BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series review

You'll find 3 boards in the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series to select from, and in this article we will explain why they are excellent entry level paddle boards, that will also keep you going in the water as you become more experienced.

Features

• These boards provide an ideal balance between thickness, width, and classic longboard shape
• BIC Sport DURA-TEC Polyethylene construction for good strength and durability
• Integrated deck pad for comfort and traction and comes standard with an FCS Dolphin fin and also integrated leash plug
• Integrated deep-set carry handle for convenient transport

Dimensions
There are 3 board dimensions to choose from, but we recommend that if you weigh less than 200lbs (90kgs) you select the nine foot 10 inches (9’ 10”) model. This is thirty two point five inches (32.5”) wide and four point six inches (4.6”) thick. This board weighs forty pounds (40lbs/18kg).

If you weigh more, you will be best off opting for the eleven feet four inch (11’ 4”) model, since this has more volume (205L). The width of this board is thirty two inches (32”) and four point five inches (4.5”) thick. This board weighs in at forty one pounds (41lbs/18.5kg).

If you're of petite or lightweight stature, then why not get the nine foot four inches (9’ 4”) model? It could take longer to master, because of its shorter length, but is going to be far more dynamic in the water when you get experienced. The width of this board is twenty seven point five inches (27.5”) and weighs thirty pounds (30lbs/13.5kg). The volume of this model is 120L.

There were other sizes initially in the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series (as you can see by some of the product images), but these seem to have been streamlined by BIC into the three currently now available.

Construction
The BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard is made from BICs Dura-Tec construction. This integrates an ultra-durable polyethylene outer shell (a bit similar to a kayak, but lighter in weight) with a full polyurethane foam core (a lot like a surfboard). The board is thermo-formed inside steel molds to ensure consistent and accurate reproduction of the original shape. This all promises great board durability and ruggedness.

Accessories
The BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard comes with a 10 inch FCS Dolphin center fin. You also get an integrated diamond-groove deck pad to assist with retaining a firm grip on the board.

There is also an integrated leash plug and built in deep-set carry handle for easy transport, but sadly, you will have to buy a separate paddle and leash, since they are not provided with the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard.

Brand information
BIC sport is a French company, and has been involved with making watercraft since 1979. Since that time, they have made top quality wind surfers, surfboards, and stand up paddle boards. And if you're wondering, yes they are the same company that produces the famous BIC pens and shavers!

Performance
This stand up paddle board is superb for beginners wanting to get into this sport. As long as the right size is purchased, you can learn how to SUP easily on the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard, and when you're more experienced you can use it to do more advanced paddle boarding.
These boards possess a fairly flat deck as well, so are ideal for SUP yoga. They are also perfectly suited to either flat water, or beach break paddle boarding.

These boards perform similarly to EPS boards, and tend to sit ON the water. Stand up paddle boards (and surfboards, for that matter) made out of fibreglass tend to sit IN the water. This means nothing really, but some people prefer one to the other, and there can be cases where it is more apparent, such as on a windy day.

Consumer ratings/reviews
The rubber is peeling up a bit, but not enough to complain… If your over 220 pounds, hold off for a longer bigger board.

Great board. Easy for beginner and experienced. Cleaning is my only criticism, the muddy water tends to stain the board and becomes hard to get off. I've bumped into paddle boats without dents, very durable.

Got this for my birthday, and I love it. Perfect all around paddle board. Well constructed, great quality. If you're worried about ordering a paddle board online, don't! Online delivery was great, and packing was "not-a-scratch" perfect. Great for our whole family - we're ready to order a 2nd! Be sure to plan for someone to be home to sign for the delivery.

Pros

• Well constructed
• Great durability - tough
• Easy to use - excellent dimensions

Cons

1. No paddle or leash provided
2. Some may find the boards slightly hefty

Price
The BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series is listed under $900, and individual pricing is determined by the board dimensions you order.

These boards are certainly priced greater than some of the other SUPs we have reviewed on paddleboardssale.com, so that should be considered in your overall decision, but when it comes to build quality, they'll last as long as more pricey brands and models.

BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard Summary

The BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series is an excellent introduction into the fun world of stand up paddle boarding. They're very easy to ride, stable, and just the thing for both flat water paddle boarding (on lakes etc) or down at the beach (in small to medium waves). BIC carries a good reputation when it comes to quality construction, and these boards aren't any different. If you want a board that will last you as long time, then the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series is without a doubt worth considering.

Top 10 paddle board accessories list

Buying a stand up paddle board is a fantastic time, however when you receive your board you may be disappointed to know there are paddle board accessories you need but do not have. Fear not - we've come up with a list of top 10 paddle board accessories to get you going!

Paddle board accessories - Paddle
Above all, you cannot do much paddle boarding with no paddle! Many boards do have a paddle included in the package, but there are several that don't.

Even the stand up paddle board packages that do include a paddle tend to supply an aluminum paddle only. These paddles are perfectly fine to get you started, but as you progress you will discover you'll need something with more flex and strength. A carbon fiber stand up paddle board paddle has both those qualities, not to mention being much lighter to hold and also buoyant within the water (you do not want your paddle to sink if you drop it!).

Paddle board accessories - Leash/leg rope
While not being as essential on a stand up paddle board as a surfboard, you can nevertheless make great use out of a leash/leg rope. These attach to the tail of your board, and then to your leg so that if you fall off your board, if will not float away from you, out of reach.

Whenever you purchase a leash/leg rope, make sure to buy one that is the approximate length of your board.

Paddle board accessories - Deck grip
To keep your feet properly planted on the board while paddle boarding, you need some deck grip. Deck grip is typically made out of EVA foam, and covers the region of the board you stand on and provides grip so you don't slip off.

Paddle board accessories - Fins
The fins of a stand up paddle board allow you to go in the direction you're paddling. If you were not to have any fins, you would slide all over the place and have no control of the board. All boards have a large center fin, and depending on the style of the paddle board, some have side fins on both sides.

When selecting a fin for your stand up paddle board, you need to make certain what type of fin box you have. Some less well-known brands use their own personal proprietary system, while others use either FCS or Futures. These aren't compatible with one another, so if unsure, get a hold of the paddle board manufacturer.

It also pays to purchase fins dependent on what type of paddle boarding you will be mostly doing. If you will mainly be flat water paddling, your center fin should have more surface area, whereas a surfing fin will have less surface area and be more rounded (somewhat similar to a dolphin's dorsal fin) to allow easy manoeuvrability in surf.

Paddle board accessories - Rail guard/tape
Using your new paddle board, it's not going to take long to realize it is easy to bang the side of your board with your paddle. With time, this causes dings to your board, and can damage your paddle. The perfect solution is to add some rail guard or tape to the sides of the paddle board (referred to as the ‘rails’). These are really easy to apply, and keep the board looking new for longer, along with shielding it from inadvertent taps from your paddle.

Paddle board accessories - Cover
When you are not using your stand up paddle board, it needs to be protected - both from the elements and from inadvertent user interaction.

A high quality board cover will protect your board when travelling on the roof of your car, and assist in preventing inadvertent dings when moving in/out of the vehicle to/from your storage area.Most are well padded and have shoulder straps, which can make it simpler to carry your board to/from your paddling destination.

Look for ones which have a silver looking exterior, since these can reflect heat from the board, and are waterproof.

Paddle board accessories - Surf racks/storage solutions
Stand up paddle boards are quite big, and can also be challenging to transport and store. If you have a small car, try to find some soft racks, as they can be stored in the boot of the car when not being used. When venturing out for a paddle, they can be temporarily attached to the roof of your car to transport your paddle board.

When storing your SUP within your garage, its best to try and keep it off the ground. There are several different solutions to this, including:

• Storage straps
• Wall sling/strap
• Wall cradles

Paddle board accessories - Ding repair kit
The time will come eventually when you ding your board. This may be from inadvertently scraping a rock to a heavy knock with your paddle. If the ding is big, you will be best off taking it to a professional surfboard repairer, but if it is only a small ding, you can do the repair yourself. Whilst not looking as good as a professional job, it will keep your board watertight and on the water!

Some kits cover both fibreglass and EPS boards, but if not, just be sure to discover what your board is constructed of, to obtain the correct repair kit.

Paddle board accessories - Deck bungee
For people who are seeking to go flat water paddle boarding, a deck bungee (also known as a deck rigging kit) is a good option if you don't currently have one built onto your paddle board.

A deck bungee commonly hooks up to the front of your paddle board, and means that you can store extra things you may want to take with you for a day out paddle boarding - water bottle, lunch, clothing, etc.

An very good option to achieve the most out of your flat water paddling!

Paddle board accessories - Additional clothing

Paddle boarding in a bikini is typically how the sport is advertised (to women, at least!), but the truth is that during the summer - when you don't need a wetsuit - you need some form of protection when on the water for long periods of time. Things like the O'Neill Superlite Jacket are great, as they allow you to avoid the suns harsh rays, and also provide extra storage choices for small items like your phone, iPod, energy bars etc.

The Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board review

The Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is regarded as the best inflatable paddle boards we've observed in the sub-$700 market for quite some time.

It is good for those interested in an inflatable SUP that's easy to paddle in flat water but still agile enough to toss around in the surf.

Features

As we've mentioned above, this inflatable SUP is amongst the best inflatable paddle boards under $700 we have looked at recently, and some of the reasons why we think this are shown below:

1. Good dimensions for beginner through to advanced users
2. Very good price point for the high quality provided in this stand up paddle board
3. Fantastic user ratings from people that have already bought this inflatable SUP

The package also comes with a two year warranty, which covers any construction or material problem (it does not cover damage because of normal wear and tear or improper use).

It additionally comes with a thirty day return policy, letting you buy with the confidence that in case the board doesn't work out for you in any way it is possible to return it (new or used) inside of thirty days from date of purchase for a full 100% refund of the original cost.


Dimensions

The dimensions of the Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board are excellent for anyone seeking to start paddle boarding, right through to intermediate/advanced level users seeking a well priced inflatable SUP to include in their quiver.

The board measures ten foot (10’) long, by thirty one inches (31”) wide and six inches (6”) thick. Having the board that thick means the board should be that much more stable within the water.

The board deflates down to 1 foot (1’) in diameter, and thirty-six inches (36’) wide. this board can roll up and be tossed in the corner of your car boot, or even carried on a coach bus or plane to your vacation destination.

The board weighs about twenty-four pounds (24lb, or 10.8kg), and also comes with a nine inch (9”) Center box fin as well as two side fins (which are affixed permanently).


Materials

The Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is made from PVC, and drop stitched for additional strength - this board cannot be cracked, dinged, snapped or otherwise battered in the same fashion as a rigid fibreglass board can be. It's military class material is almost impossible to wreck.


Accessories

The package also contains the following:

1. A high pressure hand pump with PSI guage (requires approx. 10 minutes to inflate the board using this).
2. A three piece aluminium paddle, that collapses away when not being used. It also adjusts to various rider heights.
3. Multiple D-rings - one at the nose for pulling, one on the tail for the leash, and four in the deck for rigging up anything you need to take with you (fishing kit, picnic, etc).
4. An EVA traction pad, to keep your feet firmly gripped on the paddle board.
5. A repair kit for those unlucky accidents which could happen while out paddling.

Performance

The Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board ticks the boxes for most paddle boarding abilities. It offers great dimensions for a person just starting out, but is also spec'd well for those who have been paddle boarding for a while. Generally, a beginner should weigh up to 205 pounds (205lb, or 93kg), an intermediate rider up to two hundred and forty four pounds (244lb, or 110kg) and advanced users can weigh up to three hundred and seventeen pounds (317lb, or 144kg) without compromising on performance.


Brand info

Isle Surfboards and SUPs is launched by Doug Pate and Marc Miller in 2004, and as well as offering their surfboards and SUPs on the internet, they likewise have a shop located in San Diego.


Consumer ratings/reviews

The average rating of the Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board on Amazon is 4.7/5.

The Isle 10ft is very good for me because it is very stability and I'm 93 kg (about 220 pounds). That SUP is very easy to inflate, about 6 minutes. I purchased that SUP in December and since this I went 20 times to the beach with it in Brazil. I highly recommend that SUP.

We bought two of these boards, one for each of us and we love them! They are stable and ride very well. They are hard to pump the last few pounds into them!

Love this board! I got the Blue one, 10', 6" thick. I really like the extra 2" of thickness from these boards and the width definitely helps with stability. I am new to the SUP sport, but am totally loving this board.


Price

The price of the Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board does indeed enable it to be one of the best inflatable paddle boards available today. At under $700, you can have so much fun in the water after as little as 10 minutes after receiving your board.


Pros

• Very good board dimensions make this among the best inflatable paddle boards on the sub-$700 market at the present time.
• Paddle floats, even though aluminum.

Cons

• Does not come with carry bag.
• No leash.
• Can be difficult to pump up the last few lbs of pressure.

The Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Conclusion

The Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a great all-around inflatable SUP for both beginner and anyone else needing an additional SUP for the holiday home, to keep in the boot of the car, and to store away in the corner of the apartment. It gets our vote as one of the best inflatable paddle boards under $700 currently available, and with the fantastic warranty and return policy, means you too can see what we are speaking about, with the knowledge that if you do not go along with us, you are able to ask for a refund within 30 days.

Sup buyers guide 2014

Not too long ago, it would have been unusual to find a stand up paddle board (SUP) in the water. I know personally that when friends of mine began getting into SUPs, we used to let them have a bit of stick over it. Funnily enough, some years later I often hit the water more on my SUP than my surfboard!

Though it still takes time to learn, the learning curve on using a SUP is really a lot less steep than learning to surf. Admittedly, you would be best to learn to ride a SUP on flat water to begin with; it will not take very long to get in the ocean waves, should that be what you are seeking to do.

But where do start out with regards to buying a stand up paddle board? Well, it really is dependent on what type of paddling you wish to do. You will need to think about where you're most likely to be using your stand up paddle board. If you are living close to a lake, it'd seem sensible to buy a flat water SUP. Likewise, if you reside close to the ocean, a surfing SUP would be more ideal for you.
This SUP buyers guide will provide you with an insight into the different types of boards, which will assist you to make an easier decision on what SUP would be best for you.

SUP buyers guide - Types of stand up paddle boards

All arounders
These boards are great for those who are just beginning on a SUP, or who require a board that can surf both small waves and paddle across flat water (such as lakes). They usually can be found in lengths of 10 foot 6 inches (10’6”) to twelve foot (12’). Widths cover anything from thirty inches (30”) to thirty six inches (36”). For those who are looking primarily to paddle across lakes, then go as wide and long as is possible, because this will provide you with the best stability. If you're looking to hit the surf, you will need a shorter board that's not as wide.

Remember, these types of boards aren't intended for extreme flat water racing, or large waves – they're constructed to help you get the best of both worlds.

Surfing SUPs
If you're looking to only surf waves with your SUP, you then want to go shorter in length (something less than 10 foot – 10’ - is a great starting point). Should you be coming off a surfboard, then selecting a narrow board should be perfectly fine, however for those just starting out, you will want a decent width to help with stability. Thirty—thirty two inch (30”-32”) is an ideal place to start.
These boards are usually based off their surfboard cousins in terms of design – lots of rocker (the curvature of the board toward the nose), narrow tails, and different fin configurations.

Yoga sups
For those of you seeking to get into stand up paddle board yoga (SUP Yoga), you are looking for a wide board for lots of stability. Ideally you will need a fairly flat board with minimal rocker, as well as a comfortable deck pad. Some Yoga SUPs have quite a square look – this makes them very steady within the water, but keep in mind it is not built to paddle much more than out to a suitable spot just offshore to practice your yoga.

Another good option for SUP Yoga is by using an inflatable paddle stand up paddle board.

SUP buyers guide recommendation: Tower Xplorer 14′ Inflatable Paddle Board

Racing sups
These kinds of boards are usually much longer than regular SUPs, and are also a lot less wide. They vary from 12 foot (12’) through to eighteen foot (18’) in length. Widths usually vary from twenty five inches (25”) through to thirty two inches (32”).

These boards have to plane through the water at high speed, and make use of many design techniques taken from sailing. They tend to use displacement hulls (indicated by their pointed nose), which allow the board to “slice” through the water.

These boards are typically more pricey, and are not necessarily designed for beginner use.

Touring/flat water sups
These sorts of boards are meant for use on open flat water. After you have got up to speed, it's a lot easier to continue with little effort. These boards are over ten foot six inches (10’6”) and most include tie downs and storage areas, which can also make these a fantastic choice for those that want to try their hand at fishing from a SUP.

SUP buyers guide recommendation: Keeper 10’6″ Sports Stand Up Paddle Board

Inflatable SUPs
A relatively recent inclusion to the stand up paddle board family, the inflatable SUP is a great choice for people that might not have much storage area, or trouble hauling a regular size SUP both to and from the water. Inflatable SUPs can fold away to a small size of approx. thirty two inches (32”) in many cases, and the majority of feature a storage bag of some kind.

When inflated to their suggested PSI, these boards are as stable as their fibreglass/epoxy counterparts. The fact is, some inflatable SUPs can be hard to distinguish from regular paddle boards.
These boards also make good SUP yoga boards.

SUP buyers guide recommendation: Tower Adventurer 9’10” Inflatable SUP

Paddles
Most SUPs come with paddles, but the majority of these paddles are made of aluminium. These are definitely perfectly fine in most cases, but tend to be heavy, do not float and are vulnerable to corrosion if not washed after use in salt water. A good alternative is a carbon fiber paddle. These stand up paddle board paddles are lightweight, float and don't get affected by salt water. They will cost more, but if you are looking to get the best from your paddling, it might be worth considering one of these as an investment.

Conclusion

Hopefully this SUP buyers guide was helpful to you. Just remember to be truthful with yourself about your skill level, and what it is you want to get out of stand up paddle boarding, and you are sure to make the right selection!

THE GOPRO HERO3 BLACK: SURF EDITION REVIEW

THE GOPRO HERO3 BLACK: SURF EDITION MIGHT BE ONLY CAMERA YOU NEED TO TAKE BRILLIANT QUALITY IMAGES AND VIDEO WHEN YOU ARE OUT ON THE WATER ON YOUR STAND UP PADDLE BOARD (SUP).

FEATURES

The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition is essentially exactly the same model as the GoPro HERO3 Black, but additionally comes with specialised surfboard/SUP mounts to make sure your GoPro stays with you when out in the water. The camera is waterproof to 131 feet (40m), so long as encased in the supplied waterproof housing. The device is also shockproof.

The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition features wi-fi built in, and includes the GoPro Wi-Fi Remote, which is usually sold individually for approx. $79.99.

VIDEO AND CAMERA MODES

The device records to .MP4 format (using the H.264 codec), which all modern computers can read, and is the standard for most online video sites (such as YouTube).

There are various different video options for The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition, however for those not camera savvy, here's a short rundown of the different camera modes available:

Still Photo
Take a single photo.

Continuous Photo
Hold down the shutter button to continuously capture a series of photos up to the point shutter button is released.

Simultaneous Video and Photo
Record video and capture Time Lapse photos simultaneously.

Burst Photo
Capture as much as 30 images per second – suitable for fast action digital photography.

Time Lapse
Automatically take a series of photographs at timed periods. Ideal for taking images when the camera is beyond reach.

Auto Low Light mode can intelligently alter the cameras frame rates based upon lighting conditions, so you can still get great shots from the water as the sun is either coming up or going down.

GOPRO APP

While not really applicable to using The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition on your stand up paddle board, you can also control the camera using the GoPro app from an Apple or Android device. These apps are free to download.

CONNECTIONS

The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition camera has a microSD card slot that you would use for your video and image storage. When searching for a MicroSD card, ensure you select a microSD Class 10 memory card, because this is required for full HD video recording. This camera supports microSD card capacities up to 64GB (Gigabyte).

You can easily use the integrated Mini-USB slot for connecting to your computer to play back/transfer your shots. You can also use the inbuilt Micro-HDMI slot to view them with an HDMI-enabled TV, although you need to buy a cable separately. The camera also supports playback to composite TV by means of an optional cable (once again, sold separately).

You can also use the GoPro app to view back your videos on your smartphone or tablet.

DIMENSIONS

The dimensions for the GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition are 3.9 x 3.9 x 9.7 inches. The camera weighs in at 74g (2.6oz), or with the camera housing weighs 136gm (4.8oz).

ACCESSORIES
The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition package includes:
The HERO3+ Black Edition Camera
Watertight Housing
Wi-Fi Remote and Wi-Fi Remote Charging Cable
High Capacity chargeable 1050mnAh Li-ion Battery
Quick Release Buckle and vertical Quick Release Buckle
Surfboard Mount + Camera Tethers
3-Way Pivot Arm (Mounting Hardware)
USB Cable

BRAND INFO

GoPro was founded by Nick Woodman back in 2002. He started the company after a surf vacation to Indonesia where he was looking to capture some quality action photos of his surfing, but couldn’t because the photographers could not get close enough, or obtain quality equipment at accessible prices.

Woodman initially raised money by selling bead and shell belts out of his VolksWagen van. While making these belts, he developed the idea of providing a specialised strap to attach a camera. At that time, most straps were awkward rubber wrist straps that were uncomfortable to wear, or easily broken.

In 2004, the GoPro sold its first camera system—a 35 mm film version. This camera progressed over the years, going from 35mm to digital, where they began recording 10-second clips, to 3-megapixel digital cameras, to its present configuration of fixed-lens HD video cameras with a wide 170-degree angle.

On June 4, 2014, the company announced the appointment of former Microsoft executive Tony Bates as President, reporting directly to Nick Woodman.

CONSUMER RATINGS/REVIEWS

I LOVED the GoPro, My dad bought it for me in March for my birthday, I couldn’t wait to use it in the summer, so we went to Florida in June, I didn’t have a floaty for it yet, it fell in the ocean off my head and we couldn’t find it, I suggest you get the floaty backdoor, Overall though, I loved it, all the video was awesome! Read more reviews.

Great camera! We use if for riding dirt bikes and swimming. The picture quality is great, and its really easy to use. I purchased extra mounts so we have them on all our helmets so everyone can use it and enjoy it. It was worth buying the camera just to see my three year old swimming under water. Read more reviews.

Absolutely amazing camera. Gave it to my brother as a graduation present and it never leaves his side! Mountains, lakes, rivers, this camera does it all – and beautifully. Could not ask for a better product. Picks up sound well even through the waterproof case, and isn’t too sensitive to shaking when filming.

PROS

Compared to the HERO2, the The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition is about half the thickness of the HERO2, but more importantly the GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition is noticeably lighter, both in hand and when mounted to things.

Reduced body thickness makes the camera easier to position and get the perfect angle.
Excellent selection of options lets you take almost any type of video or photo.

CONS

Its best to update the firmware manually, as a number of attempts with the automated process did not work properly.
No zoom.
Has been known to overheat whenever contained within the watertight housing for extended intervals.

WARRANTY

The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition includes a 30 day manufacturer’s warranty, and you may also buy a 3 or 4 year “Drops and Spills” warranty for an extra charge.

GOPRO HERO3 BLACK: SURF EDITION SUMMARY

If you are wanting to take some selfies on your stand up paddle board, purchase a water-resistant throwaway camera. If, however, you are wanting to take some high-definition action shots of you cruising the waterways, or catching a barrel on your Tahitian escape, then the GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition is certainly something you ought to purchase. It take great photos, excellent video and can be safely attached to your SUP.

SUP YOGA – THE WAY TO ENLIGHTENMENT (AND ALSO A GREAT WORKOUT!)

PRACTICING YOGA ON A STAND UP PADDLE BOARD (ALSO KNOWN AS SUP YOGA) COMBINES THE SPORT OF STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING WITH YOGA ASANAS (OR POSTURES).

These asanas are performed on the paddle board out on open water, and by practising Yoga on a SUP, it can reinvigorate you and push you to become an even better practitioner of yoga (yogi) than you thought possible – all while breathing in fresh air, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the natural splendor of floating on water.

What makes SUP yoga more intense than doing it in a studio is that the constant motion of the water fires up all your core muscles – this cannot be done practising yoga on land. You will need a strong sense of balance and posture – for example, during downward dog, if you have more weight on one side, your board will let you know and you’ll most likely end up in the water!

With SUP yoga, it is all about working the midsection. The strength required to balance on the board and generate power and movement while paddling stems from these core muscles — from the deep transverse abdominis to the rectus abdominis and obliques. Adding yoga asanas further helps to challenge your balance, and builds both strength and flexibility throughout your entire body.

The ideal stand up paddling board for SUP yoga needs to be wide enough to be able to keep balance whilst you practise your asanas. Thirty one inches (31”) is a good width to look at. Most paddle board lengths will suffice, but anything over ten feet (10’) will give you extra buoyancy on the water.

For a rigid paddle board, The Greco 11ft Stand Up Paddle Board is a great starting point. Inflatable SUPs are also very good for practising SUP yoga. As they have a softer surface area, they can be more comfortable for laying down on, but still be sturdy enough to hold you through all yoga poses. The Tower Xplorer Inflatable paddle board or Isle 10ft Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board are both certainly worth a look if an inflatable SUP is what you are after.

If you want to try SUP yoga yourself, start with some seated asanas, as they will give you a feel for the paddle board without having to try and keep your balance as well. This will also allow you to feel the movement of the water underneath your paddle board. Don’t forget to take deep, mindful breaths (from the diaphragm).

Once you feel comfortable with these, move to some standing asanas. The Mountain Pose is one of the easiest standing asanas to transition into.

 One thing to be prepared for is a few falls, as it can be a strange sensation to feel the board moving underneath you when trying to stand. Don’t worry about this, as almost everyone who starts SUP yoga for the first time ends up in the water! After a while though, you will get a feel for the board. Remember: the movement of the board whilst you practise yoga is what makes it so beneficial.

If you’ve never tried stand up paddle boarding before, It would be advisable to take a beginner SUP lesson to gain more experience with proper paddling technique and stance. Likewise, if you’ve never tried yoga before, it might be worth taking a class or two to get a feel for the asanas, before trying them on a paddle board.

Yoga roughly translates to “Union”, and SUP yoga certainly brings together your mind, body, and the outdoor environment in a complete, but relaxing, workout.

KEEPER 10’6″ SPORTS STAND UP PADDLE BOARD SET - review

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO GET STARTED ON A STAND UP PADDLE BOARD, BUT DON’T WANT TO FORK OUT TOO MUCH, THE KEEPER 10’6” STAND UP PADDLE BOARD IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE. WITH GOOD SPECIFICATIONS – AND PLENTY OF GREAT CUSTOMER RATINGS – IT'S GOT SUFFICIENT TO GET YOU OFF AND RUNNING, AND KEEP YOU GOING FOR A LONG TIME.

DIMENSIONS
The Keeper stand up paddle board is 10 feet 6 inches (10’6”) long, thirty inches (30”) wide, and five inches (5”) thick. 10’6” is a  great length if you are starting out paddle boarding – not so short you'll be battling to keep upright, but not so long as to feel like a train whenever you attempt to turn on the water.

The board weighs in at 25lbs (11kgs), which is great – it won’t take long to understand the luxury of a light stand up paddle board when you have to carry it from the car park to the lake several times. The draw back, of course, is that light-weight boards are often affected by strong wind gusts when on the water. This is definitely evident mainly when trying to catch waves with powerful offshore winds blowing (keeping the board from “catching” the wave).

CONSTRUCTION
The paddle board is made from high density epoxy resin (EPS), which is actually a relatively inexpensive and incredibly lightweight surf board core. They are also very sturdy, which enable them to withstand knocks which would ding regular fibreglass boards. Some surfing purists would rather use conventional fibreglass, but if you'd like a lightweight, strong paddle board at a fantastic price, you cannot go wrong with EPS.

The board also has three wooden stringers, moulded right into the deck. Stringers are used to further strengthen a stand up paddle board.

The board has a 100 percent waterproof core, and can hold a weight of up to 300lbs (136kgs) in the water.

FEATURES
The Keeper stand up paddle board is light-weight, and an excellent size for learning. It features a strong design, using both EPS and three wooden stringers. The paddle floats, and that is always an added bonus!

ACCESSORIES
The Keeper stand up paddle board comes with an adjustable SUP Paddle (with special Blade Shield), padded roof racks and Surf leash.

The padded roof racks are okay for nearby trips, but you may want to invest in some decent roof racks if you are planning travelling further afield. At high speeds they are really noisy, and when it rains, the water can absorb through in to the inside of your car.

PERFORMANCE
This paddle board is not really intended for performance, but it does not mean it cannot catch great waves (if you’re inclined to go paddle boarding at the beach). It could be regarded as an “all-rounder”, meaning it is great for casual paddle boarding on the nearby lake, but additionally has enough juice to catch small waves at the beach (although, i wouldn’t endorse trying this on any point break if you are a novice – stick to small beach breaks with this one).

BRAND INFORMATION
Keeper Sports Products are a company located in Oceanside, California. Their mission, in their own words, is to “bring innovative competitively priced and value enhanced product to the sporting goods industry – and have fun while doing it”. The “California Board Company” range of boards appears on many top-sale websites, and overall reviews seem very positive.

PROS
Incredibly priced for what's a terrific stand up paddle board for beginner-intermediate paddle boards in mind.

CONS
The posting on Amazon states the board comes with a “Tri-fin” set-up, but it actually only sported a single large center fin (which is normally perfectly good for lake or small wave paddling).
The included roof rack isn’t very strong looking. It straps through the door frames inside the car for stability and then across the top of the board.

KEEPER 10’6″ SPORTS STAND UP PADDLE BOARD SUMMARY

The Keeper 10’6″ Sports stand up paddle board is a good all-around paddle board you will have fun using. For the price, this is a great buy, and we recommend this paddle board for beginners and those on a tight budget. Some seasoned SUP boarders or surfers might find this board a tad too basic. It is probably more suitable for lake paddling, but could also be used in small beach breaks.

TOWER ADVENTURER 9’10” INFLATABLE SUP - review

INFLATABLE STAND UP PADDLE BOARDS (SUPS) HAVE OPENED THE SPORT UP TO MANY PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT HAD THE ABILITY TO TRY THIS FANTASTIC SPORT, BECAUSE OF EITHER TRANSPORTATION LIMITATIONS (TRY CARTING A SUP ON A BUS!) OR NOT HAVING AVAILABLE STORAGE OPTIONS.

Inflatable SUPs have had a reputation of not being as good as normal fiberglass models, but this latest model from Tower is about to take inflatable SUPs to a higher level!

DIMENSIONS
The Tower Adventurer inflatable SUP measures in at nine foot, ten inches (9’10”). While it isn't really particularly long for a stand up paddle board, it more than makes up for it in width at thirty two inches (32”), and a thickness of six inches (6”). These dimensions will allow you to easily help keep your balance, while being able to steer the board with minimal trouble.

This stand up paddle board is incredibly rigid,and has a weight limit of 400 lbs (181 kgs) on the water. When fully inflated, it feels very much like a regular fibreglass board. It can be inflated up to 25 PSI, but will feel very stiff – 10-11 PSI is the manufacturer’s recommendation.

The board has a nose rocker of 4 inches (4”), which means the curvature of the nose from the board deck angles up to this height, allowing you to glide easily across the water.
The boards volume is unknown, but is approx. 300 liters.

CONSTRUCTION
The Tower Adventurer inflatable SUP is made from Military-grade PVC materials, with durable drop-stitch construction throughout. This paddle board should endure most knocks related to paddle boarding, whereas fibreglass boards are susceptible to dings and board cracks. Obviously, care must be used around sharp objects. If you are planning to to take the dog for a paddle around the lake, make sure to tape the board deck up so pooches toenails don’t go through the surface!

FEATURES
The most obvious feature of this stand up paddle board is that it is inflatable. As mentioned above, those that do not have much space to store a full-sized paddle board will be very glad to know it will roll up into a duffle bag not much more than a foot long, and 33 inches wide.

The portability of the board is great – you can easily take this along with you on getaways, without it taking much room in the car (or bus).

The Tower Inflatable SUP comes with a 2 year warranty, for ease of mind. This includes just about everything other than general wear and tear. Great for those that worrying an inflatable SUP could be susceptible to punctures.

ACCESSORIES
The package comes with a manual hand pump, and a 3-piece aluminum paddle. The paddle will suit most conditions, but many stand up paddle boarders upgrade to the better carbon fibre paddle. These tend to cost more, but are much stronger and won't bend or snap.

You also get a diamond grooved deck pad (with a rear kick tail, for all you hoping to try some surfing tricks!), removable center fin, a hand hold strap, a roll-up carrying strap, a towing ring on the nose, and a leash attachment ring on the tail, but you will need to buy a leash to keep you and the board from drifting apart should you end up in the water.

PERFORMANCE
This board is designed for beginner to intermediate level, even though anyone can have fun with this inflatable SUP, if they require a board that doesn't take up very much space, compared to an equivalent fibreglass model. Due to the width and height of this board, i wouldn’t be expecting to do much beach surfing where the waves are more than a couple of feet.

BRAND INFORMATION
Tower is a stand up paddle board manufacturer located in San Diego. They provide direct pricing on their stand up paddle boards, inflatable SUPs and accessories, making their products cheap in cost, but not in quality. Customers can visit their store in San Diego, where they can take part in stand up paddle board lessons, or hire one of the many Tower paddle boards for a try.

PROS
The quality of Tower  paddle board products is generally of a really high standard, and this product is no different. If you need a stand up paddle board, but don’t have the room for a fibreglass/EPS paddle board, then this inflatable SUP could well be your answer!

This inflatable SUP rolls up to the size of a small duffle bag.

2 year warranty

CONS
The pressure gauge on the pump does not always register the correct psi. If you're using a pump other than the one supplied, you need to be careful about over-inflating the board.

The paddle does not float. As mentioned previously, most people who own aluminium paddles eventually upgrade to the more popular carbon fibre paddle. As a result paddle being metal, be sure to rinse off after using in salt water to avoid corrosion.

No leash

TOWER ADVENTURER 9’10” INFLATABLE SUP SUMMARY

The Tower Adventurer inflatable SUP is an excellent choice for those wanting to get fitter – or to try a new activity – using a stand up paddle board. By being inflatable, it also means less space is needed to store or transport the board. While not really aimed toward the advanced paddle boarder, those wishing to learn to paddle board – or those wanting to keep a SUP at their holiday home – should take a closer look at the Tower inflatable SUP.