Focus Cali 12'6" Raceboard Season Review

[stvandev]

So, felt like it was time to post my thoughts on the Focus Cali 12'6" raceboard since there aren't any reviews out there yet.  I've been paddling it since June, so I feel like I have a good feel for it now.

My background: Started stand up paddling last January on a NSP 11' surf-shape.  Picked up the Focus Cali 12'6" Raceboard from Motion Boardshop in Seattle in June.  I've been racing on the water for a while, rowing in college and racing whitewater canoes and kayaks for about 6 years. I'm 6'3" and 195 lbs.

Had some success racing the board this past season.  Won the first race I entered, 2nd in my class in Round the Rock (13 mi), and won Gig Harbor (10 laps of 1k course).  Raced some others as well, at no time did the board hold me back, it was the engine.

The board is 28.5" wide, fiberglass construction, not sure of the weight but it is lighter than other fiberglass boards I've picked up.  The price was definitely right too, $1300 brand new (not discounted).  The primary stability is decent, but the secondary is good.  Accelerates pretty quick, usually had good starts all season.  Decent flatwater speed, but really shines when it gets a bit rough.  Tracking was fine.  The next version has a more vertical, deeper nose so the flatwater speed might be a bit better, but the current version is plenty fast.  Talked to one of the owners at Round the Rock and it sounds like the shape is constantly being tweaked and not tied to a model year so each shipment might be a bit different.  Haven't gotten it out in real downwind conditions but the times I've been out in 10-15 mph wind swell it did just fine.  The winter winds have arrived in the PNW, so I'll report back on the DW performance.  Handles well for buoy turns.  Definitely feel that this is a great all-around raceboard and may be the best bang for the buck.  Planning on adding the 14' Cali for next season.  Both Motion Boardshop and Urban Surf carry these in the Seattle area.

[freetobeme]

wow, thats a sweet board and at that price....crazy good!  had not heard of this co. thanks for info!

[lee]

Some of us here in the NorthWest wish that Red Board was a lot slower