Red Paddle Co: Ride 9’8” and 10’8”
Pros
- Glides smoothly.
- Great all-around boards.
- Versatile.
- Durable and stable.
- Rigid and easy to maneuver.
- Responds well.
- Mild turns.
- Unique construction technology.
- Simple graphics are pleasing to the eye.
- Customized construction.
- Deck net.
- Multi-purpose D-rings.
- Durable fixed fins.
- Comfortable deck pad.
- 2-5 year warranty.
Cons
- We would have preferred removable fins.
Table of Contents
All of the Ride iSUPs are extremely stable and versatile boards made from top-end technology and premium materials. These high-performing boards are easy to maneuver and can take you anywhere from touring flat waters to small surf all in the same day. With an included all-terrain backpack the Ride range from Red Paddle Co is the ultimate all-around iSUP package. Let’s take a look at the 9’8” and 10’8” to see what makes them special.
Get to Know Red Paddle Co
The Red Paddle Co, a leader in the stand-up paddleboard industry, is a company driven by innovation, passion and performance. Red Paddle Co products are all made in an in-house production facility under close supervision guaranteeing nothing but the best hits the market. Red Paddle Co boards are the ultimate combination of function and form. 
The Red Paddle Co invests their time in their products with a close attention to detail and their customers with a full 2-Year warranty on each of their boards. As a bonus, if you purchase any of the inflatable SUPs from the 2022 range you are qualified for an extended 5-Year warranty. All you need to remember to do is register your board within three months of purchase.
The Board Basics
The 9’8” and 10’8” Ride share many similar features as well as the same great design as the 10’6” Ride. The 9’8” model is just enough for a rider up to 220 lbs and is 31” wide for those who run on the shorter side and don’t require extra width for stability. For those who can reach the top shelf, the 10’8” model is 34” wide and holds up to 260 lbs. Fear not though bigger riders can use the 9’8” for surfing. Both of the Ride models feature increased thickness boosting rigidity and stability as well as easing maneuverability. The Ride models aren’t too speedy but are great for riders of all levels especially first-timers. The Ride is easy to setup and even easier to store and take on the go.
Red Paddle Co: Ride 9’8”
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9’8” | 31” | 38 lbs | 220 lbs |
Red Paddle Co: Ride 10’8”
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10’8” | 34” | 40 lbs | 260 lbs |
Fin configuration: Tri-fin; fixed
Building the Board
The Ride models and all of the inflatable SUP boards from Red Paddle Co are made from exclusive high end MSL fusion technology. Using a machine to fuse a single layer of adhesive around a drop stitch core and adding reinforced rails creates a flawless bombproof board. This high end technology produces a lightweight board with just a single layer. Red Paddle Co is careful not to make their board too light so they can stand up to higher wind conditions. Both of these size specific models are quite similar in overall design with a few varying features.
Each board is covered in an embossed EVA foam deck pad with a diamond grooved traction patch at the back of the board; the 9’8” model features a raised kick tail for better grip when turning and surfing. Both models feature a deck net storage system at the nose of the board attached with 6 multi-purpose D-rings, a soft carrying handle at the nose, and one in the center for easy transportation of the Ride. The 9’8”model has two additional grab handles on either side of the tail of the board while the 10’8” has only one extra grab handle at the tail, each model also has an extra D-ring on the tail for a safety leash next to the inflation valve. Three fixed fins on the underside are extremely durable as well as flexible. The shortened fins are great for shallow waters but just long and strong enough to keep the board tracking straight.
What’s Included
Each Red Paddle Co ultimate iSUP package comes with an all-terrain customized backpack, dual-chamber pump, repair kit and waterproof phone pouch. The backpack features comfortable padded shoulder straps, carrying handles and an insulated lining to protect your board and accessories in the most extreme heats.
Fit in the Titan dual chamber pump, with two-stroke options, to save your inflation time. The easy to use pump comes with a built in PSI gauge and a comfortable handle. In case of accidents, the repair kit features two patches and a valve tool in a waterproof tub and lastly, the waterproof phone pouch is a thoughtful touch.
On the Water
Smaller and larger riders can benefit from the Ride models in different ways. The smaller 9’8” is easy to maneuver and turns sharply. It’s not too much board for a beginner and feels stable on the water, for taller riders the smaller size handles choppier surf like a surfboard and feels super light and easy to navigate. The 10’8” model feels incredibly stable and so rigid it could pass for a composite board.
Taller riders with balance issues will feel confident on the rigid board with no fears of bending. The glide on both models is extremely smooth and not too fast, the Ride can easily work as a touring board with enough space for a small passenger or extra gear. Each of the boards features the same Ride blue graphics scheme that is simple yet eye-pleasing.
Pros and Cons: An Explanation
There is not much that you could negatively say about the Ride models; there are enough options from the all-around range to satisfy something in everyone. The only complaint we could make would be to have removable fins that are easy to pack away instead of fixed fins that could eventually warp or misshapen.
Where to Purchase Products
If you are on the hunt for a Red Paddle Co board for yourself, you’re in luck. You can purchase these amazing boards directly from the company website; from a number of retailers online and unlike many other companies, you can even find Red Paddle Co boards in select retail stores.
Last Words
The Ride range from Red Paddle Co has something for literally everyone. The 9’8” and 10’8” models are suited for short, tall, wide, thin riders, you name it. The good looking ride is an innovative platform of fun that you can pack up and take with you whenever adventure calls.
