Options for Standing Up

Was curious if anyone had any experience with either of these boats?

Diablo Paddlesports (not sure which one, all seem pretty similar??)
http://www.diablopaddlesports.com/

NRS Heron SUP
https://www.nrs.com/product/86138.01/nrs-heron-fishing-inflatable-sup-board

I currently have a Jackson Cuda 14. It's an awesome do it all fishing rig. Probably have over 1,000 miles of Texas Rivers in her over the last 8 years. She's taken boulders head on in the rapids, a 20' drop full of gear onto rocks during a portage and also my garage when I'd forgotten about her on the roof.I love the durability of the Rotomold construction. Plenty of room for gear for week long excursions and then some. She'll track straight right across the white caps in open water.

However, I've recently tried an SUP and really enjoyed it. However the stability was not a lot better than my Jackson Cuda. With a little practice you can absolutely stand and paddle a Cuda. However fishing and especially fly fishing is pushing its stability limits. Standing really requires your full attention. The SUP I tried was a touring board and while better, was not a lot better.

For shorter day trips on calmer waters the idea of a lighter craft that you could confidently fish from the standing position has enormous appeal......at least as an idea. I read claims of "dock like stability" but I suspect that is Nirvana and no such craft really exists.

I'd be glad to trade some speed and durability for these types of trips. If you can also get lighter weight and true stand up carefree stability that sounds amazing. For example: a few hours paddling a back cove at Ray Roberts chasing carp or exploring a short section of the Trinity River in town.

Anyhow, would love to hear thoughts good bad or otherwise on those two craft as. I'd love to demo both, but no one around North Texas seems to demo them.

Thanks in advance!

C'mon down to Lake Athens one day and let me send you out in my Meyers Sportspal canoe for a whole different perspective on balance. It is so much more stable than even my Big Rig, it approaches the "Nirvana" you are looking for.

I'd likely downside to the S-13, this one weighing only 57 lbs. pounds. Few kayaks are this light and none of them in that weight category are even a fraction as stable.

Brad

Oh very interesting! I have a soft spot for aluminum canoes. Many fond memories of in a Grumman. Is the stability more from the hull shape or from the sponsons or combination?

I too am looking at inflatable SUPs. I like this model:

https://atollboards.com/allproducts/isup-green

I am looking mainly for the ability to pack it on trips.

Shape of its bottom more than anything else giving it tremendous primary or initial stability. The sponsons only come into play under larger loads than usual.

Duck hunters use Sportspals for a jump off platform for large labs and other breeds, grab them by the collar to hoist them back inside the canoe.

What you end up with is a single vessel:

1) that can be solo'd with a central seated position using a double ended paddle;
2) a tandem platform for two large men and all the gear you can store;
3) and, with the square stern models, ready to accept either TMs or small outboards;
4) and, you can paddle standing (I use a 280 length) all day long.

I often go out over a mile standing, back home the same way.

Me and one of my grandsons below coming back in. Note the folding chair I carried out. If you think a kayak seat is comfy, try one of these!!!

Brad

That looks awesome! Thanks for the info!

I own the Diablo Amigo. I like it and it's much more stable than the Jackson Superfishal that it replaced. However, "dock-like stability" it does not possess.

Thanks for the feedback! Do you feel comfortable enough standing to fish or just paddle?

While I have been thinking about a kayak this canoe has me interested.

Does Meyer Sportspal have dealers here in Texas?