A travel report from Nicole and Philipp.
Finally we go to Mauritius. Two weeks of sun, sea and paddling.
We brought two ultralight SUPs from Airboard: the STRIDER 12'6" Sand and the STRIDER Petrol 11'2" . We rolled them both up nicely and packed them in a sports bag with two paddles.
Just over 25 kilos - we were able to check it in as sports luggage at Edelweiss.
The two boards were only 13.5 kilos, but with paddle, bag, pump, and fins we ended up at 25 kilos. But mega - complete equipment of two boards in one bag. You won't get that with any other brand. Of course, a Swiss Brand! Airboard.
After a stopover in the Seychelles we finally arrived.
Nice 28 degrees warm - what more could you want.
Transfer to the hotel and then pump up the boards. We only took the compact nano pump with us. It takes a couple more pumps than with the big one :-) Fin and straps mounted and off we go. It's crazy how light these things are. You can use the strap as a leash. But we still prefer classic leashes , they are simply more flexible.
First of all, “big surprise” at how stiff the boards are. So light and yet so stable. Really cheers!
Mauritius is really ideal for stand up paddling. The reefs are far out in most places and break the waves. So you are actually riding in a lagoon and there are few waves. Of course, depending on the wind, it can get a bit choppy, but this is easy to handle with these two boards. I wouldn't go smaller than 11'2" on the sea. The STRIDER Yellow 9'9" is more for really calm glacial lakes and light people or children.
We really recommend the Blue Bay Marina Park. It is protected almost everywhere by the reef and please paddle in a relaxed manner. The Ile aux Cerfs is also very beautiful (also located in the Blue Bay Marina Park). Sandy beaches, mangroves, palm trees and, depending on the time, a Robinson Crusoe feeling. Wonderfully quiet in the lee of the island. Depending on the tide, sometimes only knee deep or less, so be careful.
Take a little walk on the island, snorkel and then move on. The STRIDER 12'6" is also great for two people
It's comfortable to stand on the boards and it's really fun. The stability and width of the boards are of course very comfortable at sea. You're happy to accept that the straight-line stability isn't that great. For longer distances you have to switch sides more often to paddle than with a narrower board.
Thanks again to Airboard.
Also recommended for one-way tours. The boards can be rolled up so small and then easily transported in a backpack. The man can then wear both :-)
For everyone who travels and doesn't want to lug around so much.
Great boards - great quality - great concept
Thanks.
