Introduction
Greetings to all water enthusiasts, ocean lovers, and paddleboard fans around the globe! This is Charlie, your trusted guide from “Charlie’s Adventures.” Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the vast world of water sports and exploring different boards that glide through calm and tumultuous waters, from brands like ROC Sup Co to the Blufin paddle board. Today, I’m glad to present a comprehensive and in-depth review of one of the gems I’ve recently encountered: the Red Paddle Co’s 11’3″ Sports Paddle Board. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or wondering, “Is paddle boarding hard?” this inflatable stand-up paddleboard (iSUP) might resonate with your aquatic aspirations. Dive in as I unravel its features, performance, and potential to be the iSUP of your dreams.
Red Paddle Co SUP Review Video
Apart from this written review, there’s a video counterpart for those who are more visually inclined. Dive into this extensive video review for a real-time look.
The Pros and Cons
- History and Expertise: With the rich legacy of Red Paddle Co, the board comes from an established brand known for quality and innovation.
- Quality Construction: Made with Red Paddle Co's signature MSL® material, ensuring durability and sturdiness.
- Versatility: Performs exceptionally in diverse water conditions from serene lakes, maneuverable rivers, to choppy ocean waves.
- Titan II Pump: Provides swift and efficient inflation, bringing the iSUP to a rigidity comparable to hard boards.
- Design: The board's streamlined shape, pointed nose, and refined tail ensure swift movement through water, providing an impressive glide.
- Stability: Despite being a performance-centric board, it offers stability even for less experienced paddlers.
- Convenient Travel: Comes with an ergonomic All-Terrain Backpack, ideal for various adventures and reducing strain during longer treks.
- Safety and Maintenance: The inclusion of a repair kit indicates Red Paddle Co's commitment to the board's longevity.
- Weight: At 11.3kg, some might find it slightly on the heavier side for an inflatable board.
- Price: Given Red Paddle Co's reputation and the board's quality, it might be priced higher than other iSUPs in the market.
- Learning Curve: Its performance-oriented design might require some getting used to for absolute beginners.
- Single Fin System: While the US Box Fin is great for tracking, some advanced users might prefer a tri-fin system for certain water conditions.
Red Paddle Co Board Dimensions and Details
Specifications are essential, so here’s a closer look at what the 11’3″ Sport iSUP brings to the table:
- Dimensions & Weight: It’s 344cm long, 81.3cm wide, and 12cm thick, weighing 11.3kg.
- Material & Construction: Utilizing their signature MSL® material, durability and sturdiness are the name of the game.
- Volume & Weight Capacity: With a volume of 258L, it’s designed to support paddlers up to 110kg comfortably.
Craftsmanship & Design
A balance between functionality and design, this board targets those transitioning from beginner boards to performance-centric ones. Its streamlined shape pointed nose, and refined tail ensures swift movement through the water.
In-Depth Analysis: Performance & Handling
When considering any iSUP, performance and handling are paramount. This model truly shines in both aspects. Its design caters to a diverse range of water bodies:
- Lakes: On serene lakes, its glide is unmatched. You can achieve remarkable speeds with minimal effort.
- Rivers: Whether you’re maneuvering through gentle curves or challenging streams, this iSUP ensures stability and control.
- Ocean: Even in choppier waters, the board’s structure offers an enjoyable paddling experience, gracefully cutting through waves.
Stability and Control
Stability is a common concern among paddleboarders, especially when transitioning to performance-focused boards. Fortunately, the 11’3″ Sport SUP defies expectations. Its width and fin configuration ensure that even less experienced paddlers can feel confident atop it.
Accessory Overview
Alright, friends, let’s chat about some of the extras that come with this board because, let’s be honest, the right accessories can amp up our SUP adventures:
- Titan II Pump: Okay, first off, this isn’t just any old pump. Have you ever felt the frustration of pumping for what seems like ages? Well, this beauty is all about slashing that inflation time. So, less time working up a sweat on land and more time catching waves!
- US Box Fin: Now, this nifty detachable 9″ fin? It’s a game-changer! It’s like the unsung hero behind the board’s killer tracking capabilities. Trust me, you’ll feel the difference.
- All-Terrain Backpack: Can we talk about this backpack? Whether you’re going through sandy beaches or trekking forest trails, this sturdy backpack has your back. Literally!
- Safety & Maintenance: Big kudos to Red Paddle Co for thinking of the long game. The little repair kit they’ve included? It speaks volumes about how much they care about the lifespan of your board.
So there you have it. It’s not just about the board but the experience they’re crafting for us. Cheers to more amazing SUP adventures!
Personal Experience: A Month-long Adventure with the Red Paddle Co Sport SUP
I’ve been fortunate enough to spend an entire month with the Red Paddle Co Sport SUP, and oh boy, what a month it’s been! I wanted to ensure that when I rave about a product, it’s backed by genuine experience. So, without further ado, here are some of my heartfelt observations from my month-long bonding time with this board:
- Ease of Inflation: Let’s start with the Titan II pump. Do you know how sometimes products boast features they can’t quite live up to? Well, this isn’t one of them. The pump genuinely surprised me. Inflation was not just quick; it was a breeze. The board felt as firm and rigid as any high-quality hardboard, making me forget multiple times that I was on an inflatable!
- Glide & Speed: Now, the shape and design of this board? Top-notch. The elongated design isn’t just for aesthetics; it gives a glorious glide over the water. Whenever I took a stroke, I felt I covered more ground (or water?) than usual. It’s like the board, and the water were in this harmonious dance, making me feel like a pro paddler!
- Versatility: I love paddling in varying conditions at different times of the day. Be it those tranquil morning paddles where the world is just waking up or those challenging late afternoon sessions where the winds decide to test your resolve, this board was with me, unwavering in its performance. It’s like having a reliable friend who’s always got your back, rain or shine.
- Travel Convenience: For those who love a good SUP adventure away from home, the All-Terrain Backpack is a godsend. It’s not just about stashing the board; it’s about doing it comfortably. The backpack’s ergonomic design was evident during my longer treks, ensuring my enthusiasm didn’t wane due to any back strain.
This wasn’t just a testing phase; it was a month of making memories, pushing boundaries, and realizing that the right board can genuinely elevate your SUP experience. So, to the Red Paddle Co Sport SUP, I say, “Thank you for the adventures, and here’s to many more!”
SUPBOARDGUIDE 5/5 “The Red Paddle Co 11’3’’ is an all-around/touring hybrid, providing excellent tracking while also providing plenty of stability and good maneuverability as well. This paddleboard is great for taking out kids or a pet on, while also being lightweight and easy to carry for younger and shorter paddlers. The drawn out nose, coupled with the new speed tail makes this version of the 11’3’’ Sport even faster than previous models, and a bit easier to maneuver with as well. The 11’3’’ Sport continues to be a premium paddleboard not just for the new additions, but given the very durable MSL construction and Tec-Air process used in other RPC paddleboards.“
Amazon 5/5 “I started paddleboarding in my 70’s with a cheaper board to start off. I bought this board last November because I wanted to improve my skills from my starter board and this was highly recommended. It was love at first paddle and I kept going right through the winter wearing a dry suit. Now I am totally addicted! I feel so safe on her. We usually go out on my local river which can be very challenging because it is tidal but my board never lets me down. I also invested in a carbon fibre paddle which is amazing. I have bought the covers for both the board and the paddle which keeps them protected in the garage where she lives. I highly recommend those too. The speed tail makes a huge difference with performance, she is easy to turn and quick to paddle. All in all I love, love, love my board. She is my pride and joy. If you make this investment, you will not be disappointed.”
Paddling.com 5/5 “For paddlers who are looking for speed and performance, the 11’3” Sport inflatable SUP package offers a step up from the Ride family – available in a choice of colors….special edition (SE) purple or classic blue. Imagine how excited you’ll feel unrolling your new board in anticipation of enjoying the open water. At 32” wide, the 11’3” Sport SUP is the same width as the award winning 10’6” Ride board, making it stable no matter what your experience level. This board has been designed to deliver more speed and dynamic performance (although it’s not a race board). The secret to its performance lies in its sleek shape, which has been crafted to cut through the water cleanly. The drawn-out nose section also gives the board more glide across the water, so you’ll be able to reach higher speeds than with the Ride range.”
Questions Commonly asked of the Red Paddle Co 11'3" MSL Sports Paddle Board
The Red Paddle Co’s 11’3″ Sports Paddle Board is exceptionally durable. It’s constructed using their signature MSL® material, which ensures sturdiness and longevity. Being an inflatable doesn’t compromise its durability; in fact, the rigorous testing and high-quality materials make it comparable to many hard boards in terms of resistance to wear and tear.
The 11’3″ Sports iSUP is designed to comfortably support paddlers up to 110kg. While it’s primarily built for individual riders to ensure optimal performance, it can accommodate an additional lighter rider or a pet for short, leisurely paddles.
Red Paddle Co’s inflatable SUPs, especially the 11’3″ Sports model, are designed to offer performance akin to hard boards. Thanks to its advanced design and top-tier construction materials, users often find its rigidity, glide, and overall experience comparable to many traditional hard boards, with the added advantage of portability.
Red Paddle Co provides a repair kit with their iSUPs, ensuring users can handle minor repairs. However, it’s recommended to regularly check the board for any signs of wear or damage, keep it clean after each use, and store it in a cool, dry place. Additionally, investing in a high-quality UV protectant spray can help maintain the board’s color and material integrity.
With the Titan II Pump, inflation is swift, often taking around 8-15 minutes, depending on the user’s pace. For optimal performance and rigidity, it’s recommended to inflate the board to a pressure of 15-18 PSI.
Concluding Thoughts
Red Paddle Co’s 11’3″ Sports Paddle Board isn’t just another board in the market; it’s a product of passion, innovation, and years of expertise. Whether you’re an enthusiast looking to upgrade or a beginner wanting a board that will grow with you, this might be your perfect match.
Happy paddling, and always remember: the best adventures await just beyond the horizon!
