Red Paddle Co Sport + SUP reviewed / Light, stiff and easy to paddle

In this video we talk you through the 2 new Touring/fast paddling boards from Red Paddle Co, the 12’6 and 14’ Sport +, explaining the main features, who they’re best suited for and where they fit in the current Red Paddle Co range.

Made from MSL 800 the Sport + boards are lighter than the standard MSL Red Paddle Co boards and previous Sport board range, and more robust than the super lightweight Compact boards. Having done a deflection test at 22PSI, with and without RSS battens you can see the RSS battens do make a difference, helping you and your board perform at its best. These boards are easily stiff enough to use without the RSS battens if you wish, but on the water you’ll certainly notice a difference (possibly more than our deflection test indicates) especially in choppier conditions or if you’re a heavier paddler.

Available as board only or as a full package with a choice of paddle, there are plenty of options to suit you. And with many of the board and package components now being either replaceable or recyclable, it’s clear Red Paddle Co are committed to reducing their environmental impact which is great to see.

[FJDH]

I'm a Paddle Canada SUP instructor, I have had a Red 9'8 from 2016, the deck pads are worn out but the board is still going strong, never had a problem with it, zero leaks what so ever, and the fins are truly indestructible, and I foresee plenty of life still left in that board. Red will now be the only brand I buy for my business.

[dawnromero]

I'm ordering one tomorrow. I've been on one recently and loved it! I've watched this video a few times as I needed to be sure it's the right board for me. Thanks for such a detailed review.

[seawalkarrg]

I used the heck out of my Sport 11. It’s a very premium feeling iSUP, and great looking too. The thinner profile was really nice to learn on. Gripes: The big downside for me was using this board in rougher water, the nose rigidity was not there when heading into wakes and such. But I don’t think it was meant for this really. Gentle rollers were fine. The battons can be a nuisance step because you have to stop inflating to install them, turn the board in its side… but you can get quick at it.

[marksmall]

It's nice to see Red have produced a longer board and keep the width at 4.7"

[burntvirtue]

You can't welcome someone back to another (as in a new) video. You can welcome back to the channel, or the show, but not to a new video they've never seen before. 👍

[Wolfgangld]

I currently have a 13’2” Voyager, and it’s just about my favorite thing in the world. My only complaint is the dual fin design, which I feel may create unnecessary drag and definitely seems to hinder the maneuverability. I wonder how the 14’ Sport + would compare to my current board? It seems it may be a bit faster, though will it could suffer due to the lack of the v-hull, which the Voyager has? Have you guys done any testing to see how much (if any) advantage the v-hull provides? I feel like it helps with cutting through the water, but maybe that’s just my imagination. 😊

[nigelhough]

Thanks for the informative review. At 85kg would the new 12’6’’ be stiff enough. Is the older 11’3’’ sport stiffer being shorter and the heavier material or is the difference negligible in the real world.

[nuttynaylor]

I currently have a red 11.3 and stuck on the 14+ or go for the voyager. 6.2 and 100kg help!!

[HullyLDGP]

I have the 11' sport, and it's a good board, but my wife's Starboard Tikihine 12'6" x 30 is markedly more efficient at recreational paddling speeds for our 70kg weights. Is the new Red 12'6" a match for that board?

[shihb]

How would you compare the 14+ sport to the Starboard 14x29 airline sprint?

[MyWfeNowDAVE]

Can you please tell me where red are manufactured? Is it in the UK or China?

[PRS]

The board is nice but I don't like those bungies at all. They should go back to the classic bungie.