The Training/Distance Board Dilemma

[TeachSB]

So, I've cruised through probably thousands of posts on this site trying to make up my mind, but I really need input on this one.  I spend most of my time on a SUP in the surf, but I used to paddle all the time on an old windsurfer and would like to get a new board to get back into the distance paddling / training side of things.  So, here's the facts:

I'm 5'9" and 170 lbs, beginner - intermediate paddler with pretty good balance.  I hope to spend about 60% of the time paddling in the open ocean, 20% of the time messing around on flat water (or letting my wife have turn), 10% of the time surfing tiny waves, and 10% of the time on a downbreezer type paddle (because its Santa Barbara and the conditions don't really work for anything more serious). 

THE CATCH - My garage space for this board is exactly 12 feet long!  That means I can get a hard board of about 11 feet like Blend or a One World, or I could get an inflatable like a Red Elite 14.  Sure, Hard boards are better but I can get an inflatable in any size I want!

Discuss...

[deepmud]

diagonal mount a 14' hard board in the garage. Top corner down to bottom corner, on the wall

[TeachSB]

That would work but I'd lose two surfboards (including my SUP) and a lot of other stuff, life's too short for just one hobby after all. 

[Area 10]

SIC Bullet 11

[GusD]

Sic Recon 11'11", nothing like a tight fit

[Off-Shore]

I'd go with the RPC 14' Elite Race iSUP. The 2016 version is the new lighter material and will IMO be more durable than the old material. However you might be able to pick up a new 2015 one at a good price. The only issue is the inflation / deflation. The new Titan pump is good, but it is a work out just to pump up every time you use it. In that case I would invest in some sort of durable electric pump to at least get the bulk of the air in the board and finish off with a manual pump..

Otherwise if diagonally along the wall does not work then diagonally across the ceiling may be an option and get yourself a 12-6 SB AllStar.

[PDLSFR]

Why can't you store your boards outside ? I have 7 boards and no garage at all !!

Here is a pic of my 14' Naish Glide and 11' Bic

[TeachSB]

Great ideas everyone.  I was seriously thinking about an SIC bullet 12 before I remeasured and realized it wouldn't fit. I forgot that SIC made it in an 11' model. 

Outside would be sweet, but there my wife and I have a "treaty"about these things that limits my acquisitions to the area of the garage.  It probably sounds silly to some of you, but it lets me turn around my collection of bikes and surfboards on a very regular basis without having to explain why I "need" a new surfboard each time.   

Also, thanks for the input Off Shore.  I was hoping you'd give some feedback, I already knew that an electric pump would be required because the pumping seems to take a pretty long time to be doing it every time.

[downwinddave]

if your garage is drywalled you might be able to gain 4-5" on each side by making a little cut-out.    if you do it right it might even form a rack?!

[Pierre]

hole your wall and put a 17 footer in, no compromise, go hardcore

[Bulky]

Welcome to the Zone!

Fun to see another SB face on here--there's a few of us.

FWIW, I do have a 14ft Naish Glide 2013 I don't use much.  I know you can't go that long but if it helps with research glad to let you paddle it for a bit.  Lemme know.

Not a huge fan of inflatables although I know they've improved a great deal.  Three reasons:  1)  Can't quite crank as fast as you can on a hard board.  2)  I'm out by myself most mornings a good distance from shore and, though I know it's unlikely, don't want to risk a deflation of any kind.  3)  Time is at a premium before work and I don't want spend any with inflating/deflating.  I've got it down so I can be on the water paddling about 4min after I pull into the lot.

If I were local and looking, I'd give this one a paddle.  Not sure on any dynamics but it's 12' and the price is right.  http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/for/5472230583.html

[Kaihoe]

Great ideas everyone.  I was seriously thinking about an SIC bullet 12 before I remeasured and realized it wouldn't fit. I forgot that SIC made it in an 11' model. 

Outside would be sweet, but there my wife and I have a "treaty"about these things that limits my acquisitions to the area of the garage.  It probably sounds silly to some of you, but it lets me turn around my collection of bikes and surfboards on a very regular basis without having to explain why I "need" a new surfboard each time.   

Also, thanks for the input Off Shore.  I was hoping you'd give some feedback, I already knew that an electric pump would be required because the pumping seems to take a pretty long time to be doing it every time.

How about leaving the garage door open 

[starman]

downbreezer type paddle (because its Santa Barbara and the conditions don't really work for anything more serious). 

Say what??

[starman]

Oops, my bad here's monday's chart as well;   

[SD Surfer]

Outside would be sweet, but there my wife and I have a "treaty" about these things that limits my acquisitions to the area of the garage.  It probably sounds silly to some of you, but it lets me turn around my collection of bikes and surfboards on a very regular basis without having to explain why I "need" a new surfboard each time.   

Sounds like your treaty needs to be ratified.  I too have a small garage, here's what I just finished doing out on my covered patio to get them up out of the way. The yellow 9' 6" will also be going up in the air in the next day or two.