Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards (iSUP) have made traveling and getting out on the water much more accessible for many people. Red Paddle Co, Jobe, Bic and many other companies are now manufacturing fantastic quality boards at great prices.
Easy to pack
Most iSUP’s come in handy rucksack bags, that means you can easily carry them to the beach if its a long walk from the car park. They do weigh a fair amount, but it is a lot easier than carrying an inflated or hard paddle board.
Pump Up
Electric or manual that is the question. We have found that electric pumps (which attach to a cars cigarette lighter) obviously require less effort but do take longer than manually pumping. They are also rather noisy which is not always the ideal start to a relaxing paddle on a calm day. We often use a mixture of manual and electric pumps, manual to get most of the air in first, and then electric to do the hard pumping at the end.
What to take
Hydration – Often overlooked, see our blog on the effects of dehydration.
Food – I often find I need a snack even on a short paddle.
Clothing – If your going for a long trip the weather could easily change.
Communications – Mobile phone in case of emergencies.
How do you carry this?
We obviously recommended the Hydro Holder as the most secure way to carry anything on a board.
Attaching two or three Hydro Holders to a board will hold lots of items, and weigh less than some other solutions.
If you are going on a big trip and you need all your items to be kept waterproof a dry bag could be the solution. This will add weight and affect maneuverability, but you don’t want to get halfway through your trip and be cold because you didn’t bring more clothing.
Whatever you enjoy paddling, either an inflatable or hard paddle board it’s all about getting out on the water and having fun.
See you on the water.
