different downwind boards for different wind strengths...

[noa]

if we take the same rider doing a downwinder on the same coarse, but the wind is say 15 knots in one instance and 35 in the other (with the obvious change in the wave size) would he not need to be on different boards to get optimum speed ?
also depending on where one rides the same amount of cross shore wind can give different style waves. for example in the Mediteranean (and more in the Greek Eagean sea) where i do downwinders, the waves are quite steep and close together. althouth i have not tried one here, a board with too much lenght would very possibly be punching into the wave ahead while surfing. so again given a similar wind strenght, a boards lenght as well as rocker would have to be adapted to the water conditions it's used in. would be great to hear your opinions and feedback.

[DavidJohn]

I often do a 20 kilometer down-winder that takes me about two hours in a honking 40 knot wind and I was surprised that doing it in a 5-10 knot wind takes me about the same time with the same board.

DJ

[noa]

hi DJ,
that sounds odd to me. what sea conditions do you have with the respective wind strenghts ?

[DavidJohn]

I think it's because I'm only in the bay and I'm using a 11'6" Naish board that does not glide very well.

Also because when it's windy I tend to not paddle as much and get a free push along.

When there's little wind it's a constant slug paddling all the time.

I will have my new Naish Glide in two days so it will be interesting to compare.

DJ

[StandUpPaddleSurf.net]

if we take the same rider doing a downwinder on the same coarse, but the wind is say 15 knots in one instance and 35 in the other (with the obvious change in the wave size) would he not need to be on different boards to get optimum speed ?

Noa - What you mention is what I've been thinking about lately also.  I think a board for small swell and one for bigger will be ideal.  I like the nose rocker when the swell is bigger but when it's small, it feels like it's not adding any value.  Just my opinion and I'm still a beginner.

also depending on where one rides the same amount of cross shore wind can give different style waves. for example in the Mediteranean (and more in the Greek Eagean sea) where i do downwinders, the waves are quite steep and close together. althouth i have not tried one here, a board with too much lenght would very possibly be punching into the wave ahead while surfing. so again given a similar wind strenght, a boards lenght as well as rocker would have to be adapted to the water conditions it's used in. would be great to hear your opinions and feedback.

I found that a 12'6" to 15" board fits pretty nicely in the trough for me here on Oahu's Hawaii Kai to Kaimana run.  I'm waiting to demo a 17'6" to see if there's an issue but will have to wait until it's available.