Is there anything that combines exercise and relaxing more than stand up paddle boarding? I don’t think so. We have rented SUPs over the past few years but this year took the plunge and got two NRS Thrive Paddle Boards.
We got the NRS Thrive in size 10.3 since it seemed to have the best weight range for our style of flat water paddling. The kit includes comes with a pump and storage bag.
The boards inflate to about 10-15 PSI and appear for all intents and purposes to be a rigid boards when inflated.
They feature a pressure relieve valve and a really easy to use valve for inflating and deflating.
The pump and gauge are the week spot in the deal. The gauge has never read higher than 10 PSI and it required me jumping on it to get it to inflate, then the pressure relief valve activated. I got two kits, and both pumps behave this way. That being said, NRS sells this pump separately, which means they believe in it.
The Thrive 10.3 features a bungee/lash system on the front to hold you extras while paddling.
If you are in the market for a paddle board you might be tempted to go to Amazon and buy some cheap $200 board. If you are going to use your board often you should get the NRS Thrive. NRS stands behind their product with a 3 year warranty. These folks have been in the water sports game forever and are the benchmark for all other boats. You can’t go wrong with the NRS Thrive 10.3.
NRS says: https://www.nrs.com/nrs-thrive-inflatable-sup-boards/pcyr
From urban estuaries to wilderness rivers, backyard ponds to alpine lakes, the Thrive series SUPs are your do-it-all, do-it-anywhere boards. With a beginner-friendly shape, the Thrive can easily handle touring, fitness paddling and light river running.
Heavy-duty PVC drop-stitch construction and double sidewalls increase durability to handle the abrasion and abuse of an adventurous lifestyle.
Inflates to 20 psi (1.379 bar) for super rigid performance and folds compactly for easy storage and transport.
Top-quality Leafield D7 inflation/deflation valve for unsurpassed reliability plus a pressure relief valve to prevent accidental over-inflation.
Proprietary Axis Technology™, an acrylic stiffening agent integrated into the deck, improves stiffness and performance without adding weight or making the board harder to fold and store.
Removable, interchangeable, nylon-reinforced plastic fins let you customize your setup and absorb impacts without breaking.
Four D-rings on the nose for custom rigging using the included bungee cord plus three additional D-rings for a water bottle, leash and tie-downs.
Three sturdy webbing handles in the center of the deck for hauling plus one handle on the end to aid in a swim.
Includes a high-pressure pump with pressure gauge, three All-Water fins, one Touring fin, carry bag and repair kit.
Three-year retail warranty, one-year commercial.