PADDLER 5
PADDLER 5
REVIEWS
The construction is similar to FatSticks ’ AirStick range : a single-skin PVC drop stitch with a PVC stringer to stiffen the board . This construction is extremely well made and will easily take 18-20psi if required , but I only put in about 16 / 17 as my daughter is relatively light . I must admit I did have a little stand on the board , and although it was more like a submarine , it was stable and didn ’ t flex much .
Now , my test pilot is nearly six , standing at about 120cm , and could carry the board due to its reduced weight , as this is a single-skin board . I ’ d say she was just stretching to reach the single grab handle in the centre of the board , but this will ease as she grows . Even when Dad stepped in to help , it was super light to carry alongside my board . The construction and attention to detail were excellent . There was no glue residue , and everything was aligned perfectly .
FEATURES The board comes with a D-link front top and rear for easy clipping , a single paddled grab handle , front bungees and an EVA deck pad , but it is nice to see the inclusion of a kick pad . On the bottom is a 2 + 1 fin set up , a US box fin ( which is nice to see on a kid ’ s board ), many being supplied with clip-in fins or short Flexi bonded centre fins . The US box fin allows so much more flexibility regarding fin selection as the child gets older . I loved that the board was supplied with a Flexi fin , as this is perfect for little ones and adds some protection for the fin box when they land on the beach or bank . Then , the two thruster fins ( toe-in ) are fixed bonded Flexi fins . There was a discussion about leaving these out , but they are convenient for those wanting to use the board to surf . Either way , this is an excellent set-up for kids .
Bearing in mind , my daughter has paddled on the front of my board since she was 16 months old . She was straight on this board , and it was stable enough for her to get moving independently . She could comfortably manoeuvre the board and turn it to control her direction . She found paddling the board extremely easy once she got to grips with the paddle technique , as this is a lot different to the wide strokes she was used to making on the front of my board ! She also found it easy to jump off and climb back on repeatedly .
Within an hour , she was out with my dad and me , independently paddling alongside us , having the best time . There is so much to learn , but she loves the independence of her own board .
If anyone is at this stage , I ’ d highly recommend looking at a kid ' s board , and this is a great board to do just that !