Any iWindSups worth it?

LakeSurf · Joined: 01 Jul 2015 Posts: 81

I hardly ever get to windsurf (I'm a beginner in an area with not a lot of wind and busy with work and family stuff) but am considering getting an inflatable WindSUP. I've paddled a Red 12'6" board before and was quite impressed. The reason I would go inflatable is for plane trips where I plan to just SUP, easy transport to the coast and easier storage.

Anyway, any recommendations or should I wait a couple years until the technology progresses more?

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

Nothing gets you time on the water in lighter wind like a proper longboard. They are also very interesting to sail if you like getting places and offer a lot of challenge.
I don't think an I SUP offers the same room for growth or challenge.

boardsurfr · Joined: 23 Aug 2001 Posts: 1266

I have sailed inflatable windSUPs from different brands. They all were fine for just puttering or cruising around a bit. One had foot straps and supposedly planes, but the fin was a big limitation (small in a taped-on fin box), so I would not want to use it in planing conditions. Quite different from "solid" longboards, which are lots of fun in light wind and when the wind picks up.

That said, I think inflatables can be a good choice for getting time on the water in light wind and when traveling, and for a bit of facility fun - giving young kids a ride, or having them try sailing themselves. If your kids develop interest, you may even want to consider an inflatable rig - just for the fun and "they can't get hurt" factor, not for performance.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 10:52 am Post subject:

Get something now.

If improvements continue, get another a few years down the road.

No brainer

joethewindsufa · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal

how come we do not see more like this idea ?
stiff base - and fitting into a bag
inflatable top

https://vimeo.com/206374078

U2U2U2 · Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:59 pm Post subject:

LUCARO · Joined: 07 Dec 1997 Posts: 661

joethewindsufa · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal

@u2u2u2

if it's called supply n demand - which one is lacking ??

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:48 am Post subject:

Thinking about it I have seen one. It’s possible more existed and I wasn’t aware.
Starboard has a more oriented windsurf board inflatable name escapes me, not well received by UK dealer.

So it’s demand.
Sure China can make as many as needed.

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

The I-99 boards were just released this year and they don't seem to have much distribution outside Europe. I personally find the concept very appealing.
But not what the OP is talking about.