Change my board fever - should I?

[oldfartsuperdad]

I'm a fan of Starboard's line-up.  Currently flogging an 09 Drive out in the cold Pacific NW waves.  Now I'm frothing over the new 2011 10.5 Widepoint.  I like the extra volume / width, the increased rocker and pointy nose - not to mention the cool colors.

Would I feel much difference in my surfing and general paddling about if I switched over to this new beast?  I'm 200# and wouldn't mind a bit more stability in the chop - especially for the same or better "surfability".  Is it worth it to entertain a change to a new board?  Or should I just be happy with my big banana - I do love it.
-Pv

[southwesterly]

What are you waiting for?

[stoneaxe]

Quiver....

[mdsurf]

DO IT!  Do it Do it Do it.  I would even go see Art Colyer at North Pacific and get a custom since you are so close.  Get the exact board you want!  He's the man in your area for SURE.  In Fact he is the inspiration for the widepoint series.  The Original......  Art 541 - 386- 6202  web                      "www.northpacificsurfboards.com"

Get one in Brushed Carbon!!

[andygere]

I just did a quick count and discovered that I now own 5 SUPs...how'd that happen?  Moral: Get the new board.

[Canuck Kook]

I am 205 and have a 10.5 widepoint, it's awesome. It catches waves (even small ones) easily and carves nicely.  You will be able to push a little harder on any wave. The "surfability" is a lot better.
Pull the pin and buy it, you won't be sorry.

[Big Z]

Buy It!!!! More boards are better!

[ehrawn]

Do it...but be careful. I was super conservative with with first board and it turned out to be a boat. When I got tired of going straight after 9 months, I got a new board. Go a little aggressive with this next one: smaller than you think you can handle and let your abilities grow into it. You'll surprise how quick your abilities will improve. I, of course, started getting the bug, not too long after that second purchase. Once I realized that the surfer was the limitation and not the board, my bank account thanked me.

[LBatBeach]

This thread is like listening to a junkie asking another junkie if he should score some more crack!!!  DO IT!

[1tuberider]

I have been waiting for my 8'5 carbon pro model for three months now.  Still waiting.  I might have to go buy something else cause this teasing is too much.

I agree with other posters who suggested to go smaller.  I have been surfing my 8'5
stinger for two years.  I can not even think of the 9'0, 9'8, 10'6 for surfing anymore.  The 12'6 is my loaner to newbees and my 14' is for distance.  Of all the boards I have its the 8'5 that makes me happiest till my new one gets here. Please hurry cause the north pacific is in near my hood and they do look fun.

[Bulky]

I love the 10'5' WP.  It was my first "real" board after trying out the sport over the last 2 years with a more generic 12' barge.  I'm 250# and the WP has allowed me to catch waves consistently--not saying it looks very pretty, but sure alot of fun for a dumpy old guy.  If you're already able to catch waves on the Drive then the WP will make it very easy.  I recognize what people are saying about getting a smaller board and then honing your skills to work up to it, but there's also something to be said for having fun now and making things easy.

It will float you fine and does serve one well as an all-around board.  It certainly won't feel like a drag for flatwater or distance paddles.

Great board.  You want it.  You need it.  I have one.  You don't.  Doesn't that bug you?   

[oldfartsuperdad]

Great input all!  I hear ya on the "growing into the board thing"  I am definitely still a kook out there - but having a blast.   Just a "now and then" weekend warrior so it's difficult to come up the learning curve too fast.  Seems like the newer boards are able to get more volume and width and still surf well and I'm all about maximizing my fun meter with the limited time I have to devote.

I have a 200+# buddy who's riding an Element and he makes it look easy both going out and coming in!  Certainly I need to keep working my skills on whatever board I'm on.

Hiding a growing quiver from the wife is going to take some "creativity"  Either that, or get her into the sport as well....

[Aves]

how many of you guys with 4 and 5 board quivers are married?

just wondering if there is a correlation there...

[CTsupper]

I was thinking the same thing. That's some serious investment!! Good for you all who can do it! I'm sure sacrifices are made in other areas to support your love o the sport.

[AJR]

how many of you guys with 4 and 5 board quivers are married?

just wondering if there is a correlation there...

Definitely - I think a follow up question should be asked as well - if married then for how long?