Are voyager paddle boards good?
Voyager with my pup, with my friends/family, and by myself when I want to cover long distances quickly. Although the price is steep, it is one of the best inflatable stand up paddle boards I have ever tested thanks to its performance on the water, ease of use, and high-quality accessories. Heavier paddlers who are well under 6′ tall can get away with a 10-11 board that is over 32” wide. Paddlers over 6′ tall across the weight spectrum will do best to prioritize length.SUP Equipment The Board: A stand-up paddleboard is larger, wider, and generally more buoyant than a traditional paddleboard. It ranges between 9 and 12 feet in length and is designed to support a standing rider.The 11′ paddle board stands out in choppy waters or when embarking on long touring trips due to its superior stability and speed. Conversely, a 10′ board, due to its shorter length and great maneuverability, thrives in calm waters and is perfect for casual cruising.My verdict on the Red Paddle Voyager 12’6″ paddle board This paddle board is on the longer side for storing on deck when inflated, at least on a small boat, but packing it down was easy enough. The only real downside is the high cost. There are cheaper boards on the market, but you sacrifice longevity and stiffness.
Why not buy a cheap paddle board?
The cheaper inflatable paddle boards in the market tend to be constructed with glued seams which over time and constant inflating, deflating, folding up, and unfolding tend to loosen and cause punctures. This is dangerous. There’s nothing worse than being out on the water and realising that your board is deflating! With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.Inflatable paddle boards last much longer than people think, especially one with a good construction that has been well maintained these board can between 5-8 years possibly even longer!For this reason they are great for people who lack storage space. Extremely durable – Believe it or not ISUP’s are actually better suited for river paddling and rocky shores. These boards are not flimsy and whereas a fiberglass board might get dinged if it crashes into rocks, an inflatable will just bounce right off.With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.
Do I need to rinse my paddle board?
Always rinse your board after use, particularly if you’ve been in the ocean. Storing an inflatable paddle board coated in saltwater will deteriorate its exterior over time. Don’t use any chemicals when cleaning — not even soap. Just spray with a hose and let it air dry. Yes, salt water can damage paddle board seams and metal parts. It can also cause the deck pad to peel off and the paint to fade. To avoid damage, rinse off your board with fresh water after each use and store it in a cool, dry place.
When not to paddleboard?
Avoid offshore winds. They will quickly blow your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. Avoid launching in windy conditions. You should wear a suitable personal flotation device. When Is It Too Windy to SUP? Most paddling safety experts recommend staying off the water in winds above 15 mph, or 10-12 mph if you’re a beginner. Winds below 10 mph are more like breezes, and not much to worry about.
Should I wear water shoes when paddle boarding?
The conditions you’ll be paddle boarding in should also guide your footwear choice. For colder weather and water conditions, opt for insulating footwear like surf booties. On the other hand, if you’re paddle boarding in a local lake or calm flat water during summer, water shoes or even barefoot might be the way to go. While crocs are not nearly as good as proper water shoes, they are a fine alternative for the summer months. Crocs won’t keep your feet warm, but they can protect your feet when launching the board. Plus they float which is always an advantage.