O’SHEA 10’6
HD SERIES
TEST REVIEW

Verdict
The high performance 10’6 O’Shea comes in their Fusion technology so it’s a touch lighter than the durable HD version we tested last year. The O’Shea with its large US box centre fin and two side fins paddled great directionally, and being 34” wide offered plenty of stability too. A bright, light and well-balanced board, it’s very reassuring and ideal for first timers and those wanting a bit more security on the water. And with its long, grippy deck pad and wider width it would make a great yoga platform too.

Overview
Supplied in a smart tailored bag, the O’Shea comes with a two-way switch pump and a rugged three piece alloy paddle. The deck is covered by a generous diamond cut bright deck pad and a simple compact bungee right on the nose, and a paddled handle and leash point on the tail. Underneath this wide O’Shea, there are two fixed side fins and a tough looking US box with removable plastic centre fin with thumb screw. We were also pleased to see this board has a tow ring under the nose too.

Brand Claim
The O’Shea 10’6 Inflatable SUP Board in 2018 is the big brother of the recreational iSUPS. At 34” wide, it’s uber stable, suitable for either heavyweights or absolute novices, and a key choice for many schools and indeed the growing market of supyoga – for the bendy and not so bendy people.

Performance
Paddling the bright O’Shea was comfortable and easy, the board has a gentle nose rocker which climbs over chop easily and the board showed a swiftness which belied its generous size thanks to its light weight construction, and it is nimble too for a large board. Using a larger centre fin the 10’6 is more directional and was easier to paddle in a straight line than the other iSUP on test. O’Shea produce bright, rugged no-nonsense boards, this one has evolved over the years and into a very a attractive package ideally suited to larger or more nervous riders, or centres and instructors wanting a more stable iSUP. Also with its very long deck pad it’s ideal for yoga (so the wife tells me). Where as many SUP’s have a shorter pad offering less usable space, however a true yoga board wouldn’t have a centre handle so that’s an extra tick for convenience for the O’Shea. The finish on the O’Shea was superb, it’s an uncluttered product and great as a school board as you’d have no problem spotting these on the horizon! There are many bigger and thicker boards like this on the market but the O’Shea gives the performance of a smaller feeling board and has a light stable feel.

www.osheasurf.com

OTHER BOARDS IN THIS TEST:

Bic Cross Adventure 11’
Fanatic Ray 12’6
JP All Water GT 12’6
Loco Amigo 9’11
O’Shea HD 10’6
Red Paddle Co Ride 10’ 6
Riber Deluxe 10’2
Starboard Go 11’2

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