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I tried a Hatha Oxygen recently and liked it enough to perhaps take up Paddleboarding.
Ideally I'd like to find that one of the £250 "packages" works well, but I appreciate life doesn't always work that way.
Is there a budget SUP of choice? Which one?
Rigid would be handy - is there a rigid SUP that won't break the bank?
I thought the Oxygen was a pretty good compromise on directional stability v stability based on the three boards I've tried so that's the sort of capability I'd be looking for.
SUP-limentary question: I'm assuming rigid is more robust than inflatable. Is that false? I wonder if they pick up cracks and knocks?
Can't help you with rigid vs ISUP, but I have had a Hatha for a few years now in fairly regular use and it's still great. We went with the Orb as it had the bag with wheels and we wanted to take it abroad on planes (remember them?) and successfully did so on a few occasions. It also offered a greater volume as we wanted to let kid and his cousins pile on it as well as use it solo.
I've had a 'side by side' on a couple of the cheapies vs the Hatha and I found they didn't feel as 'stable' or stiff, or paddle as well.
I did look at the Decathlon ones based on comments on here but there were none available when I was looking. I do think that many of the boards 10'6" look the same with minor cosmetic differences, so you might be able to find one like that?
Rigid is better if you want to surf or paddle on choppy water, but will more likely pick up dings etc if used on rougher water/ beaches etc.
I have a Decathlon Itiwit 12’6” board which I’m pleased with - paddled the Red equivalent and couldn’t tell the difference.
if you do a search there is literally a weekly thread on what SUP
In short, Decathlon or Blue Fin.
Rigid you'll be looking at close to a grand all in with leash and paddle
We have a pair of these: https://www.packeddirect.com/products/aqua-spirit-isup-inflatable-stand-up-paddle-board-for-adult-beginners-intermediate-with-backpack-leash-paddle-changing-mat-waterproof-phone-case-1?variant=32437015937105
In fairness we have bought better paddles but the boards are pretty robust. We just use them on the Lakes (advantage of living in Lake District :)) I suspect they wouldn't be brilliant for surfing in sea...
Note the weight limit though - if you are bigger boned, you'll want a bigger board.
Does the forum search not work these days? Actually no, it doesn't.