Tried and tested: Why we love this inflatable stand up paddle board

There is no doubt that the most appealing feature about getting an inflatable stand up paddle board is its portability. They’re super convenient when compared to a traditional hard-bodied paddle board because when they’re deflated, they reduce in size small enough to fit in the back of your car or inside your RV. No more trying to heave an awkwardly long board up onto your roof racks!

However, given the nature of inflatable products, you need to ensure you get a quality stand up paddle board. This is why we were super excited when Red Paddle Co offered to let us try one out for a few weeks. Having been in the game since inflatable stand up paddle boarding became a ‘thing’ way back in 2008, they’re well known for manufacturing a high-quality product.

What our video below to see what we love about this particular inflatable stand up paddle board:

The board 

We tried out Red Paddle Co’s super stable 10ft 8inch inflatable paddle board. Why? Because I still have my P plates when it comes to stand up paddle boarding and this one is a great all-rounder.

Specs on the inflatable paddle board

• Brand: Red Paddle Co.
• Board length: 10ft 8 inch
• Board thickness: 120mm
• Board volume: 270L
• Board weight: 11.3kg
• Board width: 864mm
• Capacity: Up to 120kg

Suitable for beginners, this inflatable stand up paddle board comes with a 5-year warranty and can handle up to 120kg in rider weight comfortably. Because it’s made from Red Paddle Co’s exclusive MSL materials, at 120mm thick, it provides increased stiffness at lower pressures.

This makes it a whopping 40% stiffer than a standard 100mm board. All of this combined makes it a top choice for not only those still learning but also larger riders and/or those carrying a passenger such as a dog or child. 

Stand-out features include:

• Cushioned, tubular carry handles that don’t hurt your hand.
• Cargo loops for strapping in a water bottle, flip flops and more.
• Extra wide outer tape to reinforce the outer shell. 
• A front handle that allows you to pull the inflatable stand up paddle board out of the surf easily. 
• A super grippy deckpad.
• A diamond-cut tailpad for even more grip when turning.

The optional ATB Transformer Bag

You would have seen the ATB Transformer Bag in the video. And while a bit pricey at just under $250, it’s a worthwhile investment for ease of getting your inflatable stand up paddle board into locations that require a bit of a walk-in.

When you’re on the sealed stuff, you can roll it to your car using the bag’s sturdy wheels and when you want to reduce the bulk and hike it down to the beach, use the bag’s inbuilt backpack system. You can fit a lot in this bag, including your towel and other beach items!

The verdict

Red Paddle Co’s inflatable stand up paddle boards are a bit pricier when compared to cheaper quality products like Adventure Kings. Having used both, I can say that this one is worth paying the extra for to ensure you’re getting a great quality product with extra features.

This particular board retails at around $1,549 without a paddle, so if you get the board, the ATB Transformer Bag and a paddle, budget around $2,000. Keep an eye on sales at the usual times, such as before Christmas, Black Friday, EOFY etc., to get a great deal.

Given that it can handle a bit of weight and is sized to be sturdy for beginners, this inflatable stand up paddle board is the type of board that the whole family can enjoy, including your furry beach-loving friend.

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