I am so stoked on my new board: 14' Coreban Dart in carbon/kevlar construction. I'm 5'10, 200lbs, and paddle a lot. I got this board specifically for the CCBC, and to broaden my distance and downwinding capabilities.
First off, the board looks amazing. It's a head turner and it's pretty light (25-26lbs). The carbon fiber is the same product Ferrari uses (so I'm told), and it is a $3000 board, making it one of the higher end boards on the market.
But it's ability to charge through chop, paddle up wind and get to the destination is nothing short of excellent. Ya, it's 29.5" wide, and ya, it's not as fast in flat water glass than my displacement hull, BUT, after paddling 3 miles upwind and then coming back around with the wind, the board gave me insta-permagrin:)
Oh, and once I got within 3-400yards of the beach, the onshore thigh-waist high mushbergers were setting up, and I was able to snag everything and ride comfortably on the wave. Bottom turn, paddle/pump, and glide. Wow! Surfing a 14' board is interesting to say the least. I bet this board can handle big waves, so long as there's an escape route to avoid closeouts;)
This board is like driving a Cadillac. It's ridiculously stable, and it tracks exceptionally well. I have not been on too many boards where I can balance on one foot, walk around and still feel stable. This board can do it. It's the ultimate touring and downwind board. I love it
I'm looking forwardto the 34 miles across Cape Cod Bay this summer. If we get West winds, it might just be the most amazing downwinder of my life:) Ping me if you are interested in more beta on the board. And if you are near the Granite State, I'll be happy to let you try it. Aloha and Happy Summer!!!!!
hey Shawn me and a friend are hitting York River tomorrow at 9 am...want to join us for a 14 mile paddle? bring the Dart along so we can demo it...
Glad you are so stoked on it Shawn! If anyone is up in Maine-ways and wants to try it, I have a demo Dart available. I'm 167 lbs and agree with Shawn that its an awesome board, especially for New England coastal cruising.
I paddled one on a flat river at about 225 lbs. It seemed super stable and great glide. It might have been my favorite 14er that I've been on. It's the board I'd like to take for an end to end Florida Keys trip for about 10 days.
PICS! ;)
I think the Dart looks like a great option for paddlers that don't want to go to a true displacement hull, but still want a board that works in all conditions. Lots of volume and the rocker isn't too extreme at all. Cool board.
This thread is worthless without pictures! ;D
Seriously though. ...the Dart is a sweet board. I wish there was a dealer near me. I was hoping to get to look at one before I made a decision on my new 14' board. I'd still love to try one.... My carbon Zeedonk has been awesome, but I would like some more stability in side chop.
The Coreban Dart really is a great downwind board.. untill it pearls and then maybe not so good.. IMO.. that's the only area that lets them down but I'm sure it's something you could get used to.. It's like the Cadillac of DW boards because it's so cruisey and stable.. and super fun to do downwinders on.
DJ
Not the Dart. on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/52104563)
Not enough nose rocker on it or just the overall rocker line causing it to Pearl? Looks a lot of fun.
I tried the Dart on a couple of Viento runs last summer, and with my rather limited experience, I also found that the nose would pierce the swell in front pretty regularly. I was on the standard construction, which is quite a bit heavier, and required me to get closer to the nose to catch rides, and before I could move back the nose would pearl and slow me down. Probably more my fault than the board. It is very stable though.