Test: RRD Convertible WindSUP

The Airsup Convertible from RRD is a successful three-way fighter and its advantages are already in its name. With a length of 3.15 metres, it is one of the all-round SUPs that is also fun to take on a tour across the lake, turns very well and, at 34 inches wide, can even be paddled on rivers with a bit of "white water" (please only with expert instruction). The board is not the first choice for very long tours, as it understandably lacks good directional stability due to its reduced length compared to pure touring boards. However, the RRD with its 275 litre volume is all the more suitable for fun on the beach or as a family board. With the extremely large, thick and profiled centre fin, which really works like a real daggerboard when windsurfing, light beginners or children can learn windsurfing from "zero". Compared to the usually small centre fins of other wind SUP providers, this is a real advantage!

This also makes "cruising" in light winds fun, because you can easily turn up at any time. Even our SUP test rider with no windsurfing experience got back to the starting point straight away. The board responds very well to sail steering - even with a fairly small 4.5cm rig. This means that the board also qualifies as a base for windsurfing kids, for whom the steering impulse of the sail is often no longer sufficient to turn the board properly on longer boards.

The box for the centre fin is attached to the underwater hull with two screws, which is a little fiddly, but offers the great advantage that it can be completely removed for paddling and then also does not interfere when rolling up. However, the centre fin itself must then be fixed in the fin box with a screw - the only small shortcoming of this otherwise very successful all-rounder.

The price of the board, including pump, fins and rucksack, is 1229 euros.

Info under www.robertoriccidesigns.com