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Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride Review

With more and more people today living the apartment or tiny house life, we have to thank Red Paddle Co for bringing the joy of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) to thousands who don’t have the garage space to store a traditional hard paddle board. The Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride board is the slightly larger version of the most popular paddle board on the planet, and it’s small and light enough to throw in the Red Paddle Co carry bag for closet or under the bed storage.
In this Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride review, we’ll be going over some of the improvements made this year, the specs and best features, what comes with it, whether or not the Red Paddle Ride 10’8” price is reasonable, and more.
In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary…
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Price & Where to Buy it | ![]() |
Red Paddle 10’8″ Review: Improvements for 2016

The rails on the 2016 Red Paddle Ride 10’8” SUP are smooth; so smooth that it is noticeable over previous models.
The centre carrying handle is beefier and more comfortable on the hands than previous models. The back end now also has a handle, which is useful when you need to drag the inflatable SUP out of the wash.
Rounding out our list of improvements for the Red Paddle SUP 10’8” this year are better quality D-rings, which are now more industrial and durable.
Red Paddle Co 10'8" Ride
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Durability
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Features
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Versatility
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Stability
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Speed
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Portability
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Warranty
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Customer Support
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Price
User Review
( votes)Red Paddle Ride 10’8” Pros

The 10’8″ Ride is compact and lightweight when deflated and rolled up, and it is easily carried by one person under their arm or in the included Red Paddle Co bag. When it’s time to paddle out, just a quick inflate with the Red Paddle Co pump (also included) and you’re good to go. No need for expensive car racks or large storage spaces. The Red Paddle Ride 10’8” board was designed to be conveniently stored on a shelf, in your closet, or under your bed.
The Ride 10’8″ is part of Red Paddle’s all-purpose lineup of inflatable paddle boards, which features four different sizes. The 10’8″ is certainly not a dainty board. At almost 5 inches thick, it’s more rigid and durable than an average 4 inch board. The 34” width provides outstanding stability and glide even for newbies, and it can handle a full-grown 265 pound paddler with no problem whatsoever.
The Red Paddle Co SUP deck pad has a racy appearance, and it won’t mark or tear as easily other iSUP deck pads.

Versatility is what the Red Paddle Ride 10’8” paddle board is all about. In addition to being super stable and easy to paddle, it’s also fast and glides effortlessly through the water. The board is rigid enough to surf with, and unlike other iSUP boards that flex uncontrollably, the 10’8″ has excellent rigidity. The Red Paddle 10’8″ PSI allowance goes all the way to 25 PSI, about 10 PSI higher than most other iSUP boards.
Easy Set Up

If you’re lacking a bit in the patience department (like me), you want an inflatable board that is on the water in no time flat. The Ride is quick to set up and takes just a few minutes to get going. Using the new Red Paddle Co Titan Pump, the 10’8″ inflates fully in no time. The Dual Cylinder pump system combined with the Hi Flo handle means the time and energy required to inflate your board with the Titan Pump is minimal.
Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride Specs
LENGTH | 10'8" | |
WIDTH | 34"/863mm | |
THICKNESS | 4.7"/120mm | |
LENGTH | 296 litres | |
RIDER WEIGHT | up to 120kgs/265lbs |
Red Paddle 10’8″ Ride Review: Construction

The patented Red Paddle Co RSS stiffening system creates a truly rigid board—the 10’8″ is stronger and stiffer than many other boards. On the outside of a Red Paddle Co SUP, you’ll see thousands of dimples spread from nose to tail and rail to rail. These are the internal threads. The Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride stand up paddle board design differs from other boards on the market, which use a cheaper, linear stitch system.
With Red Paddle’s patented RSS system, the 10’8″ Ride SUP is up to 40% stiffer than other inflatables of the same size and thickness. You literally get the best of both worlds—the convenience and portability of an inflatable, with the stiffness of a traditional hard shell SUP.
Red Paddle has also developed what they call MSL Fusion. MSL fuses a second layer of hard-wearing polymer to the drop stitch core, rather than hand gluing. This completely removes hand gluing errors and cosmetic blemishes. MLS Fusion also saves nearly 5 precious pounds in weight, and makes the 10’8″ stiffer at lower pressures.

What’s Included with the Red Paddle Ride 10’8″?

The Red Paddle Co Warranty
The Red Paddle Co warranty is a 12-month guarantee against any manufacturing defects. The company has a great reputation and stands behind everything they make.
Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride FAQ
Can the Red Paddle Ride 10’8” handle a dog?
Absolutely. The heavy-duty materials used by Red Paddle to construct the 10’8″ means that your dog’s nails pose no threat. Just remember that it’s important to bring along a life jacket for your dog!
Can I fly on airplane with the Ride 10’8″?
You sure can, just roll the board up and throw it in the Red Paddle Co bag. You can check it when you get to the airport and pick it up with the rest of your luggage whenever you arrive.
How does the Red Paddle 10’8″ test in surf conditions?
The 10’8″ is a lot of fun in smallish surf, but I wouldn’t plan on taking it to Pipeline.
How long can I leave the Red Paddle Ride 10’8″ inflated for?
Red Paddle Co recommends that you store your 10’8″ Ride out of direct sunlight, and you should reduce the PSI to 15 if you’re not planning to use it for a while.
What is recommended as far as the Red Paddle 10’8″ PSI goes?
25 PSI for larger riders, 15-22 PSI for everyone else.
I’m 5’9″ and weigh 185 pounds, is the 10’8″ the best board for me?
Riders that are your size would be better off with the Red Paddle Co 10’6″ Ride.
How should I clean my Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride?
You can give your board a good wash and rinse with some mild soap and water. Just be sure to dry the board completely before rolling it up.
Does the 10’8″ come with a leash? If not, where can I buy a Red Paddle leash?
The 10’8″ package does not include a leash, but you can buy one here.

Final Thoughts
It’s true that the Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride inflatable stand up paddle board is more expensive than much of the iSUP board competition, but we feel the additional cost is warranted due to the fact that the 10’8″ is such a high quality board that’s built to last. Red Paddle uses top of the line materials on the 10’8″ Ride, and after factoring in the added extras that come with the board, a higher Red Paddle Co 10’8″ Ride price is to be expected. If you’re working with a tight budget and need a board that is more affordable, we’d recommend checking out the iROCKER vs. Red Paddle Co comparison section on our website.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this Red Paddle Co board review. At the end of the day, if you’re looking for an drop-dead gorgeous inflatable SUP that is heavy on features and build quality, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the Red Paddle Ride 10’8” inflatable stand up paddle board.
I am considering two boards:
– This one – second hand (great condition, only used 5 times apparently) – $720 (including paddle and leash)
– Atoll 11 Foot – new as it comes from Amazon.com – $600
From your page’s reviews on each of these boards, you rate them both pretty equally. Wondering which option you would choose (you can assume that the second hand one has in fact been treated very well and only used 5 times)
About me:
I am 6-foot and my mass is 100kg (although if at peak fitness I can drop to as low as 85kg! Hoping the SUPping will do that for me!).
Also hoping to take my girlfriend out (Can both fit on each of these boards?). I live at Cape Town so will often be out on the sea water.
Hey Dean, thanks for the question.
Both are nice boards that I’m sure you’d be very happy with. The Red Paddle board with leash and paddle sounds compelling, just keep in mind that you won’t have any warranty coverage (vs. 2 full years with the Atoll).
Things would be pretty crowded on these boards with two adults. I think you’d have way more fun if you bought two boards. 🙂
Hello, I have just bought a 10.8 with few research and now I Think my choice has been wrong cause my weight is 150 lbs. Do you think it’s been a wrong elección? Many thanks.
Hi Federico, thanks for your comment…
While I would have recommended the 10’6″ Ride for you, you’ll do just fine with the 10’8″. Don’t worry, go out and enjoy your new board.
Thank you very much for your answer. Best Regards
Hello, I’m in doubt between the 10’6 and the 10’8. I’m 6’3″, 185lbs. So weight-wise I’d be looking towards the top-end of the 10’6. However, I’d like to take at least one kid on half of my rides. 10’8″ it is then? How does the bigger board size impact the ride? I’m not keen on loosing speed/glide…
Thanks!
Maarten
Hey Maarten, thanks for the comment!
I would bump up to the 10’8″ if you’ll be bringing one of your kids along. That’ll give you additional stability and buoyancy as you’ll be getting 2″ of extra width and 56 liters of additional volume.
Hope this helps. Happy paddling!
I am 6’3″, 225lbs. Would the 10.8 Ride be a good choice, or should I go up in size?
Hi Sean, thanks for the comment. I think the 10’8″ would be perfect for you.
Happy paddling.
Great, thanks for the quick reply!