Gear Review: NRS Baron 6 SUP

--Product Information--
Product Name: Baron 6 Inflatable SUP
Product Brand: NRS
Best Use: Whitewater
Sizes Available / Specs: 11' 4"
Color: Red/White 160-250lbs

--Test Information--
Location of Test: Clackamas River
Duration: 2 days

--Ratings--
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 9

Full Review: After spending 5 days in an ACA stand up paddle instructor class, I have had some time to try out a number of SUP's. The Baron 6 is the most stable board I have paddled yet. The class allowed me to push myself into trying different moves and styles, and the Baron 6 felt the most comfortable with all of these moves. For how wide and stable the board is, it was also surprisingly quite fast. One thing I (note that I'm 6ft, 180lb) found a little harder was turning the board quickly in slower moving water. But trying different moves such as a "pivot turn" made the board turn very fast.

The Good List: This is the most stable SUP I have ever been on. I think this would be a great SUP for beginners or for people to learn basic skills and push there progression. NRS is known for making some of the best rafts in the world, and the material on the Baron 6 is extremely durable like their other products.

The Not so Good List: Since the board is so stable, it can be tough to turn quickly and beginners might find this challenging. On that same note, it makes practicing moves such as "cross stepping" and "pivot turns" more accessible.

The Bottom Line: Great board. It's worth the money since you can paddle really hard whitewater on it. NRS makes very durable products in Idaho and they're a great brand to support.