G'day all.

Often come here for wind and wave forecasts, never thought I'd be considering a board! So now I'm looking for some feedback/suggestions.

Over the long weekend was at Lakes Entrance Vic and hired a Red Paddle Co iSUP for a couple of hours. My wife and I agreed that rather than simply talking about how relaxing it looked we'd throw caution to the wind and give it a go. We loved it!

So the hunt is on. We're a couple in mid 50's and figure it would be great way to spend a morning cruising some of our favourite waterways. iSUP allows us to carry two boards in the car or boat and not have storage issues in our caravan. Occaisionally we may have grandson (5yo) or small dogs with us, so stability is a key requirement. I'm 100kg and the wife is 80kg.

We hired a Red Paddle Co (RPC) 10'8" Ride and were pleased how stable it was. We were really keen to buy a couple...until we saw the price! Shopping around I quickly discounted the ebay specials and other lower priced boards. RPC seem to get rave reviews and the ones we saw were great quality. We are considering either the 10'6" Ride or the 10'8" Ride. In researching I have also discovered an Aussie alternative by Bay Sports called a 10'6" Explore at approx $500 less than the RPCs. Seems a quality unit, being offered on a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee. Only issue is they are in NSW so checking them out in person isn't feasible.

Has anyone heard of or got any experience with the Bay Sports boards? Any others we should consider? Or if we just go RPC should we go the 10'6" or the 10'8"?

Why not buy a ten-dollar inflatable pool toy and a broom to paddle with, and save yourself more than 500 dollars?

10-6 for your wife, 10-8 for you, assuming you both won't be carrying dog/kids.

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Area10 said..
Why not buy a ten-dollar inflatable pool toy and a broom to paddle with, and save yourself more than 500 dollars?

10-6 for your wife, 10-8 for you, assuming you both won't be carrying dog/kids.

Harsh, Area10, very harsh...
But true!

Sometimes......you get what you pay for......

Sorry I asked.

Have a look at the surfboard warehouse. You'll find some decent boards to cruise around on. Would still be looking at over 2k for both setups though... well worth it at the end of the day in my books.

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Slypork said..
Sorry I asked.

Don't let the smartasses get you down.

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spirit4earth said..

Slypork said..
Sorry I asked.

Don't let the smartasses get you down.

Fluid mechanics says no inflatebals !!! SORRY to burst your bubble !!!

Red Paddle co only do inflatables and have being doing them for 10 years very very well. Winning numerous awards year in year out.
For me i would rather be explained about 2 products in regards to quality and not price.

For the inflatables think about how they work.... lots of compartments, lots of seams and joints and quite high inflation pressure so that it will actually work. If it is to last you need quality workmanship and quality materials.... and that does cost. Not knocking any brand but Red Paddle have an excellent reputation and the models I have seen in the shops appear to be excellent quality.

Sometimes quality can be high and cost low.... but not often.....