If you're looking to add an inflatable stand up paddle board (iSUP) to your quiver, now is a great time to shop. Many manufactures are busy launching their 2017 boards, which means that 2015-16 shapes are available at heavily (20% + off) discounted prices. With an Indian Summer at our doorstep, snag a killer deal on a stand up paddle package, and get a few months of paddling in before ski season - get that core in shape once and for all!
Here is a list of the top 5 best savings on closeout SUP's.
BEST FOR: Everything.
The
Starboard Astro Whopper Deluxe 10' is the Swiss Army Knife of the SUP world. It's efficient and stable on flat water, solid on class I-II and III rapids (could paddle class IV, but if you're doing that, you should be on the
Astro Stream), and surfs like a champ.
The magic of this board lies in the fat waist (35" wide), shovel nose and tapered tail. The width under foot provides a lot of primary stability (as does the shovel nose), and the pin tail allows the paddler to butter their turns on a wave, and turn the board easily when paddling downriver. There is a good reason that the Starboard Astro Whopper Deluxe is the most popular inflatable SUP that we have ever sold.
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Click here to read an in depth product review)
Bottom Line: If you aren't sure which SUP to buy, and want one stand up paddle board that can do it all - this is the one for you. It's versatile, performance oriented, and competitively priced. Again, it's the most popular board that we have ever sold, and for good reason!
MSRP:$1298.00 sale: $1039.00
Best For: CRUSHING.
The Starboard Astro Stream 9'6" is the brain child of whitewater kayak and river SUP legend, Dan Gavere. It's built to perform to the level that Dan paddles at, which is full throttle. The Stream is the highest volume 9'6" class board on the market. It's super stable, has enough bow and stern rocker to turn on a dime and surf well, and has a 4+1 fin setup that is perfect for everything from downriver (finless, twin or quads), to some flatwater paddling (US fin box center fin).
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click here to read a detailed product review)
Bottom line: If running rivers are your thing, than this is your board. It's the highest performing and most stable whitewater SUP on the market.
MSRP: $1,414.95 SALE: $1,129.95
Best for: CRUSHING (and never having to warranty your board....ever)
When someone mentions Hala Gear, the first word that comes to mind is "
quality and durability". We have sold the brand for 6 years, and have still yet to warranty a board. That's right, not ONE BOARD that we have sold has had an issue (leaky seams, deck pad delams, bubbling, etc).
The Hala Atcha 9'6" is built like a tank in regards to overall quality, but is light, nimble and agile. The Atcha can paddle a class III or IV rapid with ease, surfs well, and will last forever. It comes complete with an uber high quality back pack / travel bag, hand pump AND electric pump, and repair kit. There is no better value out there for a high quality 9'6" river SUP.
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Click here to read a detailed product review on the Atcha)
Bottom line: The Hala Atcha 9'6" is all about downriver performance and quality. It'll charge it's way down any river that you can throw it's way, and out last the competition...
MSRP: $1,378.95 SALE: $1,103.95
Best for: Smaller / lighter paddlers who want a light, stable and nimble board for rivers and lakes.
The NRS Tyrant has been around for a few years; it's a classic design. At 9' long x 34" wide and 4" thick - the Tyrant fills a lot of gaps. A smaller / lighter paddler can use the Tyrant for a dedicated river runner. It's got the stiffness and durability to paddle class I, II, II and even class IV rapids if you have the skills. Paddlers over 170 lbs will enjoy surfing on the Tyrant, and using it as a downriver play board that is stable enough to make it down stream, and agile enough to surf most waves. The 9' center fin option keeps the Tyrant on track on the flats (a 4" board has better feel on a wave than a 6" thick board does). Take the dog to the lake, do some SUP yoga and be happy about the fact that you only spent $739 on a super high quality board with a 3 year warranty!!
Bottom line: For just over $700, the Tyrant is an insanely great value for a river running / surfing / flatwater paddling SUP. It's got a 3 year warranty, and comes with a pump, bag and repair kit. If you're under 180 lbs, and are looking for an inexpensive, and high quality SUP, the NRS Tyrant ought to be on your short list.
MSRP: $994.95SALE: $739.95
Best for: anyone who wants to spend under $700, cruise flatwater, SUP at the beach, and paddle rivers on occasion.
The Boardworks SHUBU (Show Up and Blow Up) is a simple, quality board for someone who wants to stand up paddle on flatwater, and occasionally paddle whitewater rivers. It has less rocker than many dedicated river running boards, which means that it is faster on flatwater, and easier to paddle in a straight line. The SHUBU can still hold it's own on rivers (up to class III whitewater), and will even do OK in the surf (due to it's slender design).
Bottom line: The Boardworks SHUBU was designed to appeal to the entire family. It's at home on lakes and ponds, at the beach and on mellow rivers. It's backed by Boardworks' 1 year warranty, and best of all is $679 on
MSRP: $898.95 SALE: $679.95
