Best inflatables

Board Review – 2019 Hala Straight Up Carbon

Board Review – 2019 Hala Straight Up Carbon

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Two years ago I added the Hala Straight Up Carbon to my quiver, and I’m happy to report it’s a board that I still have as one of my four personal boards. I know how that sounds – sorry, not sorry!

This year’s redesign is honestly not that much different. The board performs exactly as the 2017 model did. It’s just as stable, maneuverable, and rigid! Hala even made a slight improvement by lengthening the Carbon fiber stringers from the previous year for just a little bit more rigidity. While I loved the red – the new blue and yellow colors are quite attractive. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like them, but I do. Ironically blue and yellow are an excellent choice because those are the colors that dogs can see! 

Let me explain again why I think the carbon technology is such a game changer for inflatables. When you stand on an inflatable in the water and jump up and down on the board you get what I like to call the “water mattress effect.” With a carbon stringer that water mattress effect is significantly lessened. 

This is wonderful when paddling with dogs! When a big dog moves around on a board that movement is translated throughout the board making it feel bouncy. Again, this feeling is significantly less with the stringers.  

Carbon technology is bridging the performance gap between hard boards and inflatables, so I’m really excited to recommend these to anyone who’s on the fence about what type of board to purchase.

A few other features that make this board a great dog-friendly option include:

  • Ten soft D-rings for strapping down gear and bags
  • Carry handles on the nose and the tail for easier loading and unloading
  • An all-around shape that’s efficient and stable for beginners and dogs
  • A stomp pad and a foot index for easier maneuvering 
  • A three-year warranty
  • A super tough rolling duffel bag for travel and storage
Board Review – 2019 Hala Playa

Board Review – 2019 Hala Playa

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I designed a dog specific paddleboard just for fun, and the Hala Rival Playa is the closest board to what I’ve got sketched out in one of my notebooks! I really love this board – it’s been my go to board all summer! Here’s why my little pack loves it!

11×32” is my preferred sized board for paddling with one or more medium sized dogs. Eleven feet gives us plenty of glide, and 32” gives us just enough stability without the board feeling like a barge. Don’t get me wrong, a 12.6 x 30” board is still more efficient, I’ve just found that over the years I like having a little more space in my garage, and a little more comfort when I paddle with my dogs. The board is also very light making it easy to carry from my car to the boat launch. 

One of the best features other than the new colors, is having tie-down points on the tail. I’ve been putting my Watershed Dry Bag on the tails of my boards for years. The reason is, when I paddle with one or both my dogs and I want to grab something from my bag, it’s much easier to reach behind me than around two dogs.

The deck pad is also generously sized making it perfect for protecting paws from slips. I did add just a little more paddling though – mainly for the cuteness factor of a paw print! But also because Kona loves riding on the nose of all my boards and she’s constantly falling off! 

The board is also a great value since it comes with a paddle, bag, fin, pump, and repair kit. And even though this board doesn’t have Hala’s Carbon fiber Stringers – the construction of the board is super solid. Bottom line – it’s still head and shoulders above all the other inflatables that have flooded the market. 

If you see us out on the river on our Playa, don’t hesitate to ask for a test ride! You’ll be impressed too!

Paddling in the Outer Banks, NC.
Plenty of volume for two medium sized dogs!
Our own private island!
Kona enjoying her spot on the nose.
Board Review – Hala Asana

Board Review – Hala Asana

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The shape and size of the Hala Asana at 10.6 x 34” x 6” is the quintessential beginner platform. Since I began paddling I have always had a board in my quiver this size. This year the Asana has served as my teaching board, my family and friend board, and my lazy day board. You know the days when you just want to be out on the river and have a nice private island? This board is perfect for that!

In my SUP PUP clinics the Asana is my go to board for beginners, larger paddlers, or paddlers with large breed dogs. This season the Asana didn’t fail us. Every student who used it had a great stable experience!

Compared to other inflatables I’ve had in the past, the Asana is a bit more equipped for paddling with dogs. Here are some of the highlights that make it a dog friendly choice:

  • Handles on both ends of the board for easier carrying and handling.
  • D-rings on the front and the back for securing gear. I especially like tying gear down on the tail when paddling with dogs.
  • Neoprene handle cover for a more comfortable grip.
  • Generously sized deck pad for four paws, or in my case eight!
  • A D-ring on the bottom of the nose for anchoring the board. You know in case you need that private island!
  • It comes with a great heavy duty carrying bag that’s big enough to store your board, PFD, canine PFD, and all the rest of your paddling gear.