Our Cruiser V-Max Touring SUP Experience - WOW!

After months of wanting to try them I finally had the chance to get on the Cruiser V-Max 12'6 and Bic Wing 12'6.  I did the same test on both boards in order to make a fair comparison, and at the end I had a surge of realizations after this weekend on touring SUPs.

1) A touring board feels incredibly different than an all-round board.

2) Talk about stability!  I could do things on the boards that I can't on dry land! (i.e. headstands)

3) I didn't truly understand what glide speed was until I got on these boards.

4) I like the Bic Wing, but I don't love it.

5) I am in love with the Cruiser V-Max 12'6" and 11'6"!

These realizations were mostly instantaneous.  I expected a little bit of instability at first because my little 5'2" frame had to hop down onto the board from a dock that is about two and a half feet above water level.  Here was the first difference: the Bic Wing wobbled a little as I landed, the Cruiser V-Max didn't budge.

As I began paddling the difference became even more noticeable. It took a few good strong strokes to get the Bic Wing moving.  Now it was much easier to get going than an all-purpose board, only about 5 or 6 strokes to reach full speed, but it had nothing on the Cruiser V-Max, which took about 2 strokes to reach full speed.

This brings us to my next realization.  Glide speed.  I thought I had a good understanding of good vs. bad glide speed before, clearly I did not.  These touring stand up paddleboards just zip along the water like there's nothing too it.  It's clear that the Bic Wing creates a little bit more friction in the water causing it to go slightly slower, but that's what you sacrifice for the durability of it's outer shell.  When paddling the Cruiser V-Max the only description that comes to mind is that it felt like I was flying along the surface of the water.




After about half an hour of paddling I decided to test out the fitness capabilities of the boards, really push them to their stability limits.  The Bic Wing was solid.  I found it fairly easy to balance in bridges, planks, and warrior poses.  It performed better than I expected, but didn't blow me right out of the water.  When I attempted the same things on the Cruiser V-Max I was so impressed I decided to try something I had never successfully done on an SUP.  I placed my forearms on the board in a triangular shape, put the top of my head between my hands, and lifted my feet off the board.  Next thing I knew, I had completed my first successful headstand on an stand-up paddleboard.

While paddling back to the dock I reflected upon my first touring SUP experience and realized the true importance of being on a board that is designed for what you want to do.  In the fast moving current of the St. Lawrence River these paddleboards kept on moving against the current, and flew when going with the current.  Needless to say, it was a weekend full of learning experiences that brought my love of stand up paddleboarding (and CRUISER SUP) to a whole new level.

Cruiser V-Max 11'6 and 12'6 On Sale at Paddleboard Direct - Save Hundreds Now!



Have a great week of SUP fun!
From Paddleboard Direct staff member Gen

Fun, versatility and ease of use - Cruiser Nalu and Wahine UltraLite Bamboo

The gorgeous Cruiser Nalu and Wahine UltraLite Bamboo are two of the most versatile (and gorgeous) stand up paddle boards offered by Cruiser SUP.

Although these boards were designed to be used in flat water, they also perform great in small to head-high surf. That kind of versatile surf and flat water performance cannot be understated.

The design enables this versatility thanks to a medium nose and tail rocker, but a relatively flat surface in between.  This is part of what allows these boards to be qualified as a high performance SUP.

For beginning stand up paddleboarders this can sound daunting. Not to fear, the Cruiser Nalu and Wahine are plenty stable for a beginner thanks to plenty of width.  This range of performance ability makes them perfect boards for everyone.

Note: The stability of a stand up paddleboard comes from the width of the board and it's volume in relation to the stand up paddleboarder's weight.  This means that a light board can be just as stable as a heavier board! 

Not only are these boards great performance sports equipment, they are also light weight and beautiful.  No more lugging a 50 pound SUP in and out of the water!

These boards are able to be this lightweight because of their sandwich/composite construction.  This construction features very thin layers of very strong bamboo veneer, fibreglass and epoxy resin that are compressed and sandwiched together.

After extensive testing, we found bamboo to be the strongest and lightest material for board decks, and the classic wood appearance is an added bonus.  These boards feature a closed-cell EPS core that is watertight (Keep an eye out for a post about basic board repair coming soon!) 

These boards are an excellent combination of versatility, performance, and great looks.  They allow you to get out in any safe water conditions and look good at the same time!

Have a great weekend of SUP fun!
From the Team at Crusier SUP and Paddleboard Direct

Cruiser SUP Supports Breast Cancer Research and Awareness

Cruiser SUP has joined the fight against breast cancer, by offering Paddleboard Direct customers the choice of which charity to support.

For each Cruiser SUP women's board purchased by Oct. 31, Cruiser SUP will donate $25 in your name to the charity you choose from the following: American Breast Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Action, Breast Cancer Fund, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Cancer Research Institute, Komen for the Cure, or Unite for Her.

 Here is some information on each of the charities:

American Breast Cancer Foundation


The American Breast Cancer Foundation fundraises in order to provide affordable breast cancer screening and treatment to all women.  They also focus on public education on the importance of self examination and the role in plays in early detection of breast cancer.

http://www.abcf.org/ABCF-What-We-Do.htm


American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is working towards a cancer-free world through research, funding, and treatment options.

http://www.cancer.org/aboutus/index



Breast Cancer Action

Breast Cancer Action seeks to educate people in order to end the breast cancer epidemic.

http://www.bcaction.org/about/mission-values/


Breast Cancer Fund

The Breast Cancer Fund is working to prevent breast cancer by eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation that have been associated with the disease.

http://www.breastcancerfund.org/about/


Breast Cancer Research Foundation


The Breast Cancer Research Foundation aims to find a cure for breast cancer by funding innovative clinical research and building awareness.  91% of all money raised is put directly into research and awareness.

http://www.bcrfcure.org/about_mission.html


Cancer Research Institute

The Cancer Research Institute has developed cancer immunotherapy and is working to develop a cure for cancer through immunology.

http://www.cancerresearch.org/about


Komen for the Cure

Komen for the Cure is focused on the development of early detection methods and better treatment methods, as well as building hope.

http://ww5.komen.org/AboutUs/OurWork.html



Unite for Her

Unite for Her looks to educate, empower, and restore women through a variety of wellness techniques.

http://www.uniteforher.org/who-we-are.html

Endless Summer 2013 Sweepstakes Winner!

 

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Congratulations Lauretta Welch of Baltimore, Maryland!  You have won your choice of Cruiser SUP - the Cruiser Nalu All-Wave 9'5" Platinum Edition!

This absolutely beautiful and very light stand up paddle board is ideal for small to head high surf conditions. It also paddles beautifully in flat water! For more information on the All Wave 9'5" and the entire Cruiser SUP line, please see our website, or our recent post.

Thank you to all who participated!  Keep checking back, we will be running another board draw soon. Those who registered for this past contest will automatically be entered into the next one. Please make sure you registered for the contest, in addition to liking the Cruiser SUP Facebook page.


Thanks again, and have a great weekend of SUP fun on your Cruiser SUP! 
From the Team at Cruiser SUP and Paddleboard Direct

Making The Leap From Renting To Owning Your Own SUP

Shopping for a stand up paddle board (SUP) can be overwhelming, especially when you're unfamiliar with the sport.  From all round cruising, to family, touring, surf, windsurf, and yoga paddle boards, the choices are endless.  And that's without adding over 100 brands into the mix.  With so many options available, one must wonder where to start - and how to cut through the noise from the various brands?

Many people like to start off by renting a paddleboard.  It's a very rational choice: try the sport before investing hundred of dollars. However, the expense of renting a SUP does add up.

If you find that you're really falling in love with the sport (it's pretty hard not to!) then it's time to invest in a paddle board of your own! Not only will you have access to your SUP whenever you want to paddle, you'll also have a board that is designed for your style of stand up paddling.  Most likely much lighter, higher performance, and sized for you.

Due to the strain rentals put on the stand up paddleboard, rental SUP boards tend to be the heavy (durable construction), which in turn affects performance. Many rental centers also purchase larger boards so that anyone can use them. They are very stable and easy for a lighter paddler initially, however, you may find most rental boards huge and not very responsive. Conversely, some centers rent stand up paddle boards that are too small and very frustrating.

Now that you are ready to purchase your own paddle board, where to begin? The first thing you want to determine is the conditions where you will SUP.  Will you be cruising, surfing, or maybe a little bit of both?  Next, how many people will be sharing the board - and how much do they weigh?  Is durability an important factor, or is light weight more important? Ease of use or high performance? These sorts of questions determine the style and construction of board you'll need.

There are also many questions pertaining to chosing the best retailer.  Talk to the team at Paddleboard Direct. They have equipped more SUP customers (with industry leading service, quality products and value), than anyone in the country since 2007.

 See the full list on the Paddleboard Direct website SUP Buying Tips page. 

Top 10 Questions and Answers Before Purchasing a New Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) click here.

Yoga and Fitness for Everyone!

Yoga has become increasingly popular in the past decade as people look for fitness alternatives outside the traditional gym setting.  With stand up paddleboarding also on the rise, it only seems fitting that the two should merge!  The soothing sounds of the water and ability to completely isolate oneself increase the psychological benefits of yoga.  While the added challenge of balancing on the stand up paddle board increases the physical aspects.

Practicing yoga on a paddle board certainly takes some getting used to, but after the first few wobbly poses you'll be feeling better about the new sensation.  If you want to kick up the fitness element, use your paddle for some extra weight!

Why not give Pilates a try as well?  You'll find that there isn't a muscle in your body that isn't engaged the entire session!  Any sort of exercise is taken to a whole other level by adding the SUP element.  Notice your obliques engage while doing straight crunches just to keep you stable.

You thought planks were tough before? After working out on your stand up paddle board you'll never want to go back to the gym.

There are so many great stand up paddle boards out there that are designed specifically for fitness. Check out the Cruiser Betty or Koa FeatherLite Soft Top or the incredible Cruiser Yoga Mat UltraLite. Both are great for fitness, while have incredible glide and tracking abilities.  The Cruiser Yoga Mat is the same shape and construction as the Cruiser Wahine Bamboo - great for flat water and surf alike! The Cruiser Betty is staff member Gen's favorite paddle board for SUP yoga and fitness due to it's full EVA Soft Top and incredible stability. Plus it looks hot, with black, grey and pink accents!

When choosing a paddleboard for fitness you want a board that is wide and buoyant enough to be stable (but not so wide that it is unresponsive and plows through the water like a barge). A full length deck pad is also great, but not mandatory.  This style of deck pad helps with your grip all over the board and is easier on your hands than a hard polyethylene epoxy deck.  It's also great if you wanted to bring kids out on the board!

You'll find that a bungee deck attachment (included with Cruiser Yoga Mat and Koa/Betty) will also be nice to have.  This will allow you to bring a bottle of water along so you don't get dehydrated, and will keep your paddle on the deck of your board while you're working out!

Yoga and fitness has never been so much fun!

Have a great day of SUP!
From the Team at Paddleboard Direct

Endless Summer of SUP

It's an Endless Summer with Cruiser SUP

As the new school year begins to draw near, it may start to feel like summer is ending.  But who said that the fun and fitness had to end when September begins?

Look at it this way, with the kids back at school Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa have more time to go out paddling during the day! The beauty of stand up paddleboarding is that it is a sport that allows you to continue enjoying the water even as the weather begins to cool off. Though the air may cool a bit, the great exercise from SUP raises your heart rate and warms your muscles. 

With a nice stable board (like those designed by Cruiser SUP) there's no reason to get wet.  That means the cooler weather doesn't need to slow you down!

In celebration of a great endless summer of SUP, Cruiser SUP is giving away a board when their Facebook page reaches 1500 'Likes'.  The winner will be randomly drawn from the entrants.  Additional entries are awarded for sharing the page with friends, so be sure to share the sweepstake with everyone you know!  Click here to enter.  

Good luck and have a great day of SUP fun!
From the Team at Paddleboard Direct