I have had a Starboard Wopper (10' x 34") since 2012. Great board, very happy with it. Looking at getting a second board so my partner can join me (she is just starting out). I also travel a lot for work - so been thinking about getting an inflatable to take with me. Read some good reviews about the Red Paddle Co boards.
Initially looked at the 10.8 Ride, but the 11' Sport caught my eye. The 10.8 is obviously very simular size to my current board, so might be good mixing it up. Tried to see if there is any dealer in WA so I could demo, but no luck. It is a lot of money to invest in something you are not sure of, so any advice will be appreciated. To mix it up, I can get a demo 2015 Wopper Carbon for the same price as a new inflatable package...
I'm 96kg, she is around 62kg.

The 11'0 Sport with RSS will carry you well without being unwieldy for your other half. For the uses you describe, it's an excellent choice.

Thanks HumanCartoon!

You could also consider the 12'6 Sport. From what I've been told and read, it wouldn't be too big for a smaller person, and it will go faster. That being said, I'm interested in an 11' myself. Are you in Washington? If so, there is a dealer in Vancouver, BC. Their FB page is Red Paddle Co North America.

Thanks spirit4earth. I'm in Western Australia :-)

Looked at the 12.6' - need a stable platform more than speed as it will be used almost exclusively in the ocean - so not always flat water. Still open for suggestions - and compare.

The 11' Sport will be great for your wife, but you're going to find it way too low in volume for your weight. You'll be much happier on the new 2016s; the 12'6" Sport or even the 13'2" Explorer. So if you're willing to spend the big Red bucks, the 12'6" Sport is the perfect couple's compromise.

On the flip side, a carbon Starboard cheap is never a bad thing

I agree if your in the ocean and not racing at your weight go the 12,6 sport

If you want to race or just fast training or fast cruising then the 12,6 race is a good choice

If it's more purely for your partner then go the 11 sport
But again if she might want to go fast raising or may want to enter a event some time then the 12,6 race is good .

To break it down

The ride series for the whole family and friends , stable as stable and fun

The 11 sport for a beginner that wants to do a bit of distance at speed and take there sup training to a level up

The race 28 wide for more serious distance and the odd race for fun

The big difference I feel in the 11 sport vs 12,6 sport is based on rider size .

Thanks baddog and Foam, think you might have persuaded me to go for the 12.6' Sport over the 11'... I was a bit worried about the inflation time and weight for her (carry reasonable distances to water), but guess the back pack will help. I dont think we will ever enter racing - too many other hobbies - and I only SUP when there is no wind for kiting. Foam, have you received your board yet (I have read your previous thread)?

Yes I have see my other post

I just did, saw you updated it. Thanks for your help.

For casual paddlers and cruising fun get the sport 11 for light people or the 12.6 only for larger paddlers

Or if you might have ideas on maybe entering a race for fun even or take your sup session serious for training get the race

Even I'm having doubts now

I ordered the 12.6 Sport, will update once I get and try it out. Very good service from them so far!

Very quick to inflate.
my 2016 12'6 race inflates to 20psi in well under 10 min and getting quicker as I get fitter.
doubled barrel Titan pump is brilliant

Looking forward getting mine - looks like Monday/Tuesday next week! Heard good things about the Titan pump.

Since I'm trying to decide between the 11' and 12'6 Sport models, I can't wait to hear how your wife likes the 12'6. I'm 73 kgs.

Please refer to other post
As I would hold off on the 12.6 sport at your weight it's just a big board

Still want to hear how Medic's wife likes the 12'6......

Select to expand quote

spirit4earth said...
Still want to hear how Medic's wife likes the 12'6......

Awaiting delivery today, will update soon. Here is a video I found, will give you some idea in the meantime:

Select to expand quote

Medic said..

spirit4earth said...
Still want to hear how Medic's wife likes the 12'6......

Awaiting delivery today, will update soon. Here is a video I found, will give you some idea in the meantime:

Thanks for the video link. I do like to get information from all sources. I especially want to hear from users out in the real world. I'm thinking of getting another Red, but also a Bic Ace-Tec Wing 11'. Or a Boardworks Raven 11'6, or a Bark Competitor AST.....all on sale.....

The reds are great but if I were you I would jump on the bark if the price was right the reds are great and portable but nothing substitutes for a hard board .
The reds go very well I got one for the wife but I consider it my travel board

Got the board yesterday, but due to massive wind here, only got to inflate it inside. Excellent build quality, the Titan pump is a beast - but still got the heartrate going to get to 15PSI - just to deflate it again. Bad SUP weather forecast for next couple of days - hopefully will get it out sooner rather than later and report back. I am in the same boat as Foam, I have a hard board, wanna use this one as a travelling board and for my partner. Will let you know how she likes it when the weather (and our calendars) allow.

Speaking of travelling, I am taking it on a plane on Friday - but a bit worried leaving the paddle inside the bag as its a tight fit length wise - worried about damage to the ends. Hopefully I can take it as hand luggage with my regular carry-on bag...