SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers July 2014 lo-res - free to read | Page 84

Enjoyable exploration –
Red Paddle Co 12.6ft Explorer

k ie t a r
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s h e d : i n f l a t a b l e s

http://redpaddleco.com

Having been on a few inflatable SUPs of late,
jumping aboard Red Paddle Co’s 12.6ft Explorer is a
unique experience. There’s definitely a specific
feel with the brand’s gear. A Red iSUP tends to feel
a lot flatter decked than many and sits much
lower in the water. Even though the Explorer is
perfectly stable, the lower ride only adds to its
calm and composed nature.

Further info :
http://redpaddleco.com/
blog/board/126
Price: £929

have stuck on the nose. This is great for
newbies still having issues keeping in a
straight line or better paddlers happy to
cruise with the minimum of changes.
Fins provided were fine while the deck
pad gave good grip and inspired
confidence.

It fits comfortably under your arm with
the centrally located webbing strap
providing enough to grab on to. Once at
the water’s edge, it’s simply a case of
launch and go.
As you would expect from a board called
the Explorer it eats up miles with ease,
cutting an efficient line through the brine.
While not as piercing as some harder models,
it’s no less a worthy cruiser and would be fine in
open water, with minimal chop and swell, or on
inland lakes and rivers chewing up distance.
The flat deck and super hard feel ensure there’s
minimum play. Of course, there’s a little ‘bend’ – this is
an inflatable after all – but it’s on the minimal side (as
long as you inflate correctly). In fact I’d say the Explorer
has much less give than many other iSUPs. Red Paddle
go to great lengths to improve the board’s authentic
‘hard’ feel and any paddler jumping on board will
benefit as a result.
Tracking through the water was extremely efficient,
with much of this down to the guide foil the brand

Putting the hammer down saw the 12.6ft
Explorer get up to a decent speed. You’re
never going to win races on this board but
then that’s not really the point. Cruising and
covering ground in good time is where the
Explorer’s forte lies and as the brand themselves say:
‘seeing what’s around the next bend’ is the fun of
paddling it.
Red have put a lot of thought into their bag with
everything folding neatly up and securing in a
comfortable package. If you’re the type of SUPer who
loves going the distance, checking out new locations
and chewing up the miles, but struggle with logistics
of getting back to point A, this is the board (and bag)
for you.

CONCLUSION
Red Paddle Co are right on the
money with their inflatable
stand up technology and their
products speak for themselves.
Red aim squarely at the type of
paddling that most SUPers do –
regardless of skill level. What you
get is a quality design
manufactured to put a smile on
your face and deliver
performance for all paddling
scenarios. A great distance iSUP
for either coastal or inland
cruising/exploratory missions.

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