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bcroslin
05-02-2015, 02:48 PM
Wondering if there's a forum or site like the PL for stand-up paddle boarding? I'm going to buy my wife a paddle board for her birthday in June and I don't know the first thing about them. We've rented them before and she picked it up quick while I flailed around like a cat thrown into a swimming pool. Anyway, I'm looking for info on what to buy and where to buy it.

TIA

ceolwulf
05-02-2015, 03:18 PM
http://www.standupzone.com/ seems pretty good.

I really want to get into it but I need to move somewhere where there is actual water first.

I've had my eye on a Tower Xplorer inflatable. I might get one even now because they're so portable. Maybe sell my canoe.

sw3759
05-02-2015, 04:08 PM
:) funny,i thought how would a mavic rim thread be off topic? SUP "supine udine process"

William
05-02-2015, 04:40 PM
http://www.standupzone.com/ seems pretty good.

I really want to get into it but I need to move somewhere where there is actual water first.

I've had my eye on a Tower Xplorer inflatable. I might get one even now because they're so portable. Maybe sell my canoe.

Inflatables are good for portability or if you don't have the space. I would go with ULI. Naish, Starboard, or Red Paddle before I would go Tower (just MHO).

The Zone is a good place for info on all things SUP.

I've been known to paddle a little...;)






William

bcroslin
05-02-2015, 04:55 PM
William - any recommendations for a beginner board for a woman who's 5'4"? We'll be using it in the bay and in the gulf.

Seramount
05-02-2015, 06:00 PM
SUP is very big in AUS. tons of them out on Town Lake (aka Lake Lady Bird)...

looks boring to me. doesn't seem like a skill activity.

I'd much rather canoe or kayak or swim or ride my bike.

pmac
05-02-2015, 06:47 PM
SUP is very big in AUS. tons of them out on Town Lake (aka Lake Lady Bird)...

looks boring to me. doesn't seem like a skill activity.

I'd much rather canoe or kayak or swim or ride my bike.

I'm not going to claim it's a high level skill activity, but it is fun and its a very nice change of pace from cycling with not a worry in the world about the car coming up behind you. It's also a great workout. If you're looking at the SUPers on Town Lake, most of them are out there to loaf around, have a beer, try it out, etc. People who are doing it more strenuously are the exception in my experience, and they're the ones using their whole body not just their arms.

I love riding my bike, but it's beautiful to go from Austin High to Red Bud around dawn. Once you're past MoPac, nothing but water and scenery (and high end real estate high above you), like an oasis in the city.

You can make it much more of a skill activity by working on turns. You can also start with a more advanced board (less stable) which keeps things lively, at least at first. If you want more excitement, try Lake Austin where you can learn how to stay upright when the wake from the skiboats comes rolling by. I've only done that once so far, but it was definitely fun.

William
05-03-2015, 08:21 AM
William - any recommendations for a beginner board for a woman who's 5'4"? We'll be using it in the bay and in the gulf.

A lot will depend on whether you are looking for something for leisurely paddling or something faster. Displacement hull vs planing. 12' or 14'? All around/touring vs fast touring or racing? Flatwater board vs down wind or open ocean board? I've never paddled the Gulf but I'm guessing a DW or open ocean style board might be a better choice. At 5'4" your wife will have a lot of options to choose from, you just need to dial in what the main use will be and what you want to spend. Its like bikes in a way....some people just see bicycles, we see road, track, cross, mtb, 29'ers, TT, etc... SUP's are the same way.


SUP is very big in AUS. tons of them out on Town Lake (aka Lake Lady Bird)...

looks boring to me. doesn't seem like a skill activity.

I'd much rather canoe or kayak or swim or ride my bike.

Too each their own, but you would find that like bikes, it's how you approach it. There are barges that just about anyone could master quickly, and there are race boards that I guarantee you won't be able to paddle effectively without practicing continuously to master the skills needed to balance and make it go. Once it starts getting choppy its a whole other world to stay standing....so yes it takes skill. It can be leisurely, or you can get a heck of a full body work out. Everyone thinks their arms will be sore after first trying it, but most people find it's their legs that get the brunt of it (all those stabilizer muscles constantly firing to maintain balance). I love cycling, but I get a fuller workout paddling. As far as speed, I can go just as fast or faster then a canoe or kyak on my speed board with only one exception, into a strong headwind...but then I like the workout so I don't mind.









William

OtayBW
05-03-2015, 08:43 AM
I love cycling, but I get a fuller workout paddling. R'uh R'oh! :eek:
Five minutes in the Time Out for you, young man!

William
05-03-2015, 08:45 AM
R'uh R'oh! :eek:
Five minutes in the Time Out for you, young man!

Doh! :eek:

malcolm
05-03-2015, 08:54 AM
Several good places online to buy them that offer free shipping. Prices get better toward the end of summer.

Selection of the board will depend on use. As William stated the inflatables are good for portability and actually much better than you would think. I don't own but have rented fairly often for the past couple years. Just rented an inflatable a few months ago cause it was all they had. It wouldn't be my first choice but much better than I thought.

If she is going to do a lot of stuff off it, fishing, swimming etc the yolo yaks are very nice and stable. If mostly for paddling I would go with a more traditional board. Given the cost if it's something I was going to use a lot I would buy one a little more performance oriented than a big, wide slow board.
Most of the better online sales places will help you pick

William
05-03-2015, 09:07 AM
Yolo yaks are indestructible. I was looking at those for our children to use as basically a swim platform. They like to jump off and try to knock each other off the boards....and when they are on glass or carbon fiber I was cringing every time they got close. People use the Yaks to run rapids so I know our children won't be able to even dent them.

The other thing to consider is buying an intermediate board instead of a beginner. They learning curve may be a little longer, but it can be better in the long run and keep it fun/interesting/challenging for a longer time. Nothing worse then buying a beginner board and then mastering it in a month getting a little board with it.

Inflatables have come a long way as Malcomb mentioned, nothing like those inflatable mattress you floated on as a kid. The thing with them though is don't buy cheap. Don't fall for the $500 chinese cheap ones. The key is being able to handle up to 18-20 psi and remain rigid. There will always be a little give/flex with an inflatable and they will never be as fast as a rigid glass or carbon fiber board, but the good ones are well made and still fun. I personally lean toward Uli myself, they are tough as nails and proven. They stand up to white water rapids and they even make them for the military so the toughness and durability has been tested.







William

bcroslin
05-03-2015, 10:03 AM
A lot will depend on whether you are looking for something for leisurely paddling or something faster. Displacement hull vs planing. 12' or 14'? All around/touring vs fast touring or racing? Flatwater board vs down wind or open ocean board? I've never paddled the Gulf but I'm guessing a DW or open ocean style board might be a better choice. At 5'4" your wife will have a lot of options to choose from, you just need to dial in what the main use will be and what you want to spend. Its like bikes in a way....some people just see bicycles, we see road, track, cross, mtb, 29'ers, TT, etc... SUP's are the same way.
William

I'm looking for something she can paddle leisurely. She's not going to race ever. This is a woman who's been running her entire life and has never entered a 5k because she can't be bothered. An intermediate rig would work because whatever I buy she'll use forever and never want to upgrade. I'd rather go with a traditional board and not an inflatable because we have plenty of room and we're not even a mile from the bay.


Several good places online to buy them that offer free shipping. Prices get better toward the end of summer.

What site's would you recommend?

Thanks

malcolm
05-03-2015, 10:17 AM
Honestly I can't remember. It was something warehouse. It was at the end of last summer and they had some killer sales with free shipping. I may have book marked it, if so I'll check when I get home and let you know.

She sounds pretty athletic so she'll get the hang of it quick. I think an intermediate board would be the way to go, a happy medium between speed and distance. If she really likes it you could always go back and get a yolo yak. They are a ton of fun to play off of. As William said they are indestructible and I would have no problem buying one used. They are boring to paddle for just exercise though.

bcroslin
05-03-2015, 10:23 AM
Honestly I can't remember. It was something warehouse. It was at the end of last summer and they had some killer sales with free shipping. I may have book marked it, if so I'll check when I get home and let you know.

She sounds pretty athletic so she'll get the hang of it quick. I think an intermediate board would be the way to go, a happy medium between speed and distance. If she really likes it you could always go back and get a yolo yak. They are a ton of fun to play off of. As William said they are indestructible and I would have no problem buying one used. They are boring to paddle for just exercise though.

A Yak might be good for me but I definitely want to get her something a little sportier. We've rented SUP's in the past and she was up and cruising before I was and I used to surf some as a teenager.

bcroslin
05-03-2015, 10:36 AM
Is this the site?

https://www.paddlesurfwarehouse.com/stand_up_paddle_board_buyers_guide

malcolm
05-03-2015, 10:43 AM
I think that may be it. The site page looks a little different but the buyers guide looks familiar.

Google them for reviews. If it's the same place I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with a guy that was very knowledgeable.

If you've got a place to use them they are a lot of fun and decent exercise. I'm probably going to buy a couple this summer or fall. Over the past couple years I've hardly put my kayak in the water except for costal fishing it's been all SUP.

pdmtong
05-03-2015, 10:47 AM
SUP is very big in AUS. tons of them out on Town Lake (aka Lake Lady Bird)...

looks boring to me. doesn't seem like a skill activity.

I'd much rather canoe or kayak or swim or ride my bike.

SUP on a flat body of water - boring unless you are into making a core workout for yourself.

Put same SUP on anything with chop, rollers or surf whether lake, river or ocean and its a whole 'nother world.

Kinda like saying riding a beach cruiser down a bike path is cycling...versus lift-assisted downhill on a 8" travel bike or railing a descent on your go fast road bike.

OtayBW
05-03-2015, 11:02 AM
A Yak might be good for me but I definitely want to get her something a little sportier. We've rented SUP's in the past and she was up and cruising before I was and I used to surf some as a teenager.Oh boy - why not get her a narrow beam west Greenland style sea kayak with plenty of rocker and an ocean cockpit. It'll be plenty sporty...:rolleyes:

bcroslin
05-03-2015, 11:03 AM
SUP on a flat body of water - boring unless you are into making a core workout for yourself.

Put same SUP on anything with chop, rollers or surf whether lake, river or ocean and its a whole 'nother world.

Kinda like saying riding a beach cruiser down a bike path is cycling...versus lift-assisted downhill on a 8" travel bike or railing a descent on your go fast road bike.

That's the beauty of where I'm at - we have the gulf, the bay with miles of mangrove trails and even clear water rivers full of manatees.

William
05-03-2015, 11:23 AM
These guys are also a good place to check out. They also put out lots of review videos as well.

http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com

Review videos...
https://www.youtube.com/user/supspecialists








William

pmac
05-03-2015, 12:43 PM
If you like to be able to see what you're buying, REI carries them. Not a huge selection, and to the aficionado this might be like going to REI for a bike, but the BIC SUP boards work well.

William
05-03-2015, 01:43 PM
If you like to be able to see what you're buying, REI carries them. Not a huge selection, and to the aficionado this might be like going to REI for a bike, but the BIC SUP boards work well.

Bic Ace Tech Wing is a good all a rounder at a decent price point. Fairly durable as well.


http://www.bicsport.com/images/landing_page/BIC-SUP_2015_benthouard_bic_wing_149-LandingPage-3_1600px.jpg








William

bcroslin
05-03-2015, 04:33 PM
If you like to be able to see what you're buying, REI carries them. Not a huge selection, and to the aficionado this might be like going to REI for a bike, but the BIC SUP boards work well.

If only there was an REI in FL....

I'm pretty sure there's a few Bic dealers in my neck of the woods. Seems like Surftech is also plentiful as well.

William
05-03-2015, 07:11 PM
If only there was an REI in FL....

I'm pretty sure there's a few Bic dealers in my neck of the woods. Seems like Surftech is also plentiful as well.


Definitely buy local if you can. Good to support local shops, plus if there are any issues they can handle it right there for you.


Have fun, but be careful...

The Disease That Only Affects Stand Up Paddlers & What To Do About It

Stand up paddling is a fun, fit way to stay in shape, and get outside. But perhaps you haven’t yet heard of the incurable disease that lurks just beyond every stroke of your paddle. I’ve seen it take over the lives of many SUP new-comers as well as seasoned paddlers. It can happen over time, or it can happen the minute you set foot on the board. It’s something not to be taken lightly, as it will greatly impact the rest of your life, and possibly even those around you. How have I come to understand this detrimental disease? Because I myself suffer from it, and am reminded of it it everyday. It’s called “Stand-up-paddle-itis”.
For me, I contracted it the moment I first stood up on a SUP in Waikiki beach, HI. I set foot on that board, in the middle of the waves and the sunshine and something unforgettable happened. A symphony of brain chemicals washed over me, a surreal, electric smile spread not only across my face, but also within every muscle of my standing body; and my eyes reached a new space and time of being wide open. Dopamine, one of our “feel good” neurotransmitters, shot through me like bullet. A rush of adrenaline flushed through my every cell. Electric neurons, protons, and nerve impulses began to change my entire being and I felt it instantaneously. I knew my life would never be the same, apart from Stand Up Paddling.
In that instant, I contracted “Stand-up-paddle-itis” and have come to the understanding that while there is no cure for this life-changing condition, there is a treatment and there is hope. The treatment, and the only true relief you get from this debilitating disease is to get out there and paddle, paddle, paddle and then paddle some more. To be on the water, in the sunshine, standing tall and noble, and sensing that pure euphoria that only SUP brings, and paddling is the only way one ever doesn’t feel the effects of “Stand-up-paddle-itis”.
As a professional stand up paddle instructor, I see it happen every day in my stand up paddle lessons. I see the electrifying symphony of cellular change as each of my new recruits steps foot on the board. As that smile intensifies across their face and their eyes brighten, I shake my head in disbelief that yet another soul has contracted this “paddle pathosis”.
Some however, this condition lays dormant in their system, even after they have paddled 2-3 times, and then suddenly I get the phone call, “Jodelle, where can I get a board? I’m dying to paddle! I have to get out there. I just can’t get enough of it! I didn’t realize I could love something so much!” I use my words to soothe them and get them the vital information of how to seek treatment and find a board of their own and soon, although they can’t stop the contamination of the soul by the sport of SUP itself, they can treat the symptoms.
Again, there is hope. It’s quite literally becoming a worldwide epidemic. All over the news, and internet, the sport of SUP is infiltrating the body and soul and spirit of thousands of new individuals everyday. My theory is if you are reading this, as a Standup Journal enthusiast, chances are you have already picked up this virus and are feeling the systemic symptoms daily. What are the symptoms of “Stand-up-paddle-itis”? To answer that question, you need to fully first understand what the condition actually is.
Obviously we know what “Stand-up-paddle” is, and the suffix “-itis” is defined as inflammation. Essentially, once you attempt to SUP, your body, mind and spirit is inflamed with an innate need to do more and more and more. You brain screams for the euphoric high of The Disease That Only Effects Stand Up Paddlers & What To Do About It the dopamine and adrenaline release. Your body goes into “rest and digest” and begins calming down the nervous system, creating a chronic craving for more calm, more happiness, more paddle fun.
Your perhaps, life-less, stressed spirit is re-purposed and re-passioned after a longing it didn’t even know existed outside of your desk, or your todo list. “Stand-up-paddle-itis” is inflammation of your core existence to get outside, to get fresh air, to paddle, and to stand.
To understand further, here are symptoms related to “Stand-up-paddle-itis”:
1. A constant craving to paddle
2. Persistent daydreams about paddling and places to paddle
3. Night visions and dreams about paddling
4. Trouble concentrating due to the mind so absorbed with all things SUP
5. Obsessive compulsive behaviors about saving money for a SUP
6. Dominating conversations with friends all about your recent SUP experience
7. Reliving your first SUP experience over and over in your brain
8. Unfulfilled by normal daily tasks that don’t measure up to SUP
9. Anxiety caused by going more than 2-3 days without paddling
10. insomnia and sleepless nights waiting for morning so you can paddle
11. depression setting in when going more than several months without paddling
12. low vitamin D from limited outdoor sun exposure on a SUP
…and there is many more symptoms, but these are the most typically seen in my practice, (and in my own issues with the condition.) The sad fact is that many individuals let their “Stand-up-paddle-itis” go untreated. While they would love to purchase their own board, or attend the weekly tours and classes, life and finances sometimes can get in the way. However, you should know that if it is left untreated, it can have very negative effects on your life and your daily habits.

Here are 6 ways “Stand-up-paddle-itis” can destroy someone’s life when paddling is not occurring as often as it should:......


http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,23207.msg233479.html#msg233479





:):)

William

spiderman
05-03-2015, 08:17 PM
A Chesapeake light craft SUP (Kaholo 16)
...it's a blast...
This is me catching my balance
After my dobeboy jumped off
When we beached it!

...and yes I am wearing the lbs kit--
Our group of four
Just returned from a 40 mile ride for lunch.
(See top 12 list above)

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/surf_boats/kaholo-stand-up-paddleboard.html

William
05-04-2015, 07:09 AM
A Chesapeake light craft SUP (Kaholo 16)
...it's a blast...
This is me catching my balance
After my dobeboy jumped off
When we beached it!

...and yes I am wearing the lbs kit--
Our group of four
Just returned from a 40 mile ride for lunch.
(See top 12 list above)

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/surf_boats/kaholo-stand-up-paddleboard.html


Dobe Surf!:)

I've looked into those Kaholo kits from CLC, I think they are pretty slick. One of these days I would like to pick one up and build it myself.

Don't apologize about the kit, I've been known to wear my Zank jersey on long paddles...the pockets come in handy.









William

Jeff N.
05-04-2015, 08:40 AM
I'm a big guy...saving up for a 12' Hobie. They make beautiful boards. Then it's off to Mission Bay.

William
05-04-2015, 09:12 AM
I'm a big guy...saving up for a 12' Hobie. They make beautiful boards. Then it's off to Mission Bay.

How big is big?

As a card carrying Clydesdale, one truism I’ve learned is that most things are made with little thought to us big guys. In SUP’s, they are mostly geard to the sweet spot of 160 to 180 pounds. Sure, many say they can handle up to such and such weight, but the sweet spot of the board is under most Clydesdales weight. I’ve tried a lot of boards since I got into SUP’ing, and I’ve flipped a lot of boards. Even very high end boards that are highly regarded, but just didn’t handle well for my size. It’s taken me a while to figure out what I like and what I need to handle my weight and height and still perform well. The good thing is, with the growth of the sport, and constant design changes from year to year, it’s a buyers market out there which is more cost effective in figuring out what you like and need. I’ve finally dialed what I like and need and have a few boards that meet that criteria in one way or another. Unlimited's (over 14’) are pretty rare around here but that will be the next thing I try out. Custom is an option as well but I’m not quite ready to make that jump.

For my 6’ 6” tall, 260 pound build…

Length: 14’ or more.
Volume: 290 and up.
Bow: Displacement (I like the bow to punch through chop instead of slapping and pearling you get from a planing bow)
Width: 27” - 30”

Hobie makes some nice boards. I saw a nice Unlimited for sale on the West coast but getting it out here would be sketchy at 18’ long. Their Apex 14’s look nice right now.







William

malcolm
05-04-2015, 11:09 AM
How big is big?

As a card carrying Clydesdale, one truism I’ve learned is that most things are made with little thought to us big guys. In SUP’s, they are mostly geard to the sweet spot of 160 to 180 pounds. Sure, many say they can handle up to such and such weight, but the sweet spot of the board is under most Clydesdales weight. I’ve tried a lot of boards since I got into SUP’ing, and I’ve flipped a lot of boards. Even very high end boards that are highly regarded, but just didn’t handle well for my size. It’s taken me a while to figure out what I like and what I need to handle my weight and height and still perform well. The good thing is, with the growth of the sport, and constant design changes from year to year, it’s a buyers market out there which is more cost effective in figuring out what you like and need. I’ve finally dialed what I like and need and have a few boards that meet that criteria in one way or another. Unlimited's (over 14’) are pretty rare around here but that will be the next thing I try out. Custom is an option as well but I’m not quite ready to make that jump.

For my 6’ 6” tall, 260 pound build…

Length: 14’ or more.
Volume: 290 and up.
Bow: Displacement (I like the bow to punch through chop instead of slapping and pearling you get from a planing bow)
Width: 27” - 30”

Hobie makes some nice boards. I saw a nice Unlimited for sale on the West coast but getting it out here would be sketchy at 18’ long. Their Apex 14’s look nice right now.







William

Paddle boards like all things that float are weight dependent. Often people that sell them don't realize that. At 260 a board that does well for even a 200lber won't perform well for you. You need buoyancy to accommodate your weight. I know you know but putting it out there for others to consider before letting a 180 pounder sell them a board.

William
05-04-2015, 01:53 PM
Paddle boards like all things that float are weight dependent. Often people that sell them don't realize that. At 260 a board that does well for even a 200lber won't perform well for you. You need buoyancy to accommodate your weight. I know you know but putting it out there for others to consider before letting a 180 pounder sell them a board.

VOLUME baby!!!:banana:

;)



William

malcolm
05-04-2015, 01:58 PM
VOLUME baby!!!:banana:

;)



William

If you are paddling along and you note that water is half way up to your knee you probably won't be very efficient and may need a board that displaces more water.

Now people on the beach may mistake you for someone even more powerful if they can't see your board.

bcroslin
05-04-2015, 02:28 PM
I did some running around today looking at boards and I'm thinking a Surftech Blacktip Saber might be the right board for her. The displacement hull design mixed with the soft top seems like it wouldn't be intimidating for her and would move through the water. I was also looking at the VESL boards online which seem to be the house brand for paddle surf warehouse. Anyone have any opinions on VESL?

I also looked at some Botes for me which I really liked but were way out of my budget.

Another question: carbon one-piece paddle or is adjustable OK?

William
05-04-2015, 04:18 PM
While you are waiting for some replies on the Zone, here is a thread with a similar question to yours on what to get their wife…
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,24433.0.html


Here are some threads about the Blacktip (which has been around for a while)…
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?action=search2

I’m not familiar with either of these boards so searching the Zone, and getting feedback there is the way to go.

Bote does make some nice boards.


As far as paddles, I’m currently using a Kialoa Insanity carbon adjustable paddle. Very light, and very tough. I wanted something that was going to hold up to my paddle power (Oorha!;) ), be light weight, and durable. Much lighter than the Werner paddles I’ve used before. No issues with it being adjustable (no movement or wiggle) and since the mechanism is internal, no bulbous lock on the shaft.

http://www.kialoa.com/insanity-carbon-adjustable-sup-429.html

Video on the "why" of adjustable paddles (KIALOA)...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osBIBtosRGA

I like Kialoa, and I know folks who use KeNalu and Quickblade with no issues as well.







William

William
05-04-2015, 04:24 PM
...Now people on the beach may mistake you for someone even more powerful if they can't see your board.


So thaaaat's what they were yelling.:D


;);)


William

bcroslin
05-04-2015, 04:39 PM
While you are waiting for some replies on the Zone, here is a thread with a similar question to yours on what to get their wife…
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,24433.0.html

Here are some threads about the Blacktip (which has been around for a while)…
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?action=search2

I’m not familiar with either of these boards so searching the Zone, and getting feedback there is the way to go.

Bote does make some nice boards.

As far as paddles, I’m currently using a Kialoa Insanity carbon adjustable paddle. Very light, and very tough. I wanted something that was going to hold up to my paddle power (Oorha!;) ), be light weight, and durable. Much lighter than the Werner paddles I’ve used before. No issues with it being adjustable (no movement or wiggle) and since the mechanism is internal, no bulbous lock on the shaft.

http://www.kialoa.com/insanity-carbon-adjustable-sup-429.html

Video on the "why" of adjustable paddles (KIALOA)...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osBIBtosRGA

I like Kialoa, and I know folks who use KeNalu and Quickblade with no issues as well.

William

The wife thread was my starting point over there. Lots of good info. I did a search for blacktip and only turned up info on the traditional board and not the saber. The saber looks like the Bic wing and is a displacement hull design. Thanks for the paddle info!

Makuman
05-06-2015, 10:11 AM
I'm in Hawaii and they sell sup's at costco! The brand is called Wavestorm. Check it out!

William
05-06-2015, 10:19 AM
Some Down Wind fun (with a good Riders On The Storm cover), just because...:)

https://vimeo.com/126999473





William

Keith A
05-06-2015, 11:06 AM
Nothing to add as far as specific equipment selection, but just have her try out a number of different types of boards to see what she likes. As already stated, there's a big range of SUPs and what conditions they are designed to be used for. I have a cycling pal who really has the SUP bug and has purchased (and sold) a number of boards in the process of dialing what works for him. He's ended up having several boards for different conditions and locations (river vs ocean). The only problem now is to get him back on the bike :)

William
05-06-2015, 02:10 PM
Nothing to add as far as specific equipment selection, but just have her try out a number of different types of boards to see what she likes. As already stated, there's a big range of SUPs and what conditions they are designed to be used for. I have a cycling pal who really has the SUP bug and has purchased (and sold) a number of boards in the process of dialing what works for him. He's ended up having several boards for different conditions and locations (river vs ocean). The only problem now is to get him back on the bike :)

C'mon, I still ride my bike!!;)





William

Keith A
05-06-2015, 02:53 PM
C'mon, I still ride my bike!!;)I guess that description does fit you pretty well too :)

ceolwulf
06-28-2015, 11:29 AM
Dredging up this thread. Just bought a 14' Tower Xplorer. $350 in their "grab bag" sale :banana:

http://www.towerpaddleboards.com/v/vspfiles/photos/BD-TWR-EXP-PKG-2T.jpg

AngryScientist
07-14-2015, 07:19 AM
just made a sweet acquisition. i think this should float me just fine, and be a sporty ride for the local spots.

it's the 80's and i'm down with the ladies!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgcN8FyPy1A/VaTrkioHnhI/AAAAAAAACKM/-B1re2bEp4o/s940/IMG_0935.JPG

Vientomas
07-14-2015, 08:25 AM
Are you going to use the Seatrend as an SUP? What is the volume of the board? Having windsurfed for almost 30 years, I anticipate SUP'ing on the Seatrend will be quite a challenge.

AngryScientist
07-14-2015, 11:33 AM
Are you going to use the Seatrend as an SUP? What is the volume of the board? Having windsurfed for almost 30 years, I anticipate SUP'ing on the Seatrend will be quite a challenge.

interesting point! i've got a lot of experience with surf boards, but zero with wind surf boards. it will be a stability issue, i imagine? i weigh 130#, so i just guessed it would float me, but maybe not?