Picked up my new ISUP the other day and got it out on the water today for a test run with the kids.
Bought it to take camping and for the kids to have a go on. Also cause my 12"6 FW race is not for the surf!
If I get into SUP surfing then will look at a solid board in the future.
The hobie takes about 10 min from out of the car to paddling away form the beach. Takes about 4 min of flat out pumping to inflate, and pretty puffed at the end. slow down and it take about 5-6 min to inflate. There is a bit of flex but its an ISUP not a solid board. Moves through the water very well and went faster than i thought it would.
Hobie makes these fin covers to stop the rubber fins from deforming. also the valve is on the stern of the board so when you roll it the fins end up on the outside of the "roll".
Getting back in the bag isnt too hard but needs to be rolled and deflated pretty tight to fit the pump and paddle in the bag. The whole kit is fairly light and easily transportable.
Taking it to the surf on Sunday so will see how it goes.
Took the ISUP out to "bay surf" - entry to port hacking today, went really well, i haven't surfed for 15 years so i am still really learning.
It managed to do everything i wanted it to do, i can catch a wave, go across the wave and i can stay on it (mostly)
It will never be a rigid board so will not perform like one , but still goes very well and can turn on the rails, i was impressed with it, it did submarine the bow on occasion but that could be my timing on getting back on the board or just the board .
But one of the best things is you can fall on it and fall on it and fall on it and not be scared of hurting the board or yourself
so while learning i think it is a great board. and it rolls up into a bag
one neg is the 3 part paddle fills with water due to the hole to allow for adjusting the length, had to keep emptying the paddle, wouldnt be an issue for flat water when you dont fall off so much.
