Uli-Doolie test.

My friend (Oliver) has just bought a blow up C4 Uli SUP board and today we gave it a good test.

Oliver bought the board so he could take his kids paddling..and teach friends without fear of them falling on the board..or damaging it with the paddle..and also the convenience of it's small size when deflated.

It's now Winter here and today was cold and wet..but that was not going to stop us testing out the new Uli...When I got there Oliver and his son were already on the water..and it was nice and glassy.

His son Seb (Sebastian) was on the Uli..He's about 12yrs old.



The board looks light but it's not that light..My guess is that it's even heavier than the big 11'6" Naish.





The nose and tail look very chunky.





I first thought..Jeez..It's so flat and doesn't seem to have any rocker.



Seb was SUP'ing for his first time..and he gives me the two thimbs up while his Dad watches on..I think he likes it.



We paddled around the St Kilda marina..the perfect place for a first SUP.





Once we got over to the small beach at the St Kilda pier it was my turn to have a go..I was surprised how well it floated me..I'm 6'4" and about 90kgs.



I was also surprised at how fast it paddled.



I had a great time stepping back, sinking the tail a little and paddling round and round..forhand and backhand..It was so stable and once you got your weight back..the nose lifted a little..and it turned on a dime..maybe the small'ish fins helped here also.



Now Oliver wanted a go..Well I guess that's ok..after all..it's his board.



I think Oliver's been watching too many Steamroller vids.



I saw that coming.



Of coarse Seb wanted a go..After all he was thinking...anything Dad can do..I can do better.



He loved doing the run and jump beach start.





It's paddling around rocks like this that make these boards so good.



While paddling back Seb starts to show of******oing the one legged paddle..Jeeez..I've been doing it 3yrs and I can't even do that..and it's his first day.



Just before packing up Father and Son do a tandem paddle..and it still floats them..and Oliver's on the chunky side.



I needed one more look at this incredible board..The fins look like crap in pictures but they are as solid as..I couldn't even flex them.



For a board that sits so flat in the water..once you stand on it it sorta gives the board some rocker.



Oliver didn't even deflate it to head home cos he just lives down the road..I think he was going to come back with his daughter next time.

It started to rain just as we were leaving..What a great day..Thanks Oliver.

DJ

Great pics DJ. I think I can use this board to introduce more of my friends into giving it a try. I've had a great few days road testing it and am really happy I bought it. After seeing the pics of her brother, my daughter is now looking forward to coming out with us next w/e.

Thanks for the pics and story DJ and thanks to Oliver and Seb for putting their bodies on the line to carry out the appropriate testing procedures.

Steve