Red Paddle Elite Race 14’

I tried out the brand new Red Paddle Elite Race 14’ inflatable SUP at Two Tree Island yesterday evening.

The Bravo BTP12 did most of the pumping (it took about 3minutes) followed by a few more pumps on the Red Hi Pressure pump that comes supplied. I got it to around 15psi, 20 would have been better, but was in a rush as the wind was building.

By the time we were on the water it was blowing a good force 4, straight down river. The Red Paddle Elite Race 14’ was surprisingly stable when underway, at only 26” wide I had expected a bit of a hard time in the now considerable chop.

As soon as I turned down wind the board came into it’s own riding the small rolling swell with ease, the length and the buoyancy of the board stopping it pearling.  Crossing the swell needed concentration, but again keeping up a good speed, I made it with no spills.

To go back upwind (and tide) we chose a shallower creek, no swell just small chop. As you would expect it was hard going, but was able to keep pace with other ‘hard race boards’.

All in all a great board for the more experienced paddler, but you certainly don’t need to be an expert racer.

I look forward to trying it again in calm conditions.

Red Paddle Elite Race 14"