Inflatable SUPs

[Russky]

I'm considering getting an inflatable SUP.

As I understand, F-One, FlySurfer, and RED are currently offerring some inflatable boards.

Just wanted your, seasoned SUP pilots, personal opinions of this idea in general, and maybe specific boards as well...

[ricki]

You can't beat the portability of an inflatable if that is an issue for you. The construction can be quite resilient like a Zodiac inflatable. The newer inflatables can be quite large in some cases with good displacement handling heavier riders. How much do you weigh? I have had a 10.5 ft. Uli board which works well for my lighter wife but for me at close to 190 lbs. it doesn't develop that much glide at my weight.

[Russky]

Good points, Rick...
Yes, I want it to fit in the car's trunk (when deflated).

And the board needs to handle myself (180 lb) with my kid (about 50 lb) together.

I guess, get the largest board available, like 11'?

[ricki]

My Uli wouldn't cut it with your combined weight. Have you been on conventional SUP boards that have been too small for you? You have minimal glide and just slog along with lots of paddling? I would think you would need a pretty long and/or wide board to provide the displacement and wetted area your combined weight requires. I would definitely try to demo your inflatable before you buy it if you can. I would get in touch with Uli, http://www.uliboards.com/standup.php and describe what you have in mind including detailed info about your expected water conditions and activities. Do you plan to stay in sheltered waters and/or on calm days, do any racing, wave riding, etc.? I would talk to some of the other manufacturers or distributers as well.