'A Bus And Beyond' take on the Red Paddle SUP

If you don’t yet know about youtubers, A Bus And Beyond, well…you should.

With over 15,000 subscribers on Youtube, Shaun and Lizzy, along with their beloved Golden Retriever Bentley, realised there was limited video content available when they first purchased their VW California Ocean back in 2016. Thus, they decided to film their adventures as they jump from beach to campsite trying out equipment and showcasing the some of the UK’s most breath-taking locations.

This week, Lizzie talks about the Red Paddle Co Ride 10’6 Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package.

She answers a load of questions that were sent in, from how to store the board to inflating it and how easy it is to SUP as a beginner.

The 10’6 x 33” from Red Paddle is nice and sturdy, and feels firm and solid when inflated. When comparing this to her experience using a Hard SUP board in Croatia, Lizzy says it makes for a much gentler fall. (We can’t imagine being hit in the face by a solid hard board is all that fun to be honest).

SUP Questions Answered

Where can I store my SUP board in my van?

Lizzy usually stores it in the side of the van. It comes in a bag fit with the board, pump, paddle and leash, keeping it nice and compact so it’s not bulky or awkward. The bag can be held by the top or put on like a backpack, so if you've got a long walk to the water it's not breaking your shoulder! Alternatively, you can put it in the boot or strap it to a bike or board rack at the back/side of the vehicle.

What clothing should I wear for SUP in Winter?

We offer lots of SUP clothing for various climates. Lizzy chose a 5mm wetsuit to keep her extra warm, or you can wear a sealed drysuit which does exactly what you’d think (keeps you dry).

In winter, we’d recommend a 5mm wetsuit or drysuit with thermal underlayers (which often come with them anyway), along with a pair of 5mm neoprene boots. Accessories such as gloves, hats and thermal socks will also help protect you from the elements.

A buoyancy aid can also be worn to keep you safe in the water, particularly if you’re a beginner or not 100% confident at swimming. The leash of the board does attach to your ankle though, so you can also just use that to hoist you back on the board if you feel comfortable.

Can I fit my dog on the Red Paddle Co 10’6 x 33” board?

Yes! Lizzy fits her gorgeous golden retriever Bentley, who absolutely loves it and even has his own lifejacket now. Skip to 18:20 to watch adorable footage of him in action!

How easy is stand up paddle boarding?

Lizzy gets asked this a lot when she’s out and about with her board. Whilst she fell off a few times on her very first outing, she’s quickly adapted to it and funnily enough, hasn’t fallen off since. She recommends starting out in calm, shallow water so that it’s easy to prop yourself back up if you do fall. You could even join a beginners group so you can laugh about it when you all fall off together!

What is an Inflatable SUP like in waves?

The 10’6 is particularly stable due to it’s length and thickness. Sideways it’s obviously narrower, but your two feet are able to move along with the waves. Lizzy tested it in the choppy North Sea and found it much easier than expected.

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