't find anywhere in cork that does lessons on em.

Then I saw several places in Dublin incl PureM and Surfdock and was doin my nut ,but since then I was pointed towards a place in cork but have to wait till next month.

Japer · 28-04-2011 12:40pm

The inflatable ones are said to be a bit floppy, not great. Certainly anyone in to SUPing seems to have a hard board. I had a go on one on holidays once, great fun even in little waves. I saw an epoxy NSP one with a nice soft deck pad all over the deck, in a shop in Sligo ( Sunset ) a few weeks ago, think it was about 700 euro. I'm getting one when I win the lotto.

Rougebladez · 28-04-2011 3:47pm

Ive no doubt that hardboards would be better but theres no way I could store one or transport it, so Im afraid its a floppy for me as far as I can see at the moment.

Rougebladez · 20-04-2012 9:53am

Since my last post Ive taken a lesson and got the bitten by the bug.

So much so I bought a second hand Red Paddle 11 foot inflatable that came with an extendable paddle for about 450 from a guy in Dublin.

Im delighted with it and the whole -roll it up and stuff it in a bag when ur finished- is the TITS.

Again...Ive no doubt that a rigid would be better but I couldnt bear dragging one around.

stevire · 20-04-2012 1:03pm

Rougebladez wrote: »

Since my last post Ive taken a lesson and got the bitten by the bug.

So much so I bought a second hand Red Paddle 11 foot inflatable that came with an extendable paddle for about 450 from a guy in Dublin.

Im delighted with it and the whole -roll it up and stuff it in a bag when ur finished- is the TITS.

Again...Ive no doubt that a rigid would be better but I couldnt bear dragging one around.

Where did you get the lesson? Brittas Bay Surf School are renting them out for 20e all day, cheapest around at that price - going to give it a go soon see what its like.

450 for the Red Air sounds like a bargain!

Rougebladez · 24-04-2012 10:47am

20 blips for the day is a steal.

I think they rent them in Garretstown surf school only on certain days for 20 for 2 hrs.Lessons for 40 I think.Worth getting the lessons......one at least.

Yeah 450 was a steal for the board and paddle and pump and bag. The new ones are Funkier but I think around 670 for the board bag and puimp.

Veery happy babby here...

Ronnie Beck · 25-04-2012 12:36am

I'd imagine there fine for flat water. Probably be a bit limp when it comes to surfing a decent wave. Never used an inflatable SUP but I had a bic minmal years ago that creased right across the middle. It worked fine until you made a sharp turn and it just bent and slowed right down.

Rougebladez · 26-04-2012 10:49am

Dont get me wrong....I'm no Surf Guru.

But the red paddle I have can be pumped up very hard with the pump to 15-20psi. I normally use it at 15 cos I couldnt be arsed pumping it up more for what I use it for on rivers and I'm 15ish+ stone.

Used it before in small waves and rode in waves. My biggest problem was the nose diving and falling off due to me being ****e.
Im sure a more experienced surfer would make it motor.

cornbb · 09-05-2012 4:11pm

Picked up a Red Air inflatable myself a while back and first got a chance to use it yesterday. Have a fairly good impression of it overall.

Bad bits: The flex is a bit noticeable while on the water, and I reckon the plastic moulded fins are a bit useless. Certainly they don't inspire confidence. Quite heavy, getting it from the car to the edge of the water took a bit of work.

Good bits: Deck is rock hard once you get enough air into it. Seems bulletproof. Will catch pretty much any crab's fart of a wave. Will get you out on the water for an enjoyable spin even in total absence of waves. Portability is fantastic, can't wait to chuck this into the belly of a plane for my summer holidays without stressing that it will get smashed.

The flop factor is noticeable but not really a huge turnoff, no-one should expect such a product to be a high-performance machine. Also I found it almost impossible to turn once I got riding waves on it but I guess that will come with experience. I'll be picking up a cheap 3-piece paddle for portability. Glad I got it anyway, I can see myself taking it out on many summer evenings.

blackiebest · 09-05-2012 5:58pm

cornbb wrote: »

Picked up a Red Air inflatable myself a while back and first got a chance to use it yesterday. Have a fairly good impression of it overall.

Bad bits: The flex is a bit noticeable while on the water, and I reckon the plastic moulded fins are a bit useless. Certainly they don't inspire confidence. Quite heavy, getting it from the car to the edge of the water took a bit of work.

Good bits: Deck is rock hard once you get enough air into it. Seems bulletproof. Will catch pretty much any crab's fart of a wave. Will get you out on the water for an enjoyable spin even in total absence of waves. Portability is fantastic, can't wait to chuck this into the belly of a plane for my summer holidays without stressing that it will get smashed.

The flop factor is noticeable but not really a huge turnoff, no-one should expect such a product to be a high-performance machine. Also I found it almost impossible to turn once I got riding waves on it but I guess that will come with experience. I'll be picking up a cheap 3-piece paddle for portability. Glad I got it anyway, I can see myself taking it out on many summer evenings.

Hi Cornbb, any chance you will tell me how much you paid and did you get it here in Éire?

Rougebladez · 12-05-2012 12:14am

Ya...how much?

cornbb · 12-05-2012 11:18am

Got it from here: http://www.bigsurf.ie/shop/stand-up-paddle/inflatable-sups-yepthey-blow-up/red-air-inflatable-sup-ultimate-practicality/76-229-312

Didn't get as good a bargain as Rougebladez

ryank3nny · 13-05-2012 12:08pm

I brought an ULI SUP over from the US a few years ago, and I have to say it's ideal for what I wanted it for - pick up the sport and get out a couple of times a year without the hassle of having to deal with 11 or 12 feet of fiberglass. As has been mentioned, once you get them up to 15+ psi they tend to be more than rigid enough to surf reasonably well, especially if you're only learning, and they'll catch pretty much anything so you get plenty of practice.

Having said that, you will certainly notice a difference between how it rides and how a real board would (particularly if you already surf). Inflatables can't really have proper rails or a decent rocker shape, so once you get past the point where you're happy to just cruise down the line and want to see if you can move the thing around a bit, you'll find it a lot harder than you would on a regular board. On a balance though, if you're looking to get into SUP, aren't planning on expecting too high performance from the thing, and are worried about portability then I certainly recommend getting your hands on one. Afraid I can't give you any tips about brands though, AFAIK ULI only ship in the US.

Rougebladez · 13-05-2012 9:57pm

If u take a look at the new "Funkier" redpaddle boards (the electric blue colour) the rocker(the curve on the bottom of the board which would make it rock from toe to tail if on a straight surface) looks a lot more defined.
I have the older(fawn colour) but got it at a steal.
And yes ULI only ship to the US and Red seem to have cornered the market in Europe AFAIK.

ir555 · 21-06-2012 6:48pm

PM me for more details.

My dad is selling two Inflatable Red Airs (1st Generation) in perfect nic..

You can demo them at Rusheen Bay and they also have the dealership for them.

D

Rougebladez · 23-06-2012 12:47pm

If they are the same as mine I'd recommend you get one.

Another reason I got it was the kids an use it on the beach as well (you dont have to worry about the kids hitting others as its rubber). And I can use it on rivers or reservoir. I have used it for surfing small surf without the paddle and used it as a canoe in the kneeling or sitting position at lunchtime at work.

And cos its inflatable and so tough theres no fear of it getting damaged unless someone takes a stanley knife to it. With a Fibreglass sup youll be worried about it hitting rocks and getting scraped.

One thing though, I would recommend getting the redair pump to make it way easier to pump it up to a decent psi.(the redair pump can be adjusted to only inflate on the downward stroke therefore allowing you to use your bodyweight for the downstroke)

I intend bringing it to france on hols this year end give my 9 yo a blast on it.

SUPing · 08-07-2012 11:27pm

I just got a whole fleet of Saturn Inflatable sup's from i-canoe.com in Dublin. Ive used afew Inflatables and Solid Boards. Not a huge huge difference in performance on the flat water when starting out!
It was the storage factor with the inflatables that got me hooked on them!!!

Paddy

mrcheez · 30-10-2013 12:30am

Sorry to bump an old thread, but just found out about these inflatable SUPs. Would it be possible to wear the backpack while out on the board, or are the contents too bulky (or problematic if wet)?

Just thinking it would be cool to walk to the beach and head off without having to worry about somebody snatching the bag on land if you are going solo.

SUPing · 30-10-2013 8:45am

The only think left in tbe bag would be the pump. I know rafts carry the pump on the water with them but sometimes in a drybag. Small srybag for the pump snd yhen on your back or the front of the board would work!!!

mrcheez · 30-10-2013 12:45pm

Can all SUPs double as kayaks (attach a seat) like this one or do you lose some of the aerodynamics (hydrodynamics?) to make it a good controllable non-bulky SUP?

Rougebladez · 30-10-2013 9:36pm

No, not all SUPs can convert to kayaks. I have seen some which can have a seat attached but they seem to try and be everything at once.

I have used mine to sit on and kind of used it as a kayak but if you were to use it like that you would need a kayak paddle which is completely different to a SUP paddle.

You can use them for short periods like kayaks but constantly switching the paddle (which is considerably longer than a kayak paddle) becomes cumbersome.

I did bring mine on holidays and taught my 9 year old how to SUP in 20 mins. On pretty flat water.

For the previous poster, yes you can stow the bag and some gear in a bungee net at the front of the SUP but only a few boards have these attachments and anything over a few kilos weight or anything bulky won't work too well.

mrcheez · 31-10-2013 11:51am

Rougebladez wrote: »

No, not all SUPs can convert to kayaks. I have seen some which can have a seat attached but they seem to try and be everything at once.

...

For the previous poster, yes you can stow the bag and some gear in a bungee net at the front of the SUP but only a few boards have these attachments and anything over a few kilos weight or anything bulky won't work too well.

Both posts are mine

I was looking at the Red 10'8 Mega which seems to have bungee attachments. Would this be a good board to ride ferry waves at Dollymount, plus double as a kayak if I wanted (with a kayak paddle)?

How would a smaller board differ? Is longer board faster going straight, but slower to turn?

I guess the main things I'd want to do are ride straight lines down small waves and just generally paddle out when water is calm.

Cheers!

Rougebladez · 31-10-2013 12:51pm

TBH I'm not the guy to answer that as I normally use it on flat water on rivers and on the beach.

I'm sure over time you'd become proficient enough to do whatever you want on one.

I saw one of the new "rainbow" coloured red boards on hols and these seemed to have a reinforcing batons that slip into pockets on the rails to make them even more rigid.

I was teaching my little one to surf on it aswell. And she kept a straight line on it so that might answer part of ur question.

youngblood · 01-06-2021 9:59am

Wondering if bumping this thread might be useful

Currently looking at a few options and wondering if anyone here might have any recommendations or where I might get some honest reviews on what's on offer here in Ireland

Have been looking at these one -

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/all-sup-boards/products/3510994/aqua-marina-atlas-2021-sup-paddle-board

https://www.decathlon.ie/inflatable-stand-up-paddle/308887-71234-stand-up-paddleboard-inflatable-surf-shortboard-500-9-160l.html#/demodelsize-254no_size/demodelcolor-8549148?queryID=cdd7e1e2213a0026d8197f35c0f5372d&objectID=2769549

https://nordicprostore.com/products/sup-board-set-kayak-pro?gclid=CjwKCAjwtdeFBhBAEiwAKOIy5wjzfFQQnrwX1peXViY8SKs7OLJOYtrE1SlDndJyylZHplkfy13SHBoC7sUQAvD_BwE

Would be great to get feedback from anyone who has purchased lately?

mrcheez · 01-06-2021 10:07am

youngblood wrote: »

Wondering if bumping this thread might be useful

Currently looking at a few options and wondering if anyone here might have any recommendations or where I might get some honest reviews on what's on offer here in Ireland

Have been looking at these one -

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/all-sup-boards/products/3510994/aqua-marina-atlas-2021-sup-paddle-board

https://www.decathlon.ie/inflatable-stand-up-paddle/308887-71234-stand-up-paddleboard-inflatable-surf-shortboard-500-9-160l.html#/demodelsize-254no_size/demodelcolor-8549148?queryID=cdd7e1e2213a0026d8197f35c0f5372d&objectID=2769549

https://nordicprostore.com/products/sup-board-set-kayak-pro?gclid=CjwKCAjwtdeFBhBAEiwAKOIy5wjzfFQQnrwX1peXViY8SKs7OLJOYtrE1SlDndJyylZHplkfy13SHBoC7sUQAvD_BwE

Would be great to get feedback from anyone who has purchased lately?

First one appears to be out of stock.

The second one seems to be shaped more for wave riding, rather than standard SUP?

Go for the 3rd one, seems good from the specs. See if you can find online video reviews.

ted1 · 01-06-2021 10:15am

mrcheez wrote: »

First one appears to be out of stock.

The second one seems to be shaped more for wave riding, rather than standard SUP?
Go for the 3rd one, seems good from the specs. See if you can find online video reviews.

Decathlon have lots more that are similar shape to the 3rd one, OP where do you plan to use it?
https://www.decathlon.ie/4322-bestsellers?prod_en%5Bquery%5D=stand%20up%20paddle%20board

There’s a shop in Ireland that stock Aqua marine.
https://www.adventure-marine.com/shop-aqua-marina

youngblood · 01-06-2021 11:02am

Will check those out for sure!
I mainly will use on lakes/canals, but hoping it might be viable also for the sea at weekends??
Maybe some SUP surf if possible?

mrcheez · 01-06-2021 11:34am

youngblood wrote: »

Will check those out for sure!
I mainly will use on lakes/canals, but hoping it might be viable also for the sea at weekends??
Maybe some SUP surf if possible?

Gotta git gud before you hit the waves... I'd concentrate on using the SUP for lakes canals initially.

Don't forget to buy a life vest too

youngblood · 01-06-2021 12:01pm

I would have a PFD/lifejacket from my kayak and would have some experience from long board surfing over the years so hoping some of those skills will carry over! Shouldnt they??
Any inflatable recommendations?

mrcheez · 01-06-2021 12:20pm

youngblood wrote: »

I would have a PFD/lifejacket from my kayak and would have some experience from long board surfing over the years so hoping some of those skills will carry over! Shouldnt they??
Any inflatable recommendations?

What's your max budget?

I have a Red Paddle Ride 10'6.. but it's over the €1000 mark

Bullet proof, so you're paying for something that will last years... I surf ship "waves" at Dollymount, Dublin with it, but haven't really tried it on proper waves

youngblood · 01-06-2021 12:46pm

About 500-600 max-depending on how well my old kayaks sell for tbh

You'd recommend that one?

mrcheez · 01-06-2021 12:50pm

youngblood wrote: »

About 500-600 max-depending on how well my old kayaks sell for tbh

You'd recommend that one?

The Red Paddle? Yeah it's superb.. but it's a premium make and you can get excellent boards for the 500-600 rate too.

Try to get one with a dual-pump which makes inflation far less painful. I can pump my board in around 4-5 minutes.

If the one you select doesn't have that you can buy them separately

https://www.decathlon.ie/pumps-and-accessories-inflatable-stand-up-paddle/192432-51804-stand-up-paddle-triple-action-high-pressure-hand-pump-20-psi-black-orange.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx63s-6728AIV4-jtCh39TgCaEAQYASABEgIpKPD_BwE#/demodelsize-254no_size/demodelcolor-8401570

Another tip... try to go for an SUP with straps at the front.

That way you can fold up the backpack with the pump in it and sail across lakes or down rivers, and you have all the equipment with you so no worries about leaving anything on the shore.

I stick mine in a durable 200l plastic bag to keep it dry.

Paddle out from Howth to Ireland's Eye and have the entire island to myself sometimes.. it's glorious

Romer · 01-06-2021 1:04pm

youngblood wrote: »

About 500-600 max-depending on how well my old kayaks sell for tbh

You'd recommend that one?

I may regret asking this as the last thing I need is to buy yet another kayak..

Whatcha got?

sheriff2 · 01-06-2021 1:12pm

After doing a few lessons the instructor advised that its better to buy a good brand second hand one as opposed to a cheap one.

I bought a 2nd hand O'Shea board and I love it, think i paid 500e for everything.
Have a look at companies that do lessons, they update their boards most years so might have some to sell.

Recently bought an electric pump and its a game changer, pumping by hand can be tough.

mrcheez · 01-06-2021 1:25pm

sheriff2 wrote: »

After doing a few lessons the instructor advised that its better to buy a good brand second hand one as opposed to a cheap one.

Yeah this is true.

You really have to consider "do I want to save a couple of hundred, but have a board that might start leaking while I'm out in the middle of a lake?"

It's a false economy. Go for the best make you can afford I reckon, even a 2nd hand one.

spaceHopper · 03-06-2021 11:11am

youngblood wrote: »

Wondering if bumping this thread might be useful

Currently looking at a few options and wondering if anyone here might have any recommendations or where I might get some honest reviews on what's on offer here in Ireland

Have been looking at these one -

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/all-sup-boards/products/3510994/aqua-marina-atlas-2021-sup-paddle-board

https://www.decathlon.ie/inflatable-stand-up-paddle/308887-71234-stand-up-paddleboard-inflatable-surf-shortboard-500-9-160l.html#/demodelsize-254no_size/demodelcolor-8549148?queryID=cdd7e1e2213a0026d8197f35c0f5372d&objectID=2769549

https://nordicprostore.com/products/sup-board-set-kayak-pro?gclid=CjwKCAjwtdeFBhBAEiwAKOIy5wjzfFQQnrwX1peXViY8SKs7OLJOYtrE1SlDndJyylZHplkfy13SHBoC7sUQAvD_BwE

Would be great to get feedback from anyone who has purchased lately?

depends on your weight, the first one is been blocked my company IT
The second one is OK up to 90 KG and the last one is OK up to 115kg. Please be careful thess and strong off or cross off shore winds don't mix at all.

youngblood · 03-06-2021 12:10pm

Will do!

Also checking out Orcaboard.ie- They seem to be a new Irish company, specialising in SUP boards for Irish customers in Irish climate- Would rather support Irish if I can

Anyone have any dealings with them? Seem legit? Not some cheap rebrand?

mrcheez · 03-06-2021 1:28pm

youngblood wrote: »

Will do!

Also checking out Orcaboard.ie- They seem to be a new Irish company, specialising in SUP boards for Irish customers in Irish climate- Would rather support Irish if I can

Anyone have any dealings with them? Seem legit? Not some cheap rebrand?

look pretty good, though the pump looks to be single tube variant and I'd still recommend going for a triple action one with 2 tubes to make it a lot easier to blow it up.

They say Pre-order though, so how long will you have to wait to receive one?

ted1 · 03-06-2021 3:19pm

youngblood wrote: »

Will do!

Also checking out Orcaboard.ie- They seem to be a new Irish company, specialising in SUP boards for Irish customers in Irish climate- Would rather support Irish if I can

Anyone have any dealings with them? Seem legit? Not some cheap rebrand?

looks like a cheap board with branding. if they designed it they'd have more details as regards its construction.
not all boards have the important drop stictch. https://www.kingofwatersports.com/buying-guides/stand-up-paddle-boarding-buying-guide

ted1 · 03-06-2021 3:21pm

youngblood wrote: »

Will check those out for sure!
I mainly will use on lakes/canals, but hoping it might be viable also for the sea at weekends??
Maybe some SUP surf if possible?

then the standard allround one will suit, deffo go for inflatable

youngblood · 03-06-2021 4:07pm

mrcheez wrote: »

look pretty good, though the pump looks to be single tube variant and I'd still recommend going for a triple action one with 2 tubes to make it a lot easier to blow it up.

They say Pre-order though, so how long will you have to wait to receive one?

They say early July!
No mention of the "drop stitch" as mentioned by another posted which seems important!

Think the decathlon ones might have it but will need to double check!
Just checked this one from King of Sports
https://www.kingofwatersports.com/product/jp-allroundair-sl-110-inflatable-sup-2021/jp-2021-allroundair-sl-11-sup?refPage=%2Fsup%2Finflatable-sup-boards%2Fallround-inflatable-sup-boards&bundle1=with+Alu+3pc+Paddle

and this could be a contender!

A2LUE42 · 11-06-2021 1:59pm

Ordered from Amazon.CO.UK and .DE both delivered in a week :-)
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0881PHJ71/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07CM1V6RZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and this to make life easier with my portable pumps.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07VDNRRN2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The one from Micks garage took quite a while as they were not in stock. (10% off with THATSCHEAP)
https://www.micksgarage.com/d/all-sup-boards/products/3510988/aqua-marina-vapor-2021-sup-paddle-board

mrcheez · 11-06-2021 3:13pm

A2LUE42 wrote: »

and this to make life easier with my portable pumps.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07VDNRRN2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is this battery powered? Looks like it could be damn handy, but the reviews seem kinda mixed?

A2LUE42 · 11-06-2021 5:03pm

mrcheez wrote: »

Is this battery powered? Looks like it could be damn handy, but the reviews seem kinda mixed?

It's just an adapter.

I use it with one of these powered by the car
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AA-Digital-Tyre-Inflator-Adapters/dp/B00N94L21U/ref=sxin_10_ac_d_rm?ac_md=1-1-ZGlnaXRhbCB0eXJlIGluZmxhdG9y-ac_d_rm&cv_ct_cx=tyre+inflator&dchild=1&keywords=tyre+inflator&pd_rd_i=B00N94L21U&pd_rd_r=c7fba61a-320f-4a62-b9b8-709a970ed48d&pd_rd_w=APYZE&pd_rd_wg=BajhJ&pf_rd_p=73573abc-9548-43f0-87cb-a185286cee4c&pf_rd_r=ZCAF8AZK5PV1N80RZP7E&psc=1&qid=1623427264&sr=1-2-fe323411-17bb-433b-b2f8-c44f2e1370d4

or

one like this, powered by car or its battery.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/SKEY-Compressor-Rechargeable-Motorcycle-Inflatables/dp/B08BF9FBBH/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=tyre+inflator&qid=1623427340&sr=8-13

SUP Inflatables (Any Good?)

Comments