Focus Cali 26 vs 28

[JMarkel9]

Highly considering a 2015 focus Cali 12'6".  Ideally I'd want to test out both widths (26" vs 28"), but I just don't know if that's going to be a possibility. Just wanted to get some opinions from those who have tried either or both.

I'm 5'8" and weigh between 155-160 lbs (70-72kg). Living in Maryland so the majority of my paddling will be in rivers and the bay which can be flat water with the high potential for wind/chop. I'll occasionally will be paddling/racing off shore at the nearby MD/DE/NJ beaches.  Coming from a competitive triathlon background so the "engine" is there but the paddling skill hasn't been developed yet.

I've been told by a few dealers that at my weight, either board could work. I guess this is your typical stability vs speed question. Just wondering  from those who have ridden the Cali's if the 28 would be an over kill  as my skill level increases or if the speed gains from the 26 might put me in a bad situation when the weather gets messy or I'm paddling in the ocean. I realize this is highly subjective but a few opinions couldn't hurt. Thanks!

[Chilly]

Theoretically the 26 would be faster in ideal conditions, but if you’re going out in the ocean you will probably be faster on the 28. It may also be faster in flat water races were a lot of chop is created, especially during the start. In other words, Stability is Speed.

[hbsteve]

Someone I know that is about your size, rides a 26" in the bay.  For the ocean he rides a 30".  He would prefer probable 28-29 for the ocean.  The 26" is just too unstable for the ocean.

[SUPalon]

I paddled both widths, but they were 2013/14,  both are felt fast and stable. I'm 185pds with pretty good balance, and fairly experienced/comfortable on the water. depending on your comfort level, you can't really go wrong, the 26 is a relatively stable 26, and the 28 is a fast 28. so it's up to you if you'd like to error on the stability/versatile side or the faster/slightly more challenging. but I suspect you wont be terribly humbled by the 26" or disappointed/outgrow the 28" .

Hope that help!..

Demo if possible, the right choice will feel right.
     

[Fog City Rider]

I'd say 28 is a wiser choice if you are relatively new to SUP. 

You'll become a better paddler faster on a board you feel stable on, and most importantly, you'll have more FUN 

[SaMoSUP]

I have the 2013 Cali 12'6x28. We're similar in size. Stepped down to a 26 then a 25 in less than a year (diff brand boards). Depending on your balance you may outgrow the 28 quickly. If you're going to be mostly in flatwater and/or want to be competitive in races go with the 26. Last time I paddled the 28 Cali it felt like a barge.

[mrbig]

Hey Jmark, We are about the same size, and paddle in similar conditions. I have paddled the Focus boards - a buddy is a local dealer and liked them both.

From what you have said I feel that in calm FLAT water the narrow Cali would be fine. However, in fresh water chop, or open ocean "motion in the ocean" you would have much more fun and enjoyment on the wider version.

All you give up is a little speed in return for stability in real world conditions. If your real goal is to be a competitive racer on flatwater - narrow is the call!

I just bought a Jimmy Lewis Blade II on closeout - 29" wide. Discontinued raceboards become this years FW trainer!

Either Focus will be a great board. But whatever you do don't paddle the 14' Cali in carbon...

[PonoBill]

With your size, weight and likely condition I'd say DO try the 14' in carbon. Length adds stability to a lesser degree than width does, but it does. The 14 will be reasonably stable and a lot faster. A 28" wide 12'6" raceboard seems like a very short term compromise. I'm 240, 6'2" and not in great shape and I race a 26 wide surfboard--a lot. Sounds like you're a competitive guy, are you really going to be happy on a slow board? I'm biased, I think 12'6" raceboards suck toads. So do 14's, but with your size you are in the sweet spot for them.

[jarvissup]

Mr. Big is right...HA....if you try that 14 footer, you'll likely fall in love and not want a shorter flat water board again. I paddle a 14' carbon race board and don't find the extra length cumbersome, but do find it has quite a bit more glide and speed than my wife's 12'6" of the same variety. 

[SUPalon]

+1 on the Cali 14, it's 27" wide, faster and plenty stable.

[mrbig]

Just as I feared. After I borrowed my buddy Matt's (Pumphouse Surf Shop) 14 Cali Carbon I wanted one! Good thing I am not a racer..

[JMarkel9]

I just wanted to thank everyone for your input so far. Unfortunately, a 14' isn't really an option right now (storage issue).

Hypothetical... 2 of the same boards (,manufacturer, model, length) and the same paddler on perfectly flat water, with the only difference being 2" width what kind of speed are we talking here? I know there is no exact answer so take a guess...but if choppy conditions weren't a factor are we talking seconds to the mile, tens of seconds, or minutes to the mile? If it's marginal and the major speed gains are from the paddler I'll prob stick to the 28" just for the versatility and stability for choppy and ocean paddling. Problem is the ego steps in and says go for the 26.

Thanks again for your help. It's defiantly appreciated. Keep them coming!

[mrbig]

Jmark, Storage and transport issues are why I am on my 12'6"! I'll let the racers and technical types answer your question concerning HOW much faster the narrower of the two is.

The question remains, and only you know the answer, how much chop and open ocean paddling in the WINTER are you going to be doing?

I would go for the 28 if you are out on the Chesapeake in crappy conditions..BUT, I am not a racer - but I do paddle all winter in UGLY conditions.

Let us know how you make out and welcome to winter paddling!

[Eagle]

If the paddling skill has not developed yet -

You will be slower on the 26.  It takes some time to develop really good fundamentals so going for the 26 due to a competitive ego may be a mistake.

For instance a 25" Sprint is very stable and fast on flat - but otoh quite tippy and slow in heavy side chop.  If you are starting out and have no chance to demo either board - the 28 is a better bet when it gets rough in the ocean.

You will be slower on the 26 until you no longer need to balance check.  Possibly you will slow your learning curve and develop a poor paddling technique as well.  Better to establish strong balance technique and power on the 28 - then later swap to the 26 for more speed.

Check out this data to help you gauge what impact a wider vs narrower board has -

http://www.supvic.com/the-rps-supvic-ultimate-14-board-test/

[JMarkel9]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input! After looking ahead to which events I'm planning on racing this year I do think the 28" will be the better bet until my skill level improves.

It turns out that half of the events I have on my radar are open ocean events so the added stability will probably make my experience more enjoyable.  With that said... I was talking to a dealer the other day and they mentioned I may want to consider the focus bluefin 12'6" X 27".  Since the board is so new there isn't many reviews out yet but I have heard of people picking a DW board like this over a straight up displacement board for the versatility when conditions aren't idea.

Just seeing if anyone has any thoughts on the Cali vs. Bluefin???