Pelican Offers Paddlers as Much Fun as They Can “Stand” with Four New Stand-Up Paddleboards for 2012
OutdoorHub 04.03.12
Once again, Pelican International is at the forefront of boating innovation with its newly expanded line of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Currently one of the world’s fastest growing water sports, stand-up paddle boarding offers an exciting and affordable water adventure for the entire family.
Stand up paddle boarding originated in Hawaii in the early 1960s, when experienced surfers used to stand on their long boards and paddle out using outrigger paddles to photograph tourists learning to surf. The experienced surfers enjoyed the visibility offered by stand-up paddle boarding, as their standing position offered a view both deeper into the water and further across its surface. Many compared it to walking on water and stand-up paddle boarding quickly became a popular water sport in its own right.
In addition to the impressive views offered by boarders’ standing position, paddle boarding offers an effective full body workout, making it an ideal cross-training option for skiers, snowboarders and other athletes. But perhaps the best reason for its growing popularity is the fact stand-up paddle boarding requires minimal equipment and can be enjoyed on just about any body of water, from light ocean surf to lakes and rivers—no waves required.
In response to the growing popularity of the sport, Pelican returns with its original SUP, the Flow 106X, and introduces four new models for 2012:
Flow 106X: Pelican’s original stand-up paddleboard, this highly durable, yet affordable 10’6” board is made of twin sheet thermoformed RAM-X high molecular weight polyethylene. The Flow’s solid construction provides exceptional stability for riders of any level. Features include:
- Anti-slip, padded deck pad providing superior comfort and secure footing
- Bottom grooves for improved tracking
- Four carrying handles and center grab-handle for easier transport
- Elastic bungee cords in bow to allow gear storage on deck
- Flexible rubber fin that bends and won’t break on rocks or other hard surfaces
- Smaller fin size that allows paddling in shallower bodies of water
- Easy conversion by adding optional sit-on-top kayak seat (purchased separately)
New for 2012:
Flow 106: This new model, also 10’6” long, is made using the same proprietary twin sheet thermoformed RAM-X technology as the Flow 106X, but the 106 is a more basic model designed to bring Stand Up Paddling within reach of as many paddlers as possible. With a suggested retail price of $399, the Flow 106 offers many of the features found on the Flow 106X such as:
- Anti-slip, padded deck pad providing superior comfort and secure footing
- Bottom grooves for improved tracking
- Four carrying handles and center grab-handle for easier transport
- Flexible rubber fin that bends and won’t break on rocks or other hard surfaces
- Smaller fin size that allows paddling in shallower bodies of water
Surge 10.4 and Surge 11.4: For the most discerning stand-up paddlers, these 10’4” and 11’4” boards are constructed of a polyethylene outer shell over a closed cell polyurethane inner core to produce a lighter board. Both have anti-slip deck pads and removable fibreglass fins.
Vibe 80: This 8’ board is scaled for children and smaller paddlers. The board’s unique concave standing surface provides more secure footing and greater stability. It offers a molded front handle and center grab-handle, an anti-slip textured surface, two lateral molded fins and one flexible central removable fin, as well as an integrated bottle holder.
With Pelican’s newly expanded line of affordable and versatile stand-up paddleboard options, there has never been a better time to get into the world’s fastest growing water sport. Regardless of size, age, proficiency or budget, Pelican has a board for all Stand Up Paddling enthusiasts.
