Hi all,

I'm after some recomendations on a board to get for the summer
The board will be used 90% of the time on flat water, mainly the Rosebud foreshore in Vic. Maybe the od small wave at times, rivers, lakes.
At this point I am considering an isup for easy storage and transport. We have about an 800m walk to the beach so I'm thinking this may be more convenient, but I'm open to other opinions.

The board will be used by myself solo and also with one of my kids upfront playing around. The kids will also be learing to use it. I need something that is robust and can handle the kids jumping all over it etc....

I like the sound of the Naish one, Starboard Astro, Hobie tour. Am I on the right track here or is there something better suited?

any opinions/recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

If you want a good family board that you can paddle with kids on board you need something big.. and more importantly something wide..

Something like my 12'x34" Inflatable Glide..

An inflatable would be best, kids can play with it without fear of hurting themselves.

I would perhaps look for a single skin board rather for a double skin, for less weigth to carry on long distances. Or check that the bag is confortable enough to carry.

As other said: big and wide will be fun... with a good pump to inflate this big volume: the new double action ones are quite efficient.

Gong (just for reefrence, it is not sold in OZ) makes specific "family boards" for 2 or 4 people that are quite fun: enough volume for multiple people, but narrow enough to be paddled solo (as in: you paddle and the missus sunbathe :-). Other brands may have the same kind of boards, such as the Naish glide above. And the volume makes them able to surf any ripple.

2 people: 10'2" x 340l www.gong-galaxy.com/magazine/pics/1-hour-4-boards/
4 people: 15' x 640l gongsupshop.com/epages/box1707.sf/fr_FR/?ObjectPath=/Shops/box1707/Products/GON5SUPINF15

TimBurleigh said..
An Isup is a great option I think. Cheaper on freight as well. We have just launched our Atlantis "Visionary" Isup - 10 x 32 x 4. My son loves this board and won't let me paddle anything else with him. They are from the same factory that does most leading brands and uses the latest drop stitch technology. Price has been kept low at only $849 and it comes with Bag, 2 way action Pump, repair kit and a few other things. Surfed it in 2 foot waves and it paddled in well and was suprisingly manouverable for an Isup - www.thesurfboardwarehouse.com.au/sups/brands/atlantis/

Hi Tim

Are you planning on bring out any other sized inflatables? Maybe a longer Touring model?????

Thanks for the advice everyone.

How do you think the Naish one and Glide compare against each other for my intended use?
Is the one still capable of taking a passenger up front, or is it best suited for solo?

Thanks David.

Im about 70kg and kids are only young (4 & 6)

My partner and I have 10'6" BIC Ace -tecs. Strong, stable a durable!

Great board, we use ours locally in the river great for doing distance and Ive used it in the surf on small days.

www.bicsport.com/language.html

What are your thoughts on the 10"6 red board?

http://shop.redpaddleco.com.au/collections/boards/products/redpaddle-infl-sup-board-ride-106

Thanks slugga,

I'm not far from West Rosebud so I will drop in on the weekend to have a look.