Paddle board advice (32 Viewers)

[MrPG]

Forget about 2 adults on a paddleboard it will be a PIA.
I ended up with one by accident bought it for my daughter as a birthday present but unknown to me here hubby got her one so I kept it for myself.

If is good fun but limited by conditions, if it's windy you often go backwards and have to kneel down to paddle back against the wind. Only useable on rivers with very slow currents unless there is someone to transport you back.
Only used mine once at home this year as its been too windy all year.

My £300 Amazon Goosewing job is as good as daughter's £400 Two Bare Feet but hers looks posher. A friend has £800 one and he reckons mine is better on the sea. I think it's pot luck with the cheap ones.

I have a two wheel trolly I strap it to, for getting down the beach 200yds as the crow fly but 500 yds around the road & of course an electric pump.

grasscutter & his other half Paddleboarder are into quite serious paddleboarding.

I did 8 hours into a headwind on Loch Ness in April. With correct technique it’s not too difficult if it’s windy.
I’m leading an open water course this weekend in the Lakes covering paddling in wind.

 

[suavecarve]

I would strongly advise a PFD for any water sports.

Having been to more drowning incidents than I care to remember, the common theme in all of them, is that they weren’t wearing a PFD of some sort. As soon as you go sub surface, we can’t find you very easily if at all.

I know they are a faff and hot, but the alternatives are worse.

It isn’t just about falling in and hitting your head, you might have an equipment failure, or bad weather, or a medical episode.

I know I am dull, but I wear mine always.

I m a carefree sort of guy.
I even wear shorts on a motorbike ......... well a scooter really ........ in the height of summer ........ in Southern France ............. on small journeys.

An inland lake, with little to no wind (worst case we would go out in) and possibly a maximum of a km to swim to safety really isnt an issue for either of us.

I think your advice about bouyancy aids is spot on......just not for me and I think there is a massive bouyancy aid in the form of a canoe should i be wrong. As a complete aside, on BBC this morning the aid saved the life of a bloke in a canoe, attacked by a hippo

Cheers

 

[Lenny HB]

I did 8 hours into a headwind on Loch Ness in April. With correct technique it’s not too difficult if it’s windy.
I’m leading an open water course this weekend in the Lakes covering paddling in wind.

My wind experance is on the so have both wind and current to contend with and also I'm only a novice. Certainly different to sailing a Laser where a bit of wind helps.

 

[Johnen]

You will find that once you have pumped it up to 20psi you will be too tired to take it out on the water. Get an electric pump

 

[MichaelT]

I just cant foresee how a bouyancy aid would be of use to us. (yes I know I could fall off and hit my head etc but that hasnt happened and is highly highly unlikely to happen in a canoe on a lake as I think they are basically impossible to roll.

I seem to remember someone saying something similar on a short bike trip on a cycle path, now who was that mmmm

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[suavecarve]

I seem to remember someone saying something similar on a short bike trip on a cycle path, now who was that mmmm

The wife

 

[Silver-Fox]

I like it when it's a bit rougher

Very revealing, I’m seeing a different side to you Minxy

 

[Silver-Fox]

I even wear shorts on a motorbike ......... well a scooter really ........ in the height of summer ........ in Southern France ............. on small journeys.

I find that scary to be honest.

Gravel rash isn’t a good look and takes ages to get the bits of tarmac out of your recently congealed skin

Painfull as well

 

[Googlebot]

I find that scary to be honest.

Gravel rash isn’t a good look and takes ages to get the bits of tarmac out of your recently congealed skin

Painfull as well

Seen this a lot as well, I also know how much it hurts after falling off my bike at speed.

Again, it isn’t even something you might do wrong. Only takes someone to pull out and not see you.

You just need to hope you stop sliding before you need a skin graft.

 

[IRHP]

Does anyone make inflatable windsurfers do you think? I did a lot of windsurfing back in the day but there's no room for a rigid one in the van.

Have a look at STX boards. They are very good but more like the newer high volume wide boards. Not old school.

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[pappajohn]

My recomendation If your going to look at one the brands on Amazon to carry two people is to get one that will inflate to 20psi.

Where does inflation enter into it?
I, just an hour ago, watched a TV program about building paddle boards.
Two sheets of ply with an expanded foam core, cut to shape then vacuumed together then wrapped in glass fibre and resin.
No mention of inflation.

 

[ChrisL]

Where does inflation enter into it?
I, just an hour ago, watched a TV program about building paddle boards.
Two sheets of ply with an expanded foam core, cut to shape then vacuumed together then wrapped in glass fibre and resin.
No mention of inflation.

Some are inflatable, not all are constructed in the same manner.

 

[MichaelT]

Where does inflation enter into it?
I, just an hour ago, watched a TV program about building paddle boards.
Two sheets of ply with an expanded foam core, cut to shape then vacuumed together then wrapped in glass fibre and resin.
No mention of inflation.

All the ones I've seen are blow up ones.

 

[TDub49]

Where does inflation enter into it?
I, just an hour ago, watched a TV program about building paddle boards.
Two sheets of ply with an expanded foam core, cut to shape then vacuumed together then wrapped in glass fibre and resin.
No mention of inflation.

I would hazard a guess that over 90% of the paddle boards that you see cluttering up our rivers and coastline are inflatable versions. For sure there are ones built along the same lines as surf boards but nowhere near as convenient as an inflatable SUP which folds down when deflated and is relatively easy to transport and store.

 

[Brains]

Where does inflation enter into it?
I, just an hour ago, watched a TV program about building paddle boards.
Two sheets of ply with an expanded foam core, cut to shape then vacuumed together then wrapped in glass fibre and resin.
No mention of inflation.

Yep, but they are a bugger to fold.

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[BouncyBoatFolk]

Yep, but they are a bugger to fold.

And, when you see the new converts eagerly blowing up their brand new purchase at the waters edge, it's that, wait for it, wait for it, moment, as they reach the ultimate pressure and release the pump to board connector, and WHOOOOOOOSH, most of the air comes blasting out because they've left the plunger down on the valve stem. I did try telling a chap just along from me in the summer to check this,before he got to his pressure value, but he just looked at me like I was talking martian. Lessons learnt the hard way have a habit of staying learnt.
Mike.

 

[Minxy]

Very revealing, I’m seeing a different side to you Minxy

Good job hubby doesn't read this forum much! He might get 'ideas'!

 

[gilbaro]

Don't go too cheap. There's a lot in the construction. 10ft 6in is a good all round starter board. I personally wouldn't consider two on a board. PFD essential along with leash with quick release if using waist leash.
Electric pump is good idea but can fuse cigar lighter type outlet. No need for vacuum deflater but consider a whisper deflater to avoid upsetting the neighbours.
Consider weight of boards, pumps, bags and wetsuits etc. Our two boards and bits weigh in at 30 kgs plus and take up a good bit of garage space.
Took boards with us in UK this summer but always an excuse not to inflate - tides, wind, sky wrong colour etc.
Didn't take on our current European odyssey.

 

[Minxy]

An inland lake, with little to no wind (worst case we would go out in) and possibly a maximum of a km to swim to safety really isnt an issue for either of us.

Sorry to disagree, even though you are experienced you never know when you will need the help of a BA. A km is actually quite a way to swim never mind if you're hurt, got cramp, or if your back plays up. Is it really worth it? You can get some less bulky BAs nowadays so maybe something smaller would do? Also a BA allows you to concentrate at retrieving other stuff that's gone in the water and be able to get them back, in my case such as a dog (not that it's ever happened!).

I very, very rarely go out without mine, the only time being if I'm just playing at the ends of the water with the dogs jumping in and out of the canoe or a short trip no more than 20ft from the edge to give them a little trip if it's not deep, otherwise the BA is always on and if I'm going out a distance a pink fluorescent tabard on top.

I've only ever gone in the water once when canoeing, we were going along the canal over the Loire at Pont de Canal, Briare, and I'd got out to see if we could get down to the river, we couldn't so I went to get back in but the step under the water at the side of the canal was very slippery so I went flying and bashed my coccyx on the wall/step as I went it ... to say it hurt like hell is an understatement, fortunately I had my BA on so didn't have to try to swim which was good as I was in a lot of pain, if I hadn't had it on it would have been more painful as I'd have had to support myself rather than just 'float' for a bit.

Please wear one.

 

[Minxy]

along with leash with quick release if using waist leash

I had an issue with the one on my paddle board, when I came off it trapped my leg up at one side with me at the other, due to it being a long board it wasn't easy to get round to the 'leg' side so if I was still using a SUP I'd certainly have some way to release where it's secured to the board and attach it to the centre strap rather than the end loop.

Hubby took a photo which shows what I mean:

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[Coolcats]

I m a carefree sort of guy.
I even wear shorts on a motorbike ......... well a scooter really ........ in the height of summer ........ in Southern France ............. on small journeys.

An inland lake, with little to no wind (worst case we would go out in) and possibly a maximum of a km to swim to safety really isnt an issue for either of us.

I think your advice about bouyancy aids is spot on......just not for me The advice is and I think there is a massive bouyancy aid in the form of a canoe should i be wrong. As a complete aside, on BBC this morning the aid saved the life of a bloke in a canoe, attacked by a hippo

Cheers

The Advise is this

No matter how strong you think you are at swimming, wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). PFD’s come in all shapes and sizes, so you can easily find one that fits and is comfy. Make sure it is fit for purpose and is done up securely. There are lots of things to consider when getting a PFD for you and your family, so check out our guide on buying your first PFD.

When you are on a paddle board you might think “I’m connected to a big inflatable, do I need one?“. The answer is YES! You’re connected to it now, but you may need to release yourself from it for some reason. So make sure you are wearing a PFD. It is also important to have the right leash on in this situation, but more of that later on.

 

[suavecarve]

I wish to thank all for thinking of caring for me more than I do myself.

Unfortunately, I wont be taking any notice whatsoever about wearing a BA or PFD in the inflatable canoe for the use we intend.

The canoe (now) will be used on lakes and rivers, should we decide to go down a river like the ardeche where there are a couple of rapids, I would wear one (for the rapids). But piddling about on a lake or non rapid rivers where you can paddle against the flow with ease, I wont be wearing one, but if it is hot, I promise I will put sun tan lotion on my shoulders.

This may change as I get older and not able to swim as far as I can now. I have open water swum for about 15 years (after swimming daily for 10 years), surfed and bodyboarded for 20 years (including canoe surfing and white water and canoe polo where I did wear a PFD and a lid because it was prudent to do so)

I do appreciate the correct advice which is given to me and most people should wear one. Just not me. The wife might wear one though.

 

[Stacetop]

We have two paddleboards but don’t find the time for them.

I’m looking to sell our Red 10’8 paddleboard with roller wheeled bag. This is a really good make paddleboard and will take 2 adults inflates to 20psi unlike the cheaper ones. Haven’t took pictures or advertised it yet.

 

[Camper Sue]

Those dinghy things the use in the English channel seem to be fairly robust

Sad. People have died. Women children and others.

 

[JamesT@Dundee]

Not a paddle board but this is my inflatable Kayak. Sevylor Madison. Had it yonks. Been all over with it from the Scottish islands to the med. Its pretty battered now but I love it. If there are two of you I would reckon its more practical than a paddle board. Plenty of space to pack stuff for a picnic and store a dry bag. The whole thing goes in a bag and I can carry it on the scooter. Double skin and really tough.

Agree on the Sevylor - we had the Alameda (longer sibling of the Madison). Used for fresh and sea water canoeing with our two dogs. Excellent materials and very stable.

Gave up the ghost this year when both side tubes got leaks and we couldn't replace them. So possibly looking at a Madison (lighter weight but same material).

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[Camper Sue]

We have come to the opinion we think we could get on with a paddleboard.

We think we want one which would carry the pair of us c150 kgs and whether that would be both standing up or not or one sat down doesn't overly concern us. We presume you can both sit on them and use them in a canoe style as well with the picnic in a waterproof rucksack.

Is there a paddleboard size that we would need ?
Are the ones from Temu cost effective ? I.e. the same as Amazon only cheaper.

We see their use as when we are parked by lake or river with the motorhome as don't want to transport them too far. Sea usage is not discounted.

What other things do we need to consider (we are both relatively strong swimmers)

A fair bit of extra kit is needed so remember that can be bulky - float vest essential. You might want a shortie wet suit. I use a pump which is pre charged on hook up. This all needs stowage in the van.

 

[barryd]

I wish to thank all for thinking of caring for me more than I do myself.

Unfortunately, I wont be taking any notice whatsoever about wearing a BA or PFD in the inflatable canoe for the use we intend.

The canoe (now) will be used on lakes and rivers, should we decide to go down a river like the ardeche where there are a couple of rapids, I would wear one (for the rapids). But piddling about on a lake or non rapid rivers where you can paddle against the flow with ease, I wont be wearing one, but if it is hot, I promise I will put sun tan lotion on my shoulders.

This may change as I get older and not able to swim as far as I can now. I have open water swum for about 15 years (after swimming daily for 10 years), surfed and bodyboarded for 20 years (including canoe surfing and white water and canoe polo where I did wear a PFD and a lid because it was prudent to do so)

I do appreciate the correct advice which is given to me and most people should wear one. Just not me. The wife might wear one though.

Funny story about life jackets. I refuse to call them PFDs or BA's! in the mid 80s when I was in my late teens I did a sponsored row from Fort William to Inverness through the Caledonian Canal and the four lochs including Loch Ness. It was the hardest thing I had ever done and wild at times. However half way through Loch Ness on day two my arse ached so much. It was abject agony. I ended up taking off my life jacket and sitting on it. They were proper big orange ones in those days not these puny things you see now that look like a neck tie that wouldn't keep a squirrel afloat so quite comfy. I figured as I was a mile from shore with no back up crew or support boat (apart from a couple of idiots in a camper van following me on shore) if I fell in a mile from the shore I was dead within ten minutes anyway its so cold. I've never worn one since unless forced to and I've had or been around boats all my life.

I did set an unofficial world record though.

 

[Mabsabbott]

We have come to the opinion we think we could get on with a paddleboard.

We think we want one which would carry the pair of us c150 kgs and whether that would be both standing up or not or one sat down doesn't overly concern us. We presume you can both sit on them and use them in a canoe style as well with the picnic in a waterproof rucksack.

Is there a paddleboard size that we would need ?
Are the ones from Temu cost effective ? I.e. the same as Amazon only cheaper.

We see their use as when we are parked by lake or river with the motorhome as don't want to transport them too far. Sea usage is not discounted.

What other things do we need to consider (we are both relatively strong swimmers)

Two Bare Feet Entradia, https://www.twobarefeet.co.uk/stand-up-paddle-boards/10-10-sups/entradia-10-10-x34x6.html. It is very stable indeed.

 

[TwistNShout]

I find that scary to be honest.

Gravel rash isn’t a good look and takes ages to get the bits of tarmac out of your recently congealed skin

Painfull as well

A female friend of mine was knocked off her bike thirty years ago, when wearing a skirt, sub 30mph crash; her legs are still a mess. Ever since then I've always been careful over what I wear on my motorbike and refused to take a pillion passenger in shorts or skirt.

 

[Dave and Jan]

Have this board which doubles up as a canoe with a seat and double ended paddle. Had lots of fun with grandkids sat on it but not sure how suitable it would be for two adults.

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