SUP Archives - Hazeadventure https://Hazeadventure.com/tag/sup/ Opening the doors to the great outdoors and adventure travel Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:00:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://in4adventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/in4-fav.png SUP Archives - Hazeadventure https://Hazeadventure.com/tag/sup/ 32 32 Hammock Camping with SUP Isle Switch Pro https://Hazeadventure.com/hammock-camping-with-sup-isle-switch-pro/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hammock-camping-with-sup-isle-switch-pro https://Hazeadventure.com/hammock-camping-with-sup-isle-switch-pro/#respond Fri, 02 Aug 2024 01:21:01 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=13317 In my latest adventure, I ventured into unfamiliar territory with an Isle Switch Pro inflatable paddle board, equipped with a Bixby motor—an innovation I had yet to fully embrace. As a paddler deeply rooted in traditional kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP) techniques, this journey marked a departure from my usual routine.

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In my latest adventure, I ventured into unfamiliar territory hammock camping with an Isle Switch Pro inflatable paddle board. The Isle Switch Pro is equipped with a Bixby motor—an innovation I had yet to fully embrace. As a paddler deeply rooted in traditional kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP) techniques, this journey marked a departure from my usual routine.

hammock camping with isle switch pro sup

Hammock Camping

The premise was simple yet thrilling: a one-night stand-up paddle camping trip combined with motorized exploration. This unique blend allowed me to test the versatility of the Isle Switch Pro, which seamlessly transitions from kayak to SUP, and now includes a motor adapter, enhancing its utility for anglers and adventurers alike.

isle switch pro sup kayak hybrid hammock camping on the river

Fishing for Dinner

The trip unfolded along a river whose temperament had changed dramatically due to recent rains and dam releases. Despite the challenging conditions—swift currents and fluctuating water levels—I set out determined to find the perfect fishing spot. My goal? To hook a walleye for dinner, a task made trickier by the swollen river and its confused fish.

hammock camping NRS lifejacket

Bixby Electric Motor

Navigating with the Bixby motor proved invaluable, especially given my recent shoulder injury. This unforeseen setback had sidelined me from traditional paddling, making the motorized option not just convenient but essential for accessing remote areas safely. The motor's assistance didn't diminish the adventure; rather, it provided a newfound freedom to explore deeper and farther than before. I brought a Aqua Bound paddle but enjoyed not paddling at times.

hammock camping

ENO Hammock Camping

Hammock camping on the paddle board was a revelation in itself. Unlike traditional kayaks or canoes, the Isle Switch Pro offered surprising capacity and stability, accommodating all my gear in a single dry bag. This streamlined approach simplified camp setup and gear management—a boon in adverse weather conditions or during sudden downpours.

hammock camping with ENO hammock tent

As dusk settled, I found solace in the familiar challenge of fishing from a standing position. The Isle Switch Pro's stability made casting effortless, despite my initial reservations. Each catch—whether a small bass or a surprising pike—added to the thrill of the experience, reminding me of the joys of exploration and discovery in nature's embrace.

hammock camping using Big Agnes air mattress

The night brought its own challenges, including a swarm of mosquitoes that tested my resolve to hammock camping — a recent addition to my camping repertoire. Yet, as morning dawned with clear skies and a gentle breeze, I couldn't help but feel invigorated by the night's trials and triumphs.

hammock camping with ENO hammock tent

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the importance of adaptability in outdoor pursuits. The integration of technology, like the Bixby motor, doesn't diminish the purity of the experience but enhances it, especially when faced with physical limitations or challenging conditions.

brutrek camping coffee maker

Ultimately, this adventure reinforced my belief that exploration knows no bounds. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a novice adventurer, I encourage you to embrace new challenges and innovations in your outdoor pursuits. Each journey offers lessons and insights that enrich our connection to nature and deepen our appreciation for the great outdoors.

Join me in celebrating the spirit of exploration and the joy of paddling as we continue to push boundaries and discover new horizons together. Stay tuned for more adventures, gear reviews, and tips from the world of paddlesports!

Until next time, keep paddling!

Special Thanks

to Ontario Creates for supporting my YouTube channels and blog articles.

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SUP Tips for Beginners – Top 5 Lessons https://Hazeadventure.com/sup-tips-for-beginners-top-5-lessons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sup-tips-for-beginners-top-5-lessons https://Hazeadventure.com/sup-tips-for-beginners-top-5-lessons/#respond Tue, 09 Aug 2022 14:37:50 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=2942 Stand up paddleboarding is a fun and challenging activity that is suitable for just about anyone to take up. This sport is ever-growing in popularity, which means there are constant waves of beginners working to find their footing.

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Stand up paddleboarding is a fun and challenging activity that is suitable for just about anyone to take up. This sport is ever-growing in popularity, which means there are constant waves of beginners working to find their footing. So today I want to offer my top 5 tips for getting started, with the hope that your learning curve will be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Let's get started!

Tip #1: Inflating your Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)

About half the SUPs that are sold these days are inflatable. So if you're one of the 50%, or are in the market for this type of board, I highly recommend investing in an electric pump. This will make the shoreline procedure much easier. Many quality boards are made with drop-stitch construction, which allows them to be inflated to significant pressures.

For example, the ISLE Switch SUP I've been using lately can be pumped up to a rigid 17 psi. That can be an arm, leg, and back-intensive task with nothing but a hand pump, especially compared to non-drop-stitch models that may only go up to a few pounds-per-square-inch.

How hard is it to inflate a paddleboard?

The beauty of an electric pump is that you can just plug it into your vehicle, sometimes even set the desired degree of inflation, and simply kick back for the 10 minutes or so that it will take. Or better yet, get a gentle warm up in while you wait. 

SUP Tips for Beginners paddle boarding

Tip #2: Safety gear for SUP

Do I need a lifejacket on a paddleboard?

Paddleboards are considered a “vessel” by the U.S. Coast Guard, which means you need to wear a life jacket (PFD). Paddling-specific life jackets are the best option because they are comfortable to wear for long sessions, they provide ample range-of-motion for the actual paddling, and they usually have some nifty pockets for snacks, keys, sunscreen, etc.

Inflatable PFD for stronger swimmers

Stronger swimmers can also opt for an inflatable PFD. This comes in fanny-pack form so that when you decide you need the assistance, simply pull the tab and it will auto-inflate. 

The leash on a SUP is for safety

Another key piece of safety gear is a leash that will connect your board to your ankle. This is important because a little gust of wind or bit of current can separate you from your board in a heartbeat. This might leave you unexpectedly scrambling for shore and then in a panic to salvage your SUP. The only time you wouldn't want to wear a leash is while paddling on a flowing river, since it could snag on something like a downed log, an inconvenient rock, or anything else that crops up without warning. 

Tip #3: SUP Kayak Hybrid

For a lot of paddlers, deciding whether to buy a kayak or a paddle board is cause for much deliberation. Thankfully, any stand up paddle board can also be paddled like a kayak. The only real piece of gear you need to pull this off (if you're not concerned with comfort) is a paddle with two blades – some multi-piece paddles even come with different attachments for just this occasion. From there, you can simply sit or kneel in the center of the board and paddle away like you would in a kayak.

Can you use a paddle board like a kayak? 

If you're interested in a more formal, sustainable approach, there are after-market seats that can be anchored to the attachment points that some paddle boards come with. In fact, my test subject as of late (the Isle Switch SUP) is specifically designed to be used interchangeably as a kayak, and even comes with a premium removable seat, footrest, and convertible paddle. If you want to learn more about the Switch, check out my sup kayak hybrid review here

SUP Tips for Beginners Top 5 lessons for paddle boarding

Tip #4: Dealing with waves

Though it's good to aim for calm bodies of water on days with cooperative weather, there can always be sections of chop that have to be absorbed. In particular, power boats can send some wake your way at any time.

Get down to lower your center of gravity

If you don't want to take a swim, here's what you do. Get down on your knees (to lower your center-of-gravity), put the paddle on the deck in front of you (to get some extra purchase), and then assume a kneeling position with one knee on either side of the center handle. This will allow you to continue paddling while in a much more stable position.

Point the bow into the waves directly

The next thing you'll want to do is point the bow directly at the oncoming waves so that you can face them head-on, versus taking them from the side and pitching back and forth (or full-on tipping). 

Tip #5: How to get on a SUP

If you paddle long enough, especially if you're a beginner, you're going to fall off your board from time to time. When this happens, you have two courses of action. If you have practiced remounting from in the water (a skill best learned near the shore rather than in the middle of a lake), then you can do so from either the tail or the side.

Stow the paddle on the deck

But first, you may want to stow your paddle in the SUP's deck bungees. Or if you prefer, you can hold it securely in one hand while working your way back on.

Approach the SUP from the side

If approaching from the side, use the center carry-handle to pull your chest up onto the board.

Approach the SUP from the tail

From the tail, you’ll use your hands to push down on the board, giving yourself enough leverage to once again get your chest onto the platform. Either way, you’ll then worm your way to the center, reestablish your table-top starting position and then stand or hop back up. 

Swim to shore if you can't get back on the board!

If you aren't able to get back on from the water, or don't want to bother with these maneuvers, then you can swim to shore, towing your board with your leash, and then relaunch from there. This is a viable strategy as long as you don't stray too far out while paddling. 

SUP Tips for Beginners getting back on a stand up paddle board

Bonus Tip #6: Dress for getting wet

Do I need a wetsuit for paddle boarding? Not necessarily, but you will want to dress for the water, not just the air temperature. If both are warm, then nothing special is required. You can just rock a bathing suit. If the air and water are both cold then that's where a wetsuit, or even a full-blown drysuit come into play.

Drysuits

A drysuit is more expensive, but under those conditions, hypothermia is a real possibility, and so you'll want to invest in appropriate safety gear. The toughest conditions to dress for are when the water temperature is significantly cooler than the air temperature. There's a balance to be struck between protecting yourself from hypothermia but not overheating while paddling in the hot sun.

Wetsuits

I recommend erring on the side of protection, which once again involves a wetsuit. A wetsuit won't be as suffocating to wear as a drysuit, but it will do the trick when you take the plunge. Whatever you choose, at least make sure that it keeps you warm whether it's dry or wet. Cotton is not the way to go!

Extra Bonus Tip #7!

Check out the free online safety course offered by the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. This will prepare you for all eventualities while out on your SUP (or canoe, or kayak). Even if you're a seasoned vet, it never hurts to brush up on your basics. 

If you're new to stand up paddle boarding then I hope this article answered a few of your questions and got you excited to hit the water. For more information about paddling, gear-reviews, and to share vicariously in my Paddle Tales adventures, check out PaddleTV

Other paddling gear I use and recommend

NOTE:  These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!     

FOOTWEAR  

BrandProductOur ReviewPriceBUY NOW
NRSKicker Remix Shoe52.95Buy Here
NRSBoundry Boot104.95Buy Here

PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS  

BrandProductOur ReviewPriceBUY NOW
NRSMen's Guide Long Sleeve ShirtBest Kayak Gear and Canoe Gear 202289.95Buy Here
NRSH2Core Silkweight Shirt44.95Buy Here
NRSH2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt54.95Buy Here
NRSHydroskin Short Sleeved Shirt94.95Buy Here
NRSRiptide Splash Jacket229.95Buy Here
NRSBenny Board Shorts64.95Buy Here
NRSHydroskin Shorts74.95Buy Here
NRSFlux Dry Top399.95Buy Here
NRSAxiom Dry SuitNRS Axiom Dry Suit Review: How do I choose a dry suit?1295Buy Here
Level SixEmperor Dry SuitLevel Six Emperor Drysuit Review960Buy Here

PFD’S – LIFE JACKETS

BrandProductOur ReviewPriceBUY NOW
NRSOdyssey PFD149.95Buy Here
NRSZen PFD229.95Buy Here

OTHER PADDLING GEAR  

BrandProductCategoryOur ReviewPriceBUY NOW
ZoleoSatellite CommunicatorNavigationZoleo Satellite Communicator Review199Buy Here
NRSDrylander SprayskirtSpray Skirts104.95Buy Here
WRSICurrent HelmetHelmet119.95Buy Here

SUNGLASSES

WileyX

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How to SUP – Beginner’s Guide to Paddle Boarding https://Hazeadventure.com/how-to-sup-beginners-guide-to-paddle-boarding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-sup-beginners-guide-to-paddle-boarding https://Hazeadventure.com/how-to-sup-beginners-guide-to-paddle-boarding/#respond Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:37:44 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=2744 Sup everyone? Today is all about getting new paddle boarders familiarized with the basics of the craft. This article is about how to launch a SUP, how to stand up on the paddle board, how to paddle while standing, and how to get back on your paddle board. If you've just purchased your first SUP, […]

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Sup everyone? Today is all about getting new paddle boarders familiarized with the basics of the craft. This article is about how to launch a SUP, how to stand up on the paddle board, how to paddle while standing, and how to get back on your paddle board. If you've just purchased your first SUP, or are in the market and want to get an idea of what you're in for, then I hope you enjoy this quick-start guide to paddle boarding. 

Do I need a life jacket to paddle board?

Stand up paddle boards are considered a vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard, which means that you need to wear a life jacket if you're in a swimming or surfing zone. There are two main options that will satisfy this requirement.

Inflatable PFD vs Vest PFD

For strong swimmers, you can use an inflatable PFD. The inflatable pfd clips around your waist like a fanny pack. Whenever you need it, you just pull the tab and it self-inflates. If you're not a confident swimmer, then you'll probably want to go with a traditional, vest-style life jacket. I recommend getting one that is specifically designed for paddling. This will give you complete freedom of movement when you're on your SUP.  

How to SUP - The Beginner's Guide to Paddle Boarding

Do you need a paddle board leash?

It's a good idea to use the ankle leash while stand up paddle boarding. Except when you're paddle boarding on flowing rivers, in case it gets snagged on something. Otherwise, every board will (or should) have an attachment point at the tail for one end of the leash. Then then the velcro end simply loops around one of your ankles. This is important because when you fall off, the board can get away from you quickly if there's a bit of current or wind. You don't want to get caught far from shore and with no other option than to swim it in. 

How to launch a paddle board

The best places to look for are gently sloping shorelines where you can just walk into about shin or knee deep depth – deep enough so that the fins on the bottom of the board aren't hitting the ground. You can then work your way onto the board, on all fours, with a knee on either side of the center carry-handle. Take a couple of strokes from your knees to clear the shore and then you can focus on standing up in the open water. 

Guide to Paddle Boarding how to launch a paddle board

Is it hard to stand up on a paddle board? 

It can take a little getting used to, but here's a simple tip to make it easier. From your knees, hold the paddle in front of you. Then one-at-a-time, put your foot in the same spot that your knee just was so that you have about a shoulder-width stance – and then stand on up. Once you hone your ninja skills, you can start from the same position on your knees. Holding the paddle in front of you, now pop both feet into place at the same time. 

What is the trick to paddle boarding? 

Proper stand up paddling technique begins with an active stance. This means keeping your knees slightly bent while standing up straight. Your hands should also be slightly more than shoulder-width apart on the paddle. In terms of paddle length, you want it to be about 6 to 8 inches taller than you are. Most paddles are adjustable, which makes this an easy spec to achieve. And then when it comes to actually taking a forward stroke, the idea is to plant the blade of your paddle fully into the water, as far forward as you can comfortably reach, and with your paddle shaft as vertical as possible. This combination will produce the maximum forward propulsion for your board. If your paddle isn't vertical then the board will turn significantly to the opposite side every stroke you take. 

Guide to Paddle Boarding what is the trick to paddle boarding

How do you steer on a paddle board?

Inevitably, your SUP will turn a little bit with each forward stroke. There are a couple of ways this can be managed. First off, you can simply change your grip and regularly switch which side you paddle on. You can also do a cross-stroke, which is a more advanced move, whereby you paddle on opposite sides of the board while keeping the same grip. The advantage to this method is that it's a lot quicker to execute. The disadvantage is that it's not as powerful compared to a full stroke on the opposite side with adjusted hands. 

How do you get back on a paddleboard if you fall off?

Well, for starters, I would encourage everyone to approach this question not as an “if” but as a “when.” When you fall off your SUP you have a few options for getting back on. First, you can simply swim to shore, towing your board with your ankle leash, and then relaunch in the same way I previously mentioned. If this is your preferred method then you just have to make sure you always paddle close enough to shore so that you can comfortably make the swim.

The other option is to remount from the water. For this approach it's helpful to stow your paddle in the deck bungees that many SUPs come with. If yours doesn't have these, then you can just hold it in one hand. You can then get back on from either the tail or the side of the board.

If approaching from the side, use the center carry-handle to pull your chest up onto the board. From the tail, you'll use your hands to push down on the board, giving yourself enough leverage to once again get your chest onto the platform. Either way, you'll then slide/wiggle your way to the center, reestablish your table-top starting position and then stand or hop back up. 

How to SUP how to get back on a paddle board

How can I be safe paddleboarding?

One of the best things you can do is to take the free, online course put on by the American Canoe Association and the U.S. Coast Guard. Paddling is generally a safe activity, but understanding what to do in tricky situations can really come in handy. So whether you're interested in canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, or all of the above, click here to learn from the experts in paddling safety. 

Shout-out to Body Glove for sponsoring this video/article

I had a chance to take the Body Glove Performer 11 SUP out for a spin a couple of times now, once for this demonstration, and once for a full top-to-bottom review. You can watch that full video here, but in a nutshell, the Performer 11 is a high-quality, inflatable SUP that doesn't have a high price (~$400 USD). The package comes with a 3-piece paddle, ankle leash, an electric pump and a hand-pump, a repair kit, and a backpack to carry it all in. 

And that's all you need to know to get started with your stand up paddle board routine. I know you'll have a lot of fun getting acquainted with your board, making mistakes, developing your stability, getting some good workouts in, and just generally having a great time out on the water. If you enjoyed this article then make sure to check out PaddleTV for more paddling tips, gear reviews, and a whole host of Paddle Tales episodes.

Other paddling gear I use and recommend

NOTE:  These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!     

FOOTWEAR  

NRS Kicker Remix Shoe  

NRS Boundary Boot  

PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS  

NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt

NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt  

NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt    

NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt  

NRS Riptide Splash Jacket    

NRS Flux Dry Top      

PFD’S – LIFE JACKETS

NRS Odyssey PFD   

NRS Zen PFD    

NRS Chinook PFD      

OTHER PADDLING GEAR  

Zoleo Communicator  

NRS Drylander Sprayskirt    

WRSI Current Helmet      

PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS  

NRS Benny Board Short   

NRS Hydroskin Shorts      

SUNGLASSES

WileyX

VIDEO PRODUCED BY  

Heliconia  

Contact: info@hazeadventure.com

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Isle Switch SUP Kayak Review: Is it the Best Kayak/Paddleboard Ever? https://Hazeadventure.com/kayak-paddleboard-isle-switch-kayak-sup-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kayak-paddleboard-isle-switch-kayak-sup-review https://Hazeadventure.com/kayak-paddleboard-isle-switch-kayak-sup-review/#respond Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:54:48 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=2086 Are you a casual paddler who can't quite decide between a portable kayak and an inflatable stand-up paddleboard? Well, then the Isle Switch might have hit your radar. This shockingly light, hybrid model attempts to marry the key attributes of both crafts so that you can mix up your workout and add a little spice to those laid-back paddle sessions.

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Are you a casual paddler who can't quite decide between a portable kayak and an inflatable stand-up paddleboard (SUP)? Well, then the Isle Switch might have hit your radar. This SUP kayak hybrid model is shockingly light and it attempts to marry the key attributes of both crafts so that you can mix up your workout and add a little spice to those laid-back paddle sessions. The Switch gave me a great excuse to get the whole family out for a winding river adventure. My wife, my daughter, and I shared two of these boards, constantly switching up the orientations for the full “paddlekak” experience. Here are my main takeaways.

ABOUT THE ISLE SWITCH SUP KAYAK

PRICE: $995 (USD)

LENGTH: 11′ 6″

WIDTH: 35″

WEIGHT: 19 LBS (8.5 KG)

CAPACITY: 425 LBS (193 KG)

SUP kayak isle switch review

The Switch comes with a two-way, high-capacity hand pump with a gauge. It has a premium travel backpack, an 8-foot ankle/calf coil leash, a repair kit, a dry bag, and a four-piece adjustable kayak/SUP paddle, a removable 9-inch fin, an inflatable seat, and an inflatable foot brace. On the top of the board, there is a full-coverage traction pad and bungee systems on the front and back.

These include tension locks for repositioning or removing the bungees altogether. The Switch features 2 new exclusive Isle innovations. Air-Tech Fusion Lite technology, which allows for a drop-stitch construction that is 25% lighter, and the ISLE-Link connection system, which is a series of webbing loops along the length of the board for almost limitless customization. 

Is the Isle Switch paddleboard stable?

Absolutely. This thing is rock solid. At one point all three of us were all on the same board and it still felt sturdy. Stability is one of the main things the Switch was designed for. It's wide (35 inches) and it's flat. That makes for a trustee base. With that said, this is still a stand-up paddleboard at its core, and so you will get a little stabilizing workout while standing. 

SUP stand up paddleboard kayak isle switch

Is the Isle Switch kayak comfortable?

Ultra-comfortable! This hybrid board has a lot going for it. For starters, since it's so wide, you can sit in any position, lay down, or stand up. You're never stuck in place and so those aches don't develop like they sometimes can over the course of the day. The inflatable seat allowed us to tailor the cushioning how we liked. We started with it fully pumped and then strategically let a bit of air out until it found that perfect butt-hugging contour. The seat also gets your hips above your heels, which is inherently a more comfortable position for paddling. Having so many attachment points also gives a massive range for positioning the seat and the foot brace. This is sometimes a limiting factor for taller folks, but there's no concern about sizing when it comes to the Switch. 

How good are Isle paddle boards?

In terms of paddling performance, I was pleasantly surprised by the Isle Switch. Because it has that wide, stable platform, and a flat hull, I wasn't expecting much in terms of speed. Now, the Switch still isn't for winning races, but it had a bit of zip to it, and with the help of that large, removable fin, it tracked quite well. Actually, while moving forward with that fin engaged, the Switch was a little slower to turn. But when I was stationary, I could turn a lot more easily. So this board has a dynamic feel to it. 

isle switch kayaking stand up paddleboard combo

Does the Isle Switch SUP have good features?

The ISLE-Link connection system is a beauty. You can easily move (or remove) the seat and foot brace, as well as the bungees on the front and back. Throughout our 7-hour family adventure, we had so many different configurations going. Sometimes the seat was in the front, sometimes it was in the back; sometimes it was facing forwards, sometimes my daughter had it facing backwards so that she could taunt me while I paddled. And as I said, there was even a time when all three of us were on the same board. No matter what the moment called for, the Switch was instantly customizable. The only thing to note is that the Switch comes with one seat and one foot brace, but you can buy an extra set on Isle's website if you'd like to turn this thing into a tandem kayak.  

I was also happy to see that the Switch package came with a pretty decent paddle. While in kayak-mode, the paddle is a basic 3-piece unit, and then when you want to jump into SUP-mode, there's another shaft that pops in in place of one of the blades. There's even a slick little paddle holder on the side of the board to hold those extra pieces in place while not in use. 

kayaking isle switch SUP

Is the Isle Switch SUP worth the price?

At $995 (USD), the Switch is priced a little higher than a typical inflatable SUP. But, you are paying a premium for something that is well-made and has thoughtful features. I had a blast on this thing and got a kick out of seeing how many experiences you can have within a single adventure. I'm used to testing different boats on different days, but this was an opportunity to dip in and out of distinct modes whenever I pleased. This turned out to be a premium SUP/kayak hybrid and in my opinion, it is worth the premium price point. 

Who is the Isle Switch for? 

The Isle Switch SUP, kayak, hybrid-craft, paddlekak…whatever you want to call it, is great for people (and evidently for families) who don't want to pick just one type of paddling experience. If you've been humming and hawing about whether to buy a recreational kayak or a paddleboard, this will be your sweet spot selection. This is also a great choice for anyone short on space, or who wants something super easy to transport to the water. The Switch is packable and feather-light. 

There's nothing like a 7-hour family river run to shine a positive light on a great craft. I'm a huge fan of the Isle Switch and so I hope this review leaves you with some valuable feedback. For more reviews, paddling tips, and Paddle Tales adventures, check out PaddleTV.

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Body Glove Performer SUP Review – Best Stand Up Paddleboard? https://Hazeadventure.com/best-stand-up-paddleboard-body-glove-performer-sup-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-stand-up-paddleboard-body-glove-performer-sup-review https://Hazeadventure.com/best-stand-up-paddleboard-body-glove-performer-sup-review/#respond Fri, 03 Jun 2022 20:07:00 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=1716 Right out of the gates (or rather, tailgate of my truck) I was excited about the Body Glove Performer 11 inflatable stand up paddleboard. It was light and it came with an electric pump, both of which saved my arms for the actual gear test.

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Right out of the gates (tailgate of my truck) I was excited about the Body Glove Performer 11 inflatable SUP. It was light and it came with an electric pump, both of which saved my arms for the gear test. And I needed the energy because these days paddling a kayak feels as natural as breathing or walking. But on a SUP I feel like a baby deer learning to take its first steps. I'm sure many of you feel that way, and hey, isn't that just part of the fun?

So if you're in the market for an inflatable SUP, first of all you're in great company. They are popular and interest in them is on fire lately. I talk about my paddling experience on the Meramec River in St. Louis. I hope this SUP review will help you figure out if this is the right board for you.  

ABOUT THE BODY GLOVE PERFORMER 11 SUP

Price: $999 USD

Length: 11′

Width: 34″

Weight: 24 LBS (11 KG)

Capacity: 320 LBS (145 KG)

In terms of features, the 2022 update has an increased average width. It also has triple-layer stringers and side rails. For durability, it has a drop-stitch construction and a reinforced nose bumper. There's also a toe point on the noise, an action-camera mount, front cargo bungees, an EVA traction pad, a carry handle that doubles as a water bottle holder, cooler D-ring attachment points, and a durable triple-fin design. The Performer 11 package includes a three-piece paddle, the aforementioned electric pump, a high-pressure dual-action hand pump, a coil-ankle leash, a cellphone dry bag, a repair kit, and a storage backpack.   

An additional intriguing benefit is that Body Glove is partnered with One Tree Planted. As the name suggests, for each Performer 11 sold, they will plant one tree. 

body glove performer 11 gear review ken whiting kayaking and paddling close up
Body Glove Performer SUP and Paddle

Before we go any further (don't tune this out!)…

I wanted to give a quick shout-out to the American Canoe Association (ACA) free online paddling course. Paddling is generally safe and enjoyable, but when things do go wrong, they can escalate quickly. Often, a bit of key information can make the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster. And did I mention it was free? If you're reading this blog then that means you're probably already at your computer, so I highly recommend you click this link and take the course, maybe right after learning about the Performer 11. 

How portable is the Body Glove Performer 11?

As I mentioned in the introduction, this board is light. I mean, 24 pounds is like a big bag of groceries, only shoved into an easy-to-carry backpack. Not only is it easy to lug around, it's also easy to inflate since the Body Glove package comes with that electric pump, which I used to take it all the way to 15 psi.

If you wanted to inflate it faster, you could use the hand pump to get it most of the way there and then top it off with the electric pump to add those last few, and hardest to inflate, pounds per square inch. Or, if you really want to get pumped by pumping, you could just sweat it out by doing the whole thing manually. I was much too lazy to do this, but it's not a bad warm up and it certainly doesn't hurt the beach-bod.

How wide is the Body Glove paddle board?

The Performer 11 SUP is 34 inches wide. This makes it a relatively wide paddleboard, which naturally translates into increased stability. That being said, it's not a floating dock. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to paddle a floating dock all day. This thing has some stability, but it is still a stand up paddleboard and therefore, it is challenging and requires some focus/core-strength, especially with a bit of current like I had on the Meramec river. 

body glove performer 11 gear review ken whiting kayaking and paddling
Body Glove Performer SUP Paddle Test

How does the Body Glove Performer perform? 

It's right there in the name but there's still a bit of nuance to be discussed. The Body Glove Performer 11 is designed to be an all-around performer, but not to excel in any one area. It has that moderate stability I just talked about, it cruises along nicely but isn't a speed demon, it tracks well but could probably do better with a longer center fin (but that could create a problem in shallow or rocky waters), it spins well when you want it to, and it's quite versatile in terms of conditions. I took this guy on some Class 1 river current and it performed beautifully. So overall, the Performer performed well across the board (get it?), even though the paddler himself has some work to do. 

What features does the Performer 11 SUP have?

You get one heck of a package with the Performer 11. The board itself isn't particularly feature-rich, but the ones it does have are valuable. Something that all paddleboard and kayak companies should take note of is the action-camera mount. This thing is screwed in solid and not going anywhere, no matter the chop. The deck bungees are standard, but certainly still nice to see.

One of the more unique features is the dual-action handle. If you're heading out for a paddle of any worthwhile length then you have to stay hydrated. But how? The grab handle on the Performer 11 turns into a water bottle holder, thereby solving this age-old dilemma in a pretty creative way. Another little hack that SUP peeps have figured out is to attach a cooler to the board for further access to refreshments (of all kinds) and to have a makeshift seat for comfier breaks.

You can also attach rod-holders to the cooler if that's your fancy. So the built-in D-rings are a small touch that really open the door to accessorizing an otherwise straight-forward board. And finally, the EVA traction pad worked wonderfully for me. In the 6 hours I spent on the Meramec River, my feet didn't slip once. That's a big win. These traction pads are fairly standard on high-quality paddleboards but it still has to get the job done. 

It's also worth talking about the paddle that comes with the Performer 11 package. It is a three-piece design and can adjust to a wide-range of lengths in order to accomodate paddlers between 5′ 2″ to 6′ 5″. I would say that for most people, this paddle will feel perfectly adequate and may be all they ever need. But if you're a little more dialed-in or looking to take your craft to the next level, then you will likely want to upgrade to something a little lighter and with that high-performance feel.

body glove performer 11 gear review ken whiting kayaking and paddling
Body Glove Performer SUP with a GoPro mounted to the bow

What is the weight limit for the Body Glove Performer 11?

The Body Glove Performer 11 SUP can support a maximum weight of 320 pounds. Not too shabby for an inflatable. Just keep in mind that this accounts for your own body weight plus whatever you happen to bring in that optional cooler. 

Is the Body Glove Performer 11 worth it?

$999 USD is not a purchase to take lightly. However, I was certainly impressed by the extent of the Performer 11 package. For that investment, you get everything you need to go paddling except for a lifejacket. The electric pump and paddle are particular value-boosting stand-outs. I also have to say that the board design is really slick. You should never buy a SUP solely based on looks, but if it has everything else you need then this sure is a sweet bonus. 

body glove performer 11 gear review ken whiting kayaking and paddling
Sitting on the Body Glove Performer SUP

Who is the Performer 11 SUP for? 

This is a versatile paddleboard. It's for anyone who wants to go out on flatwater to enjoy the day, or challenge themselves on a river with light or even moderate current (like I personally experienced). The kids will also have a great time tuckering themselves out without losing sight of their parents (who I'm sure won't mind the break). As I mentioned in the performance section, the Performer 11 doesn't excel at any particular metric, but it does a fine job at everything you could reasonably ask of it. As long as you're not looking for an unflippable platform, or a high-efficiency touring board, then you won't regret picking up this inflatable SUP. 

I hope you enjoyed this review. If you want to see more from my adventure on the Meramec River, check out my Paddle Tales video here. And for more reviews, tips, and other paddle outings, head over to PaddleTV

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