Ever since trying an L41 ST (my first taste of a SUP that wasn't a barge), I've wanted to give a shortboard shape a try. But I don't live near surf so only get out in spurts, and I'm nursing some chronic injuries so a true sinker is out of the question--I need to maintain the "fun factor". I really want something that walks that fine line between balance and performance for my middle-aged intermediate skill. I started my move in that direction with my 7'6 x 28, 95 L RNB (which is still my go-to all arounder). The next step was the 7'5 x 26, 87 L NB (side cut + wide tail). I'm ready to try moving one step down (which will likely be my last step).
I've just started to talk with Kronos on a shape he calls the Nano:
It tilts towards maximum stability within the traditional performance outline. A more parallel outline paired with moderate rocker allow you to push overall dimensions as low as possible relative to your balance abilities. Also provides good glide relative to the dimensions.
The current thought is 7'4 x 26, 81 L.
I'm 148 lbs (67 kg). That puts the v/w ratio at about 1.2.
To give a sense of relativity, 81 L for me @ 148 lbs is equivalent to:
165 lbs - 90 L
185 lbs - 101 L
205 lbs - 112 L
225 lbs - 123 L
245 lbs - 134 L
Awesome SA!
I think you will be right on with this. I have really toyed around with a lot of shapes in the past year and keep coming back to a traditional shortboard shape. Reason you see so many?...It just works! granted it just needs tweaks for stability.
I've been hovering around 120l. I weigh 215 at the moment without Wetsuit. (1.23 GF 1.19 w/ wetsuit)
I have found 1.2 (ish) is the maximum performance without struggle (Not having to move constantly to balance, not having to be in surf stance all the time, and only partially submerged)
I think i'll have a 115l in my future for reeeeal clean days but 1.2 @ 120l seems to be magic. i also surf ....so when its a struggle i just grab the prone board.
Quote from: NorthJerzSurfer on July 14, 2017, 04:20:07 PM
I have found 1.2 (ish) is the maximum performance without struggle (Not having to move constantly to balance, not having to be in surf stance all the time, and only partially submerged)
That is some good news!
Nice! The RNB has been stitched together (I grab it next week - I'll send you pics) but my mind has been on a lower volume shortboard shape. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
Quote from: surfafrica on July 14, 2017, 03:04:59 PM
Ever since trying an L41 ST (my first taste of a SUP that wasn't a barge), I've wanted to give a shortboard shape a try. But I don't live near surf so only get out in spurts, and I'm nursing some chronic injuries so a true sinker is out of the question--I need to maintain the "fun factor". I really want something that walks that fine line between balance and performance for my middle-aged intermediate skill. I started my move in that direction with my 7'6 x 28, 95 L RNB (which is still my go-to all arounder). The next step was the 7'5 x 26, 87 L NB (side cut + wide tail). I'm ready to try moving one step down (which will likely be my last step).
The current thought is 7'4 x 26, 81 L.
I'm 148 lbs (67 kg). That puts the v/w ratio at about 1.2.
Kudos for going smaller, the Nano looks like a great shape, very similar to my old 6'10" x 27" x 84L Buzz.
My $0.02 ... I would decrease the length and increase the width. You'd be surprised at how short you can go with the right shape and foil. More width helps stability. Less length moves the center of gravity and the rocker zero point back, closer to the front foot. I have found this makes a huge difference in "performance". When combined with the right rocker the result is magical. You won't want to ride your RNB again if you get the combo right :-)
For reference my 6'3" x 27.5" Hypto is 80L (19.4" @ 12" from tail), my 6'10" x 27" Buzz was 84L (20.4" @ 12" from tail), and my 6'5" x 26.8" Lazy Boy is 80L (19.7" @ 12" from tail).
Quote from: anonsurfer on July 14, 2017, 07:06:26 PM
Quote from: surfafrica on July 14, 2017, 03:04:59 PM
Ever since trying an L41 ST (my first taste of a SUP that wasn't a barge), I've wanted to give a shortboard shape a try. But I don't live near surf so only get out in spurts, and I'm nursing some chronic injuries so a true sinker is out of the question--I need to maintain the "fun factor". I really want something that walks that fine line between balance and performance for my middle-aged intermediate skill. I started my move in that direction with my 7'6 x 28, 95 L RNB (which is still my go-to all arounder). The next step was the 7'5 x 26, 87 L NB (side cut + wide tail). I'm ready to try moving one step down (which will likely be my last step).
The current thought is 7'4 x 26, 81 L.
I'm 148 lbs (67 kg). That puts the v/w ratio at about 1.2.
Kudos for going smaller When combined with the right rocker the result is magical. You won't want to ride your RNB again if you get the combo right :-)
For reference my 6'3" x 27.5" Hypto is 80L (19.4" @ 12" from tail), my 6'10" x 27" Buzz was 84L (20.4" @ 12" from tail), and my 6'5" x 26.8" Lazy Boy is 80L (19.7" @ 12" from tail).
I like what both Jerz and anon have to say. And I think those widths at 12" anon listed are critical factors when going smaller/shorter. Your height is also an important consideration IMO. I haven't gone where anon has on length, but my shortest is 7'2" 27.5 @76 liters for my 82 kg and 6'1" frame. Pretty easy cause it's what anon says about moving the COG and rocker zero to right where you stand. Granted, I don't have the waves y'all have, in terms of power. When I travel, I prefer a more shortboard shape. But I have to admit, short is fun! Nice shape! I bet you'll enjoy....but get an extra....even shorter!
Good going on the project. That's about the minimum that I'm at as well for my weight for my smallest boards. I do restrict myself to the cleaner conditions days as this keeps the fun vs frustration ration on the fun side.
Quote from: Biggreen on July 14, 2017, 07:38:32 PM
Quote from: anonsurfer on July 14, 2017, 07:06:26 PM
Quote from: surfafrica on July 14, 2017, 03:04:59 PM
Ever since trying an L41 ST (my first taste of a SUP that wasn't a barge), I've wanted to give a shortboard shape a try. But I don't live near surf so only get out in spurts, and I'm nursing some chronic injuries so a true sinker is out of the question--I need to maintain the "fun factor". I really want something that walks that fine line between balance and performance for my middle-aged intermediate skill. I started my move in that direction with my 7'6 x 28, 95 L RNB (which is still my go-to all arounder). The next step was the 7'5 x 26, 87 L NB (side cut + wide tail). I'm ready to try moving one step down (which will likely be my last step).
The current thought is 7'4 x 26, 81 L.
I'm 148 lbs (67 kg). That puts the v/w ratio at about 1.2.
Kudos for going smaller When combined with the right rocker the result is magical. You won't want to ride your RNB again if you get the combo right :-)
For reference my 6'3" x 27.5" Hypto is 80L (19.4" @ 12" from tail), my 6'10" x 27" Buzz was 84L (20.4" @ 12" from tail), and my 6'5" x 26.8" Lazy Boy is 80L (19.7" @ 12" from tail).
I like what both Jerz and anon have to say. And I think those widths at 12" anon listed are critical factors when going smaller/shorter. Your height is also an important consideration IMO. I haven't gone where anon has on length, but my shortest is 7'2" 27.5 @76 liters for my 82 kg and 6'1" frame. Pretty easy cause it's what anon says about moving the COG and rocker zero to right where you stand. Granted, I don't have the waves y'all have, in terms of power. When I travel, I prefer a more shortboard shape. But I have to admit, short is fun! Nice shape! I bet you'll enjoy....but get an extra....even shorter!
Man great info in this thread! I have a 7'9 30.5 4.75 shortboard shape on demo now. Again- Im significantly heavier than you guys but it really has me wondering how short I can go if I increase width and volume. My 7'4 hypernut is 105l and gives me a 1.08 factor. It works but needs a big- yet fat/flat faced wave- Which is a rarity in NJ. I also have to be paddling to balance.
I know there has to be a shape that can get me stable with less liters than 120 or so. Really keen on upsizing a Hypto Krypto like Anon has.....
As Anon said, the width at 12" from the tail is key
I never really thought much about the numbers at 12", so I checked some of my boards
Interesting..... very different lengths, all similar width.... the "stability key" is the width at 12" from tail
Some of my lower ratio boards ridden and stability remarks:
(My Stats: 69 years old, 235 - 240 lbs during the "ride" period)
listed from lowest "weight to volume" ratio
(Ratio)
(1.15) Shroom - 8'3 x 32" at 126 liters ------ at 12" = 24.75" Most stable, ok in winter gear
(1.2) Flow - 8'10 x 31.2 at 131 liters ------ at 12" = 17.6 Very stable in summer, doable in winter gear
(1.24) Acid - 9'4 x 31.5" at 136 liters ------ at 12" = 15.6" Least stable. Ok summer, nogo in winter gear
Thanks all.
Damn you @anon! I guess I have two more boards left in me. I definitely want to try a super shorty too. I'm toying around with picking this one up in the fall down near you...if I do, I'll be in touch...it'd be fun to hook up and swap boards. As you continue to experiment, I'll be keeping an eye on the ones you are looking to move! Erik @ progression project has been riding a 6-something L41 and it looks great too (comparing to his other boards....not me!).
I'm a huge believer in the support of the fat bottom. My RNB has pretty wide tail at 12". The design of my Kronos NB takes the wide tail to the extreme--using sidecut, the center width is 24.5, while the tail width hits 26.
With this order, I'm looking to reduce the tail width a bit, but not too the extreme. Kronos put this squash tail on it with that in mind. It pulls in a bit too give the outline some curve, but keeps some surface area back there for support.
Quote from: surfafrica on July 15, 2017, 08:49:40 AM
Damn you @anon! I guess I have two more boards left in me. I definitely want to try a super shorty too. I'm toying around with picking this one up in the fall down near you...if I do, I'll be in touch...it'd be fun to hook up and swap boards.
Please do look me up if you come down. I think you'd really like my Hypto.
To give you an idea of what is possible with 81L see the image below. This is a Quiver Killer design I am working on resized to 6'8" x 26.5" x 4" x 81L (19.9" @ T+12"). The COG on the 6'8" Quiver Killer is 39". Your proposed 7'4" x 26" Nano is superimposed for reference.
If you scale the Quiver Killer to 7'0" x 26" x 4" it is 82L (19.1" @ T+12").
Oh man...throw a loaded dome on the bottom of that and you have a McCoySUP! Before I got hurt and was surfing, I had McCoy Nugget. It (the Nugget) is a pretty divisive design, but I loved it.
I've been paying close attention to your Hypto-influenced designs. Ya, I'd love to try one. ...and then chat over beer about all the steps and differences between the different versions you've been playing around with.
Creek, thanks for posting those dims. Cool to see those differences. What are those tail widths on the Speeed and your Creek models? The 7'4 I'm lining up has a tail width of 18.3" at 12" up.
Quote from: surfafrica on July 16, 2017, 10:16:50 AM
Oh man...throw a loaded dome on the bottom of that and you have a McCoySUP! Before I got hurt and was surfing, I had McCoy Nugget. It (the Nugget) is a pretty divisive design, but I loved it...snippity...
LOL!...since Geoff McCoy doesn't make SUPs...prolly the closest thing to a hypothetical McCoy SUP would be my Jammer SUP design...which was influenced by McCoy/Cheyne Horan/Lazor Zap/Nugget...pulled nose...stepped rails...with a wide tailed butt crack swallow...but, you prolly already knew that...;-)
http://blog.surfingsports.com/jammer-sup
We built this 6'8" x 27" @ 88L carbon Jammer for Aryeh...and, he freakin' absolutely rips on it!
Quote from: SUP Sports ® on July 16, 2017, 01:07:16 PM
LOL!...since Geoff McCoy doesn't make SUPs...prolly the closest thing to a hypothetical McCoy SUP would be my Jammer SUP design...which was influenced by McCoy/Cheyne Horan/Lazor Zap/Nugget...pulled nose...stepped rails...with a wide tailed butt crack swallow...but, you prolly already knew that...;-)
The Jammer looks sooo much like a Lazor Zap. If you ever have one in the 80-90 L range on the demo racks, I'm there! I would love to try one. Same with @anon's shapes--I'm really intrigued by them.
-----------------
I've been thinking about this project for a while. I've been keen on giving a traditional performance SUS shape a try. Some inspirations came from Rawson's ProMo, Infinity's BLine and Kronos' High Performance model (I follow a guy on IG who has one). Knowing that I'm no Mo or Giorgio, I knew I'd need some enhancements to make the board work (ie added stability). I started playing around with the elements from some of the boards I've ridden and put together a mutant prototype (see pic below). I took the nose of my Kronos NB (full, but not too full), the mid-section of my Infinity RNB (a touch of parallel rails) and the tail of the Speeed (pulled in, but enough width for stability). I tried to keep the general outline of the mutant in the spirit of a performance shape.
When I started talking with Kronos about this new board, I sent him a picture of my mutant prototype. He had a model that he's been working on for a while now that matched my goals. It's not quite as aggressive as his high performance shape, but shares some of its DNA. He knows my size/ability/goals/breaks. He made some refinements to the shape and suggested the same size range I had in mind. As with every new board project, I can't wait to give it a go.
It sounds like you have the outline dialed in to what you want. What kind of rocker and contours are you going to go with? Rocker is the most important thing on a surfboard. The contours and how they interact with the outline and rocker are also very important.
Quote from: anonsurfer on July 16, 2017, 08:04:53 PM
What kind of rocker and contours are you going to go with? Rocker is the most important thing on a surfboard. The contours and how they interact with the outline and rocker are also very important.
Oh man. That I leave up to the shaper. He said it'll have a moderate rocker. I'm guessing a single to double concave, but that is just a guess. I do know he takes some influence from Donald Takayama on his rail shape. I love the rails he put on my longboard SUP. But ya, how that all fits together with the foil and outline is all apart of that special sauce that I love to eat but have no idea how to make.
So I went to Pat Rawson with similar design criteria: High performance with just a little more ease of use. For those requests he has a kinda hybrid version of the Pro-Mo that uses the fuller impala nose seen on the Focus Rawson 8'8. The one he is making for me is 8'3.5x28.25x4.5 ~117L for my 220-225 lbs with a little more wing than normal. you can see how the fuller nose gets you a little more parallel on the rails. His take was that going narrower rather than shorter would get the most performance gains, especially on steep waves.
My little one. 8-4x30 120l.
This better?
Quote from: surfafrica on July 16, 2017, 10:16:50 AM
Creek, thanks for posting those dims. Cool to see those differences. What are those tail widths on the Speeed and your Creek models? The 7'4 I'm lining up has a tail width of 18.3" at 12" up.
ooops....Sorry I missed this question 1st time around.
I have been reading the next few replies about "performance with an extra margin of stability"
That was the exact goal, when I came up with my design.
I started with the qualities of my
most stable board and worked in aspects I like most from my performance boards
I asked Bert to use the exact tail from the 9'2 Speeed, with the exact same tail rocker....then somehow, blend it forward into performance rocker of the Acid. The foils, rocker and how he blended it all together is spectacular.... THAT is where the performance magic is.
The 9'2 Speeed and 9'4 Creek = 12" from the tail are both 18 7/8"
Good thread!
In the last 6 years, we went from big boards to tiny boards.....
now we are looking to add back a margin of the comfort that we all loved about SUP to begin with, while keeping the performance!
They all seem to have similar solutions. Very cool!
Quote from: surfafrica on July 16, 2017, 09:40:01 PM
Oh man. That I leave up to the shaper. He said it'll have a moderate rocker. I'm guessing a single to double concave, but that is just a guess. I do know he takes some influence from Donald Takayama on his rail shape. I love the rails he put on my longboard SUP. But ya, how that all fits together with the foil and outline is all apart of that special sauce that I love to eat but have no idea how to make.
Whatever rocker and contours you go with document them fully. This will give you a reference point for future boards. If possible get a full plan drawing showing outline, rocker, thickness and vee/concave measurements @ 3", 6", 12", 18", 24" from nose and tail and slices at 12" and center.
If you have a current board that you love try to get these measurements for that board as well. The more reference points you have the better.
Outline is important but I have found that small changes in rocker and contour make a big difference in how a board performs. For example, my Lazy Boy has 0.1" less rocker and 0.09" less vee at 12" from tail than my Hypto and it is a totally different board.
Quote from: exiled on July 16, 2017, 11:00:48 PM
So I went to Pat Rawson with similar design criteria: High performance with just a little more ease of use. For those requests he has a kinda hybrid version of the Pro-Mo that uses the fuller impala nose seen on the Focus Rawson 8'8. The one he is making for me is 8'3.5x28.25x4.5 ~117L for my 220-225 lbs with a little more wing than normal. you can see how the fuller nose gets you a little more parallel on the rails. His take was that going narrower rather than shorter would get the most performance gains, especially on steep waves.
I took your Rawson and scaled it to the same size of image as the plans for my Kronos (see pic below). Pretty similar outlines!
Quote from: supthecreek on July 17, 2017, 05:05:00 AM
The 9'2 Speeed and 9'4 Creek = 12" from the tail are both 18 7/8"
Looks like my new one is going to be close to those with 18.3" @ 12" up. I was pretty pumped hearing your review of your new one actually...a bit of confirmation on the goal of the this project.
Quote from: anonsurfer on July 17, 2017, 07:11:35 AM
Whatever rocker and contours you go with document them fully. This will give you a reference point for future boards. If possible get a full plan drawing showing outline, rocker, thickness and vee/concave measurements @ 3", 6", 12", 18", 24" from nose and tail and slices at 12" and center.
I've been playing around with such a wide variety of different shapes (SIMS, aysm tail RNB, cornice shape with sidecut) that I'm not sure those measurements would really help me out....yet. I think if I locked into a general shape and then started refining, that would be a different story. Though, that is one of the reasons I like working with a shaper. He helps me keep tabs on this. He listens to my feedback and experiences on the different boards (and sees the odd pic or vid) and then offers his suggestions and refinements. He does send over the final CAD image for me to geek out on which is really cool. I do like looking at all those specific little details (though don't pretend to know exactly how they all interact).
I attached the general image of what the rocker will look like.
Quote from: surfafrica on July 17, 2017, 11:00:22 AM
I attached the general image of what the rocker will look like.
I like it :-) When scaled it is very similar to my Bean Bag rocker but with a touch more kick in the last 3".
Let us know what your bottom contours are going to be. It looks like it is going to be a super fun board!
Another choice I have (had) to make is what type of construction to go with. He's been playing around with two that he's been happy with:
1.) Vacuum bagged epoxy with kevlar weave and carbon strips. This is the same one I used on my longboard SUP (white one below) and is pretty light and really tough. For my buddies who are hard on boards, I'd recommend this one.
2.) Full carbon. He's made some full carbons lately that have received some high praise. They aren't quite as tough as the method above, but are super light. The carbon 8'8 longboard below is only 9-10 pounds.
After talking with both Kronos and the owner of the carbon boards below, I decided on the full carbon. I know I appreciate light boards, so let's see what super light feels like. I was a bit concerned about the stiffness and chatter and what not, but the feedback I've received says it hasn't been an issue. ...and I've always been diligent about keeping my boards out of the sun (and caring for them in general). I'm guessing this board will come in between 8-10 pounds or so (but we'll see).
Sorry Creek....I couldn't resist!
ha ha.... I was working on the same thing :)
Sunova is an "open source" company that is happy to openly share design info, and participate in discussions.
I immediately saw the same thinking going on in your design.... except your boards are so much smaller than mine..... but in relative terms, they are quite similar.
Ah, thanks for posting that. Cool to see the differences. Here's another take on it with the Creek lined up with the bottom of the board.
Quote from: anonsurfer on July 17, 2017, 12:23:07 PM
Let us know what your bottom contours are going to be. It looks like it is going to be a super fun board!
It's going to be a single concave.
Just for fun in the spirit of design outlines here is a pic of a King's. Accelerator 8'4" x 30.75" x 3.75" x 104 liters. The step wing helps a lot.
Given my Tipi Wan Ken Obi balance issues, this beauty is at my current limit..
Surf Africa I am envious of your skills on crazy low literage equipment!!
The Blue Planet vid with the Boize under water freakin' far out!
I love the look of that King's. Don't be fooled...my boards aren't that small compared to my size. I'm only 5'7 and sub-150 pounds.
The Nano is out of the shaper's bay and on to the glassers. I'll be picking it up on Sept 28. 7'4 x 26, 81 L.
Looking good. Are you still going full carbon?
Yep, still going full carbon. Hoping for something in the neighborhood of 8-9 pounds. Looking forward to connecting on the 30th if things work out.
What a great thread.
Really nice to see the progression from ideas to it being made, and all the questions in between.
Be nice to see a pic of it when its complete, if you have time off the water from being on it all the time that is.
agreed--great reading for ignoramae like me
my creek works a charm on the wave--that i can say
Slight change of plans on the construction. Apparently the glasser has a new method for the hot coat that will shave off 1/2 a pound or so without sacrificing strength. Something about using micro balloons (??). It'll change the look of the board from pure black to an acid wash. I'm OK having it more white--it'll make it a bit less sensitive to the sun & heat. I'm also OK shedding some extra weight, even if it's just a baby step. I mentioned 8-9 pounds above, but was a little too aggressive. It'll likely be 9-10.
Here's a preview of what the new construction looks like. I think mine heads in for glassing later today.
The "acid wash" looks sweet. Less than 11lb with traction and fins would be awesome.
Quote from: anonsurfer on September 21, 2017, 04:42:39 PM
Less than 11lb with traction and fins would be awesome.
Just got the weigh in.... 8.2 lbs without fins/traction.
Well, it's Sept 29, where are our pictures!? :D
Quote from: surfafrica on September 26, 2017, 04:23:01 PM
Quote from: anonsurfer on September 21, 2017, 04:42:39 PM
Less than 11lb with traction and fins would be awesome.
Just got the weigh in.... 8.2 lbs without fins/traction.
Nice! Did you pick it up yet?
Board - 7'4 x 26, 81 L Kronos Nano
Rider - 5'7, 148 lbs, 43 years old, intermediate, full of injuries
Just got back from a quick mini-tour of SoCal with a couple of friends. We were lucky and got to meet up with a few guys I've connected with on Instagram including my shaper--Kyle at Kronos. The swell was really weak, but we still managed to find a few spots picking up something. We had a blast! It was a reminder that the best part of travelling is the people you meet along the way.
I was hoping to meet up with anon too, but we ran out of the time (and the swell up at Doheny was pretty much non-existent, and the beach was packed due to the PPG event). I was really hoping to try one of his mini-stix! Next time, I'll make sure to plan the trip around a swell.
The new board turned out beyond my expectations. I knew it came in at 8.2 lbs minus traction/fins, but when I picked it up, I was shocked. This thing is feather light. It really is mind blowing. You have to pick it up to really appreciate it. I have bad shoulders and a bad back, and I can pick this board up horizontally by the handle with one finger. The new construction technique involves inserting micro-bubbles in the hot coat so there is less resin. And apparently there is no loss of strength. Obviously time will tell how well it holds up, but it feels solid. At this point, I have no concerns.
The shape realized the goals. The nose is full enough that I can get right up on it to scrap myself into waves if needed and make a slow sections (and with the swell we had, I needed to do both). The glide in general was more than I expected. The nose width also added noticeable support for the board's size keeping the performance goal in mind as well. The tail is pulled in a little, but maintains some width too. The width keeps a little extra stability and speed, but it has enough curve to encourage turns. And the super low weight adds a bit of extra float making it's 81 L float like a 15 lbs board that is 85 L. Our third session of the trip was in pretty choppy water with a bit of wind. I managed better than I expected.
With the low litres, the rails are nice and thin. They run pretty hard in the back half. One interesting thing I noticed was Kronos kept a bit of extra thickness at the tail. He ran the center thickness right through to the tail in the middle. The rails are refined, but off the back of the squash, there's just a little bit extra foam. It's still thin enough to sink the tail on turn, but I'm convinced that that extra little thickness adds support in the standing position (keeps the tail up just a little more) and offers an extra little push into the waves.
The Nano has an intermediate rocker. It's enough to fit into the wave face (I don't ride overly critical waves), but maintains decent glide. With the small swell, I didn't get to really push it. But on the few waves that I did have something to work with, I revelled in the lack of swing weight. The board was so easy to throw around.
Will I grab this board in January with my 5/4 suit on in our typical winter conditions? Only if it's really calm. My 28" wide, 95 L RNB still has a place in my quiver when I need something a bit more comfortable. But in late spring, summer & early fall up here or anywhere south of San Francisco, this will be my board of choice moving forward (unless it's a longboard day).
Huge props to Kronos for this one. This construction could be a bit of a game changer. I'm looking forward to seeing what a board in 140-160 L range feels like with this construction (my buddy is close to pulling the trigger).
(the last picture is the 7'4 x 26, 81 L Nano compared to the 7'5 x 26, 87 L NB--the board I'm coming off of)
The board came out sweet! Wish I had got to see it in person.
For a while now, I've been trying to zero in on a 3-board quiver that covers most of my bases--choppy winter surf in a 5/4, rippable shoulder-highs, mushburgers, mellow knee-highs, tropical glassy point breaks, head high pitchy beach breaks, etc (not worried about triple overhead!). With this new Nano, I think I might have gotten there. Before the Nano, I had the Kronos 7'5 x 26, 87 L Nutter Butter (a wide-tailed cornice shape--red board in post above) in rotation. It was really fun, and had a bit more performance in it than the RNB, but was still close to my RNB as far as range. This Nano leans slightly more to the performance side and differentiates itself a little more. I'm pretty stoked (if you couldn't tell).
Kronos Longboard: 8'10 x 26.5, 84 L
For those days when you need to cruise.
Infinity RNB: 7'6 x 28, 95 L
It's wider and has more foam. It's my comfy board but still performs great. It could be a quiver killer really. If it's choppy or I'm tired or am weighed down by rubber, or am not feeling confident, I'll grab this one. If I can only bring one board and am unsure of conditions, this one will get the nod.
Kronos Nano: 7'4 x 26, 81 L
If it's not a longboard day, and it's not too choppy, and I'm not too tired, and if this board is with me, I'll be taking it out. This board pushes me but is still on the fun side of do-able. I can't wait to get this into some good conditions.
For longer trips south, I'll likely bring my Longboard and the Nano in a double bag. Excessive? Yep. ...but so much fun.
(don't forget, I'm a light weight...these volumes are more than they seem...85 L for me is like 115 L for someone 200 lbs)
Nice quiver. Did you sell / trade the Kronos NB?
Quote from: surfafrica on October 04, 2017, 12:58:31 PM
For a while now, I've been trying to zero in on a 3-board quiver that covers most of my bases... With this new Nano, I think I might have gotten there.
Never say never, there's always room for one more board.
No, I still have my NB. I think with the Nano now in the quiver now, it'll fall out of rotation for me in the surf. But my wife likes to paddle it on flat water and it's a good size for my kids too.
Ya, I've been living the "one more board" lifestyle for a while now. ....but I think I might actually be ready to settle down. Probably a good thing I didn't jump on one of your 6-somethings last week! (though I really want to jump on one of your 6-somethings)
Quote from: surfafrica on October 04, 2017, 04:55:11 PM
Probably a good thing I didn't jump on one of your 6-somethings last week!
A 6-6 with 80-85L would be a nice addition to your quiver :-)
Quote from: anonsurfer on October 05, 2017, 06:52:14 AM
A 6-6 with 80-85L would be a nice addition to your quiver :-)
A buddy of mine is going to be working with Kronos on an order over the next few months (a Big Guy Nano). We might just have to make another trip down there to pick it up!
Quote from: surfafrica on October 05, 2017, 12:41:31 PM
A buddy of mine is going to be working with Kronos on an order over the next few months (a Big Guy Nano). We might just have to make another trip down there to pick it up!
Hopefully the surf will be better than it was last weekend :-)
Quote from: surfafrica on October 05, 2017, 12:41:31 PM
Quote from: anonsurfer on October 05, 2017, 06:52:14 AM
A 6-6 with 80-85L would be a nice addition to your quiver :-)
A buddy of mine is going to be working with Kronos on an order over the next few months (a Big Guy Nano). We might just have to make another trip down there to pick it up!
Definetly post on this Anon. Super interested in how this comes out.
Quote from: NorthJerzSurfer on October 06, 2017, 05:47:20 PM
Quote from: surfafrica on October 05, 2017, 12:41:31 PM
A buddy of mine is going to be working with Kronos on an order over the next few months (a Big Guy Nano). We might just have to make another trip down there to pick it up!
Definetly post on this Anon. Super interested in how this comes out.
We're going to be starting the design of this one later this week. I'll definitely start a new thread for it. I'm really excited to see how it turns out. I think a bigger board like this will really benefit from this super light construction technique. The current thought is something with a similar shape to my Nano here, but blown up to 9'0 x 31-32, 155-160 L. Any bets on the final weight?
Here's the thread for the "Big Guy" Nano we're going to start dreaming up....
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,32621.msg366134
I was lucky enough to get a solid 5 days in some good swell in Nosara last week on the Nano. I was a bit worried about if I could handle it out in the lineup if there was water moving around. I did better than I thought I would. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised with the stability for the size. I liked the feel of the board on some waves that had some power. Some of the waves probably could have used the Kronos K2 (the Nano's higher performing sibling with a more aggressive rocker and narrower tail), but the Nano handled it great. It handled late drops with ease and was fun all around. The extra low weight really became noticeable on shoulder-high forehand waves--the board was so fun and playful.
I can't believe I missed this thread until now. Just read all 4 pages.
I love this kind of discussion with all the important numbers that go into a magic board for your own size and weight and the kind of waves you surf.
A few more shots from my trip last week on my new board. I ran it with a small set of quads plus a center knubster.
board: 7'4 x 26, 81 L @ 8.2 lbs
me: 145 lbs