Is anyone using an inflatable stand up paddle board (SUP)?

[Bruce]

We want a paddle board that we can easily transport on the boat. Would appreciate recommendations from anyone with experience. Thanks.

 

[GiddYupJoe]

I just happen to remember this conversation from last year... Here you go @Bruce this may help get you started.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/looking-for-advice-on-sups.571/

 

[Julian]

I checked one out (dont recall the brand) at a boat show recently, and it was surprisingly rigid for an inflatable.

 

[motorboater]

We've had one for a couple years. It was a gift for my wife, and I chose inflatable for the same reason you are considering... portability. She really likes it. It is very rigid. However pumping it up is a workout. Getting to 14-15psi with the manual pump they give you is quite tiring. You wouldnt want to do it frequently, which sort of defeats the purpose of it being portable.

 

[rkgdmd]

We bought an Isle 12 1/2 foot inflatable from Amazon last year. It has held up very well. This is a big board good for beginners and will support up to 350 lbs. My 7 year old can sit in front of me and the board remains very stable. As mentioned, inflating it is a pain in the ass. At 15 psi it is as rigid as any solid board. Electric pumps are available but they are expensive. I've used my regular air compressor judiciously and that saves quite a bit of time. We have 3 other solid boards, and the inflatable is much lighter and therefore easier to pull out of the water. Overall very happy with it. I don't see the 12.6 board on Amazon any longer, but they still have the 10 footer. Also love the Isle boards because the skegs are removable. The Bic boards don't have that feature and it can make storing them a bit more difficult.

 

[Ronnie]

We have a jimmy Sykes 10'6" inflatable sip and love it. They sell them at both costco sometimes and west marine. Proce varies from $500 ish on up depending on size.

Pumping it up is a pita but I've found I can get it 90% full with an electric tube pump and top it off with the manual pump that was included in the ISup bundle. Can't use the electric pump to completely inflate the sup because it had a proprietary connector.

I am 5'8" and under 200 lbs so it can be challenging for me to maintain my balance on it. If I could do it again I would look for one that is 6" to 12" longer.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I've been looking for one myself for the last 6 months. I like this thread!

I saw a 10.5 inflatable and complete kit at West Marine for around $550 today. I think I would like to start at 12' because my boy will be riding with me.

Not sure of the quality of many manufacturers I see on the net.... That's what has stalled my decision. I don't want to lay down a grand and find out that my board tears easily or fins break off, etc.

www.tribalboards.com is one advertised in my area.

 

[motorboater]

This is the board I bought for my wife a few years ago. Its still like new and has no leaks. http://www.amazon.com/Solstice-Stand-Up-Paddleboard-10-Feet-8-Inch/dp/B004PPNQU2 It was one of only a couple options available at the time; seems like there are more options now. Anyway it seems to be quite sturdy construction. It is a little on the small side, but I didnt buy it for me.

 

[Bruce]

@Ronnie, @Murf'n'surf, I think we have decided upon the $550 Jimmy Styks from West Marine http://www.westmarine.com/buy/jimmy-styks--10-6-seeker-inflatable-stand-up-paddleboard--14772628#pr-header-back-to-top-link

 

[Murf'n'surf]

@Ronnie, @Murf'n'surf, I think we have decided upon the $550 Jimmy Styks from West Marine http://www.westmarine.com/buy/jimmy-styks--10-6-seeker-inflatable-stand-up-paddleboard--14772628#pr-header-back-to-top-link

Don't forget to find the 20% off coupon they always have available to "new boaters"!!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

That coupon is usually in their catalog and in Boat US magazine.

 

[Ronnie]

@Bruce , nice choice, I like the bungee tie down area at the front and wish mine had that. Consider adding a pool noodle to the paddle because they don't float and they get expensive fast. The same is true of the fin, I know first hand $$$

 

[Kross]

+1 costco

 

[Bruce]

+1 costco

Does Costco sell inflatable SUPs?

I do not have a local Costco.

 

[Ronnie]

They do, we ordered ours from Costco online. It doesn't look like they are carrying any inflatable ones right now.

http://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?storeId=10301&catalogId=10701&langId=-1&refine=&keyword=sup

 

[Bruce]

Success, @Rana is very happy and getting ready to paddle board Bimini!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Looks great! How long to fill it up?

 

[Bruce]

Looks great! How long to fill it up?

I forgot to mention, 180 pumps to 11 PSI. 12 PSI is the max. It was very firm at 11. It did not move when she stepped on. The first 100 pumps were easy. I started off sitting on the stairs. Similar to sitting on the swim deck. After that I had to stand up to have enough force to pump. I did not time it but I would guess around 6 minutes.

I will likely find a way to attach my tube pump to the hand pump's hose to get a head start.

The board, pump, paddle, fin and repair kit are all inside the backpack. So far it seems like a great deal for $550.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I've heard that you can use an electric pump for most of the fill but need to finish it with the manual pump due to the fitting on the manual pump holds the air in unlike the electric pump.

180 pumps would have me sweating up a storm in the Florida heat!

Would it be hard to manually pump it up on the boat? Or would you need to take it on the beach?

 

[Bruce]

The fill hose screws onto the board's pump. My guess is that I will be able to find fittings to attach the board's pump hose and pressure gauge to my airhead pump. I doubt the airhead AHP-12HP will reach anything near 12 PSI. It comes with a release valve for 1.4 PSI. My guess is that the first 100 to 140 pumps can be replaced by using the airhead pump then use the board's pump to pressurize it. The board has a really nice valve that prevents air escaping when you disconnect the pump.