SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers July 2014 lo-res - free to read | Page 78

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Stylishly touring –
RRD 12ft Tourer/Active Flex
50 vario paddle
www.seaspritesports.com

Stand up paddle boarding doesn’t have to be
about pushing the extremes and getting all
gnarly. Sometimes it’s nice to just cruise in
the sunshine, take it all in, check out the
scenery and soak up those summer rays.

Further info :
www.seaspritesports.com
Prices:
RRD 12ft/paddle RRP:
£1799

Most surprising was how well the RRD
coped with a few small waves – endless
slides are what the rider will be rewarded with
in small, non-critical surf.

Trust the Italians to come up with
something as stylish and sexy as a
stand up paddle board based on
the aesthetics of the Riva
Aquarama (Google it). Roberto Ricci
has designed a touring board that
looks the bee’s knees. OK, beauty is
subjective, but we think the finish on
this 12ft log is right up there and who’s
not going to love driving a sled so bling?

Combining this with RRD’s Active Flex 50 vario
paddle is a match made in heaven. The unique twist
and lock adjustable shaft system allows for
incremental refinements in length while its narrow
diameter feels comfortable in the hands. Svelte blade
and ergonomic moulded palm grip completes the look.

Although the 12ft is certainly eye candy
there’s no lack of performance – in fact it
has bags! On the flat paddlers will be
rewarded by proactivity. Inching forward
engages the bow, dragging upwind if there’s any breeze
knocking about. Step back and the nose lifts – catching
a few breezy runners is certainly a possibility. By no
means a downwind board, the 12ft glides effortlessly. If
the water gets rough the high ride can be unstable with
chop bouncing off the rails – once back on flatter water
composure is regained.

The paddle is a stiff beast to say the least, rewarding
decent paddling technique with instant feedback.
Powering your SUP forwards, this sweeper is all about
efficiency and nipping about at warp speed. You’d
think it too much for the 12ft RRD Tourer, and yet, it
works in tandem perfectly.
But this is a touring stick and riders will want to step off
the gas, mostly. Sweeping gently along your local stretch
is perfec ѱ䁅