2012 Starboard 8' pro

[Supmmm]

Not that I "need" another board but.....

Anyone here riding these smaller boards for surfing on the Great Lakes? Due to the fresh vs salt water, just wondering how they perform on a lake.

I was out surfing my 11'6" Amundson and though it's a great board, it's like trying to turn a log, for me anyway. I used to surf short boards, so long-board surfing is still foreign to me.

At 5'7" and 150lbs I'm sure I could go a lot smaller and still have fun.

Are the smaller boards easier or harder to get out through the shorebreak?

I have a somewhat similar predicament here in Toronto. Have been renting boards for a solid year and am ready to take the plunge and buy my first SUP. I want something that is more performance oriented (smaller) that I could improve on and enjoy some waves when they show up. I know that I will be giving up some of the ease in cruising on flatter days that a longer board offers but I am willing to trade this off. I am a strong paddler and getting about on a shorter board should help my fitness and balance. I am 5' 9" and 170lbs. Looking to get a PR or something similar about 8' 5" in length and a decent paddle as my first rig. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[14 West]

The pocket rocket is exactly what you need.

[Cardiff Sweeper]

14

I did try a quad setup on the 8'0".  4.7" front. 4.5" rear.    Starboard branded them, and they came with my old 7'4" Pod.  Too stiff for both boards.   

The pro will need some smaller trailers than what I was using. 

[14 West]

Maybe one day I will find myself as far south as you guys and we can compare notes. There are only four of us to my knowledge who even own sub 9' boards up here!