Welcome back to another ‘Ask The Experts’. ATE is where we bring to you discussions, insights, rants, news, our general thoughts about the SUP industry and of course still answer your questions we have had over the last month.
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Cam
1 year ago
Regarding Honu. You said some exciting things are coming. Could you please spoil it now cause as soon as boards become available in North America I want to pull the trigger on one. However, It sucks when I buy something and 2 weeks later a better product comes out by the same company
Hey Cam , yeah there could be a good surf SUP from Honu coming in the future. BUT…we haven’t seen any pics yet and I would say that its still a good 6-8months away yet. So its not just around the corner. sorry for the confusion. Any help? Reuben
seanross
1 year ago
damn no gloves and booties? Where I surf, on the east coast of the US the water gets down in temp to 30s and 40s (hovering around 0 celsius), and I definitely wear gloves. Not as heavy as a surfers gloves, but definitely need them. Test gloves before you buy, as I have had an issue with gloves that don’t grip the paddle. I use hyper flex as they work well with my paddle. 5mm for boots and gloves which does well until the wind picks up and the temp gets under 32degrees farenheit (0 celsius)
Oof that’s cold Sean! Gloves definitely needed with temps like that. I wear gloves in the UK as I’m from Australia and think it’s freezing! Thanks for your suggestion for which gloves to buy. Very helpful.
JohnnyChaos
1 year ago
A comment on cold water gear. I didn’t realise until I got my more expensive wetsuit that they often generate extra heat from the friction of the lining against your skin, so if you wear a rash, or neoprene, vest underneath it can make you colder. Up in Yorkshire we are within the coldest stretch of sea in the UK so gloved and booted for a while now. I’ve found the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3mm gloves excellent for paddling. They’re so grippy you don’t need to try and hold your paddle and never get the wrist fatigue I used… Read more »
Thanks for the comment John! Definitely gets cold up your way. I’m in gloves in winter because I feel the cold coming from Australia. Very true about the wetsuit heat as well. Great recommendation on the gloves you use. Cheers!
Geoffrey Urwin
1 year ago
I am a beginner , but more important old ! (71). I’m going to be paddling SUP from March until October. The age is significant because I do feel the cold. Can you recommend the best wet suit thickness to help . Paddling in South UK. As an old rookie = balance issues, I anticipate falling in a lot to begin with. Thanks Geoff
Hey Geoffrey. This is a really good question. You may have to have a few different clothing options really. If you are getting wet alot in colder conditions. You can ether look at a 5mm / 3mm winter wetsuit or a good quality drysuit. The drysuit will be the warmest and be nicest to paddle in. Wetsuits are cheaper but you will need move around alot to keep the heat in the suit. This is why they work well for surfing, but you may find that when paddling on flatwater your lower body will start to get cold quicker, especially… Read more »
Thanks Reuben, I really appreciate your time to help me. As an older guy ,despite being a ‘hard’ northerner, cold water is not my friend. I have bought a 5/4 O’Neill wetsuit for now. I appreciate that as the weather warms in the UK, I’ll look for less cumbersome kit as I get better at SUP . I like the look of the Palm dry bottoms . Although they are not cheap. Once again, thanks, you are a star : )
I’ve got the girlie Palm dry suit and I bloomin love it! I usually – In 0 degrees – only need to wear with it a sports vest and 1 set of ski base layers. I also wear ski socks, and Palm neoprene gloves (with fingers) and some old trainers and a bobble hat. Mind you , if I start to get cold, I do some HIIT!
Thanks Caz..Great advice . I’m having my first lesson mid March . I’ve taken a flyer and bought an O’Neill 5/4 . In the unlikely event that paddle boarding is not for me , I’ll have waisted some money. If this sport is for me, Id take your advice with the dry suit. I’ve got gloves and boots with a grip sole and have ordered waterproof socks. That’s maybe enough expense as a rookie for now. I’m really grateful for your time and advice . Geoff
I like the look of the Palm dry bottoms . Although they are expensive. Geoff : )
Geoffrey Urwin
1 year ago
Hi Guys , Please help me. I have never been on a paddle board but although old (71) am quite fit . Two of my friends are helping advise me on board selection . After considering second hand and low budget, I thought the safest option was to go big. 1. Red Ride 10’8 at £802 (I get a discount) 2. Quroc Qi Crossover 12ft.at £769 (no discount) 3 ????? Being old, I think presents a balance issue, which I feel confident either of these boards will help me overcome that as both are wide . I’m not looking to break any records but… Read more »
Hey Geoffrey So I would still wait till after your lesson before buying any kit, I understand its on deals now but I think there will still be deals at end of March too. I would say that you are very likely to want to paddle a little bit further and a board like the Quroc would be so much better than shorter boards like the 10’8. Red have some good longer boards in their range but the prices is up there. But with Brands like , Quroc, Gladiator , itiwit, Jobe, you do get alot for the money.
I think you are right. I will try a few hire boards at Sandbanks in Uk . I did notice the Starboard Avanti 11ft has a slightly pointy end and is also a 36 inch wide. But its is expensive. Thanks Reuben for your expert advice and your time .
No worries Geoff. When you have had a go. Please do get back in contact with any more questions. There’s loads of great gear out there that will suit you. Happy to help find the best bit of kit and at the right price for you.
Thanks for your help Reuben. I’ll keep you posted . Geoff
Geoffrey Urwin
1 year ago
Hi Guys, just looked at your reviews of the Gladiator Pro and Elite. You may remember I’m 71, fit, balance issues, still awaiting weather issues for my first lesson. I’m suspecting she will recommend stability (i.e. 34′ wide and the 11′ 6′ Gladiator) 2 questions. At my age, Id prefer not to ‘board hop’ so the best as a ‘keeper’ is what I’m looking for. My potential group do up and down Stour at Christchurch Dorset. Budget for happiness is not an issue at my age. So if it were Gladiator (as you guys reviewed ) I like the weave… Read more »
Hey Geoff. Good to hear from you. The question around white boards is something to think about. But it’s not something to completely change your mind because of. I would happily go for a gladiator elite board and then just buy yourself some SUP scrub or other RIB boat cleaner. Spray this on the rails and board or even deck pad and it does cleanup pretty easily just with a damp cloth. A lighter and faster board is always nicer to paddle and even if you’re not looking to enter races it would be the better choice for any Paddlers… Read more »
Geoffrey Urwin
1 year ago
Hi Guys. I’m a 71 year old rookie. Had a few lessons and just now need to practise lots. Please help with my decision on selection. I have everything except paddle and board. When I’m good enough I’d like to join the river / flatwater / or Sandbanks paddlers. I’m 6ft 2, 16 stone (occasional vertigo) but fit for an old guy. I have a budget of about £1k . That might almost get me Starboard 12x33x6 iGo, and Pre Preg S35, XL, 2pc (as per Reubens paddle Youtube). Am I buying the right stuff? or can you point me… Read more »
Hey Geoff sorry for the delay on getting back to you about this I’ve had a few technical issues with our comments. Anyway I’m glad you’ve been getting on the water and to be honest the gear you’re looking at does sound really good. All of the starboard gear is very good quality and it is really worth the money. The iGO board would be a great all-round board for you that will give you enough stability and allow you to paddle places. You could also look at boards like the https://gladiatorpaddleboards.com/en/paddleboards/pro-126-w but this board being 34 inches wide may… Read more »
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Regarding Honu. You said some exciting things are coming. Could you please spoil it now cause as soon as boards become available in North America I want to pull the trigger on one. However, It sucks when I buy something and 2 weeks later a better product comes out by the same company
Hey Cam , yeah there could be a good surf SUP from Honu coming in the future. BUT…we haven’t seen any pics yet and I would say that its still a good 6-8months away yet. So its not just around the corner. sorry for the confusion. Any help? Reuben
damn no gloves and booties? Where I surf, on the east coast of the US the water gets down in temp to 30s and 40s (hovering around 0 celsius), and I definitely wear gloves. Not as heavy as a surfers gloves, but definitely need them. Test gloves before you buy, as I have had an issue with gloves that don’t grip the paddle. I use hyper flex as they work well with my paddle. 5mm for boots and gloves which does well until the wind picks up and the temp gets under 32degrees farenheit (0 celsius)
Oof that’s cold Sean! Gloves definitely needed with temps like that. I wear gloves in the UK as I’m from Australia and think it’s freezing! Thanks for your suggestion for which gloves to buy. Very helpful.
A comment on cold water gear. I didn’t realise until I got my more expensive wetsuit that they often generate extra heat from the friction of the lining against your skin, so if you wear a rash, or neoprene, vest underneath it can make you colder. Up in Yorkshire we are within the coldest stretch of sea in the UK so gloved and booted for a while now. I’ve found the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3mm gloves excellent for paddling. They’re so grippy you don’t need to try and hold your paddle and never get the wrist fatigue I used… Read more »
Thanks for the comment John! Definitely gets cold up your way. I’m in gloves in winter because I feel the cold coming from Australia. Very true about the wetsuit heat as well. Great recommendation on the gloves you use. Cheers!
I am a beginner , but more important old ! (71). I’m going to be paddling SUP from March until October. The age is significant because I do feel the cold. Can you recommend the best wet suit thickness to help . Paddling in South UK. As an old rookie = balance issues, I anticipate falling in a lot to begin with. Thanks Geoff
Hey Geoffrey. This is a really good question. You may have to have a few different clothing options really. If you are getting wet alot in colder conditions. You can ether look at a 5mm / 3mm winter wetsuit or a good quality drysuit. The drysuit will be the warmest and be nicest to paddle in. Wetsuits are cheaper but you will need move around alot to keep the heat in the suit. This is why they work well for surfing, but you may find that when paddling on flatwater your lower body will start to get cold quicker, especially… Read more »
Thanks Reuben, I really appreciate your time to help me. As an older guy ,despite being a ‘hard’ northerner, cold water is not my friend. I have bought a 5/4 O’Neill wetsuit for now. I appreciate that as the weather warms in the UK, I’ll look for less cumbersome kit as I get better at SUP . I like the look of the Palm dry bottoms . Although they are not cheap. Once again, thanks, you are a star : )
Yeah the palm gear isn’t the cheapest, but it is well designed. They also do these too https://palmequipmenteurope.com/gb/boots/115-653-nova-boots#/21-colour-jet_grey/76-size-5 which can be great when you aren’t really failing in but you can keep you feet nice and dry for launching and landing.
I’ve got the girlie Palm dry suit and I bloomin love it! I usually – In 0 degrees – only need to wear with it a sports vest and 1 set of ski base layers. I also wear ski socks, and Palm neoprene gloves (with fingers) and some old trainers and a bobble hat. Mind you , if I start to get cold, I do some HIIT!
Thanks Caz..Great advice . I’m having my first lesson mid March . I’ve taken a flyer and bought an O’Neill 5/4 . In the unlikely event that paddle boarding is not for me , I’ll have waisted some money. If this sport is for me, Id take your advice with the dry suit. I’ve got gloves and boots with a grip sole and have ordered waterproof socks. That’s maybe enough expense as a rookie for now. I’m really grateful for your time and advice . Geoff
I like the look of the Palm dry bottoms . Although they are expensive. Geoff : )
Hi Guys , Please help me. I have never been on a paddle board but although old (71) am quite fit . Two of my friends are helping advise me on board selection . After considering second hand and low budget, I thought the safest option was to go big. 1. Red Ride 10’8 at £802 (I get a discount) 2. Quroc Qi Crossover 12ft.at £769 (no discount) 3 ????? Being old, I think presents a balance issue, which I feel confident either of these boards will help me overcome that as both are wide . I’m not looking to break any records but… Read more »
Hey Geoffrey
So I would still wait till after your lesson before buying any kit, I understand its on deals now but I think there will still be deals at end of March too.
I would say that you are very likely to want to paddle a little bit further and a board like the Quroc would be so much better than shorter boards like the 10’8. Red have some good longer boards in their range but the prices is up there. But with Brands like , Quroc, Gladiator , itiwit, Jobe, you do get alot for the money.
I think you are right. I will try a few hire boards at Sandbanks in Uk . I did notice the Starboard Avanti 11ft has a slightly pointy end and is also a 36 inch wide. But its is expensive. Thanks Reuben for your expert advice and your time .
No worries Geoff. When you have had a go. Please do get back in contact with any more questions. There’s loads of great gear out there that will suit you. Happy to help find the best bit of kit and at the right price for you.
Thanks for your help Reuben. I’ll keep you posted . Geoff
Hi Guys, just looked at your reviews of the Gladiator Pro and Elite. You may remember I’m 71, fit, balance issues, still awaiting weather issues for my first lesson. I’m suspecting she will recommend stability (i.e. 34′ wide and the 11′ 6′ Gladiator) 2 questions. At my age, Id prefer not to ‘board hop’ so the best as a ‘keeper’ is what I’m looking for. My potential group do up and down Stour at Christchurch Dorset. Budget for happiness is not an issue at my age. So if it were Gladiator (as you guys reviewed ) I like the weave… Read more »
Hey Geoff. Good to hear from you. The question around white boards is something to think about. But it’s not something to completely change your mind because of. I would happily go for a gladiator elite board and then just buy yourself some SUP scrub or other RIB boat cleaner. Spray this on the rails and board or even deck pad and it does cleanup pretty easily just with a damp cloth. A lighter and faster board is always nicer to paddle and even if you’re not looking to enter races it would be the better choice for any Paddlers… Read more »
Hi Guys. I’m a 71 year old rookie. Had a few lessons and just now need to practise lots. Please help with my decision on selection. I have everything except paddle and board. When I’m good enough I’d like to join the river / flatwater / or Sandbanks paddlers. I’m 6ft 2, 16 stone (occasional vertigo) but fit for an old guy. I have a budget of about £1k . That might almost get me Starboard 12x33x6 iGo, and Pre Preg S35, XL, 2pc (as per Reubens paddle Youtube). Am I buying the right stuff? or can you point me… Read more »
Hey Geoff sorry for the delay on getting back to you about this I’ve had a few technical issues with our comments. Anyway I’m glad you’ve been getting on the water and to be honest the gear you’re looking at does sound really good. All of the starboard gear is very good quality and it is really worth the money. The iGO board would be a great all-round board for you that will give you enough stability and allow you to paddle places. You could also look at boards like the https://gladiatorpaddleboards.com/en/paddleboards/pro-126-w but this board being 34 inches wide may… Read more »