Author Topic: Board Suggestion  (Read 3298 times)

Mahi

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Board Suggestion
« on: February 25, 2017, 03:20:28 AM »
I am looking to purchase my first race board.  I have been surfing and sup surfing for years.  Looking to race in both bay and ocean.  I weight 180Lbs.  Thanks.
Naish Mana 9'5"
Starboard Pocket Rocket 8'5"
King's Super Simmons 8'6"

dns

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2017, 10:17:23 PM »
Look on your local craigslist. Grab whatever suits your fancy. There are usually tons of deals for cheap that will fit your needs until you gain the skill/experience to really know what you want/need.

Area 10

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2017, 02:22:48 AM »
Yeah, you gotta try some first, and buy used if at all possible because as you progress your needs will change.

Is there a SUP club near you? Do you have local stores that will allow you to demo boards? Are there local FacePlant SUP groups you could contact to see what is available?

The depreciation on new boards is too steep to buy them without first trying them, and comparing them to others.

Now, somebody will be along in a moment to recommend the starboard All Star. But do please try some others. As with surf SUPs, race board choice is very personal, and the right choice depends on your own style and strengths (as well as budget).

Badger

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2017, 04:08:15 AM »

First figure out what length category you want to race in, 12'6 or 14".

Then decide on a width. A good starter width might be 28".

Define your price range. Carbon or non carbon?

Research the different hull shapes and nose types that might best fit the conditions you will be paddling in.

If you see any boards you think you might like, ask about them on the forum and get comparisons. 

Also do a forum search using various key words and phrases. There is a wealth of information there.

.
« Last Edit: February 26, 2017, 04:25:55 AM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

yugi

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2017, 05:04:01 AM »
^ who still races 12'6?

Badger

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2017, 08:14:32 AM »
^ who still races 12'6?

Lol.  :)  Beats me. I don't race.
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

dns

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2017, 08:44:04 AM »
12.6 is dead. There's simply no point in not getting a 14. Unless your garage is only 13 feet deep.  ;D

FloridaWindSUP

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2017, 05:46:36 AM »
At 180 lbs, for ocean and bay, you're probably not going to want narrower than 25", at least not at first. I'd say look for an affordable used 14x27 - 14x25. Start training on it and you'll get an idea of what features you like and what you might want to change for your next upgrade.

If you want to buy new, I'd recommend Riviera (I'm a brand ambassador for them) because they're about half the price of Starboard/Naish and they have one shape that works well in both rough and smooth water and is neither too heavy nor too fragile. http://www.rivierapaddlesurf.com/collections/sup-racing
14x23 Riviera RP
14x27.25 Fanatic Falcon
11'8 Exocet WindSUP
10'4 Angulo WindSUP
...and a bunch of windsurf stuff

JimK

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #8 on: February 27, 2017, 06:58:00 AM »
Mahi,

If you are gonna go used get it through a reputable local shop it is NOT in their/our best interest to "Stick You" with a DOG.
Now if you know EXACTLY what you are looking for and what it SHOULD COST Craigslist ect can be a good source

We are having a Sunova Demo in Late April they have some amazing boards (Look for local demo's good source of ideas plus a chance to paddle)

JimK
Extreme Windsurfing

ForeverBlue232

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2017, 05:29:04 AM »
12.6 is dead. There's simply no point in not getting a 14. Unless your garage is only 13 feet deep.  ;D
I don't have a garage, I have a shed.  And my 12' fishing board just fits, diagonally.  I have to hang my new (used) 14' race board inside my duplex because I have no other place to secure a 14' board at.  It stinks carrying it in and out each time I use it (it's a tight fit getting through the door without hitting something), but it is what it is.  But I knew I wanted a 14' board, so I found a way to make it work.

Bulky

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2017, 08:57:52 AM »
Cool, Mahi.  Like people have said, used is probably the way to go--unless money is no object.  Not sure what part of the country you're in but if you look over Craigslist and post a couple links to available deals in your area, you'd probably get some good input from folks on here.

I'd say the basics you've gotten here are good.  14' x27" or 28".  I wouldn't overthink shapes, etc., but I might get a bit concerned about weight.  Think of this as your entry-level board.  The object is to get you out on the water and familiar with the sport.  Don't think it will be the board you'll ride the rest of your life--maybe just the one you'll spend a year or so on while you get more of an idea of what works for you.  The board that gets you out on the water now for a reasonable amount of $ is arguably better than the perfect board.
Santa Barbara, CA

SIC RS 14x24.5
Infinity Blackfish 14'
Naish Glide 14' (2012)
SupSports Hammer 8'11
Starboard WidePoint 10'5
Ke Nalu Mana, Konihi, Maliko

Mahi

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Re: Board Suggestion
« Reply #11 on: March 01, 2017, 02:37:46 AM »
Thanks everyone for the help.  I really appreciate it. 
Naish Mana 9'5"
Starboard Pocket Rocket 8'5"
King's Super Simmons 8'6"

 


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