Useful information:
PADDLER 23
All the white water SUP boards were paddled in a moderate water environment. The performance criteria have been quantified, and commentary has been provided on how well they can perform under the test conditions.
HALA ATCHA 96:
An excellent performance across almost all criteria, with perhaps not its forte stalling. Great board for the big water, but does want to be on that bigger water. It is very safe and comfortable in a moderate water environment.
HATHA DROP 9’ 6:
A good performance across most criteria, excelling in punching, swooshing and stalling. Its least performance was in carving. A great board for eddie turns, with a reassuring front rocker for the waves. It wants you to move around the board to get the most from it.
Useful information:
METHODOLOGY
The methodology was discerned as part of the BCAB Coaching Philosophy, on the use of reflective practice. l For action: Seven white water SUP performance criteria were initially considered prior to paddling commencement. The criteria to be assessed were tracking, punching, change of direction, directional stability( down the flow), carving, swooshing, and stalling. l
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In action: This information on the seven white water SUP performance criteria was assessed‘ live’ and the so-called‘ first impressions’ immediately after each run. On action: The seven white water SUP performance criteria were reviewed again the following day after the video( and the camera images, as required) were reviewed. Reflection on action: A retrospective review was done, all data was re-considered, and aggregates of scores were determined along with the final commentary.
FANATIC RAPID AIR PREMIUM:
This board performs excellently across almost all criteria, with perhaps its weakest area being stalling. It is a great board for paddlers who like to charge around rapids, which makes for a fun day out playing.
MCCONKS GO WILD 9’ 8IX6:
A good all-round performance against all the criteria. It performed best in terms of punching and directional stability. No obvious weaknesses. A great board for reassuring stability that allows the paddler to be at any level of ability, allowing for comfort and / or a challenge.
LOCO RAPID AIR:
It performed well across most criteria, excelling in carving. It’ s an excellent board for surfing. The board really likes to be carving around those waves. The surprise board from the group, with some moving around, performed well across all the challenges.
RED 9’ 6” WILD MSL:
A good all-round performance against all the criteria. A great board for the quick feel. The twin fin system causes some sticky friction for the turns, and the narrowness of the board provides a sense of quickness when running rapids.
THE AUTHORS:
Both authors are SUP and white water safety providers for the British Canoe Awarding Body and performance coaches in moderate water environments.
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR LOAN OF THEIR BOARDS.
l Hala Atcha: Jim Miller
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@ Highland _ outdoor _ Adventures Hatha Drop: Emy McLeod @ empaddlesports Fanatic Rapid: Sam Dean @ sam. canoeing McConks: Andrew McConkey @ mcconks _ outdoors Loco Rapid: Jess Philip @ Dipper _ Paddle _ Boarding Red Wild: Adam Burns @ sup _ paddle _ adventures
PADDLER 23