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Red Paddle Co has announced the launch of a revolutionary inflatable paddle board. The Compact 9’6” on pre-sale now, is a full-sized SUP that folds down to half the size of a regular inflatable paddle board while not compromising on paddling performance. The smaller packed size gives paddlers the convenience of being able to easily carry it around town, jump onto public transport or store in the trunk of your car, with space to spare. The ultra -compact nature of the package also allows for storage within small cars, smaller apartments onboard boats and in your van.
Red Paddle Co, Co-Founder and CEO, John Hibbard explains where the idea for the new board came from – “When I started Red Paddle Co 10 years ago it was motivated by the fact that everyone I took paddling loved the idea of paddling but the large, cumbersome composite boards I was using at the time just didn’t appeal to enough people. Storage, transportation and durability were the main barriers to entry not to mention the weight.”
Hibbard continues, “Our aim since then has been to produce the most compact and transportable board in the world, without compromising on performance. It’s been ten years in the making, but we’re very excited to present the International Patent Pending Compact board which features Red Paddle Co’s new PACT Technology ™.
PACT Technology ™ is a material with a new weaving process which creates an extra-high-tensile thread matrix at the core of the board that is combined with a super-strong but malleable outer layer. This means the Compact board is as stiff and durable when inflated but can be folded down into a bag half the size of standard inflatable boards.
Based on the plan of the award-winning, all-round Ride 10’6″ MSL, the Compact 9’6” is 32”/813mm wide and 4.7”/120mm thick and provides the perfect blend of stability and manoeuvrability. Weighing in at under 8kg (board-only) and supporting riders up to 95kg/209lbs the smaller length board offers a fantastic all-round SUP experience for most riders.
Length: 9’6” Width: 32“/813mm
Thickness: 4.7”/120mm
Volume: 222 litres
Rider Weight: up to 95kg/209lb
Full package weight: 12.7Kg
The Compact board comes as part of a full package including a newly designed backpack, revolutionary 5-piece paddle, Titan pump, leash and removable fins.
The innovation continues into the new backpack as Phil Hawthorne, Head of Design at Red Paddle Co explains, “Everything we do at Red Paddle Co starts with the paddler and how we can make their full experience better. The new highly engineered backpack for the Compact has unique levels of adjustability and comfort, plus incredible shoulder and back support.”
Hawthorne continues, “It’s the most highly engineered SUP bag on the planet, applying approximately 53% less down force on the carrier’s lower back, you can travel for longer in comfort.” The bag also features customisable lumbar support and adjustable height features so is suitable for any size of paddler.
Creating a compact paddle was not an easy task for the Red Paddle Team, but they have found the perfect solution: a five-piece paddle. As a result, it packs away perfectly, but it is still adjustable with no compromise on the water.
The modular design also means sections can be removed to create a paddle for smaller riders or kids, opening up the board package to be used by the whole family. The paddle is made of high-modulus carbon for extra rigidity, with a durable nylon blade.
Plus, the blade of the paddle is laser etched, with no printing or transfers. Meaning the design will stay on forever.
Completing the package, to fulfil their aim to produce the most transportable board on the planet, new click fins are used to enable fast secure fin attachment. The custom designed twin fins allow the Compact 9’6” to easily track through the water.
The Compact 9’6” is on limited pre order now while stocks last, through www.redpaddleco.comand selected retailers with products being fulfilled in November. General release nationwide from December. RRP £1,299/1499 EUR/$1,899 USD/$2,199 CAD for the full package.
SUPboarder thoughts
We really cant wait to get our hands on this new Compact 9’6” board. Red Paddle Co have never disappointed us with the build quality and design of any of their products before, so we don’t think that we will be disappointed with the new Compact either. The board shape and size will be perfect for midsize paddlers. And with the overall smaller backpack size it will make it even easier to find new places with an iSUP. We’re also very impressed how it all fits into the bag and its overall weight too.