Standup Paddle Boards
- Thread starter BRAZO
- Start date
I have never used a SUP, but have used the old plywood Paddle boards a lot when I was a kid--and then long board surfing. I have a friend who has made a number of films invoving SUP, and some tow surfing. Several folks I know around here SUP.
My thoughts are: I would rather have a kayak or good dinghy for exploring marinas. The SUP have been problems in some marinas (as kayaks have been). (Example, coming in to head down a finger to get to a slip--there are a group of boarders/kayaks blocking the entrance to the slips.)
I have heard of exacerbation of back problems. My friend who has made the films was complaining not too long ago about his back bothing him after using the SUP. VS his surf boards. The ergonomics of paddling from that position are more difficult than with a canoe--or (different) kayak.
There are glass, plastic and inflatable boards. The weight, cost and durability can vary greatly. There are also "hybrid" which can be easily used as a sit on kayak, as well as stand ups. As I understand it, the Coast Guard has taken the position that these are "Boats" and a PFD, whistle (flares???) etc when outside of surf zones or swimming areas. Not sure if there consistancy in this realm. I can see that some folks who cannot swim well might drown if they fell off. We have enough drownings right at the beach around here! I probably would not wear a PFD, but might wear one of the belt type of inflatable PFD--easy to get wet--and then problems as it inflated...
What do you use for exploration now?
My thoughts are: I would rather have a kayak or good dinghy for exploring marinas. The SUP have been problems in some marinas (as kayaks have been). (Example, coming in to head down a finger to get to a slip--there are a group of boarders/kayaks blocking the entrance to the slips.)
I have heard of exacerbation of back problems. My friend who has made the films was complaining not too long ago about his back bothing him after using the SUP. VS his surf boards. The ergonomics of paddling from that position are more difficult than with a canoe--or (different) kayak.
There are glass, plastic and inflatable boards. The weight, cost and durability can vary greatly. There are also "hybrid" which can be easily used as a sit on kayak, as well as stand ups. As I understand it, the Coast Guard has taken the position that these are "Boats" and a PFD, whistle (flares???) etc when outside of surf zones or swimming areas. Not sure if there consistancy in this realm. I can see that some folks who cannot swim well might drown if they fell off. We have enough drownings right at the beach around here! I probably would not wear a PFD, but might wear one of the belt type of inflatable PFD--easy to get wet--and then problems as it inflated...
What do you use for exploration now?
Right now we have two inflatable Sevylor Kayaks. We are both triathletes and like the idea of exploring around the anchorage and also getting a slight workout. Not sure if we'll get some before doing the Rideau Canal this year but certainly before we head back to the North Channel.[/quote]
Hi Robert,
Which Sevylor inflatable do you have? I had one of the Tahiti's, along with a stitch and glue Kayak I had made (16 footer)--the Tahiti was a "slug"--and not much fun. Currently we have a Hobie Revolution which is a much faster and easier boat to run than a 9.5' Hobie inflatable Kayak. (peddle--since I have some serious back problems, I can no longer paddle). I am looking at a two place inflatable for my grandkids to use when we travel this summer (we will take the two Hobies for Marie and I.) (We would not buy the Hobie Tandem--too heavy and expensive, and would be slower than any hard kayak).
I have mixed feelings about the SUP as a "dinghy"(my son uses one and seems to enjoy it)--but recently his neighbors let his family use some good sea kayaks (he didn't tell me which brand or model) and he thought it was much easier and better for "cruising". With your athletic ability, you should do well--but it is different than any of the triathlon modalities.
One of the questions I would have is balance when you get boat wakes. I assume that it is more stable than a surf board. The other issue might be distance traveled--and taking gear with you--such as hiking boots, other clothing, cameras and gear. (We do a lot of hiking along with our boating)
Take care,
Bob Austin
Which Sevylor inflatable do you have? I had one of the Tahiti's, along with a stitch and glue Kayak I had made (16 footer)--the Tahiti was a "slug"--and not much fun. Currently we have a Hobie Revolution which is a much faster and easier boat to run than a 9.5' Hobie inflatable Kayak. (peddle--since I have some serious back problems, I can no longer paddle). I am looking at a two place inflatable for my grandkids to use when we travel this summer (we will take the two Hobies for Marie and I.) (We would not buy the Hobie Tandem--too heavy and expensive, and would be slower than any hard kayak).
I have mixed feelings about the SUP as a "dinghy"(my son uses one and seems to enjoy it)--but recently his neighbors let his family use some good sea kayaks (he didn't tell me which brand or model) and he thought it was much easier and better for "cruising". With your athletic ability, you should do well--but it is different than any of the triathlon modalities.
One of the questions I would have is balance when you get boat wakes. I assume that it is more stable than a surf board. The other issue might be distance traveled--and taking gear with you--such as hiking boots, other clothing, cameras and gear. (We do a lot of hiking along with our boating)
Take care,
Bob Austin
thataway":1qvu1q0k said:
We have the "yellow" version - not sure the model but I believe it is/was their best selling version. We bought those kayaks when we had our tug for the kids to use. Not great but better than nothing.
Ya, I think the boat wakes might be a challenge but I guess we just go swimming then. With the c-dory we have always been able to put the bow on the shore and then go explore. The paddle boards would be to just see the sites on a nice quiet ride. We had a dingy on the tug which was great but too loud to enjoy the wildlife and peace and quiet.
Thanks for your thoughts and info.
Have a nice evening.
I have an 8 foot inflatable kayak, a sea kayak, and a SUP. The inflatable is a bit of a slug, but works as a dingy for my 19, and is good for exploring, especially small places. It is light and goes up on the cabin top easily. The sea kayak is 18 1/2 feet long and is a dream to paddle. It is fast, and you can cover long distances fast, and comfortably. It weighs only 36 pounds, but is a bit of a challenge to put on top of the C-Dory mostly because of it's length. It is very comfortable and provides a good work out for the upper body and legs. It is very stable and will go anywhere I want to go. It also is a nice winter craft as you can stay very dry and warm (with a spray skirt and proper clothing. It is a challenge to enter and exit from the C-Dory.
The SUP is a workout. It really makes you focus on your core muscles, and it is great for increasing balance control. For me, it wouldn't make the most perfect dingy, but in warm water areas it is great for exploring and exercise. I have tie downs so I can take waterproof bags and even a fly rod along if I want. It is much more maneuverable than the sea kayak in tight places.
I think if you are traveling in areas where the water temp is a swimming temp, and you wanted to poke around and explore, a SUP is a fun way to go. If you want to explore marinas only, I think a small kayak would be better suited for that. If you are on a SUP, straight line travel is much easier that tight turns. The faster you paddle, the higher the board "floats", and you have more control. When I am on my board I am prepared to swim at any time, and marinas are not the safest places to be in the water. A SUP can also be used for shore transportation, and you can ferry some items from the beach to the boat. I think the perfect place for a SUP is on Lake Powell.
This couple carried their SUP's on top of their 22 C-Dory and used them for exploring the small bays and canyons on the lake, and for their daily workouts.
Robbi
The SUP is a workout. It really makes you focus on your core muscles, and it is great for increasing balance control. For me, it wouldn't make the most perfect dingy, but in warm water areas it is great for exploring and exercise. I have tie downs so I can take waterproof bags and even a fly rod along if I want. It is much more maneuverable than the sea kayak in tight places.
I think if you are traveling in areas where the water temp is a swimming temp, and you wanted to poke around and explore, a SUP is a fun way to go. If you want to explore marinas only, I think a small kayak would be better suited for that. If you are on a SUP, straight line travel is much easier that tight turns. The faster you paddle, the higher the board "floats", and you have more control. When I am on my board I am prepared to swim at any time, and marinas are not the safest places to be in the water. A SUP can also be used for shore transportation, and you can ferry some items from the beach to the boat. I think the perfect place for a SUP is on Lake Powell.
This couple carried their SUP's on top of their 22 C-Dory and used them for exploring the small bays and canyons on the lake, and for their daily workouts.
Robbi
Lots of great ideas and evaluations! Gotta love this place! Me = 12 years+!
What you decide on will depend a lot on: 1.) where you use it, 2.) what you do, and 3.) your age!
I'm getting too old for athletic solutions! (69 next month!) (Used to run 5 miles a day, easily, + 1/2 marathons for fun!)
My $0.02: Get a 100-200 hp jet ski and have fun! Just be prepared to pay or use your credit card! (up to nearly 20 gallons/hour at full throttle and 60+ mph!) (Pulls skiers, too, Kevin!)
Great for warm water venues! (Shasta Lake, 78 degrees surface temperature in the summer, 80+ in the coves!)
My Sea Ray is in the shade all day in a the covered marina, the C-Dory ditto, in a second slip and ready to fish, and my Sea Doo is a waterborne motorcycle (for the most part) without major disaster lurking around the corner, as long as one's careful!
Time to have some fun, as time is running out, and tens of hundreds of $100,000s , is just few weeks of additional hours, in today's economics!
(Thank you the Medical Profession!}
Joe. :teeth :thup
What you decide on will depend a lot on: 1.) where you use it, 2.) what you do, and 3.) your age!
I'm getting too old for athletic solutions! (69 next month!) (Used to run 5 miles a day, easily, + 1/2 marathons for fun!)
My $0.02: Get a 100-200 hp jet ski and have fun! Just be prepared to pay or use your credit card! (up to nearly 20 gallons/hour at full throttle and 60+ mph!) (Pulls skiers, too, Kevin!)
Great for warm water venues! (Shasta Lake, 78 degrees surface temperature in the summer, 80+ in the coves!)
My Sea Ray is in the shade all day in a the covered marina, the C-Dory ditto, in a second slip and ready to fish, and my Sea Doo is a waterborne motorcycle (for the most part) without major disaster lurking around the corner, as long as one's careful!
Time to have some fun, as time is running out, and tens of hundreds of $100,000s , is just few weeks of additional hours, in today's economics!
(Thank you the Medical Profession!}
Joe. :teeth :thup