O2 Lochsa Inflatable SUP for Whitewater

Needs handles on deck sides to climb back on
Needs rings or clips for putting on a seat

I ordered a known brand whitewater SUP in January to compete in the GoPro Mountain Games in June. However, it was on backorder and did not look like it would arrive in time. I found Glide and was impressed at the price, free shipping, speed of delivery and included paddle. It’s a pretty good paddle, too! Board and paddle performed very well in Class II-III and felt stable. I like the feature of Glide Shield Surface that protects against abrasions. It still looks new after a few runs. Time will tell. Inflation is at the nose (makes for easier deflation when rolling up) and the deck pad extends the full board. Maybe I’ll get better at hanging 10 over the nose? Comes with a nicer bag with wheels. The center removable fin was too tall for the river, but great for tracking in the lake. I need to get a short and/or gummy fin to keep it tracking straight on the river. Thanks goodness it’s a USA style fin box so I can get another fin easily.
Customer service was very quick and responsive!! I am impressed and will recommend to my employer’s for next year’s adventure camp equipment purchases.

I just got my board in last week and the pump was damaged. They answered the phone in 3 rings and within 60 seconds of hanging up the phone I got a Shop notification that the new pump was on the way. I’ll update my review on the board when I get out to the River.

Some people are asking my thoughts on both of my SUPs. Well, the Badfish Rivershred is more of a beast, and has hardly any bounce. And the rocker is so great, and will rise up and over waves like a champ. Because I have been paddling my Rivershred for over a year and a half, it has gotten me through some interesting features.

Now, after having the Glide 02 Lochsa out 4 times, here is my take on this. There is more flex(bounce) on the deck, but, this can be a good thing, being a little more forgiving. The rocker is moderate. But still rises over the face of the wave. The stern is a little wider, giving more stability when stomping the tail deep in the water. I think putting handle grips just past the carry handle like I did on the Badfish, really helps when scrambling back on the deck after swimming. I think both are so close and I am so glad I bought the Lochsa, price wise, you can’t go wrong. I am glad to have both SUPs, but lately, I have run this chute on the Comal River, and I cleaned it 5 times out of 15 attempts that day, and normally on the Rivershred, I am lucky if I run it clean twice in one day. And the paddle that comes with it might look flimsy, don’t let that fool you. It is solid, stout, and really digs in when you need to make a quick change of direction. I haven’t needed to use the rucksack/carry bag, but that is well designed too. Price wise, Glide wins, and should carry you far. To go further, then the Rivershred will finish the job, but for almost twice the price. It depends on how rough you want to play, or pay. Either one works for me, and I always encourage others to jump on board and see what they are paddling. Until then, paddle on…..

After the first play run….we had to go to a different section on the Guadalupe River. I mistook the initial reaction to the paddle. But, don’t let the look’s fool you. It is a solid paddle shaft, and the blade might look flimsy, but when you dig in for that last stroke to get on that wave, it has a fantastic bite, and gives power without any flutter. I’m finding out I have to move around on the deck more to adjust my stance and trim, the the wave allows me much more stability and balance. I’d say Round #2 was a hit as well. More to come….. still FIVE STARS !