So, there was a bit of a swell here in Santa Barbara today, but we headed out to try a new board.  It's made by GLS in Oceanside.  We're considering it for our rental fleet.  I took out an 11 footer, which normally comes as a 30" wide board, but this was a custom one and it was 32" wide. 

Wow, the board was so stable even in the swells, I had no problem getting up and feeling good and not like I was going to fall at any moment.  They make the board for Jr. Lifeguards, rental fleets, beginners and camps.  I can see why.  I'd guess there is a high success rate in a very short amount of time.

I wish I could have gotten my sister out there, since she's really new at SUP'ing, but it was just too early in the morning. :)  Anyway, these boards are considered the safest stand-up-paddle boards available AND they say they have the endurance and performance of the more expensive SUP's!  I can't really speak to that at the moment, since I've only just tried one, but I was impressed.

The GLS Boards have the following technical points:

• Dow polythylene core and outer skin
• Stainless hardware
• Four inner, glass wrapped wooden stringers provide long-term strength and will help to maintain proper shape (not so with cheaper boards) 
• Slick-Skin bottom promotes low friction paddling and protects the bottom from skuffing
  
• Board construction utilizes heat welding for durability (not just glued like cheaper boards)
• Fins - the new design that we tried had 3 detachable fins - they used to have 4
• Carry handle: embedded cordura and neoprene (this is a must have)
• Color options include Yellow, Blue, Red or White

I understand the main downside to these boards is prolonged sun exposure will deteriorate the board.  So, we'd need to store them in bags or under tarps - just not in the direct sunlight - in order to prolong the life of the board. 

Many kayak rental companies are now starting to offer stand-up paddle boards as an option to give more options to their customers.  It's a natural extension to the business and with these boards, and the ease of learning given the board design, it'll be a huge success world-wide.