SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers July 2014 lo-res - free to read | Page 74

Float stick – SickStick 9.6ft

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www.sickstick.co.uk

SickStick enter the world of stand up paddle boards with a
range of three all round SUPs aimed squarely at the
recreational paddler. Big bold graphics that stand out in
recognisable green set the brand apart from the off, while
affordability, durability and ability to cope with a variety
of environments will get you floating with minimum
fuss and without breaking the bank.

Already providing a range of cost
effective paddles, SickStick’s ethos
for quality at competitive prices
remains intact with these new
boards.

Picking up waves with ease this is
a board with a mellow personality
– helping riders work on the
basics of stand up paddle surfing
while delivering maximum fun. It
turns well off the bottom and
floats back up to the lip with ease.
As riders develop their skills they’ll be
looking for more performance but there’ll
always be a place for a SickStick when
laid back rides are required.

The 9.6ft is the smallest in the line
up but offers ample float for most.
Heavyweights will probably do
better with one of the bigger sizes
for general flat water paddling
while the 9.6ft would work better
as a manoeuvrable surf SUP.
Contact:
www.sickstick.co.uk
Price:
Starting at £600

On the flat the SickStick tracks well
and glides as you would expect from
a board this size. When chop
increases and winds pick up it
actually continues to cope and pinches
into the breeze with minimal ‘slap’ – as long
as your weight is forward and you edge properly.
While by no means a downwind board the 9.6ft floats
on runners with minimum fuss and wobble. You won’t
be catching super long glides but it’s a confidence
building ride nonetheless.

Back to flat water and the 9.6ft offers
good stability, relative to its size, and
would make a good first time hard board
for the whole family. Durable construction
means it can be bumped around, to a
degree, although the extra fibreglass does
add some weight.
SickStick offer their stand up paddle boards with a
variety of GoPro mounting options so riders can
capture the action from multiple angles. The traction
pad is comfy and the provided fins do their job –
swapping these to something higher quality will eek
out a touch more performance.

CONCLUSION
SickStick make no
bones about which
market they’re aiming
at. Focusing on
recreational paddlers
ensures a cost effective
and versatile craft that
will remain part of
quivers for years. The
9.6ft is a great ‘do it all’
stand up paddle board
for light to middle
weights while being a
good step down mellow
wave SUP for bigger
boned individuals.

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