We recently received details on Red Paddle Company’s upcoming new and redesigned Red Air inflatable SUPs being introduced for 2013. The new lineup includes seven models for surfing, touring and racing, ranging in size from 9’2″ to 12’6″.
Well-known for their ruggedness throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure dropstitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction, double layering, thick traction pads and integrated fins. Each board comes with the Red Air EZee pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board to 20PSI and higher in less than 10 minutes.
New design features for 2013 include the following:
- RSS Rocker Stiffening System: Rigidity is increased by inserting stiffening strips (Rockets) along the rails of the board. This works against the downward force of the rider to produce a stiffer board. The rockets are removable for easy board rolling and can be stored in the carry bag.
- More comfortable central carrying handle
- New valves with improved seals, cap and stronger threads.
- Varying material thicknesses from 100mm to 150mm. The standard 100mm thickness is perfect for boards with a surf orientation. The thinner rails make for better control on the wave face and while paddling out. The new 120mm thickness allows the rider to keep a low centre of gravity while achieving exceptional stiffness – 40% increase at same pressures. The 150mm thickness is for non surfing shapes. It gives great stiffness, with enough volume to carry a lot of gear or allows the board to float high and reduce drag in racing conditions.
- Redesigned backpack. Now features a front-loading system for easy unloading and loading. Internal load straps hold the board in place and protect the fins while padded backpack and waist straps ensure the bag stays in the optimum carrying position. Side carry handles.
- D-rings for attaching gear on various models.
- Repositioned center fin. Now directly over the valve position so the “bump” caused by the valve is no longer present.
The Red Air models for 2013 include:
9’2″ Red Surf Star – NEW MODEL. A stable yet maneuverable travel surf SUP, utilizing the RSS Rocker System. Also good for kids.
Dimensions: 9′ 2″ x 30″ wide.
Material thickness: 100mm
Usage: Surfing
MSRP – $1119US
Red Air 9’6″ All Water – UPDATED DESIGN. Designed to work in all conditions, the All Water cruises well up the river and picks up waves quickly. Utilizes the RSS Rocker System.
Dimensions: 9’6″ x 30 inches wide.
Material thickness: 100mm
Usage: All around, surf
MSRP – $1169US
Red Air 10’0″ Surfer RSS – NEW MODEL. For those riders looking for a longboard style surfing SUP. Ideal for riders up to 85kg. While designed as a surfing SUP board, it can still be enjoyed on flat water by lighter riders. Utilizes the RSS Rocker System and features front cargo attachments.
Dimensions: 10′ 0″ x 32 inches wide.
Material thickness: 100mm
Usage: cruising, surfing
MSRP – $1199
Red Air 10′ 6″ Ride – UPDATED DESIGN. Red Paddle’s classic model. The 2013 board is wider in the tail to give better stability and the material thickness has been increased to 120mm – this increases stiffness while not affecting the ride and performance. New front cargo attachments.
Dimensions: 10’6″ x 32 inches wide.
Material thickness: 120mm
Usage: Cruising, small wave surfing, fishng, exploring
MSRP – $1199US
Red Air 10′ 8″ Mega – UPDATED DESIGN. The perfect board for the bigger rider (215 lbs/95kgs+) and the family paddler – super stable. Material thickness has been increased to 120mm – this increases stiffness while not affecting the ride and performance. New front cargo attachments.
Dimensions: 10’8″ x 36 inches wide.
Material thickness: 120mm
Usage: Cruising, small wave surfing, fishing, exploring, boat tender
MSRP – $1349US
Red Air 12′ 6″ Explorer – NEW MODEL. An amazing destination paddle board with multiple cargo tie-downs (front and rear) with detachable waterproof bag that fits onto the nose section. Nose fin runner and double rear fin runners for straighter paddling. The 150mm thickness makes for high buoyancy and superb stiffness. Central and side carry handles.
Dimensions: 12’6″ x 32 inches wide.
Material thickness: 150mm
Usage: Exploring, adventure, touring.
MSRP – $1569US
Red Air 12′ 6″ Race RSS– NEW MODEL. A stripped down racing thoroughbred. Weight is saved with deck grip in only the most essential areas. The Rocker line is designed to give a fast glide and ride. The single nose fin helps tracking and two side runner fins in the tail aid stability in chop. The centre fin gives just the right amount of grip without adding drag. Utilizes 150mm material and features the RSS Rocker System. Fly-Away races are now a reality
Dimensions: 12’6″ x 30 inches wide.
Material thickness: 150mm
Usage: Racing, competition
MSRP – $1549US
Available mid-October 2012. For more details or to purchase, click on the product links above or see the Red Paddle Company Product Pages on our website at http://www.airkayaks.com.