Which size for beach break, shortboard style riding

[matanshapira]

Hi,

I'd like to purchase one of the Naish Hokua boards.
I'd like to ride it in a beach brake with tiny to medium waves(0.5ft-5ft, 30cm to 1.5 meters), for shortboard style riding, not longboard tricks.

About me:
73kg (160lbs), 184cm (6ft) high.
Only a bit of experience on SUP, but can already ride waves easily and stay in the pocket with a SUP, dont own one yet, rented till now.
Lots of experience on regular surfboards surfing and kitesurfing in the waves.
Quick learner in water sports and willing to fall more in the beginning instead of upgrading the board after a while to a smaller one.

Here are the specs of the Hokua models i'm considering:
7’8” x 29 ¼” x 4 ½”, 105L
http://www.naishsurfing.com/boards/hokua/hokua-details/?hgm=1_8

8’5” x 28” x 3 ¾” , 115L
http://www.naishsurfing.com/boards/hokua/hokua-details/?hgm=1_6

9’0” x 28 ¾” x 3 ¾”, 125L
http://www.naishsurfing.com/boards/hokua/hokua-details/?hgm=1_5

Thanks a lot for your help, I really need your advice,
Matan

[Dwight (DW)]

Since Naish specifically says the 7'8 is designed for beach breaks, the choice is easy. Plus I own one and love it  

Once you get it, I'd recommend trying it thruster. I'm using the FCS longboard box adapter to fit FCS H3 Nexus fins. I like it way more than with Naish's supplied quad fins.

On more thing, get in line. Naish is out of them. My surfing friend is waiting on his.

[LBatBeach]

I am exactly your size with similar goals and background, although probably more SUP surf experience.  With input from DW, Taut,  Reid and others, I also went with the 7'8.  Mine is waiting for me back in Delaware.  Be back up there in a couple of weeks.  Cant wait to try it!

[tautologies]

Hi,

I'd like to purchase one of the Naish Hokua boards.
I'd like to ride it in a beach brake with tiny to medium waves(0.5ft-5ft, 30cm to 1.5 meters), for shortboard style riding, not longboard tricks.

About me:
73kg (160lbs), 184cm (6ft) high.
Only a bit of experience on SUP, but can already ride waves easily and stay in the pocket with a SUP, dont own one yet, rented till now.
Lots of experience on regular surfboards surfing and kitesurfing in the waves.
Quick learner in water sports and willing to fall more in the beginning instead of upgrading the board after a while to a smaller one.

Here are the specs of the Hokua models i'm considering:
7’8” x 29 ¼” x 4 ½”, 105L
http://www.naishsurfing.com/boards/hokua/hokua-details/?hgm=1_8

8’5” x 28” x 3 ¾” , 115L
http://www.naishsurfing.com/boards/hokua/hokua-details/?hgm=1_6

9’0” x 28 ¾” x 3 ¾”, 125L
http://www.naishsurfing.com/boards/hokua/hokua-details/?hgm=1_5

Thanks a lot for your help, I really need your advice,
Matan

I have the 9'0' and the 7'8'', both boards are the best ever..I know that doesn't help you. If I had only one board it would be the 9'0''...but the quality of the waves are very varied here.... If I had only clean waves and little / no chop I would go with the 7'8'' every time for the beach break, but the 9'0'' has a little more range. I do weight more than you 20-25 lb), but you depending on your experience the 7'8'' might be a bit of a challenge. If you are up for the challenge, the 7'8'' is unreal for sure.  I ride mine with the stock quad setup.

One thing though, even if the 9'0'' whips around and is light on your feet compared to almost any other SUP out there (yeah I know...I  have not tried every other SUP) it feels big after a few sessions on the 7'8''.  

YAY!!! You have so much fun waiting for you!!! I had the 9'0'' yesterday, and caught the wave of the day on it. It just went on and on and on....one of those waves where you at the end of have to raise your arms. Fell asleep with a smile still on my face -)

I have not ridden the 8.5..but I'm thinking the 7'8'' is probably on par with that board in terms of stability (?). However the 9'0'' feels way more stable than the given width.

I'd say if where you ride is not too bumpy, but has a nice sharp beach break go for the 7'8''...I can catch even ankle snappers with it...but you do sit deeper with it. If you wanna give yourself a little more of a break, and get a more alround board, maybe the 9'0''. I am curious about the 8'5'' tho :-)

[matanshapira]

thanks a lot guys.
any other advice ?

[colas]

I didnt try the Naishes, but I think you should consider to have at least 2 boards.
For your weight, 7'3" and 9'0" for instance.

The "shortboards" are fun in beachbreaks, but you must be in the mood to drive it, and must take off on the peak. So it is good to have the 9'0" when the peaks are crowded (to go elsewhere) or the waves fat, or you are not in an agressive mood.

Otherwise, I guess 7'8" is the safest route if you want only one surf SUP. Be warned that they (7'3" & 7'8") are wider than the 8'5 & 9'0, thus more stable and easier in chop but slower on rail-to-rail in hollow waves than a narrow board

I own a 6'6" (wide, planshape a bit like the Naish 7'3"), 7'10" (moderate width, no-nose), 8'10", 9'11" (longboard) but weight 100kg.
If I had to keep only one board, I guess it would be the 8'10"
two: 7'10" and 9'11"
three: 6'6", 7'10" and 9'11"