11’0″ Sport Touring Paddle Board Package Reviews

5 Rating 1 Reviews

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About Red Paddle Co:

Once upon a board, Red Paddle Co-founder, John Hibbard, realised there might be a better way of doing things. It was 2008 and paddleboarding was just getting going. As he paddled along on a heavy composite SUP, he had this crazy idea that it could be made better with an inflatable board.

It wasn’t just a hunch either. Having spent over a decade as a full-time, sponsored competitor on the professional windsurfing world tour, John was getting pretty weary of pleading with, and generally avoiding airline check-in staff due to the mountain of cumbersome windsurfing kit required for his numerous international trips (it was tough, but someone had to do it!). A problem, he realised, that every paddleboarder the world over would have to face if they wanted to travel anywhere with their standard hard board.

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“Pretty psyched with the 2021 Red 11'0 Sport MSL. I just got back from a trip to Oahu with it and loved its packability. Admittedly, I packed in a rush going there and ended up putting the pump in a separate suitcase. On the way back I took more time and used the (rather stylish) compression strap to roll up the board. I was stoked to realize that done right, I can fit the rolled up board, my Red Carbon 50 Nylon 3pc Cam Lock Paddle, the pump, my flip flops AND my bulky Astral Bluejacket Life vest in no problem. The 2 wheels made it easier to get around the airport and looked in good shape after travel. There are also backpack straps for when you can’t roll. My boyfriend and I both have Red Paddle Boards and are scheming the next trip. Maybe explore the rivers of Colombia? Happy to get some recommendations =) Now to the performance. I’ll start with inflation. I’ve pumped quite a few boards in my day and the Titan II pump, while massive is freaken awesome. Inflation is rather fast… to get to the recommended 22 PSI it takes me about 6-7 minutes (the last few psi are a push). Once the PSIs climb and the pumping gets harder, there is an option to switch from two chambers to 1. This makes the pumping easier for the last push. Note that the pump comes with a universal fitting nozzle. I tend to forget to put in the RSS stiffening battens until the board is already rather full, and if I do it’s not a big deal BUT I can tell the difference if they are in. Pretty cool innovation to help stiffen the board and liken it more to a hard board. When I’m home, I generally leave the board inflated as to create as little as possible barriers to a quick adventure. It’s not a big deal to pump it up, but it retains the air well and I love to just grab it, toss it in my car and head to the local lake or river. Some reviews say this board is for the more advanced paddler. It is a bit skinnier than some, but I found it quite stable in most situations. On rapids or windy days I do tend to pop down on my knees and paddle from there. My last board required me to switch the sides I was paddling on every 1-2 strokes. I can go much longer on this one.. Maybe 2-4 stroked on each side, depending on current, wind, and other factors. I really like the new strapping system. You can adjust the tightness and I should be able to fit a full backpack for camping on the front. I haven’t tested it with a backpack but did have a friend sit on the front for a swim break while we paddled through some murky/potentially sharky water off Hawaii. It was tight for 2 people but it’s doable =). Cons: -I LOVE LOVE LOVE the colors and wouldn’t change them. It really is a work of art. That being said, the white is quickly picking up dirt from loading it on top of my car. I don’t mind, this thing is made for adventure… but I’m trying to come up with some cons =) It’s expensive. I’ve been looking at these boards for a while and was hesitant to pull the trigger. When I got the opportunity for a discount I seized it - The board has just 2 wheels, and hey! This might sound extra, BUT It would be cool to have rotating 4 wheels so I can push it alongside my other luggage more easily…. I don’t tend to travel light. - The bag did get a little/tiny hole in it after the first roundtrip flight. If you are paddling in shallow waters it can be tricky with the one fin. It would be nice to have a shorter option - Maybe this is a con? It does not come with a paddle. It must be purchased separately, but honestly, I think this is probably for the best. I’d probably want to upgrade it anyway and then I’d just have an extra paddle that I don’t need. Other notes: - I promptly lost the screw set that attaches the fin to the board on my first outing. Our local river was still partly frozen and quite shallow, so I decided to take off the fin and in doing so, lost the screw. My bad and sorry for littering =/ I was really bummed since I had plans to go back out the following day, but was excited to find an extra set in the included orange canister that also holds some patching materials. - The Pro Changing Jacket. I kinda never want to take it off. I’ve been wearing it around the house, after a shower, out of bed… not really made for that, but it’s just that warm and cozy. Now for the purpose it was designed for: Getting out, drying and changing I’ll give it an A+. It’s nice and spacious for changing in/under and keeping warm. I got the bright blue one with long sleeves. It’s color is super fun and vibrant. Although I’m tempted to get the dark blue/black one with red trim as well. It’s a little more discrete and might entice me to even go get post adventure groceries in it =) - It does have a mount on the front for accessories like GPS mounts, cameras, or fishing rod holders. I haven’t tried it, but appreciate having the option. Maybe I’ll look into mounting a fishing rod.. Kind of cool.”

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Posted 3 years ago