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A Review Of The Sandbanks Ultimate Inflatable Paddle Board
The Church In The Sea, Porth Cwyfan, Aberffraw, Anglesey
Another day, another paddle, this time on the stunning Isle of Anglesey.
After a tip from a fellow paddler, today brings me to another body of water all together.
The Atlantic Ocean, arriving with a 10mph north westerly push, should make SUPing possible but challenging. However, the location couldn’t be more spectacular.
For this reason I have brought my original “Sandbanks Style Ultimate 10.6” with me today. It’s a rock solid board that can cope with all conditions and paddling skill levels. I taught myself, and many friends, how to do the “stand up“ part of stand up paddle boarding on this! So naturally, I figured it might cope well with a gentle swell. At high tide the 12th century church on the isle is only accessible by boat or board, so that’s my target for the day.
Sandbanks Ultimate Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package
Conditions were rougher than I expected, so kneeling was the safer and dryer option to make initial progress. This bay is not always the tranquil haven you might expect!
As I headed out, I was greeted by the sound of super-bikes and the faint smell of race fuel on the sea air, as the awesome Anglesey race track runs out onto the peninsula at the north of the bay. This coupled with the flight path into RAF Valley 6 miles up the coast makes for some stunning sights and sounds if, like me, you have a little bit of petrol in your veins.
As I turned back towards shore and was able to stand and ride the waves toward the islands, the sun broke through the clouds and peace was restored. I followed the subtle line of the old causeway onto the island. Then, after an easy landing, it was time to explore. My Zone 3 wetsuit looked a little out of place in a church yard, but I had the island to myself, at least until low tide.
My son’s floatable Oakley sunglasses have survived another paddle and my Yeti Rambler had a hot drink this time, which, although I made it 4 hours previously, still stings my lips with heat as I enjoy a cuppa.
Back to the board for a final play in the waves and sunshine, this time in my super smart, but super stretchy Volcom Frickin Modern Stretch 19” Shorts and classic tee.
Eventually it was time to pack up and head off for lunch at the Oyster Catcher in nearby Rhosneigr, before finally heading back to reality and work for the next six days. At least we have air con to see us through the heatwave!
By Richard Baker, Retail Store Manager
For more of Richard’s watery adventures, read his blog about paddle boarding on beautiful Padarn Lake in Snowden here. You can also find more of his photos and videos over on our Instagram.
