Expanding the horizons of paddle boarding: Red Paddle Co reveals the new 11’0 COMPACT

Keeping research and innovation at the heart of the brand, the Red Paddle Co has revealed the all new 11’0 COMPACT, the next generation in paddle board technology and the second addition to their exclusive Compact family of inflatable paddle boards. “We have come a long way over the ten years of inflatable technology at Red,” says Phil Hawthorne, Head of Design at Red Paddle Co. “What drives us is that we are constantly testing the water and improving on our own designs, so they perform better for our users.”

The Compact Vision

Following the success of the 9’6” Compact, the Red Paddle Co design team have put their award-winning MSL PACT™ technology to the test and produced an all new touring SUP. A new weaving process creates an extra-high-tensile thread matrix at the core of the board that combines with a super-strong but malleable outer layer and a tensile quad stringer-system. The result is a board that always keeps its shape when inflated, but packs down to an ultra-small size once you’ve let out the air.

So, what exactly is the compact board? “The Compact is a full-sized SUP that packs down to half the size of a conventional inflatable board,” explains Phil. “In real terms, the Compact is a step forward in what an inflatable board can be. Here is a board that can be stored in the smallest spaces: easily carried on your back, taken on trains, bikes and buses, stored in your apartment or on your yacht! It makes the sport more convenient and more accessible than ever before”.

The specialist premium inflatable paddle board brand snapped up the ‘Best Technology’ gear award by SUP Connect in 2019 and as Hawthorne explains the 11’0 Compact was the natural evolution of their most transportable range of boards: “The reception we received for our PACT technology and our 9’6 Compact board in general has been fantastic. As an experience-based brand, it was really important for us to get our design out on the water and see what the reception was from the paddling community.”

Hawthorne continues, “We wanted to improve the experience for all participants in the sport, which necessitates different designs to cater for different needs. The 11’0 Compact is an ideal match for paddlers who regularly travel with their board or want to adventure further with the convenience of an all-in-one package. The increased length makes this board perfect for longer paddling adventures and those travelling the world with their SUP.”

Designed with a more drawn out shape to increase glide, the 11’0 Compact is perfect for paddlers who want to travel and explore without limitation. The whole package is full of practical features and innovations – the board has a quad stringer tensioning system, giving maximum rigidity while the central living hinge means the board can be folded and rolled into a super small package, making it the most transportable adventure SUP on the market.

Red Paddle Co, Co-Founder and CEO, John Hibbard explains, the whole idea of the Compact range is to expand the horizons of paddle boarding: “Our mission for the Compact board and backpack was to make it even more convenient to store, easier to travel with and more comfortable to carry than any SUP before it. Each Compact package is designed with first-rate transportability thanks to its revolutionary backpack, neatly fitting all the kit one needs into one ergonomic bag. At almost half the size of a conventional SUP backpack, its unique levels of adjustability and incredible shoulder and back support allow SUP enthusiasts to explore further than ever before.”

Based on the plan of the ever-popular Red Paddle Co 11’0 Sport MSL, the Compact 11’0” is 32”/813mm wide and 4.7”/120mm thick and provides the perfect blend of stability and manoeuvrability. Weighing in at under 8.45kg (full package 13.8kg) and supporting riders up to 110kg/209lbs. The extended length board offers a fantastic step up from an all-rounder catering for slightly heavier riders, in comparison to the 9’6 Compact.

The 11’0 Compact board comes as part of a full package including a newly designed backpack, revolutionary 5-piece paddle, Titan pump, leash and removable click fins.

ABOUT PACT Technology:
MSL PACT™ technology is a material with a new weaving process which creates an extra-hightensile thread matrix at the core of the board that is combined with a super-strong but malleable outer layer. This means the Compact board is as stiff and durable when inflated but can be folded down into a bag half the size of standard inflatable boards.

To find out more and shop the compact range, visit www.redpaddleco.com/compact