Messages

1

Classifieds / Re: Custom carbon Hammer.

« on: June 29, 2018, 10:18:55 AM »

Still for sale after a couple of no-shows.

Price drop to $850

Where are you located? Are you willing to ship at buyer's expense?

2

Gear Talk / Semi-Urgent Advice Needed on Starboard Construction for 2017 Models

« on: July 27, 2017, 12:58:04 PM »

Hello,

After way too much deliberation, I've decided to pull the trigger on a Starboard Blend WindSUP. This is the board for me, no need to convince me otherwise. Here's my first-world dilemma: If I want to be able to use my new board on vacation beginning August 4th, I need to order it today. The only model available at this point in time from the 2017 line-up is in the Starshot Blue construction. In all my thinking about the board, I had been weighing the merits of the ASAP (EVA foam-wrapped rails) or the Starlite (paint-free carbon-innegra rails) constructions. I hadn't really considered the Starshot model, because I did not like the paint chips that developed on my 2014 Boardworks ProElite board from several summers ago. I don't know how the Starshot construction compares to that ProElite, but I do know that I don't want to deal with paint chips on the rails and nose/tail areas.

Can anyone comment on the durability of the Starboard Starshot construction? Particularly for the newest model year? I'm trying to weigh getting what I really want versus getting to use it at all this summer. I hate being patient, but I don't want to spend good money for something that isn't going to meet my expectations.

The only other option is a handful of older 2015 ASAP models still available online. It may be possible to get one of these in time, but I have read that the EVA foam rails in earlier model-years were more subject to rips and tears than the harder and smoother foam used on the more recent models.

Thanks all for your advice.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Advice: Landlocked Wannabe Waterman Seeks WindSUP Soulmate for Summer Fling

« on: July 10, 2017, 07:06:25 PM »

Thanks all for the thoughtful suggestions. I spent a long weekend in Chattanooga, TN, scouting a future move. The Tennessee River flows right through downtown and dams both up and down river from the city make for two sizeable lakes within 20 minutes drive time. I did some paddling downtown and paid particular attention to wind and currents, thinking how one might be able to windsurf there. In my 3 days, I observed a steady but light wind from essentially the same heading each day and throughout the day. Wind speed topped out at about 10mph, but 5-6 was more the norm. I know these are not conditions windsurfers swoon over, but I was pretty stoked. Coming from the mountains with no sizeable body of water nearby, this is something I can work with.

If I were to say that light wind cruising on a board I could also surf was the main goal, would the Blend be a good option, or would you all still recommend the more progressive windsups mentioned above? Or should I just give up on multi-purpose and get a dedicated longboard? Or explore the light wind planing world of formula boards?

Again, thanks,
Eric

4

Gear Talk / Re: Advice: Landlocked Wannabe Waterman Seeks WindSUP Soulmate for Summer Fling

« on: July 06, 2017, 12:04:48 PM »

Aloha Eric,
I have lots of personal experience with both of the SB models that you have mentioned here...

The Blend with more parallel rails and longer waterline would be better for SUP and learning to WS...but, still not a fan of the soft (50/50) rails...
Still, without knowing your weight/height...it may or may not be a fit...

Warren,

Thanks for the reply and thoughts on the Whopper and Blend. I've been inquiring separately about your Hammer WindSUP, as well. Can you compare and contrast the Blend and your Hammer for use as both surfboards and windsurfers? One of my concerns with the Blend is its length for surf. I have a 10' Uli Lopez that I use in the surf now. I like it quite a bit, but I find that on the rare occasion I get to surf it in decent waves, I struggle a bit to keep the nose from pearling and I find that I can't turn it from the middle of the board. The obvious solution is to get back over the tail, but (probably due to lack of skill) I find the board a little squirrly with a foot over the fins, especially if there is a stiff off-shore breeze, which seems to be the prevailing condition where I surf. I also feel like the board and my 6'3 frame present enough wind resistance to make it tough to drop in at times if the wind is up.

I liked the idea of the shorter/wider Whopper with it's pronounced rocker and nose concave for that reason. But I don't like the idea of it being too much of a slog under sail.

Thanks for your input.
-Eric

5

Gear Talk / Advice: Landlocked Wannabe Waterman Seeks WindSUP Soulmate for Summer Fling

« on: July 06, 2017, 08:19:48 AM »

Thank you in advance for your advice. I am looking for the proverbial quiver-of-one board to paddle, surf and sail. I am an accomplished paddler, a competent surfer and a proficient dinghy sailor keen to learn windsurfing.

Skill aside, for this purchase, I am considering myself a beginner in all disciplines for the simple fact that my time on the water is never dictated by optimizing location, weather or wave conditions. I live in the mountains of Virginia and get to spend three non-sequential weeks a summer trying to squeeze in as much time on the water as humanly possible. During these vacations, I surf what there is to surf within paddle distance out my rented back door -- generally mushy, often blown-out, east coast knee-slappers. On the other side of the house, I have access to a protected creek with miles of flatwater paddling. The addition of a windsurfer to my repertoire will allow me to stay on the water longer and in a wider range of conditions. I think I am an ideal candidate for a windSUP, especially since I realistically can only bring one board with me.

I have identified the Starboard Whopper WindSUP and Starboard Blend WindSUP as the two boards that best meet my needs. Those needs are:

• Ability to catch waves. There are undoubtedly models that surf better when the surf is good, but I don’t ever want to find myself unable to enjoy what little swell may be running.
• Ability to cover distance on flat water. Speed is not a concern here. Quite literally anything will do for me for this use.
• Ability to learn to windsurf and to progress to free riding. Neither are planing boards, but that trade off seems acceptable to me to keep paddle-surf capabilities.

Regarding need 3 above, these two Starboard models offer Tuttle box center dagger fins for upwind capability with a plug for more advanced windsurfing or wave surfing. This seems to me to be a key selling point of these boards for my use. Relatively uncompromised performance for paddling, while still providing the lateral resistance needed to help a novice windsurfer make it home.

I also like that both boards come in the ASAP (high density EVA foam) construction for maximum durability. Again, thinking of my “get on the water at all costs” mindset during my vacation, dings and repairs just aren’t worth the risk.

Starboard succinctly describes both boards as “good all around,” with the Whopper additionally described as “more maneuverable” and the Blend as “more glide.”  One is shorter and wider, the other longer and narrower. I see benefits of each for my intended use, but would like to hear more from this forum for help in distinguishing the merits of each board. Or, for suggestions of other makes and models that should be included in my research.

Many thanks,
Eric

6

Gear Talk / Uli Totem SUP

« on: January 15, 2016, 02:41:24 PM »

Who has one? Who is using it in the surf? Please post your impressions. There is very little information about this board on forums and in videos. Specifically, I want to know how it is for getting into waves. I trust it will scoot along nicely once on a wave.

7

Gear Talk / Re: iSUP Technology: Uli WikiRail or Red Paddle Co. RSS Battens

« on: January 15, 2016, 07:47:33 AM »

It's been 4 months since I started this thread. I'm still in the process of making a decision. I've narrowed my choices to 5 boards (which might actually be an increase over my original post). It remains clear that Uli and Red are the inflatable SUP manufacturers to beat. Here are my thoughts on my next board:

Red Paddle Co 9'8 Ride (2016):
Does all water pretty darn well, by all accounts, and the new construction results in one of the stiffest iSUPs around, at a sub-20 lb. weight.
Pros: Stiffness, weight, quality of finish and materials, peripherals -- Titan pump and class leading carry bag.
Cons: No Wiki Rail. (Does have a narrow, rounded tail -- perhaps that helps with turbulence off the back end???)

Red Paddle Co 10'0 Surfer (2014):
This is a two year old model, and as a result can be found at a good price. Very similar dimensions to the Uli 10' Steamroller.
Pros: RSS Battens for stiffness, price, quality pump and bag.
Cons: No Wiki Rail, heavier than newer Red boards.

Uli 10' Lopez GL-X2:
By most accounts, the best surf-capable model of any inflatable on the market. Newest LTD model can be purchased with finboxes.
Pros: Wiki Rail, Uli surf-lineage.
Cons: Price (most expensive of the bunch), too surf-specific for casual paddling???

Uli 10' Steamroller:
Classic do-everything inflatable SUP. Very similar dimensions to Red 10'0 Surfer. Loyal fan-following everywhere.
Pros: Wiki Rail. Steamroller videos.
Cons: None, other than being more expensive than Red Surfer.

Uli 9'3 Fat Ass Quad (FAQ):
Uli says: "It's fast, super stable, nose rides and can handle overhead plus surf." Sounds awesome.
Pros: Wiki Rail, modern shape, noserides.
Cons: Discontinued model, hard to find, relatively few ride reports on forums and in videos, too short and/or surf/river-specific for casual paddling???

Honestly, I don't know how to make a final decision. I want 2 boards, but that's not happening. I'm partial to the 2016 Red Paddle for its use of the most modern construction techniques and class leading stiffness and peripherals. And it's a fair price. I think I would choose it over the Uli Steamroller and the Red Surfer. But the two surf-specific Uli boards each make compelling cases.

I could use some help distinguishing between the Lopez and FAQ, their relative merits in different water conditions, ease of paddling out and getting into waves in the type of mushy east coast surf I am most likely to encounter. I have to travel to get to waves. I don't get to pick the best days and best conditions for surf. I get what I get when I get there. And somedays, it's blown-out or dead flat, and I'll still be paddling.

Keeping that in mind, please share your thoughts on the Uli Lopez and FAQ and the Red Paddle 2016 9'8 Ride. I appreciate your help. When trying before buying just isn't in the cards, the collective knowledge and experience of this forum is invaluable.

8

SUP General / Re: Most Fun in a Yakima Rooftop Box: Inflatable SUP and the New Arrows iRig

« on: January 04, 2016, 12:07:30 PM »

It is bigger than the boards you mention of course but new for this year is the popular 10'6" x 32" Ride with windsurf attachment by Red Paddle Co.

http://greenwatersports.com/shop/red-paddle-co-10-6-ride-windsurf

In stock towards the end of this month.

I've looked at the bigger Red Paddle Co 10'6 Ride. Looks like a great board, but of the qualities I want to preference in my next purchase, wave surfing is tops. I want something a little thinner with a bit more rocker.

9

SUP General / Re: Most Fun in a Yakima Rooftop Box: Inflatable SUP and the New Arrows iRig

« on: January 04, 2016, 11:46:45 AM »

May I ask what iSup you'll be using?

I'm still deciding, dependent a bit on whether or not I want to invest in a windsurf rig (either inflatable or more traditional). My first choice in an inflatable SUP for the majority of uses I'll put it through would be an Uli 10' Lopez. I also like the Red Paddle Co. 9'8 Ride or 9'2 Surf Star, and have become increasingly interested in the Fanatic 8'6 Stubby of 9'6 Fly Premium Air. Of those boards, only the Fanatics have windsurf attachment points built in.

Eric

10

SUP General / Most Fun in a Yakima Rooftop Box: Inflatable SUP and the New Arrows iRig

« on: January 04, 2016, 08:10:18 AM »

For the last several years, I have had the opportunity to travel away from my mountainous, landlocked town and enjoy several weeks of water play in varied environments -- from cliff-sided lakes, to salt marshes, to sandy shorebreak, to rocky coastline. It's a long rambling trip, with limited cargo space for toys. On these trips I hope to surf, paddle, wakeboard, sail, kite, whatever -- all, please, and more.

With the launch of the new Arrows iRig inflatable windsurf mast, boom and sail, I think my kit just got significantly smaller, lighter and more usable. I had been researching more traditional windsurf that break down into small packages and/or small LEI kites when I stumbled across the iRig (http://www.xssailing.com/category/arrows-irig-one/). What do you all think? Will it work well enough?

I'm not expecting blistering speed or radical maneuvers. I just want to give myself the chance to play on the water in the greatest number of ways in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of paraphernalia. With an inflatable SUP with the M8 universal mast base, the rig could be strapped to the deck, allowing you to paddle where you want until the wind picks up, then inflate the sail (on the water even) and cruise home. Or do it in reverse!

Please share your reactions, bearing in mind I'm fully embracing compromise in my gear setup. Someday, I'd love to have the right equipment at the right time and place to optimize my skill and the conditions. But realistically, that's a long way off. Today, I just want to play and never be left on the shoreline thinking "if I only had a sail," or, if I only had a surfboard."

11

Gear Talk / Re: Uli Mini Quad

« on: August 05, 2015, 11:59:07 AM »

Seeing as the Mini Quad is no longer in production, can some of you with experience discuss the qualities of both the the Totem and the Fat Ass Quad from a surf perspective? I'm intrigued by the Totem, but can find very little information about it on the web. I'm looking for a stand up surfboard first and foremost, but I may find myself paddling the board a fair distance to get to waves. Would the Totem be a total bear in that regard?

As a side note, and I'm not making this up, while I was typing this response, I got a call from Jim Weir himself in response to a general inquiry I made on the Uli website. I'm trying to figure out the best board for me, and the owner himself called me. Very cool.

12

Gear Talk / iSUP Technology: Uli WikiRail or Red Paddle Co. RSS Battens

« on: August 05, 2015, 06:28:34 AM »

Hello,

I'm in the market for a surf-oriented inflatable SUP in the 9' to 10' range. The overwhelming number of forum reviews of boards by Uli and Red Paddle Co. put these two companies at the top of the inflatable market, from what I can tell. Each seems to offer something unique in the market:

• the WikiRail for Uli: a glued-on dense foam tail piece that gives an inflatable a hard chined tail.
• RSS Stiffening Battens for Red: fiberglass battens that slip into the rail pockets on the board before inflation and boost rigidity.

Both seem like really excellent ideas to combat the two most common gripes abut inflatables in the surf: slow with limited bite on the wave and bouncy or lacking in responsiveness. My question for the forum: which of these technologies do you think is most worthy of moving my decision? Are there other factors you would consider more closely?

Regarding comparable boards, on the shorter end, I'm looking at the Uli Gerry Lopez 9' and the Red Surf Star 9'2. On the slightly longer end, the Uli Steamroller 10' and the 2014 Red 10-0 Surfer. I think these two pairs of models compare relatively closely in terms of size and intended rider profiles.

Thanks for your feedback,
Eric

13

SUP General / Re: Downwind Board + Skate Sail = Possible?

« on: May 13, 2015, 01:33:20 PM »

Found this video as well. Hits a little closer to the mark, with the sail powering a skateboard.

https://youtu.be/oklEx2bv5wk

14

SUP General / Downwind Board + Skate Sail = Possible?

« on: May 13, 2015, 01:28:34 PM »

I have a fantastic 14' Lopez Kaiwi Kai that I primarily use on flat water as an everyday board. (Someday soon I'll get it to the coast and put it through its paces). I don't have any fetches of water nearby that generate swell under significant wind, but I do occasionally get good wind. I've been thinking about the least obtrusive ways to add a sail to the board to mess around in the wind without compromising its paddling prowess. I want to be able to make the transformation from paddle to sail while on the water. Today I stumbled across skate sails, designed for ice skates. Please check out this video for inspiration:

https://youtu.be/jmsoPEv8_nU.

I'm thinking about making a sail that could accept the paddle as the boom to stretch it out and tension the spars. In stowage, the spars and sail could roll up and provide a slim package to lash to the deck. Minimal equipment to bring on board. Minimal set sup. Maximum fun.



There are other attempts out there to use the paddle or the body for a sail, but all seem very small and not capable of generating much excitement. This type of sail looks more performance oriented to me.

So, regarding standing up to the sail, the skaters put the sail to windward and lean into it. In essence, they cant the sail into the wind, just like a windsurfer pulling on the sail does. In both cases, windward heel provides the bite on ice or in water. So, with a free standing sail like this, would you put the sail to windward and push, or leeward and pull?

Thanks for the feedback.

15

Gear Talk / Re: We've Seen Catamaran SUPs, How About a Single Outrigger SUP?

« on: October 30, 2014, 06:07:05 AM »

OK. Let's say one were to build a prototype. Would you want the main hull to be mostly round bottomed, like in OC-1 or surfski? Would you want it to transition into a flatter tail? Would there be any merit in a sharper v-bottomed design for on-rails like tracking, perhaps with asymmetry to counteract the ama drag like in a Hobie hull? My other big passion is proa sailing craft. I see wonderful crossover applications here.