Gear Review
Ocean Kayak Nalu 11 Stand-Up Paddleboard
Super Fun for Beginners
By Elias Littenberg
April 29, 2010
I have to start by saying that I tried the standup paddle thing for the first time last summer on some of the reservoirs around Park City. Even as a total beginner, it was very easy to stand and stay standing on the Nalu. Super stable, if handles more like a sit-on-top than a pure standup board but it was much more fun to be up. The width and draft provide stability while the relatively short length helps to keep things agile enough to steer easily during put-ins, take-outs, and marshy inlets. One bummer is how heavy it is for its size. Though manageable, it was a bit clumsy for me to get it from the roof rack to the water. One HUGE benefit is the price and durability vs a true SUP board. The Nalu can be treated roughly without anyone having to worry about damaging the board/boat and they come in at roughly 1/2 the price of a surfboard style SUP board. All in all, the Nalu ends up being a fun, versatile, and durable piece of gear that you'll get years out of.
View Details: Ocean Kayak Nalu 11 Stand-Up Paddleboard
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: August 22, 2011 By: brian s.
How do you sit on this thing? I'm generally just interested in standing up like I've done on normal SUP boards I've tried (but can't necessarily afford). This seems to be a good hybrid despite the slightly heavier weight. though it doesn't seem to have a "seat" per se, though the description suggests you can just sit down (can't tell where) and paddle yourself like any little ocean kayak. Not to mention, say you do get tired and decide to sit, how in the world do you paddle with the long SUP paddle?!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Oh, and it's super easy to negotiate wakes coming off any passing boats. No beer spilled!
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