Hi, I live in the center of Spain, and after having two touring inflatables boards from Starboard Astro 12'6 and Astro 14' for a year, I sold them and purchase the Inflatable Racer 14' x 26 and that's the board I use almost daily. But I have to say that sometime is quite uncomfortable to paddle on it longer than one hour, but anyway I hope to improve with the time, as someday I would be able to downwind on it.
Thing is that I have the chance of buying a hard touring board in wood construction in mint condition for around 800 USD. I remember that my inflatable touring boards used to be comfortable on those long afternoons on the lake, so maybe a hard board would be a right thing to have there for the long walks... Or maybe I am just in love with the construction of the board, and I should look for another thing.
90% of my paddling is done on the surrounding lakes of my area, and the sea is just 450 km away from my home. So I think its quite convenient to have an inflatable to carry with me on my car's trunk. Few time ago I was thinking on a hard ocean board, but I am not really going to the sea more than 4 times per year.
I think go for it.. They are a very nice board.. and if you ever get to do a downwinder it would be a much better board to use than your big inflatable IMO..
It makes sense. Especially if your are doing 90% of your paddling on lakes, and the Touring in wood is really nice and a very good touring board.
It's a beautiful board for sure. I think you will find it even more cruisey and fun on the lake than your old inflatable touring board as it has a nice piercing bow that will cut through the water. Also, tie downs front and aft so you can carry some cargo. Sounds like a good price, makes sense to me.
Thanks.. I was thinking that if would worth the money. I dont find my self taking a big board on the roof of the car while going to the sea, at least not for the moment. So keeping the inflatable sounds good.. Anyway I was afraid to find the board slow and lazy compare with the astro racer.
