Red Paddle Co 10’6 Ride: Our Complete Overview (with 10’2 vs 10’8 comparison)
If you’ve spent even five minutes researching inflatable paddleboards, you’ll have seen the Red Paddle Co Ride pop up again and again. And there’s a reason for that. As a Red Paddle Co retailer (and a team that spends a lot of time on the water testing boards), the 10’6 Ride is one of the most consistent “safe bet” recommendations we make for first-time paddlers, families, and anyone who wants one board that just works.
This blog is a no-fluff overview of what the Red Paddle Co 10’6 Ride is like in the real world, how it compares to the 10’2 Ride and 10’8 Ride, and which one we’d point you towards depending on your height, weight, and plans on the water.
Quick links: Red Paddle Co 10’6 Ride | Red Paddle Co 10’2 Ride | Red Paddle Co 10’8 Ride | Shop all Red Paddle Co
Why the 10’6 Ride is such a popular “first proper board”
The 10’6 Ride sits right in the middle of Red’s Ride range and suits the widest spread of paddlers. It’s stable enough to learn quickly, forgiving when your technique isn’t perfect yet, and still has enough performance to keep you progressing when you’re paddling more confidently.
At The SUP Company, we see a common pattern: people buy a very cheap iSUP, then realise they want something that feels stiffer, tracks straighter, and lasts more than a couple of seasons. The 10’6 Ride is often the board they wish they’d started with.
Our usual rider fit for the 10’6 Ride: ideal for most adults, typically up to around 100kg, and brilliant for general rivers, harbours, lakes, and sheltered sea days.
Key specs (10’6 Ride)
- Length: 10’6” / 320cm
- Width: 32” / 81cm
- Thickness: 4.7” / 12cm
- Board weight: approx. 9.95kg
- Recommended rider weight: up to approx. 100kg
- Maximum load: approx. 150kg
- Construction: MSL®
Watch: our 10’6 Ride video reviews & setup guides (The SUP Company YouTube)
10’6 Ride Review
10’6 vs 10’8 Ride Comparison (which should you buy?)
How to set up a Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP (first-timer friendly)
10’2 vs 10’6 vs 10’8 Ride: what’s the real difference?
All three boards sit in the same family, but they’re not “basically the same”. The size and width changes affect stability, feel in wind, how easy they are to turn, and how happy they are with passengers (kids/dog) on the nose.
Side-by-side comparison
| Model | Best for | Size | Board weight | Rider guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10’2 Ride | Lighter riders, teens, more agile feel, easier handling in wind | 10’2” x 29” (4.7” thick) | 8.1kg | Optimal for riders under ~75kg (can carry more, but feels best lighter) |
| 10’6 Ride | The “most people” option: first board, all-round UK paddling, steady progression | 10’6” x 32” (4.7” thick) | ~9.95kg | Great up to approx. 100kg (max load ~150kg) |
| 10’8 Ride | Maximum stability, families, dogs/kids up front, more “platform” feel | 10’8” x 34” (4.7” thick) | ~9.6kg | Up to approx. 95kg rider guidance (higher combined capacity for family use) |
Shop the sizes: 10’2 Ride | 10’6 Ride | 10’8 Ride
Our simple “which one should I buy?” cheat sheet
- Go 10’2 Ride if you’re a lighter adult/teen, you want an easier board to manage on land, and you don’t want the board to feel big in wind.
- Go 10’6 Ride if you want the safest all-round choice for most adults and mixed UK conditions.
- Go 10’8 Ride if stability is the priority, you’ll paddle with kids/dog more often, or you simply want the most confidence-inspiring platform.
If you want a deeper dive, this is worth a read: Red Paddle Co 10’6 vs 10’8 Ride: which one should you buy?
What makes Red Paddle Co different? A quick history of innovation
Red Paddle Co (now part of the wider Red Equipment brand family) was founded in 2008, right at the beginning of paddleboarding’s big global rise. From early on, they didn’t just aim to make inflatable boards that were “good enough” — they pushed hard on materials, construction, and repeatable manufacturing so inflatables could genuinely rival hard boards for stiffness and feel.
Over the years, Red’s reputation has been built on a few consistent themes:
- Construction leadership: their MSL® approach focuses on reducing weight while increasing stiffness and long-term durability.
- Better real-world packages: bags, pumps, leashes and accessories that make ownership easier (not just “box fillers”).
- Detail-driven design: board outlines that feel predictable and confidence-inspiring for the riders they’re actually built for.
In short: Red Paddle Co’s position in the market isn’t “luxury for the sake of it” — it’s about building inflatables that last, feel right, and keep working year after year.
The package: what you get (and what we’d add)
The Ride boards are sold as a proper package, which is part of why they’re so popular for first-time buyers. Depending on the exact model/season, you’ll typically get:
- Board + bag (Red’s ATB-style backpack)
- Titan II pump (fast inflation, easier effort)
- Leash, fin(s), phone case, repair kit
Our honest advice: don’t overlook the paddle. It’s half the experience (and literally in the name of the sport). If you want help picking the right paddle without wasting money, use this guide:
Red Paddle Co SUP Paddles Buying Guide (materials, weights & blade types)
Try before you buy: demo the Ride range with us
If you’re stuck between sizes, the quickest way to get it right is to try them back-to-back. You can demo Red Paddle Co boards with us at our Test Centres (Woodmill, Southampton – and we also run demos via our Lymington setup depending on season and diary).
Demo pricing: £25 per person, refundable against a paddleboard purchase.
FAQs
Is the Red Paddle Co 10’6 Ride any good?
Yes — it’s one of the most proven all-round inflatable SUP shapes ever made. Stable, forgiving, and built properly. It’s a genuine “buy once, enjoy for years” board if you look after it.
What PSI should I inflate the 10’6 Ride to?
We recommend inflating to the brand’s suggested range (commonly 18–20 PSI on Ride models) for best stiffness and feel. The Titan II pump makes this achievable without it feeling like a workout.
How much weight can a 10’6 Ride hold?
As a guide, the 10’6 Ride is typically happiest with rider weights up to around 100kg, and has a higher overall max load for carrying extra kit (or occasional passenger weight). If you’ll regularly paddle with a dog/kid up front, consider the 10’8 Ride for more width and space.
Should I buy the 10’2, 10’6, or 10’8 Ride?
10’2: best for lighter riders/teens who want easier handling. 10’6: best all-rounder for most adults. 10’8: maximum stability and family use.
Popular Ride picks (direct links)
Need help choosing? Ask us
If you tell us your height, weight, where you’ll paddle (river/sea/lake), and whether you’ll take passengers (kids/dog), we’ll point you to the right size first time.