It's a funny story. I already have another Naish stand up board that I've been using to go fishing, surfing and general paddling about in flat water. I was looking for a board that was sturdier that I could land on remote islands and just go fishing for the day without being bothered with dogs and people hanging around me saying "caught any fish mate" and starting stupid conversations. Also wanted something for my kids to use that was less likely to hurt them and others in the surf.
Anyway, I was at home drinking one Saturday night and came across that video. I thought that this board had not only been road tested it had been "steamroller" tested. I was very impressed, so I proceeded to google for the board. I found one a few minutes later on the www.c4waterman.com website and couldn't get my credit card numbers entered quick enough.
When I sobered up I'd realized what I had done and said nothing to my wife. I was sent an email informing me it had arrived in Melbourne from Hawaii that Wednesday - it came air freight - and I had to break the news to my wife then - she had an absolute fit. Had to sleep in another room for a day or two. By the time the board came through customs and couriered to my house it had cost me another $500. So all up it came in at $1,500.
Anyway, the board is great - it weighs about 16kg, a bit heavier than my other board, and rolls to the size of about two sleeping bags. I've taken it out many times and even put it in my luggage on a flight to the Gold Coast last week. In many ways I prefer this board to my Naish - it was the best purchase I've ever made while drunk.
Thanks for the advice about the pump. I'll have a look at that one.
There is supposedly a distributor of the Uli in Australia - if you can get hold of him his name is Fabio:
[email protected]
