Buying new SUP Gear - need some help...

[stoneaxe]

I'm 260 and the 11-2 is my go to board for surf. At 160 you should definitely be able to go shorter. If you're driving to Baja you might want to arrange a demo in SoCal on the 10-5. Demo is the only way to go. Opinions of others is a start but the only way to be sure is to ride it yourself.

Paddles...definitely have a backup...you never know when a paddle could break.

[Vik]

I got to test out the Starboard 11'2" in camo deck and star touch deck on the weekend as well as a 12'+ SUP.  I had a lot of fun and the 11'2" is definitely as big as I'd want to go.  More important than me having fun is the fact my GF was stoked to paddle a SUP and wants to get in the water...

I was walking all over the 11'2" and found paddling and turning pretty easy.  I liked the camo deck better than the star touch for comfort, but the start touch did have a very connected feel that was cool.  I guess because there wasn't that squishy interface between me and the board.

So I'm probably in the market for two SUPs at least and given how things work I probably should get 3 by summer 2010 so one of her friends can come along...

I'm thinking a 10'2" x 30" Starboard Drive and maybe a 10' x 32" Naish Mana for now.

Trouble is my local dealer doesn't have either in stock and won't be getting any new SUPs until spring 2010 because it's Canada! I'd like to support my local guy with at least one board sale, but I also don't want to choose something different for that sake alone.  I'll probably hold off and get a 3rd SUP from him next year when he has better stock to offer.

Thanks for all the advice...I'm looking forward to hitting the water in Baja next month.

safe riding,

Vik
www.thelazyrando.com

[Caribsurf]

hey Vik  check the classified section  good deal on a new Whopper in the Candy deck   I think it is in  New Jersey

[dpca10]

You know you might want to consider an ULI for traveling if you are building a quiver.  I ended up with a ULI 10' and a Naish 9'6.  The ULI will be a cruiser and still fun in the surf, i'd say the 10' feels like a 11'0,  you loose some of the glide you get with hard rails which I miss, but as far as portability it's the best.  Then once you get your act together on the uli you can bounce back and fourth with your GF on a more performance board.  The 9'6 Naish was billed as a "present" for my fiance' but I made out like a bandit on that one.  The only thing is that flat water paddling and surf are totally different, I'm actually looking for a longer hard board for my cruising around now, although the ULI moves fine and i'm 190'  Anyway, food for thought.  Sounds like your car is going to be like mine is now.  4 kites, 1 shortboard, 2 kiteboards, 1 skimboard, 3 wetsuits and my uli, kitepump, Uli pump, and the naish strapped on top of the thule!! 

Cheers, 

BTW go to windfest at lake Nitinat next year.  Hope you are riding ocean rodeo gear!   

[J-Bird]

Vic,

One board to consider for an all-around board that works great in the waves is the Starboard Whopper 10 x 34, its stable, paddles pretty fast and is super fun in the waves, if you can try to demo one.

[robus]

hey Vik  check the classified section  good deal on a new Whopper in the Candy deck   I think it is in  New Jersey

Does anyone else find the Candy deck completely unappealing? What is up with that design - who is it aimed at?

Robert.

[Easy Rider]

^^ it is / was targeted at the female market.
The gals really like it.

I also don't mind it - we have a demo board in Candy and it seems to paddle exactly the same as the camo ones! 

[watermelonman]

Are you flying or driving to Mexico from Canada?  I second the idea of the ULI, especially if you're flying.
Also, seems like the idea of a "one board quiver" is almost non-existent, so if you get into SUPing - and you will- then you will have mission specific boards in your quiver, and you'll have that travel board when you can't take the hard boards.  Go to the ULI site and check out the vids of THE Steamroller.  The 10' sounds about right.  Six weeks kiteboarding in La Ventana? - green with envy.

[Vik]

Are you flying or driving to Mexico from Canada?  I second the idea of the ULI, especially if you're flying.
Also, seems like the idea of a "one board quiver" is almost non-existent, so if you get into SUPing - and you will- then you will have mission specific boards in your quiver, and you'll have that travel board when you can't take the hard boards.  Go to the ULI site and check out the vids of THE Steamroller.  The 10' sounds about right.  Six weeks kiteboarding in La Ventana? - green with envy.

I'm driving down to Baja so size/transport is no issue.  My truck will have 2 x 14" sea kayaks, at least 1 kiteboard, a 5'10" kite specific surfboard and then a ton of camping gear.  It seems like I've got 6 friends keen on coming down to Baja for the holidays and they all want to SUP!

I actually scored two SUPs today out of the blue.  I was visiting some friends in another city and decided to check out a shop that sold SUPs.  They had two 2008 Starboards that were used, but looked nearly new.  I got a 9'8" x 30" fish and a 11'2".  They are both the tuffskin blue camo.  I got both for less than a 2009 demo 11'2" I had been looking at in Calgary.  I figure I can use 'em in Baja this winter to see what I think and either keep 'em or sell 'em next spring once SUP season starts here.

I'm still going to pick up a new SUP - probably a 10' Naish Mana if I can score one or a 10'5" Starboard.

That will give me three SUPs and 2 sea kayaks which means just about everyone in my group can get out on the water and paddle something.  A lot of my friends like to do something like SUPing/kayaking/ etc...occasionally, but not enough to buy the gear so I'll just buy it and have it available for whomever wants to come paddle.

Here are some photos of the 9'8" fish...[my apartment elevator won't hold a 11'+ board!!]





safe riding,

Vik
www.thelazyrando.com

[robus]

^^ it is / was targeted at the female market.
The gals really like it.

I also don't mind it - we have a demo board in Candy and it seems to paddle exactly the same as the camo ones! 

Probably it looks better in real life - it doesn't seem to be very very photogenic

[Vik]

Quick question...I'll have 3 SUPs in Baja for 2 months with 4 total novices and myself using them....does it make sense to get a spare fin or two in case we break something or are they pretty durable?

safe riding,

Vik
www.thelazyrando.com

[southwesterly]

Vik,
You CAN get fins in southern Baja. You can't buy paddles. I would bring a couple of extras.

[bigdom]

with all that kit definitely make room for an inflatable SUP
and 3-pce paddle

they stowaway small and are handy extras or backups and you will
always have them for other trips when you dont have the trailer

you wont regret it

[Vik]

Vik,
You CAN get fins in southern Baja. You can't buy paddles. I would bring a couple of extras.

Thanks.  I'll have at least 4 paddles for 3 boards. I'll skip the spare fins and worry about scoring a replacement if we break one.

safe riding,

Vik
www.thelazyrando.com