Former warden of the Ltz Island, Nico Brunner, came up with something very special for his visit to his former workplace. As the first person, he traveled the route from Rapperswil to Ltzelau Island using an [&hellip... Read More

Words & photos: David PartridgeJamie Harman from Red won the Head of the Dart Inflatable category on this board; a week later, Martin Rendle finished second on the Elite at the 40 km Race to the Castle on the Trent.I asked Jamie whats changed with the updated design, The biggest thing is the weight; we have used new super-light, MSL800 material, which allowed us to save 2kg. This material saving is more environmentally friendly, and Jamie also feels the material will last longer. The board I trialled was one of the first, so it has been around for a year and has been well used, but it still seemed stiff and had just a few scuffs. Only the fin showed how much work this board has done (and these are in a standard US Fin box, so they can readily be changed).A previous iteration of the Elite had a much thinner tail, great for straight-line speed. The newer shape still has a pintail feel but more volume and width, making turns easier and making the board more all-round. It can be used for distance events on rivers, for downwinding, and on the sea, and with easier stepbacks, it is also suited to reservoir racing with more buoy turns.The boards rigidity ensures the whole waterline length remains engaged. This is achieved with standard rail battens (the same as the Voyager and Sport) and a stiffening rod that overlaps the position of the battens and can be tensioned to maintain rigidity. This is known as FFC Forward Flex Control, a simple clamp that allows you to adjust the rod length and then close to lock the board.We are trying to close the gap on rigid race boards; you deliver more power with less flex. A rigid will often have better secondary stability (created by buoyancy in the rails), so a 26-inch inflatable can feel like a narrower rigid board. I have widened my stance using the rail risers as a marker for my feet.So how did it feel? The Red Elite immediately felt stable at low speed, and I could move around on it quite confidently. The carry handle is perfect for carrying, but to get the best trim, you need to be a bit further back, and the deck pad has no distinctive feel, so glancing down seemed necessary to get the trim right and stop the nose-diving into waves. Water shed quickly from the front of the board and didnt feel too slow with a slight front-down trim.The bottom of the board is very flat, so the balance feels easy. With a crosswind, I could also lift the windward rail and gain some speed. (something I would struggle with on a less rigid inflatable). The side battens, and the front rod need to be popped in (or out) with a little pressure in the board, say 1-5 PSI. Both are easy.The board is designed for racing, but having said that, it feels like a fantastic board for an ultra, especially one where there are a lot of portages (the durability of inflatables is perfect for hauling out at a lock ladder compared to the anxiety of lifting out a carbon fibre board).Events with an inflatable are just so easy. There is no worrying about roof rack tie-downs or barrier heights, and you can be totally relaxed about leaving the board on a hard surface. Inflatables also pack down and can be stored easily and safely between events.CONCLUSIONI loved the low weight and ease of hauling the board through 17 portages, the carrying position and balance were perfect. The board felt twitchy for the first 10km but I soon learnt there was actually a lot of secondary stability and you could have a wide stance using the rail ridges as a guide. Trim was easy to achieve but position yourself back from the carry handle. Verdict; it got an older paddler easily into a 4th place and it was down to the board! Loved it. Price. Board only: 1,049 Board with bag and pump: 1,199Board with Hybrid Tough Paddle: 1,299Board with Prime Paddle: 1,399Info: https://red-equipment.co.uk/ products/140-elite-msl-inflatable-paddle-board

Review by Sarah Thornely (www.supjunkie.co.uk)It doesnt seem a moment since I reviewed Jo Moseleys first publication, Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain, and yet here I am with the second of her stunning books, Stand Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District, in my hands.If Jos first book was anything to go by, I was really excited for this one to arrive and am so grateful for the opportunity to review it. Jos writing style is quite unique and different from many others but in a very good way. Jo doesnt just give you the facts and figures for paddling in the Lake District; she has written another love letter to SUP and clearly has a wonderful relationship with the Lake District. We are taken on a journey where Jo weaves us through the mountains and lakes, their history and all those people she meets along the way. This is so much Jos style, and we are delighted nothing has changed.Jo is meticulous about her research, and it shows. No stone is left unturned regarding the routes, launch spots or safety, to name but a few. We can imagine Jo, notebook in hand just before publication, trudging along a track to ensure that a specific gate was still there and working or that the cake provided at a favourite paddling cafe was still on the menu. That is why this book is such a joy.Each route is written with beautiful storytelling. Then Jo provides guidance on multiple launch spots and parking per lake and technical information, including how to get there, webcams, permits, water sports centres, and boat information. There are many places to eat and stay, with information on what to do locally, such as cycling and exploring, and museums and castles to visit for each lake.We love hearing about the people Jo meets along the way, like Harrison Ward, Fell Foodie, who cooks with her, along the way. Paddlers like Cal Major and Anna Little are also creating an inspiring legacy. These beautiful and interesting humans Jo met along the way become familiar tous too.Jo gives excellent information on lakes you are permitted to paddle on, down to the no-boating zones that protect certain wildlife there is no excuse not to get it right in the Lake District, as Jo has done all the hard work for you.Fabulous photographs throughoutThere are fabulous photographs throughout, many of which were taken by James Kirby. The lakes are stunning in all weathers, and James certainly has used his talents to showcase the Lake District in all its glory. The photos complement Jos wonderful writing.I have never paddled in the Lake District for one reason or another, and reading this book makes me believe that I now have or will in the future. Its words and photos are as inspirational as it gets. Its a beautiful guidebook whether you paddle or not, as it has so much information contained within, and its published by the award-winning Vertebrate Publishing, who Want to connect readers both young and old to the outdoors and inspire adventure.We loved Jos first book and are now in love with the second. I have absolutely no doubt that this book will be as successful as the first. Its a love letter to SUP and the Lake District, written by a woman who is passionate about both. Good luck, Jo, and happy paddling.Price: 18.99Info: www.adventurebooks.com

DESERT DUELLERS: PHILIP KSTER AND JAEGER STONEDESERT DUELLERS: PHILIP KSTER AND JAEGER STONEEpic Western Australia strike mission featuring Philip Kster and Jaeger Stone!Western Australia is renowned for its rugged coastline, consistent wind, and challenging waves, making it a dream destination for windsurfing pros. In this epic video, Philip Koster and Jaeger Stone go head to head in the Australian desert northwest with some insane down the line rail turning and mind bending rotational airs.Filmed and edited by Scott McKercher.The post DESERT DUELLERS: PHILIP KSTER AND JAEGER STONE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

The post 2024 Kernow Foil Classic appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

Words & photos: Sancha MyallA PFD is so important when paddling; getting the correct one can make a difference.The Podium 50 delivers low-profile and high-performance safety for paddlers. This premium PFD ditches bulk and snag points to maximise agility, and the breathable air mesh system keeps you cool when the action heats up.I found the Mustang Survival PFD extremely comfortable, and the overall design was really efficient for paddle boarding. The shape and shortness of the design make paddling friction-free with full movability. I especially liked the stretch design and the fact that there were no bulk side panels. This allows full arm movement, making for a more efficient paddle stroke.The fabric is of excellent quality, lightweight, and extremely soft. The fit is snug and comfortable.The cleverly placed to one side zip allows for a large, easy-to-access front pocket. There is also another front slit pocket thats ideal for a safety knife, whistle or radio clip. It also has an inside phone pocket great for recording/tracking your data.The black and grey colour scheme, with a pop of acid yellow, blends nicely with your wetsuit. The white and black seahorse logo really stands out, and the Mustang Survival company has a strong safety heritage within paddling and sailing.I found the Mustang survival PFD non-restrictive, lightweight, and really comfortable. It has several-size pockets, and Ill definitely be using it for long-distance paddling.SpecsMaterial: 300D Polyester outer shellWeight: 800 grams or 1.8lbsBuoyancy: 50NType/level: ISO 12402-5 (50N)Price: 79Info: https://mustang-survival.co.uk/products/mv5530e1-podium-50-buoyancy-aid

Josh takes you on a POV style journey of what it is like competing in a SUP foil race. The start being one of the most nerve racking places for a foiler as you want to [&hellip... Read More

Words & photos: Tez PlavenieksFor 2024, the long-time UK SUP brand McConks updated its paddle board range. The latest evolution looks great after testing several of the Cotswolds-based companys stand-up paddle wares in the past. I love the revamped blue colourways. But its not just aesthetics. With input from some of the countrys top paddlers, performance improvements across the range have also been crafted (passionately) into these shapes.The McConks Go Explore GT 14 x 32 x 412L is a whopper in a good way! Designed for ultimate, no-compromise adventure paddling, this board has much going on. Having inflated the board, I noticed one of the most notable things: the V-nosed displacement hull. This is a clever design trait. A small rail gives way to a shaped V integrated into the boards skin. Proper shaping, as youd find with a hard board.Elsewhere, on the tail, theres a speed release rubber rail, the option to affix two side bite fins in tandem with a US Box middle skeg, plenty of options for lashing essential gear to the deck, D-rings for even more options, a grippy deck pad and recoil leash. Manufacturing is top-notch, with high-end MXM Dropstitch used throughout. Its a tough beast akin to an off-road 44 vehicle youd use to get to those off-grid backcountry locations.On the water, the GT 14 is extremely stable. The boards flat deck can be danced upon, and theres so much room. You could quite happily get all your belongings onboard and still have space! And yet, this doesnt deter from the Go Explores paddling prowess.The nose V mentioned above comes into its own when navigating chop and breeze. Tracking is superb as it slices toward your destination. And efficiency is on point, with a few strokes keeping the momentum going. Turning, it should also be noted, isnt bad. For such a large paddle board, its pretty easy to change direction and alter your course. And itll ride a bump pretty well too!CONCLUSIONKnowing McConks well, the Go Explore GT epitomises what the brand stands for. Adventure seekers will enjoy a SUP that can be taken to all manner of hardcore touring territory. But equally, those not quite so Bear Grylls will have plenty of fun with the 14 paddling along their local stretches of water. The Go Explore 14 GT is a quality iSUP built for adventure but with a lot more versatility for good measure. And the price is bang on as well! A whole lot of SUP for what you pay.Price: 550Info: https://mcconks.com/shop/mcconks-go-explore-14i-gt-touring-paddle-board/

Words & photos: Sancha MyallA PFD is so important when paddling; getting the correct one can make a difference.The Podium 50 delivers low-profile and high-performance safety for paddlers. This premium PFD ditches bulk and snag points to maximise agility, and the breathable air mesh system keeps you cool when the action heats up.I found the Mustang Survival PFD extremely comfortable, and the overall design was really efficient for paddle boarding. The shape and shortness of the design make paddling friction-free with full movability. I especially liked the stretch design and the fact that there were no bulk side panels. This allows full arm movement, making for a more efficient paddle stroke.The fabric is of excellent quality, lightweight, and extremely soft. The fit is snug and comfortable.The cleverly placed to one side zip allows for a large, easy-to-access front pocket. There is also another front slit pocket thats ideal for a safety knife, whistle or radio clip. It also has an inside phone pocket great for recording/tracking your data.The black and grey colour scheme, with a pop of acid yellow, blends nicely with your wetsuit. The white and black seahorse logo really stands out, and the Mustang Survival company has a strong safety heritage within paddling and sailing.I found the Mustang survival PFD non-restrictive, lightweight, and really comfortable. It has several-size pockets, and Ill definitely be using it for long-distance paddling.SpecsMaterial: 300D Polyester outer shellWeight: 800 grams or 1.8lbsBuoyancy: 50NType/level: ISO 12402-5 (50N)Price: 79Info: https://mustang-survival.co.uk/products/mv5530e1-podium-50-buoyancy-aid