In the world of inflatable stand up paddle boards, Red Paddle Co is in a class all it’s own. They believe you should not have to sacrifice quality, style or functionality when choosing an inflatable SUP over a traditional board. These boards are versatile, user friendly and highly durable.
All Red Paddle Co boards can inflate up to 25 PSI which is higher than any other brand in the industry. Red also rivals top brands when it comes to the bag and pump that come with each board. The travel bag has wheels for easy carry and the brand new dual pressure Titan Pump (limited on select models) allows you to switch it from low to high pressure making it quicker and easier to get to those higher PSI ratings. Plus, each board also comes with a handy water wallet pouch and patch repair kit, even though we have yet to meet anyone who’s needed to use one.
The majority of the Red Paddle Co magic comes from a high-density drop-stitch construction which creates a more solid board feel. Plus, their multi-layer reinforced rail wrap ensures the board stays true to shape and doesn’t deform over time which is a common side effect of some of the cheap inflatables that you might find out there.
Red makes an extensive line of inflatable SUP boards, below is a list of some of our personal favorites. From surfing to cruising to touring and recreational racing, we promise they have a board that is just right for you.
For the real SUP adventure seeker that wants to hit some river rapids, the Red Flow 9’6 Inflatable SUP Board is the best you can get. With a smaller shape and wider body, the Flow is highly stable yet easy to maneuver through rough and changing conditions. The low-profile quad fin setup will minimize any drag in shallow water plus the durability is second to none. Upfront, the pronounced nose rocker helps keeps you up and ahead of the chop while the high sides allow for quick maneuvering in and out of the river flow. One of the more unique features is the tip-tail-sides handles that give you plenty of grip for climbing back up onto the board or hanging on hazardous conditions no matter what direction you bailed out on. When you are ready to brave the rapids and really have some fun this SUP season, gear yourself up right with the Red Flow 9’6.
The #1 selling board from Red Paddle Co is the the Ride 10’6 Inflatable SUP Board. This perfectly sized all-around SUP superstar can do it all which makes it a great board for so many different riders. Predictable and stable in small surf, smooth glide on flatwater conditions and just an all around great cruising board. The slight rocker helps keep the nose up in choppy conditions while the super flat footing area feels stable and the deck pad offers great grip, even in rougher or surf conditions. The tie downs at the nose can hold your life vest or other gear and the built in tri-fin system helps track nice and straight. The jack of all trades when it comes to the Red Paddle Co lineup is the one and only Ride 10’6.
If you like the sound of the Ride 10’6 we described above, but are looking for just a little more width, the Ride 10’8 Inflatable SUP Board is just the board for you. Previously known as the 10’8″ Mega, this board is perfect for bigger paddlers, families or anyone looking for a super stable inflatable. The Ride 10’8 is 34″ wide and has the most sturdy footing area of all the boards on our list. Still maneuverable in smaller surf and extra stable in choppy or rough conditions, this board is also perfect for beginners or those looking to do some tandem paddling. Tie downs at the nose for your cooler or life vest and a built in tri-fin system that helps to keep you tracking nice and straight. The big boy of the lineup that is perfect for almost any paddler. We highly recommend the Ride 10’8.
When it comes to touring, exploring or any long-distance paddle adventures, the Explorer 12’6 Inflatable SUP Board is the only way to go. With a ton of features that make it perfect for long journeys, the Explorer is definitely ready for your next water adventure. The first thing to note is the unique fin setup. The Explorer is equipped with 4 US fin boxes which means you can alternate fins or use fins you might already have. Fins are included with the board and depending on what you are doing, you can run it as a single fin, tri fin or even add the fin at the nose to aid tracking on those gusty cross wind days. There are gear tie downs at the nose and tail of the board so you have plenty of room for all your gear and 3 built in handles make it easy to grip and climb on and off the board or simply make it easier to carry. Fishing adventures, exploring your local lakes and rivers or committing to a seriously long trek, no board will get the job done quite like the Red Explorer.
In a league all it’s own, the Red Race 12’6 Inflatable SUP Board is one of the sleekest, meanest inflatable boards we’ve ever seen. Coming in at 12’6 x 28, this narrow beast can slice through the water and glide like no other, making it really hard to believe that it’s actually an inflatable board. A few key features are the reason why this board is so rigid and paddles so much faster than you would expect. First, the RSS (Rocker Stiffening System) creates a highly rigid rail by adding the included battens into the slots on the side of the board. Second, the nose fin creates a displacement hull-like feel so this board has the ability to cut and glide quickly and smoothly. Finally, with a volume of 340 liters, the 12’6 Race can hold a rider up to almost 290 lbs. So if you weigh less than that, this board is going exceed your expectations in the speed department. Just like Red says, just because it’s an inflatable doesn’t mean you have to make sacrifices. When you step on the Race 12’6 you will realize how true that statement is!
We’ve watched this brand grow over the past few seasons and could not be more excited about the 2015 lineup. If you’ve never given inflatables a chance, the time is now. We promise you will not be disappointed.
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