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.