Product Review: 2015 Red Air Ride 10-6 Inflatable SUP from Red Paddle Co.

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We first stumbled across the Red Air inflatable SUPs from Red Paddle Company in early 2012.
Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Co. is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories – and rapidly becoming one of the most popular.

Well-known for their ruggedness, each of the Red Air boards utilize high-pressure, dropstitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction with double layering.
In October, some of the new 2015 models arrived in the States; having previously reviewed the 2012 and 2013 models, we were eager to take a re-look to see how the boards had evolved.
Our first choice was the new 2015 Ride 10-6 – one of the new “blue bellies” from Red Paddle Co – surely one of the top selling inflatable boards, and rapidly becoming an industry classic.
Following is our (re) write-up on the 2015 Red Air Ten Six Ride from Red Paddle Company. (Please note, some of this is repeated from previous writeups.)
Getting Started with the Red Paddle Co Ride 10-6
The box as received weighs 38 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, back pack, HP EZee pump, pressure gauge, cinch belt, fin guards, instructions and repair kit – and a very nifty bonus cell phone case! Once rolled up, the SUP board and pump fit into the backpack, as well as a breakdown paddle under 37 inches.

Weight is 34 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is 25 lbs.
Ride 10-6 Set-Up and Inflation
The 10’6 Ride inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the high pressure EZee pump, inside the backpack. While the box included instructions in French, if you locate the cell phone case (attached to the back pack), the English version is folded inside the case.

Remove the fin guards and unroll the SUP body. There are three integrated tracking fins at the rear of the board. Lay it out face up (fins down) so that you can access the military valve.

The Red Air Ride 10’6 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you go to all the effort of inflating the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.

The included single-action pump comes with a pressure gauge, so

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New 2015 Red Air Inflatable SUP Lineup from Red Paddle Co.

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We recently received details on Red Paddle Company’s exciting new Red Air inflatable SUPs being introduced for 2015.
Well-known throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the Red Air line has steadily gained traction in the US. Noted for their ruggedness and performance, each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction, double layering, thick traction pads and fins.

The 2015 line has been redesigned, culminating in a striking, easily identifiable look. Color options have been decreased, with emphasis on categorizing boards by usage. For 2015, Red Paddle Co has 12 models for surfing, touring and racing, ranging in size from 9’2 to 14’0. This includes the introduction of 3 new models, revamped graphics on the current nine models, and four retiring models.
For 2015, Red Paddle Co has expanded the best-selling Ride to three versions perfect for all-around use – the Ride 9-8, the Ride 10-6 and the Ride 10-8. Each of the three models features d-rings, bungee deck lacing and three fixed fins.

The Ride 9-8 combines the best characteristics of the 9-6 AllWater and the Surfer/Venus 10-0 to create a great all-around and surfing board for riders up to 80 and 95kg, respectively. With a 31 inch beam, the Ride 9-8 is built from 100mm material, creating a responsive board that is 3.93 inches thick, but fitted with the Rocker Stiffening System (RSS) for increased rigidity. Capacity up to 180/lbs all-around or 210 lbs surfing. MSRP $1299.

The popular Ride 10-6 features the same best-selling features with an updated look. A classic model, great for cruising, small wave surfing, fishing,exploring. Specifications: 10’6 x 32 inches wide, 120mm/4.72 inches thick, capacity 225 lbs.  MSRP $1299.

The 10-8 Ride is a revamped 10-8 Mega, appealing to families or the larger paddler. With a (now) narrower beam of 34 inches, and a board construction of 120mm material, the 10-8 Ride is a rigid, super-stable 4.72 inches thick, providing lots of buoyancy for beefier or multiple paddlers, while still maintaining responsiveness. Good for cruising, small wave surfing, fishing, exploring, boat tender Capacity up to 265 lbs. MSRP $1379

The new Sport 11-0 RSS joins the lineup, perfectly positioned between the Rides and the 12-6 boards. With a narrower beam of 30 inches, a removable US Box deep water fin, rigid 4.72 inch/120mm construction and the RSS system, the Sport 11-0 is faster than the Ride series, yet easier to inflate and carry than the 12-6 models. This is a zippy board with great glide, yet is nimble enough for small waves. Capacity 225 lbs. MSRP $1449.

With whitewater SUP one of the hottest new paddling sports, Red Paddle has introduced the 9-6 Flow.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Guide: Choosing a Pump for your High-Pressure Inflatable SUP Paddle Board.

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As high-pressure inflatable paddle boards have increased in popularity – and the development of even higher-pressure materials on the rise – the issue of pumps has become a hot topic.
Specifically, what is the simplest, easiest way to get your inflatable SUP to the higher pressures of 18 to 20 PSI without developing a hernia or popping a blood vessel?

While we have used many of the pumps that have come through the door, we had not actually compared one to another. So, we pulled out all the SUP pumps in the warehouse, lined them up and tried them out, one by one.
Before going further, here are a few things you need to keep in mind when reading our review:

All pumping times and amounts are dependent on the size of board (length, width and thickness) which equates to the volume of air you will be pumping. Many of the popular boards run from 190 to 220 liters, but we do have smaller boards down to 160 liters and some big, beefy boards at 370 liters.
Despite what the manufacturer may tell you, try out the board and figure out what PSI you actually need – no sense in spending the time and energy pumping something up with little gain. While some boards can be inflated to 25 PSI, for most of us that is overkill. Smaller people may get away with 12 PSI and we had one 6’4, 300lb customer fine at 19 PSI. But in no case should you go higher than the manufacturer recommended pressure.
I have ranked them by “difficulty” level, but I am a smaller adult at 5’4″. Larger people may have an easier time reaching higher pressures.
The pumps we used all have the Halkey-Roberts (HR) valves and attachments. If you purchase an aftermarket pump, please make sure that a) the adaptors that come with it will work with your board or b) that you can get your hands on an adaptor and glue it onto the hose end. The HR valves are on the following inflatable boards that we know of: Red Paddle Co, C4 Waterman, Advanced Elements, AquaGlide, Airis Inflatables, Conquest, BIC.
To give a rough factoring, we’ve listed the air volume for the pumps – check on the volume for your pump. For example, 2000 cm3 is equal to 2.0 liters. If a pump puts out 2 liters and the board is 200 liters, theoretically it would take 100 full strokes to fill the board – we didn’t always see that, though. So, a 2000 cm3 pump will put out less air – and be easier to pump to higher pressures – than a 2500 cm3 pump. The 2500 cm3 pump will fill out a board faster, but

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

How to Straighten a Bent Fin on an Inflatable Kayak or SUP

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It’s a common occurrence – you just purchased an inflatable kayak or paddle board and excitedly open the box to discover – bent fins!

While this might appear devastating at first, straightening an integrated bent fin on an inflatable is a fairly easy task – basically, the application of heat allows it to return to normal. (Please note, this is just for the integrated flexi-fins found on many inflatables, not the removable rigid fins.)
Here are three options:
1) If it is a minor bend, flip your inflatable upside down and let it sit in the sun for a while. This often will return it to a straight position. (Please note: do NOT put your inflatable in the sun at full pressure – release some of the air so that it feels soft.)

2) For tougher bends, use a hair dryer. Hold the fin and after about 5 or 10 minutes the fin should soften enough to slowly straighten.

3) Very tough bends may require a little more effort. We thank Red Paddle Co for the photos and information on the “hot water” fix per below:

Pour hot water from the kettle on to the fin to make the fin flexible.

Straighten the fin with your hands and then using sticky tape secure the fin in its upright position.

Allow to cool either naturally or by pouring cold water over the fin. You should find your fin is now straight.

How to ensure this doesn’t happen again?
Make sure to store the inflatable in such a way that the fins are not bent. Some of this can be accomplished by folding. For instance the Airis paddle boards are folded one third up, then one-third again, then the fin is folded over (sticking up into the air). The board is then folded in half the long way, which nestles the fin between the layers.

 
Some inflatables come with fin protectors – bladder rings that slip over the fins.

If you don’t have fin protectors, you can easily fashion some by cutting a slit in a large block of styrofoam – any pressure will rest on the block, and not the fin itself.
Also make sure to not sit in the kayak when on dry ground for any length of time. If you must, then provide some type of support underneath.

Taking any of these simple steps will ensure that you are paddling on a straight course, and not “around in circles.”

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New 2015 Red Air Inflatable SUP Lineup from Red Paddle Co.

Feeds, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We recently received details on Red Paddle Company’s exciting new Red Air inflatable SUPs being introduced for 2015.
Well-known throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the Red Air line has steadily gained traction in the US. Noted for their ruggedness and performance, each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction, double layering, thick traction pads and fins.

The 2015 line has been redesigned, culminating in a striking, easily identifiable look. Color options have been decreased, with emphasis on categorizing boards by usage. For 2015, Red Paddle Co has 12 models for surfing, touring and racing, ranging in size from 9’2 to 14’0. This includes the introduction of 3 new models, revamped graphics on the current nine models, and four retiring models.
For 2015, Red Paddle Co has expanded the best-selling Ride to three versions perfect for all-around use – the Ride 9-8, the Ride 10-6 and the Ride 10-8. Each of the three models features d-rings, bungee deck lacing and three fixed fins.

The Ride 9-8 combines the best characteristics of the 9-6 AllWater and the Surfer/Venus 10-0 to create a great all-around and surfing board for riders up to 80 and 95kg, respectively. With a 31 inch beam, the Ride 9-8 is built from 100mm material, creating a responsive board that is 3.93 inches thick, but fitted with the Rocker Stiffening System (RSS) for increased rigidity. Capacity up to 180/lbs all-around or 210 lbs surfing. MSRP $1299.

The popular Ride 10-6 features the same best-selling features with an updated look. A classic model, great for cruising, small wave surfing, fishing,exploring. Specifications: 10’6 x 32 inches wide, 120mm/4.72 inches thick, capacity 225 lbs.  MSRP $1299.

The 10-8 Ride is a revamped 10-8 Mega, appealing to families or the larger paddler. With a (now) narrower beam of 34 inches, and a board construction of 120mm material, the 10-8 Ride is a rigid, super-stable 4.72 inches thick, providing lots of buoyancy for beefier or multiple paddlers, while still maintaining responsiveness. Good for cruising, small wave surfing, fishing, exploring, boat tender Capacity up to 265 lbs. MSRP $1379

The new Sport 11-0 RSS joins the lineup, perfectly positioned between the Rides and the 12-6 boards. With a narrower beam of 30 inches, a removable US Box deep water fin, rigid 4.72 inch/120mm construction and the RSS system, the Sport 11-0 is faster than the Ride series, yet easier to inflate and carry than the 12-6 models. This is a zippy board with great glide, yet is nimble enough for small waves. Capacity 225 lbs. MSRP $1449.

With whitewater SUP one of the hottest new paddling sports, Red Paddle has introduced the 9-6 Flow.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

How to Straighten a Bent Fin on an Inflatable

Feeds, , , , , , , , , ,

It’s a common occurrence – you just purchased an inflatable kayak or paddle board and excitedly open the box to discover – bent fins!

While this might appear devastating at first, straightening an integrated bent fin on an inflatable is a fairly easy task – basically, the application of heat allows it to return to normal. (Please note, this is just for the integrated flexi-fins found on many inflatables, not the removable rigid fins.)
Here are three options:
1) If it is a minor bend, flip your inflatable upside down and let it sit in the sun for a while. This often will return it to a straight position. (Please note: do NOT put your inflatable in the sun at full pressure – release some of the air so that it feels soft.)

2) For tougher bends, use a hair dryer. Hold the fin and after about 5 or 10 minutes the fin should soften enough to slowly straighten.

3) Very tough bends may require a little more effort. We thank Red Paddle Co for the photos and information on the “hot water” fix per below:

Pour hot water from the kettle on to the fin to make the fin flexible.

Straighten the fin with your hands and then using sticky tape secure the fin in its upright position.

Allow to cool either naturally or by pouring cold water over the fin. You should find your fin is now straight.

How to ensure this doesn’t happen again?
Make sure to store the inflatable in such a way that the fins are not bent. Some of this can be accomplished by folding. For instance the Airis paddle boards are folded one third up, then one-third again, then the fin is folded over (sticking up into the air). The board is then folded in half the long way, which nestles the fin between the layers.

 
Some inflatables come with fin protectors – bladder rings that slip over the fins.

If you don’t have fin protectors, you can easily fashion some by cutting a slit in a large block of styrofoam – any pressure will rest on the block, and not the fin itself.
Also make sure to not sit in the kayak when on dry ground for any length of time. If you must, then provide some type of support underneath.

Taking any of these simple steps will ensure that you are paddling on a straight course, and not “around in circles.”

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Guide: Choosing a Pump for your High-Pressure Inflatable SUP Paddle Board.

Feeds, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As high-pressure inflatable paddle boards have increased in popularity – and the development of even higher-pressure materials on the rise – the issue of pumps has become a hot topic.
Specifically, what is the simplest, easiest way to get your inflatable SUP to the higher pressures of 18 to 20 PSI without developing a hernia or popping a blood vessel?

While we have used many of the pumps that have come through the door, we had not actually compared one to another. So, we pulled out all the SUP pumps in the warehouse, lined them up and tried them out, one by one.
Before going further, here are a few things you need to keep in mind when reading our review:

All pumping times and amounts are dependent on the size of board (length, width and thickness) which equates to the volume of air you will be pumping. Many of the popular boards run from 190 to 220 liters, but we do have smaller boards down to 160 liters and some big, beefy boards at 370 liters.
Despite what the manufacturer may tell you, try out the board and figure out what PSI you actually need – no sense in spending the time and energy pumping something up with little gain. While some boards can be inflated to 25 PSI, for most of us that is overkill. Smaller people may get away with 12 PSI and we had one 6’4, 300lb customer fine at 19 PSI. But in no case should you go higher than the manufacturer recommended pressure.
I have ranked them by “difficulty” level, but I am a smaller adult at 5’4″. Larger people may have an easier time reaching higher pressures.
The pumps we used all have the Halkey-Roberts (HR) valves and attachments. If you purchase an aftermarket pump, please make sure that a) the adaptors that come with it will work with your board or b) that you can get your hands on an adaptor and glue it onto the hose end. The HR valves are on the following inflatable boards that we know of: Red Paddle Co, C4 Waterman, Advanced Elements, AquaGlide, Airis Inflatables, Conquest, BIC.
To give a rough factoring, we’ve listed the air volume for the pumps – check on the volume for your pump. For example, 2000 cm3 is equal to 2.0 liters. If a pump puts out 2 liters and the board is 200 liters, theoretically it would take 100 full strokes to fill the board – we didn’t always see that, though. So, a 2000 cm3 pump will put out less air – and be easier to pump to higher pressures – than a 2500 cm3 pump. The 2500 cm3 pump will fill out a board faster, but

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New 11 &12.5 ft Airis HollowDeck Inflatable SUP Paddle Boards

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Airis Inflatables of North America – a division of Walker Bay Boats – has announced two new inflatable paddle board products – the 11 ft and 12.5 ft Airis Hollowdeck SUPs.

The new Airis Hollowdeck SUPS feature a unique, integrated, dry bag system, allowing paddlers to store gear inside the nose of the board, as well as on top. The compartment remains waterproof by utilizing the roll-top and clip feature, and the paddler is not hampered by gear strapped to the top – though that option remains.

By creating an air pocket in the snout of the board, set up time is decreased by about 1/3, as there is less air to pump into the SUP.
The new Airis  HollowDecks also feature two separate air chambers for added safety, unlike most paddle boards which utilize one.

Available in two sizes, the 11 foot version sports a slightly narrower tail and width than the 12.5 foot model. Both models feature the proprietary RigiDeck fiberglass plates, providing increased rigidity under foot. Each is 6 inches thick and can be pumped up to 11 PSI.
All Airis inflatable kayaks and paddle boards are manufactured in North America.
The new HollowDecks will be available in December – MSRP $999 and $1099.  The HollowDecks join the popular series of Airis HardTop inflatable boards – the HT 12-6, the HT SUV 11 and the HT Stubby 9.
Watch the Airis Product Pages at AirKayaks.com for upcoming details, or send us an email and request to get on the Airis HollowDeck notification list.
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>