SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers April 2014 lo-res free to read | Page 69
kit
review
Ripping in red –
Fatstick Red Ripper 10.6ft
www.supdirect.co.uk
Fatstick is yet another home grown SUP brand once again
highlighting how far UK stand up has come. Based out of
Bournemouth, Fatstick have a number of shapes to satisfy the
wants and needs of most paddlers, all priced cost effectively.
SUP Mag UK’s test station.
If you want your product
reviewed and it will be of
interest to SUPers
Email us: reviews@
standuppaddlemag.co.uk
The Red Ripper is Fatstick’s go to model for cross
over fun – equally at home on the flat as well as
gliding along watery walls. It looks the business
with wood veneer deck and finished with go faster
red rails and bottom.
this issue
Fatstick Red Ripper 10.6ft
Nah Skwell Surf Series 9.2ft
Loco 7.4ft
Naish 12.6 ft N1SCO
Flymount GoPro mount
Sickstick Joystick Paddle
Palm Vantage Jacket
A well put together piece of kit designed to take its
fair share of knocks – durability is always a good
thing. Generous fibreglass doesn’t make for the
lightest of boards but a deep set and well positioned
offset carry handle gives easy journeys to the
water’s edge. A good quality deck pad and
standard fins complete the finished
article. (If you want more
performance swapping out fins
would be wise).
Once afloat the poise and
composure of the Red
Ripper is obvious. Its
generous thickness, width
and low rocker make for
a stable ride. Glide is
good and the Fatstick
cuts through water like a
hot knife through butter
– it would make a great
all round recreational
flat water board.
For those who love
variety, strapping a dry
bag on deck is plausible and
even fishing gear if you fancy
casting a line. There’s minimal rail to
rail wobble, even when hit with chop and the overall
ride is gentile and relaxing.
CONCLUSION
The Red Ripper will find favour with many paddlers.
Families, old school longboard surfers, cruisers,
explorers, fitness junkies, the fishing crowd and
weekend warriors will all love its mellow
performance. Get on board and be prepared for a
mile wide smile glued to your chops.
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But let’s not forget, the Red Ripper also has a wave
face and I was keen to get involved with some
swell action.
I’ll be honest; a lot of time has elapsed since I set
foot on a board over 9ft for wave shenanigans. I
started on a huge log, but in time have migrated
to smaller SUPs. I was a little apprehensive how
the Red Ripper would fare in surf.
Be under no illusions, as you drop into a
wave you’re acutely aware there’s
considerable foam under your feet. The
Red Ripper accelerates and picks up
speed with the merest sniff of swell.
It’s manoeuvrable, relative to its size,
and arcing turns are easy enough to
accomplish.
Concentration is needed for steeper
drops while soft dribblers deliver
huge fun. In fact, some of my best
sessions were gliding on minute
ripples –the Red Ripper just keeps
going.
You’re never going to rip, shred ‘n’ tear, but for
cruisey longboard riding the Fatstick works a
treat. Swooping turn