Red Paddle- Forward flex Control.

Yep, this is the sort of thing needed if iSUPs are going to get closer to hard boards in performance. But the most obvious situation where this would be advantageous would be downwinding, yet having a rod on the deck would be very awkward indeed for downwinding, where you are moving in and out of surf stance all the time. Or for surfing in beach races. Ideally, the rod would have been imbedded in the deck so it is flush with the deck pad. But this is probably a step in the right direction, and the advantages under challenging conditions might well outweigh the disadvantages.

Perhaps this solution is in time going to look a bit old school compared to the new vacuum/multi-chamber approach? But this has the advantage of being actually at market right now, and is another sign of how quickly innovations are starting to happen in iSUP technology -albeit that this is a bit like strapping a 4x2 to your deck, so isn't perhaps the most imaginative engineering solution.

But it could well transform performance in short sprints, surf, and downwind, so I'd like to try it for sure.

Hi Guys,

I thought it worth giving you some info from the source.

The FFC works using compression forces. The rod is inserted into the housing and then the red lever in the rear housing is clamped down which pushes the rod forward - creating compression. There is a bolt in the rear of the FFC rod that can be unscrewed to lengthen the rod and therefore increase the amount of compression.

It then works in partnership with the RSS system as it overlaps the RSS battens to increase the amount of "stiffened" waterline length.

It pays off in short, sharp sprinting situations where a lot of force is angled forward and down. It also helps in down-winding situations. The housing is set far enough forward as to not interfere with you when you are in surf stance.

Combined with the refined shape of the new 2017 Red Paddle Co Elite boards you should find you have the fastest inflatable race board. Obviously the proof is in the pudding so you'll need to test it yourselves but it's right up the interms of Raceboard speed, especially in choppy waters.

I hope that info helps.

John

Red Paddle Co

Great idea and I'm guessing it will help stop the dreaded nose droop that inflatables do when you get back on the tail to do a kick turn or surf a wave or runner..