Naish 17' @ 2010. What happened to it?

[Off-Shore]

Was browsing some old vids online and came across this Naish 17' vid by DJ from 2010. For us newbee Zoners it would be good to hear its story. Looked like a great downwind board.

[Area 10]

I've got one. What do you want to know? I'm sure there must be plenty of reviews about it on this forum from the past. You can pick one up secondhand for bargain prices these days and it's very durable so could well still be in better condition than many uberlight raceboards these days are after only one year!

[Off-Shore]

Area10. Is it a hollow or foam cored board and where were they made? How does it compare to say a SIC Bullet 17 or F16?

[XLR8]

There was one in the Distressed Mullet classifieds a couple months ago, maybe still unsold.  I remember it was a reasonable price, though I cant recall exactly.  I think it was in NC.

[PonoBill]

Nice boards, they're comparable to a bullet 17 though they seem to have a little too much nose rocker. The have a yoke rudder that works well. I remember seeing one around maui that has slices cut in it to reduce the nose rocker.

[DavidJohn]

Nice board.. I've had 3 of them and still have one..

My first one got away from me.. http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=6944.0

[Area 10]

Area10. Is it a hollow or foam cored board and where were they made? How does it compare to say a SIC Bullet 17 or F16?

It's a foam board. It was claimed to be carbon construction but I think it was some actually some similar fibre. A very experienced ding repair guy who dealt with mine was very impressed with the construction although it is difficult to deal with. Whatever it is, it is a great compromise between weight and durability and it always makes me wonder how much we have actually progressed in constructions over the last 5 years.

It's a really good and versatile board that has one specific weakness, which it shared with the mk 1 and 2 Glide 14s. In very rippy confused waters it has a hammock-swing tendency that makes handling awkward. But otherwise it is very stable for it's width, pretty easy to use (although it's mostly guys over 180lbs who like it) and it goes well in flat water. The rocker looks extreme but in fact it works quite well. Many of us who do not paddle in deep Hawaiian waters have found it much better with a fixed fin box. The ocean DW waters where I am are shallow and rippy with strong tidal effects, short period and steep, with retractions from everywhere due to land masses and everyone who has tried the Naish finds the rudder pretty much useless in those conditions - it just can't cope. In less extreme, deeper, more lined-up conditions it is very good. But I think this is a reflection of the conditions I paddle in rather than the board because other local guys who have tried similar length SICs have made similar comments about the limits of a rudder round here.

It is possible to surf it, although you have to get right back on the tail beyond the deck pad, and you need a bit of weight to control it. It makes a nice flat water touring board. And if you get a big blow with lined-up DW conditions it is very fast indeed and a lot of fun. The rocker makes it quite easy to ride, so it will flatter a novice. Overall, you can pick them up very cheaply and you will get an awful lot of board for your money, and a very versatile and durable one too. Mine has brought me many happy memories, and every time I think of selling it, I take it out, have a blast and then can't bear to part with it.