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Topics - ericjayowsley

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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.

2
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

3
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.

4
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."

5
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

6
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.

7
Gear Talk / We've Seen Catamaran SUPs, How About a Single Outrigger SUP?
« on: October 29, 2014, 08:41:09 AM »
I've been drooling over some OC-1 canoes of late, and the thought occurred to me: what about applying the single outrigger concept to a paddleboard? The board itself could be made narrower and take the displacement hull form further by making the bottom more rounded, since the levered weight of the outrigger and its buoyancy would help with stabilization. Additionally, I thought that perhaps the minimal drag of the outrigger might be just enough to counteract the tendency to push the board away from the paddle side, allowing the paddler to stroke longer and harder on one side without needing to change sides as often. I could see it being lighter and more nimble than the new breed of standamarans, and perhaps able to surf downwind without breaching in the manner of OC-1 canoes or surfskis.

Please tell me why this a bad idea. I'm about to start playing with it in earnest. Save me from myself if I'm missing the obvious.

8
The PSH Hull Paddler 12'6 and Ron House Coastal Cruiser 12'6 have received a ton of glowing reviews on this forum over the past several years. I'm looking to acquire one and could use some help with some of the finer distinctions between the two boards. First, let's make sure we're discussing the Boardworks Hull Paddler (which, as I understand it, is slightly wider and thicker than the Australian and Hawaiian PSH Hull Paddler model). The Boardworks HP fits in my price range and is available within a few hours drive.

My questions for the forum, in no particular order:

  • What does the chined hull/rails on the HP offer, if anything, over the flatter/broader bottom of the CC?
  • The CC is EPS foam core with multiple laminations of glass and painted topcoat. The HP uses Boardworks's EVS construction with a PVC wrap. Are there decided benefits to either, in terms of durability, repairability, overall aesthetic quality, ability to add or remove deck pads or other traction aides, aftermarket installation of leash or tie down plugs? Anything you can think of ...
  • In a very tight race between these model, it might be the little things that push one ahead: How would previous owners rate the handgrip on each board? How about the fin set-up? HP 2+1 or Quad vs Single on CC. Quality of stock fin(s)? Quality of extras that come standard with the board?
  • Any particularly good or bad customer service experiences with either board manufacturer?
  • Last but not least, any performance points to share? I've probably gleaned most of these from past forum discussions, and I know that both boards meet my criteria and are more capable than I am today. But I still love to hear true fans of a board extoll its virtues.

For context, I'm 6'2, 190 lbs. I want to paddle flat water, ocean swells, windy conditions, small mushy Atlantic surf, and everything and anything in between. I've decided that the surfing glide of a long sleek design like this appeals greatly to me. That those same attributes make for a good (although not ultimate) paddling board in flat water is a major bonus.

I've also researched the Starboard Cruiser, Jimmy Lewis Mission, Coreban Alpha Race and SIC Bullet, but have eliminated most of these boards for one reason or another (cost not an insignificant factor). I've also looked at slightly smaller boards, like the PSH Gun 12', the SUPSports One World Surfari 11'11 and the SIC Recon 11'11. I think I like the 12'6 length better as well as the slightly narrower width. All that said, if I should seriously reconsider any of the above, don't hesitate to tell me so. And if I've missed something, tell me that, too.

Thanks, all.

9
Gear Talk / SUPSports Da Hammer Size Recommendation
« on: September 05, 2014, 12:19:08 PM »
I've poured over Da Hammer website on http://supsports.com/standup-paddle-boards/hammer-series/ many times. I keep coming back to this marketing claim:

Quote
We can safely say that there isn’t a better paddling and surfing 10’0″ on the SUP market today…the 10’0″ Hammer is that good…

I'm not looking to start a debate about the veracity of the claim. I'm ready to drink the Kool-Aid. I just want forum help on size. I know the surfing qualities of the board will far exceed my own. I'm looking forward to that challenge. What I want to focus on here is the paddling claim about the board. This will be my one and only SUP for several years to come. It needs to be a quiver of one, and flat water paddling will definitely be a major part of the board's usage.

How large can/should I go to optimize the paddling performance before the board is simply too corky or otherwise unwieldy in the surf for my 6'2, 195 lbs?

Regarding my surf style, I want to blast down the line in mushy waist-high surf and get to the nose as often as possible. I'm 35 and decently athletic. I do most of my paddling now on an old windsurfer with 26" width and a rounded bottom. I have good stability and paddling technique, and longboard experience from my youth.

I've been asking the inverse of this question on forums for a while now, looking at more traditional surf and all-around longboard shapes and asking how small can I go to achieve better surf performance before I'm paddling a pig in the flats. That investigation has led to this question, and I think it is the better way for me to be thinking about board selection.

Thanks for your feedback,
Eric

10
Hello,

I'm ready to purchase my first real SUP. Because of hometown roots and a slew of boards in the 200 - 225 liter range, I've identified the SUPSports.com One World series as my desired board. They offer three boards in the series, and different construction options. They are:

11'1 x 30" x 4.5" (2+1) at 200L
11'1 x 32" x 4.5" (2+1) at 215L
11'11 x 31" x 4.5 (2+1) at 225L

Construction is wood veneer top, wood veneer top and bottom, or carbon. Full description at:
http://blog.surfingsports.com/2012/12/one-world-series-sups.html.

I'm 6'2 and 195 lbs. 80% of paddling will be flat water lakes and rivers. The other 20% will be coastal trekking and surf. I want to enjoy the 80% a good bit (at least more than I do now on my 1985 12'6 x 26" @ 260L Mistral Superlight windsurfer). But I want to love the 20% even more. I'm not looking for extreme surfing of any sort. Just classic longboard style, with nice drop-knee bottom turns and a run to the nose and back. And I want to catch small mushy Atlantic waves early and often. And if I can cruise downwind in the Chesapeake for a good number of miles, all the better.

My question for the forum is whether the 11'1 x 32" or the 11'11 x 31" better suits my needs. Everywhere I read, I see surfers saying shorter with less volume. But 11 feet is still huge, and the volume is only 10 liters less. We're not getting into the snappy 8-9 foot range here. How much paddling glide would be lost in the shorter and wider board compared to how much surf ability gained? Right now, I'm inclined to go with the big one, but I wan't to make sure I don't feel like I've outgrown it skill-wise at any point in the future.

Many thanks for your thoughts. If you have other boards in mind that would be worth a look, please make a recommendation.
Eric Owsley
Lexington, VA

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