Free as a – Bleubird Escape 10 ’ 6 x 33 ” x 310
Review & pics : Tez Plavenieks Starting off as an apparel brand Ireland based Bleubird now enters the iSUP market with their Escape 10 ’ 6 . Coming as a highly polished product the brand ’ s double skinned inflatable stand up paddle board is easy on the eye and a sled for all comers . Billed as being able to cope with a variety of water states and SUP conditions I couldn ’ t wait to get it on the water .
Price :
£ 595
Info :
https :// bleubird . com / produc ts / explore-sup-106
CONCLUSION
I wasn ’ t sure what to expect from Bleubird in terms of their Escape 10 ’ 6 inflatable stand up paddle board . Fortunately , it delivers on all fronts – from quality manufacturing to fun on water performance . It feels bigger than its quoted dimensions and therefore is great for true beginners . Heavier paddlers will also find favour here being able to spend more time up and paddling as opposed to falling in the drink . The Escape looks good to boot and at time of writing would be a unique investment away from the more well known iSUP brands .
The Escape looks bigger than its quoted dimensions ( no bad thing ) and indeed this translates to a very planted and easy going feel once afloat . Featuring a modern 10 ’ 6 shape , with a drawn out nose , it tracks great and glides brilliantly across the flat . Nervous beginners or early intermediates will do well with the Escape as it provides a confidence inducing platform to improve and progress .
It ’ s also a great inflatable stand up paddle board for learning the art of pivot turns and general maneuvers . Often boards will taper towards the tail with stability decreasing in
tandem . Whilst there ’ s certainly a reduction in the amount of board underfoot at the back it ’ s still enough to forgive dodgy technique and help riders practicing their skills .
Rigidity of the Escape is pretty good , with deflection at a minimum . I ’ m sure Bleubird won ’ t mind me saying but it ’ s sometimes hard to get a handle on new inflatable SUP products , from brands you ’ ve never heard of , without having stepped aboard . There are plenty of ‘ pop up ’ companies with lesser quality gear being peddled . Bleubird are bona fide though with a quality and thought out sled that ’ s right up there .
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91 s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k