Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: spirit4earth on February 17, 2019, 11:01:07 AM
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Can anyone advise me on a board similar to a Sunova Search? I love the thin rails on that board, but I need a less expensive option. I like being being a little lower in the water, not bobbing too much, if you know what I mean. Thanks in advance!
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I know exactly what you mean, and I’m the same.
If you lived in Europe it would be easy. You’d get a Gong Perv, which comes in 10-6, 12-6 and 14 lengths (all 30” wide). They are surprisingly fast to paddle in pure flat water, given that they are surf-shape-like. And they are massively cheaper than the Sunovas.
But I’m guessing you aren’t in Europe, so this might be more of a challenge.
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I know exactly what you mean, and I’m the same.
If you lived in Europe it would be easy. You’d get a Gong Perv, which comes in 10-6, 12-6 and 14 lengths (all 30” wide). They are surprisingly fast to paddle in pure flat water, given that they are surf-shape-like. And they are massively cheaper than the Sunovas.
But I’m guessing you aren’t in Europe, so this might be more of a challenge.
Area 10, thank you, but you’re right, I’m not in Europe. I’m on the US east coast. I’m going to look up those boards, though.
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Btw, what size do you want? Surftech make various boards aimed at flat water touring that have thin rails (e.g. the Chameleon TEKefx, or the Elemrnts tourer) and if you can find some on sale somewhere you might get a good price on one. The Bark boards in particular would be worth a look.
SIC make a surf-cruiser called the Saber, but I’m guessing that that will be rather expensive.
My 16ft custom has rails that are only 4.5” thick...
You pay quite a price for thin rails in terms of paddling speed. But IMO there’s more to paddling enjoyment than top speed.
Of the race boards, the Naish Maliko probably has some of the thinnest rails. That’s a lovely board to paddle. Definitely worth trying if you never have. Plenty around used, I should think. The 2018 is worth spending a bit more on.
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+1 on the 2018 Naish Maliko
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The Maliko costs more than a Search. Cheaper options?
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Hi Spirit,
Maybe a used Bark Contender? I’m not familiar with the Sunova Search, but the Bark Contender is 12’ 6” x 27” and pretty low volume. They are a full carbon board and I think you can pick them up used for a pretty decent price.
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Hi Spirit,
Maybe a used Bark Contender? I’m not familiar with the Sunova Search, but the Bark Contender is 12’ 6” x 27” and pretty low volume. They are a full carbon board and I think you can pick them up used for a pretty decent price.
I’ll check them out!
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The Maliko costs more than a Search. Cheaper options?
Yeah, I meant find a used one.
Another nice board was the Bark Excursion:
https://distressedmullet.com/2013/10/05/review-2014-surftech-bark-excursion/
Or how about a Starboard Freeride? You can usually find them cheap.
Depends what length you want -?
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Not sure if you were looking for a 14 or 12', but the SUP sports One World Surfari 11'11" is 5.25" thick.
The Starboard Freeride 12'2" has been mentioned and I have thought about picking one up as a cruiser myself.
http://www.californiakiteboarding.com/product-category/stand-up-paddleboarding/sup-boards/page/12/
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What I noticed with the Search is that even though it’s 4 11/16” thick, it thinned a lot near the rails. Creek can clarify this. Other boards I’ve used appeared to maintain their thickness right to the edge.
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What I noticed with the Search is that even though it’s 4 11/16” thick, it thinned a lot near the rails. Creek can clarify this. Other boards I’ve used appeared to maintain their thickness right to the edge.
spirit, since it seems you really into the "Search" I'd suggest focusing on getting the "insider"
price of the board if you know what I mean.
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What I noticed with the Search is that even though it’s 4 11/16” thick, it thinned a lot near the rails. Creek can clarify this. Other boards I’ve used appeared to maintain their thickness right to the edge.
If you could find one of the Paddle Surf Hawaii 12ft Guns or their Hull Paddlers models used you’d be then be in heaven. Really fine noses and tails, and they paddle very well. I’ve often paddled my PSH Gun on a 14 mile local route. But they are very highly desired so don’t come up that often.
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Maybe a little too much rocker for flat water A10.
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Maybe a little too much rocker for flat water A10.
Nope. Blane Chambers very cleverly kept the rocker fairly modest except for a sharp upturn right at the end of the nose. This means that it paddles into big waves very easily. But it also means that it paddles flat water well too, for a surf shape. I’ve put in a lot of miles on mine. It’s not as fast as a raceboard of course. But it’s as fast as many touring boards. And there is the added bonus that it’s one of the most epic-looking SUPs ever created.
And why can’t we get these anymore? The current crop of PSH boards advertised on their website look positively anemic compared with the magnificence of this one:
https://youtu.be/k9UOKABwRVc
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Just to clarify what I imagine you might be looking for is you want a lower volume, feet closer to the water, kinda touring board that won't be used for surfing?
Most of the touring boards have a thicker rail throughout the board giving them more volume. That volume helps it stay above water when it gets choppy and helps it maintain speed. The touring boards typically have a canoe shaped displacement hull that pushes the water to either side of the nose. That displacing of the water helps the board maintain a glide. Race boards have displacement hulls too, but they are narrower to reduce friction. The rocker or curve along the bottom from nose to tail is very flat which again improves glide.
Boards like the 'Search' or 'Coastal Cruiser' have planing hulls like surfboards. The bottom of a planing hull is flat or has a concave from side to side. Basically the opposite of a canoe hull. These surfing type of hulls have more rocker to fit in the shape of the wave and help the board turn on a wave. They are designed to lift and plane on top of the water like a rock skipping across the water. To get to planing speed, they need a wave. In flatwater the hull acts like a snowplow pushing snow, but it's water it's pushing and not displacing. That limits glide and slows the board down. The extra rocker does add to stability that one of the reasons the all-arounder shaped boards are so easy to balance on and good for beginners. The Search and Coastal Cruiser boards have pointed noses which kinda displaces water but it's more for making the board stable on big outer reef waves. The thin rails allow you to bury the rail while turning on a wave, and make it easier tip the board from one rail to the other when turning on a wave. If this type of board had a flater rocker it would glide better, but become very unstable because there is so little volume out at the rails.
Thick rails make a board more stable, but are not good for surfing.
For you a good place to start might be an all-arounder. They're shorter and easier to carry around. They are a little wider from nose to tail, but have thin rails. They have a little more rocker, but not a lot and they are affordable. I have fun on my 11'6 Naish Nalu both cruising the coast and surfing in the small stuff. Speaking of Naish, their new Nalu's have a recessed (lower) standing area, but slightly thicker rails to get added stability. Sunova has this on a few of their boards as well.
You could look for deals like this.
https://norfolk.craigslist.org/spo/d/virginia-beach-focus-smoothie-sup/6821923231.html
https://norfolk.craigslist.org/spo/d/virginia-beach-dolsey-sup-paddle-board/6798566001.html
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What I noticed with the Search is that even though it’s 4 11/16” thick, it thinned a lot near the rails. Creek can clarify this. Other boards I’ve used appeared to maintain their thickness right to the edge.
spirit, since it seems you really into the "Search" I'd suggest focusing on getting the "insider"
price of the board if you know what I mean.
That would be awesome! I don’t think either Rick or JimK can get a superfantastic price on one, though. Any other insiders?
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Just to clarify what I imagine you might be looking for is you want a lower volume, feet closer to the water, kinda touring board that won't be used for surfing?
Most of the touring boards have a thicker rail throughout the board giving them more volume. That volume helps it stay above water when it gets choppy and helps it maintain speed. The touring boards typically have a canoe shaped displacement hull that pushes the water to either side of the nose. That displacing of the water helps the board maintain a glide. Race boards have displacement hulls too, but they are narrower to reduce friction. The rocker or curve along the bottom from nose to tail is very flat which again improves glide.
Boards like the 'Search' or 'Coastal Cruiser' have planing hulls like surfboards. The bottom of a planing hull is flat or has a concave from side to side. Basically the opposite of a canoe hull. These surfing type of hulls have more rocker to fit in the shape of the wave and help the board turn on a wave. They are designed to lift and plane on top of the water like a rock skipping across the water. To get to planing speed, they need a wave. In flatwater the hull acts like a snowplow pushing snow, but it's water it's pushing and not displacing. That limits glide and slows the board down. The extra rocker does add to stability that one of the reasons the all-arounder shaped boards are so easy to balance on and good for beginners. The Search and Coastal Cruiser boards have pointed noses which kinda displaces water but it's more for making the board stable on big outer reef waves. The thin rails allow you to bury the rail while turning on a wave, and make it easier tip the board from one rail to the other when turning on a wave. If this type of board had a flater rocker it would glide better, but become very unstable because there is so little volume out at the rails.
Thick rails make a board more stable, but are not good for surfing.
For you a good place to start might be an all-arounder. They're shorter and easier to carry around. They are a little wider from nose to tail, but have thin rails. They have a little more rocker, but not a lot and they are affordable. I have fun on my 11'6 Naish Nalu both cruising the coast and surfing in the small stuff. Speaking of Naish, their new Nalu's have a recessed (lower) standing area, but slightly thicker rails to get added stability. Sunova has this on a few of their boards as well.
You could look for deals like this.
https://norfolk.craigslist.org/spo/d/virginia-beach-focus-smoothie-sup/6821923231.html
https://norfolk.craigslist.org/spo/d/virginia-beach-dolsey-sup-paddle-board/6798566001.html
That Focus looks pretty good! Are those good boards?
I paddled the Search up on the Cape when I visited Rick. It wasn’t super-fast, but I liked it a lot. His is 14’, but a 12’ might be more practical for me. Although I will most likely never surf, it would be cool to have the option to be on tiny waves. The Nalu is great. I experienced that thanks to Bill, but it had to be left in Seattle when I returned east.
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Where and when the Focus was made determines how good they are. That goes for a lot of the big companies. My friends shop use to be a Focus dealer. They weren't cheap popout's, and priced a little higher that the cheap off brands. There was a used one I borrowed to surf. It was built well and a bit on the heavy side. That Dolsey is a big time popout. There are containers and storage places full of them everywhere.
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There’s a shop in Tampa that has/had a new Bark Excursion for cheap,
Urban Kia SUP https://www.urbankai.com/shop/Standup-Paddleboards/Paddle-Boards/p/Surftech-Bark-120-Excursion-x23040688.htm
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Too funny. My first SUP was a 12' Dolsey. Flat water only as I was still proning. Heavy indestructible and was a great flat water beginner board.
My second board was a Focus 9' Smoothie. Stable and I learned to surf on it. Too short for real flat water exploring.
Best of luck!
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Jimmy Lewis has a good sale on right now. The Mission has fairly thin rails and might be something that could work for you. The Rail is priced really well for a top shelf DW board that gets good reviews for doing alright in flat water.
http://jimmylewis.com/shop/mission/
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Yep! Jimmy Lewis cruise control would be a great fW paddler. 974 brand spanking new. Check out the sizes available. Maroon!
Three sizes still available. Ask the people who have seen you paddle what they think!!!
No affiliation! They make GuD boards though!
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As mentioned it looks like you're looking for an all rounder type planing board as the Search is a planing board and typical displacement flat water boards typically are stout in the rails, something like that?
For a really reasonable cost this NSP has fairly low rails.This one is 10'11', 4 1/6 at it's thickest point in the middle, 186 liters. Paddles flat water fairly well and surfs small stuff with ease. I only paid $750 for it brand new in a local shop. It's a tad heavy but the 10'6 or 10' will be lighter and the cocomat layup is much lighter although more $. The Elements layup is fine for what it is if you're not too hard on your boards, unlike me.
Figured I'd throw it out there since I'm fond of low rails for flat water paddling myself. You can compare it to the Steeze right below, and the Surftech with full boxy 5 inch rails at the bottom.
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There’s a shop in Tampa that has/had a new Bark Excursion for cheap,
Urban Kia SUP https://www.urbankai.com/shop/Standup-Paddleboards/Paddle-Boards/p/Surftech-Bark-120-Excursion-x23040688.htm
Wow, if I was in the US I’d buy that immediately!
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Jimmy Lewis has a good sale on right now. The Mission has fairly thin rails and might be something that could work for you. The Rail is priced really well for a top shelf DW board that gets good reviews for doing alright in flat water.
http://jimmylewis.com/shop/mission/
I had a mission. Slow in flat water because of the big spoon nose and quite a bit of nose rocker. Didn’t surf great either. But is is a lovely stable and well-made tourer if you aren’t in a hurry, and it downwinds really well in a good blow. I preferred that to my 11x30 Cruise Control (which I also owned) for touring although the Cruise Control is much better to surf and is a great first board.
The Rail might be a bit specialised for the OP and is pretty thick in the rails in the middle. Nice board for more advanced ocean paddling though. And all the JL boards are made really well, and I find his graphics generally classy. They are the sort of boards you enjoy looking at as well as paddling, and I know it sounds wrong, but that does mean something to me. I don’t like these boards (step forward Starboard) that look like they belong in a dumpster the day you buy them, and that the paint and graphics were done by a hyperactive 5 year-old.
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The Rail might be a bit specialised for the OP and is pretty thick in the rails in the middle. Nice board for more advanced ocean paddling though. And all the JL boards are made really well, and I find his graphics generally classy. They are the sort of boards you enjoy looking at as well as paddling, and I know it sounds wrong, but that does mean something to me. I don’t like these boards (step forward Starboard) that look like they belong in a dumpster the day you buy them, and that the paint and graphics were done by a hyperactive 5 year-old.
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Once you add the deck all the way to the nose for the little doggy, the graphics don't really matter :D
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Jimmy Lewis has a good sale on right now. The Mission has fairly thin rails and might be something that could work for you. The Rail is priced really well for a top shelf DW board that gets good reviews for doing alright in flat water.
http://jimmylewis.com/shop/mission/
I had a mission. Slow in flat water because of the big spoon nose and quite a bit of nose rocker. Didn’t surf great either. But is is a lovely stable and well-made tourer if you aren’t in a hurry, and it downwinds really well in a good blow. I preferred that to my 11x30 Cruise Control (which I also owned) for touring although the Cruise Control is much better to surf and is a great first board.
The Rail might be a bit specialised for the OP and is pretty thick in the rails in the middle. Nice board for more advanced ocean paddling though. And all the JL boards are made really well, and I find his graphics generally classy. They are the sort of boards you enjoy looking at as well as paddling, and I know it sounds wrong, but that does mean something to me. I don’t like these boards (step forward Starboard) that look like they belong in a dumpster the day you buy them, and that the paint and graphics were done by a hyperactive 5 year-old.
I was thinking the Rail for myself:) although the Mission would’ve a fun board to have for goofing around on.
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The Rail might be a bit specialised for the OP and is pretty thick in the rails in the middle. Nice board for more advanced ocean paddling though. And all the JL boards are made really well, and I find his graphics generally classy. They are the sort of boards you enjoy looking at as well as paddling, and I know it sounds wrong, but that does mean something to me. I don’t like these boards (step forward Starboard) that look like they belong in a dumpster the day you buy them, and that the paint and graphics were done by a hyperactive 5 year-old.
Once you add the deck all the way to the nose for the little doggy, the graphics don't really matter :D
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I’d have to put deck pad on the bottom and rails of the board as well if I had a Starboard race board (and I did have one, an Ace, that was so ugly that my wife asked me to cover it in a tarpaulin when it was in the garden!).
A blue JL Rail 14x28 would make a beautiful all-conditions touring board though, if you don’t carry heavy loads. The 14x28 Maliko would do the same for a light(ish) person. I like the way the ocean boards feel planted when you paddle them, and don’t roll and get blown around by the wind.
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I wish I were closer to a lot of used boards.
Somewhere there is a Sunova for me, I think......somewhere....
Over the rainbow?
You all are a great help...thanks!
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I wish I were closer to a lot of used boards.
Somewhere there is a Sunova for me, I think......somewhere....
Over the rainbow?
You all are a great help...thanks!
Ah, just get any all-round board in the 11-12ft range and around 30” wide that you can find at a knockdown price and from a known brand. And then spend as much money as you can on a paddle upgrade. The paddle is more important than the board for paddling pleasure. A lovely light-but-strong paddle that suits your build and hands perfectly feels like a reassuring friend for life :)
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Seconding Robon's idea of the Starboard Freeride 12'2". There are both a 2014-16 1st gen and a 2017-on 2nd gen. I keep two 1st gens for (friends and family) because its a such a fast and user friendly board. The 30' width is great. The 32" width a trifle barge-like. The 1st gen has both old school and ergo handles, depending on the year. Don't have any experience with the 2nd gen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLCAUZzctFA
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I wish I were closer to a lot of used boards.
Somewhere there is a Sunova for me, I think......somewhere....
Over the rainbow?
You all are a great help...thanks!
Contact Creek and buy one of the 12’ PtBreaks coming to the states this spring! Or get that Bark in FL?
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I wish I were closer to a lot of used boards.
Somewhere there is a Sunova for me, I think......somewhere....
Over the rainbow?
You all are a great help...thanks!
Contact Creek and buy one of the 12’ PtBreaks coming to the states this spring! Or get that Bark in FL?
“PtBreak”?
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I wish I were closer to a lot of used boards.
Somewhere there is a Sunova for me, I think......somewhere....
Over the rainbow?
You all are a great help...thanks!
Contact Creek and buy one of the 12’ PtBreaks coming to the states this spring! Or get that Bark in FL?
“PtBreak”?
haven't you seen this thread: https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,34334.0.html
Check it out, might be just what you were looking for.
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haven't you seen this thread: https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,34334.0.html
Check it out, might be just what you were looking for.
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That looks like a great board, but the narrower Search would be better for me. Still just a dream, though......
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haven't you seen this thread: https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,34334.0.html
Check it out, might be just what you were looking for.
That looks like a great board, but the narrower Search would be better for me. Still just a dream, though......
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The OP started this thread saying that she wanted something cheaper than a new Sunova.
So we are looking for cheap options. That Bark would have been great.
I’d be looking at used boards. An old Naish Nalu 11-6 (29.75” wide I think) would be great, for instance. That’s a really lovely board for casual touring, albeit it’s not light. So many touring and all-round boards now are very wide, which can be an issue for women in particular.
Also, the first generation Naish Glide 12ft. 29.75” wide also I think. I have one. Very durable and light and although it has more rocker than you need for touring, it’s very easy and comfortable to use. If you can find one you could probably pick it up for next to nothing since they were sold around 2010-11 I think. But mine still looks the same as the day so got it. They built them much better back then.
Or you could even keep an eye out for a good condition Starboard Cruiser 12-6. 30” wide, and at one time one of the most popular SUPs on the planet (around 2007-2014 I’m guessing). So there are lots of examples around. Make sure you get one in good condition. They were as tough as nails though so that shouldn’t be hard.
Lots of cheap and good options around if you raid SUP’s back catalog.
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I think I’ll call to see what shipping might cost on that Bark. I don’t know if I can swing it.....but it’s worth a call.
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Don't overlook that Jimmy Lewis 11/6 cruze control sale... check the white carbon model $899 is a steal!
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+1 paddlejones. I did the original screen shot. Best of all these boards under discussion.
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The maroon in classic construction is 899. I don’t know much about these boards.
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The white in carbon is 899. His site is wonky right now.
The rails on his boards are much more refined and thinner than many of the boards being presented. No affiliation just trying to help.
Sniff around and see all of the folks on the zone
who snapped up all kinds of Jimmy's!
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For that 11/6 cruz control. Fantastic construction, for functionality stability, some boards come close, but nothing is better. As a cruzer for coastal & lakes, can surf small waves, this board is the best in my opinion
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The maroon in classic construction is 899. I don’t know much about these boards.
They are good. One of my first boards was a 11ft JL Cruise Control. Only a few weeks after starting SUP I paddled a 14 mile trip on it, and had a blast. To get the best out of it in surf you need to be quite heavy. But since you aren’t looking for a surf board that doesn’t matter. It’s very stable and easy board, and while it’s no race board, for its length and width, you can easily maintain a decent cruising pace on it.
Jimmy Lewis boards are beautifully made too. The classic construction is better than most boards’ fancy constructions. They will stay looking nice for a long time. I know lots of people who have had Cruise Control boards, and none have regretted it.
The White 11-6 in carbon at 899 is indeed a total bargain. But if you don’t want a white board and/or would prefer a 30” wide one, then there is a maroon 11-0 in classic construction for $924. That’s still an excellent price. 11-6x32 is a big board. Many women (in particular) might find the 11’0” x 30” plenty of board to carry, and easier to paddle than the bigger one. The 11’0 should be a comfortable distance cruiser for people up to about 150-160lbs or so.
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I can’t find a lot of info on the Bark Excursion. Does anyone have feedback on its build, strong points, etc?
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The maroon in classic construction is 899. I don’t know much about these boards.
They are good. One of my first boards was a 11ft JL Cruise Control. Only a few weeks after starting SUP I paddled a 14 mile trip on it, and had a blast. To get the best out of it in surf you need to be quite heavy. But since you aren’t looking for a surf board that doesn’t matter. It’s very stable and easy board, and while it’s no race board, for its length and width, you can easily maintain a decent cruising pace on it.
Jimmy Lewis boards are beautifully made too. The classic construction is better than most boards’ fancy constructions. They will stay looking nice for a long time. I know lots of people who have had Cruise Control boards, and none have regretted it.
The White 11-6 in carbon at 899 is indeed a total bargain. But if you don’t want a white board and/or would prefer a 30” wide one, then there is a maroon 11-0 in classic construction for $924. That’s still an excellent price. 11-6x32 is a big board. Many women (in particular) might find the 11’0” x 30” plenty of board to carry, and easier to paddle than the bigger one. The 11’0 should be a comfortable distance cruiser for people up to about 150-160lbs or so.
What do you think the weight ranges would be for the 10’6, 11, and 11’6? I can’t find much user info on the JL site.
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What do you think the weight ranges would be for the 10’6, 11, and 11’6? I can’t find much user info on the JL site.
For a reference, I can put some miles on my 10 foot board (31" wide and
150 liter). Not the best ride but still doable even with my 190LB on it.
Another thing to note is your paddle stroke comfort and efficiency.
On a 31" wide board stroke feels unnatural to me and certainly not efficient.
With that in mind I'd say the 11 would be a good compromise and
will float you plenty.
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The Bark deal in Florida is gone. I'm local and called to see what they had. They said they had 4 and moved all of them, pulled it off the website.
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The Bark deal in Florida is gone. I'm local and called to see what they had. They said they had 4 and moved all of them, pulled it off the website.
She who hesitates.....
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And Jimmy Deals changing. As they sell out!
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What do you think the weight ranges would be for the 10’6, 11, and 11’6? I can’t find much user info on the JL site.
For a reference, I can put some miles on my 10 foot board (31" wide and
150 liter). Not the best ride but still doable even with my 190LB on it.
Another thing to note is your paddle stroke comfort and efficiency.
On a 31" wide board stroke feels unnatural to me and certainly not efficient.
With that in mind I'd say the 11 would be a good compromise and
will float you plenty.
I agree.
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Smoking deal on the Exhibition, I would have been tempted to buy one as a backup board. Here's my two cents from last year....
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,33508.msg378053.html#msg378053 (https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,33508.msg378053.html#msg378053)
but I can't help adding a couple of cents more.
For starters, the Search is pretty unique in it's design. The extended low tapered rail line that gives it it's in the water stability and lack of corkyness, is also the reason why some users just call it flat out slow.
I'll be the 'Debbie Downer' here and say none of the boards suggest have thin rails (at all) and will feel nothing like the Search on the water, not even close. Even the Exhibition with it super thin tail carries much of it's thickness in the standing area to the rails and will not give you that low in the water feeling the Search has.
Best I can do is suggest you get over the Search (I did) and take a look at a different Sunova, the Surf 10'6" x 30". Plenty of volume to cruise on, not too wide and you'll still get some of that Sunova feel with it's low volume (158 l). It's just a starting point, as there are a ton of similar longboard style SUPs out there, but when it comes to the Search, there is only one.
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Smoking deal on the Exhibition, I would have been tempted to buy one as a backup board. Here's my two cents from last year....
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,33508.msg378053.html#msg378053 (https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,33508.msg378053.html#msg378053)
but I can't help adding a couple of cents more.
For starters, the Search is pretty unique in it's design. The extended low tapered rail line that gives it it's in the water stability and lack of corkyness, is also the reason why some users just call it flat out slow.
I'll be the 'Debbie Downer' here and say none of the boards suggest have thin rails (at all) and will feel nothing like the Search on the water, not even close. Even the Exhibition with it super thin tail carries much of it's thickness in the standing area to the rails and will not give you that low in the water feeling the Search has.
Best I can do is suggest you get over the Search (I did) and take a look at a different Sunova, the Surf 10'6" x 30". Plenty of volume to cruise on, not too wide and you'll still get some of that Sunova feel with it's low volume (158 l). It's just a starting point, as there are a ton of similar longboard style SUPs out there, but when it comes to the Search, there is only one.
I’ve lost track of the Exhibition deal—where was that? All there is around here is a 12’6 Bic Wing, which I know is not anything Zoners would get excited about. Maybe it would work for me? I don’t know.
I’ll check out the Sunova Surf, though. I can’t go wider than 30”...that would be very uncomfortable for me. Eventually someone on the zone will want to sell an awesome board, I think.
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Whoops! I meant Excursion!
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I’m thinking the JL Cruise Control 11’ might be better than the 10’6.
10’6″x28.75″x4.3″ (150L)
11’0″x30″x4.4″ (170L)
11’6″x32″x4.6″ (200L)
For glide, chop, wind, cruising. ?.?
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I think you have the right idea.
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Weight on the board will range from 155 to 190.
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I’m thinking the JL Cruise Control 11’ might be better than the 10’6.
10’6″x28.75″x4.3″ (150L)
11’0″x30″x4.4″ (170L)
11’6″x32″x4.6″ (200L)
For glide, chop, wind, cruising. ?.?
Yes, as I said before, the 11-0 is the one to have.
Keep an eye out for a 11-6 Naish Nalu (29.75” wide) too. They make a really nice and stable distance cruiser. You quite often find them on special offer these days because most all-round/surf SUPs have either gone really wide (too wide, IMO), or too short for cruising. So the demand for them has waned. But they are the sort of board you keep forever because they are so versatile and nice to paddle.
The 11-4 Nalu would probably be an option too. As an example of what to look for, there’s an older model (2015) one here on special offer currently listed at 899 USD I think:
https://www.bigwinds.com/naish-sup-15-sup-board-nalu
Or maybe even a Naish Quest 11-2. On the downside it’s 32” wide and a bit heavy. But the upsides are many: It is crazy stable, looks great, will be durable, and you can find some at bargain prices like this:
https://www.standonliquid.com/paddle-board-brands/naish-surfing/naish-quest-11-2-paddle-board
You could ask the zoner DavidJohn about these. I think he’s a fan of the Quests.
If you buy boards as heavily discounted as these, you will probably lose very little when and if you decide to move them on. None of them feel corky, and your feet are only just above water level when you are on them.
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I’m thinking the JL Cruise Control 11’ might be better than the 10’6.
10’6″x28.75″x4.3″ (150L)
11’0″x30″x4.4″ (170L)
11’6″x32″x4.6″ (200L)
For glide, chop, wind, cruising. ?.?
Yes, as I said before, the 11-0 is the one to have.
Keep an eye out for a 11-6 Naish Nalu (29.75” wide) too. They make a really nice and stable distance cruiser. You quite often find them on special offer these days because most all-round/surf SUPs have either gone really wide (too wide, IMO), or too short for cruising. So the demand for them has waned. But they are the sort of board you keep forever because they are so versatile and nice to paddle.
The 11-4 Nalu would probably be an option too. As an example of what to look for, there’s an older model (2015) one here on special offer currently listed at 899 USD I think:
https://www.bigwinds.com/naish-sup-15-sup-board-nalu
I actually had that exact Nalu, thanks to Pono, but I had to leave it behind in Seattle. Totally sucked doing that, and now I’m screwed. I wish I could find a great used board on the forum. I’m considering the JL, but that’s a $$ hit for me.
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Ok. Well, then also keep your eyes open for a cheap JP 12'6" x 30" Hybrid. That’s a board that would fulfil your wishes well, as well. This is another board that has been around for a couple of years and you can sometimes find older models discounted.
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I can’t find some details on the JL boards, so I emailed them with a few questions. Are the JL boards pretty tough? I’m not going to throw it around, but stuff happens. It would be a while before I could afford a board bag and rail tape.
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I can’t find some details on the JL boards, so I emailed them with a few questions. Are the JL boards pretty tough? I’m not going to throw it around, but stuff happens. It would be a while before I could afford a board bag and rail tape.
The build quality of the JL boards is probably the best you can get without going custom.
The JL Mission (originally called the Albatross) is a great cruiser board too, if you can find one. You occasionally see older models heavily discounted in sales or on the used market. 12-6 by 29” wide. It’s not a fast board but it is super-stable, and you can carry loads on it, and it’s not a thick board at all. The bonus is that it’s a really good pocket downwinder if the wind really gets up - it can handle just about any bad weather/chop you can imagine.
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Jimmy Lewis boards excellent finish and bomber, bullet proof, probably the toughest production boards out there.
Somewhere there is a vid of a car driving over one!
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Jimmy Lewis boards excellent finish and bomber, bullet proof, probably the toughest production boards out there.
Somewhere there is a vid of a car driving over one!
Yes but it was a small car :-)
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Yet another question.....if I can round up the $1050, is the Cruise Control the best board for the buck, for my purposes?
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Yet another question.....if I can round up the $1050, is the Cruise Control the best board for the buck, for my purposes?
The Cruise Control is a high quality board, the price is right, but in all honesty, I do not think it is the best option available to you for what you want to do, and other boards are available in that price range that are more suited for your purposes. If you just want to get out there and start paddling, then it's a good choice, and it will work just fine for cruising around, but you were also originally looking into the Search, which is a foot longer in the 12' length, and would make for a better touring board.
You are not a big person, but an 11 x 30" foot all arounder will start to be somewhat limiting when you begin to tour longer distances, want to bring some extra gear, your dog, etc. All around boards are fun, and get you out there, but are still essentially surf boards as opposed to being more effective cruisers.
As previously mentioned, the Starboard Freeride is a better option for you imo, and so is the Bark Excursion, and you can get both for close to the same price as the Cruise Control at some shops.. Jimmy Lewis also has the mission on sale, but it's a bit more expensive than the Cruise Control, but at 12'6", would be better for cruising, carrying gear, but still has thin rails, and a width that accommodates an effective stroke.
https://h2outlet.myshopify.com/collections/stand-up-paddleboards/products/12-bark-excursion
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Since we've gone off the rails from the Search and I threw the 'Sunova Surf' out to get you some of the Sunova feel, I figure at this point, my Excursion and any longboard style SUP isn't going to cut it. Here's a much better compromise.
Check out the Surftech Aleka 11'2" at REI. It's shaped by the legendary Joe Bark (I'm a fan and he did start the Race board revolution) , the shape is a nice blend of a surfable touring board which at 29" is narrower then most and looks ideal for the lighter smaller paddler. Compared to the Cruise Control, it's going to be lighter, quicker and more agile. The Surftech construction is excellent and it's on sale at REI. Board of the Year at Outside Magazine if you buy into that marmalade.
https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/151316/surftech-bark-prana-aleka-stand-up-paddle-board-11-2 (https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/151316/surftech-bark-prana-aleka-stand-up-paddle-board-11-2)
https://www.outsideonline.com/2304521/best-stand-paddleboards-2018 (https://www.outsideonline.com/2304521/best-stand-paddleboards-2018)
And if you really want to go off the rails and impress everyone, get the 'Rail'. It looks like it is half off at JL and that's an insane deal.
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Thank you to all of you for your input! Lots for me to think about!
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Thank you to all of you for your input! Lots for me to think about!
The closest option discussed here to the Search, and the best value price you have been shown, is that Bark Excursion. I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t buy it at 999 USD as advertised, by robon. I would, without hesitation, and I already own 20 boards! The only downside of the Bark is that it would not be as durable as the Cruise Control. In fact you’d need to be gentle with it. Some people find this a problem, but personally I’ve owned 3 Barks (and still own one) in that construction (Pro-Elite) and they still look pretty much the same as the day I got them. But then I don’t feel the burning need to bash them into things five times a day like some folks seem to, and I don’t take dogs on my SUP etc.
I agree with the rest of what robon says too. You can usually find older Starboard Freerides in eg. Startouch (basic) construction, going very cheaply. They are tough
and durable.
So, whilst a 11-0 Cruise Control would certainly not be a mistake, I doubt if it’s the “biggest bang for the buck” that you could possibly find, for what you want.
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Area10, what great fortune to own 20 boards! That’s wonderful!
I’ve gotten in touch with h2outlet via Facebook, and I also emailed Surftech to see if h2outlet belongs to them. The h2outlet website has no address or phone number, which makes me wary, but they do have a California address on their FB page. There’s another thread on the Zone that talks about this retailer.
I’m not real concerned about having a board that can carry more than just me. I’ll have the board longer than I’ll have my little dog. She’s getting older, so I’m already cutting back on her activity. She does like to sit on a board or kayak, though! No stress for her!
When she’s not on the board, I’ll try small waves. Like, really small!
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Ah, OK, it hadn’t occurred to me that that retailer might be dodgy. Hmm...
And yes, 20 boards is pretty ridiculous. I’ve probably owned and sold another 20 on top of that. Trying new equipment and searching for the perfect match (for me, and for what I do) is part of the fun for me. But I’m slowing down my purchasing - I only bought 2 boards last year. I got a custom unlimited the year before, and since it was made for me, and I know what works for me, and the shaper is local so understands our conditions, it’s hardly a surprise perhaps that it’s made most of my other boards redundant. I’ll probably have a clear-out sale this summer. Maybe then use the money to buy another custom, if I can persuade the shaper to make another board. Although it’s possible that Brexit will completely collapse the UK economy (maybe even take the European Union with it if there’s a no-Deal Brexit) and I won’t be able to sell them even for peanuts. Happy times.
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Eventually I hope to have TWO boards!
OMG, Brexit. Splitting the UK like 2016 split the US. I hope y’all get another vote and Brexit is called off.
On the subject of Sunovas......I did not like Creek’s boards with the concave deck. That isn’t for me. Th others, though...yes!
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Eventually I hope to have TWO boards!
OMG, Brexit. Splitting the UK like 2016 split the US. I hope y’all get another vote and Brexit is called off.
On the subject of Sunovas......I did not like Creek’s boards with the concave deck. That isn’t for me. Th others, though...yes!
Yes, there are substantial parallels between the Trump phenomenon and Brexit. I’ve never known social polarisation even remotely like it. It’s tough to see how the pieces will ever be put back together again.
I’m not a fan of bird-bath/clog SUPs either. They can be effective for racing, but they are pretty annoying to use and own if you don’t race. And they are just plain ugly.
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Brexit promoters and Trump--both are very sad.
Both make big promises to restrict refugee immigration. It gets votes for them.
Supporters and voters liked this for reasons obvious to all but their political opponents.
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California Kiteboarding and Boardworks California have decent prices on the cheaper (Starshot) Starboards, and Naish, too.
Freeride 12’2 x 30, Touring 11’6 x 29, Naish Glide 11’6 x 29.5.
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https://www.bigwinds.com/sunova-sup-faast
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https://www.bigwinds.com/sunova-sup-faast
That’s very good value. It won’t be much like the Search to paddle, and will be less stable, but in the long term would be more rewarding for fitness and distance paddling (and maybe the odd race too).
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In honor of my latest birthday ending in “0”, I’ve decided that I should not rule our surfing! I don’t live on a coast (yet), so it will be a drawn out learning process, and on very small waves. So, now I need a more versatile board. Can’t wait!
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Not sure which “0” it is Spirit, but Happy Birthday to you in any case. And if it’s any consolation, I’ve passed many ending in “0” birthdays in my time! :)
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Not sure which “0” it is Spirit, but Happy Birthday to you in any case. And if it’s any consolation, I’ve passed many ending in “0” birthdays in my time! :)
Thank you, Quick! As I recall from our emails, we’re very close in age. Still going!
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Not sure which “0” it is Spirit, but Happy Birthday to you in any case. And if it’s any consolation, I’ve passed many ending in “0” birthdays in my time! :)
Thank you, Quick! As I recall from our emails, we’re very close in age. Still going!
Hi “C”. Yes, I think we’re close, although if I remember correctly I may have reached my “zeros” a bit before you (ha! ha!). And yes, still going indeed. In fact, still going strong, I’d say!!!
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I ordered an 11’ Cruise Control today—-I’m excited! Jimmy was a breeze to work with, and very helpful. Though I’m not a huge fan of white, I went with it just to minimize heat on road trips.
I had wavered between this board and the Hanalei 10’8, but he leaned toward the CC. Maybe the next board??
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Congrats Spirit, great choice!
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youre in! patience paid off
nice, you will enjoy life with this board
you got a paddle? just blew out my zre for a px you wouldve enjoyed
might have a konihi 84 with xtuff and ergo t that could be blown outta brooklyn.............
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Fab news! Looking forward to hearing your first impressions of the Cruise Control!
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youre in! patience paid off
nice, you will enjoy life with this board
you got a paddle? just blew out my zre for a px you wouldve enjoyed
might have a konihi 84 with xtuff and ergo t that could be blown outta brooklyn.............
I know you don’t want to ship stuff, but I could use an xtuff (not xtuff-s) shaft. Keep me posted on the blow out!
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Congrats Spirit. I think you'll have a blast. I want one too.
I put a friend of mine on this thread and it seems like he
decided to follow your lead. Order is probably soon to follow.
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Congratulations Spirit. I don’t know the board, but I do know how exciting it is to get a new board. I’m sure you are going to love it! :)
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Nice choice. I'm sure the decision process was a bit of fun but now the real fun starts.
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Well how about that! I know a guy who suggested that board..
Good luck with it! Have fun!
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How cool that others are considering this board! It was a process trying to find one that wouldn’t be too big. I’m pretty sure I’m going to love it! I couldn’t have gotten it at the full price, though.
Thanks to all who have helped me along on my paddling journey.
I’m a bit nervous about having a board shipped, but I’m optimistic that it will arrive in perfect condition.
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How cool that others are considering this board! It was a process trying to find one that wouldn’t be too big. I’m pretty sure I’m going to love it! I couldn’t have gotten it at the full price, though.
Thanks to all who have helped me along on my paddling journey.
I’m a bit nervous about having a board shipped, but I’m optimistic that it will arrive in perfect condition.
Do not worry. One of the guys here in the forum ordered one through the sale, got the board severely damaged. A quick phone call the Jimmy and a new board was shipped to him the same day
or the next if memory serves. got it soon after, perfect condition. It's so reassuring to have such great support behind a product.
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How cool that others are considering this board! It was a process trying to find one that wouldn’t be too big. I’m pretty sure I’m going to love it! I couldn’t have gotten it at the full price, though.
Thanks to all who have helped me along on my paddling journey.
I’m a bit nervous about having a board shipped, but I’m optimistic that it will arrive in perfect condition.
Do not worry. One of the guys here in the forum ordered one through the sale, got the board severely damaged. A quick phone call the Jimmy and a new board was shipped to him the same day
or the next if memory serves. got it soon after, perfect condition. It's so reassuring to have such great support behind a product.
Thanks for that reassurance. Jimmy has been incredible to work with. Very accessible. I know he’s got my back, but I sure hope the first delivery works out!
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The board will be here Tuesday! I’m nervous about the inspection. Surely it will be easy to spot fedex-caused dents or dings?
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Going to be a great spring for paddling! I've got my fingers crossed for the safe delivery of your first baby ;)
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Going to be a great spring for paddling! I've got my fingers crossed for the safe delivery of your first baby ;)
🙂👍🙂🏄🏻♀️
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The board will be here Tuesday! I’m nervous about the inspection. Surely it will be easy to spot fedex-caused dents or dings?
If you’re picking it up at a shipping company, don’t be shy about unboxing there.
Inbox and unbox before signing. Take photos of any tears in the cardboard. Don’t worry. These are just best practices... in case the unlikely occurs. I’ve gone through the process a few times with never any problem. AND you get to leave the packing material with the shipping company.
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The board will be here Tuesday! I’m nervous about the inspection. Surely it will be easy to spot fedex-caused dents or dings?
If you’re picking it up at a shipping company, don’t be shy about unboxing there.
Inbox and unbox before signing. Take photos of any tears in the cardboard. Don’t worry. These are just best practices... in case the unlikely occurs. I’ve gone through the process a few times with never any problem. AND you get to leave the packing material with the shipping company.
It’s getting delivered to my house by fedex. I’ll take pictures before and after, and no signature until I’m absolutely sure it’s okay. It should be fine....hope so....but Jimmy will replace it if he needs to. He’s encouraging a thorough 8nspection so he can make a claim if necessary.
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The board arrived today, but I had to send it back. 😫. It had a dent in the bottom, and a scratch and scuff on the rail. The box was beat to shit. It’s amazing how anything can withstand fedex!
The board was otherwise beautiful, though. Very light, too. Will #2 be perfect? I don’t know!
I really think they don’t put enough packing around the boards. The rails had no padding except for the box, and you know those warehouse guys are throwing it around like mad.
Darn.
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That’s a great shame, but all too common, I’m afraid. And you are right, the brands never use anything as much packing materials as they need to. Mind you, it’s almost impossible to protect a board against fork lifts etc.
If the dings were only cosmetic, could you have negotiated some money off from Jimmy, and kept it?
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That's a bummer :'( I guess I didn't keep my finger crossed long enough... Maybe they'll pack it a little better on the next one.
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That’s a great shame, but all too common, I’m afraid. And you are right, the brands never use anything as much packing materials as they need to. Mind you, it’s almost impossible to protect a board against fork lifts etc.
If the dings were only cosmetic, could you have negotiated some money off from Jimmy, and kept it?
I don’t know.... I couldn’t tell if the rail scratch was just cosmetic, and I’m already getting it for half-price. The thing is, I couldn’t sign for it because that would negate the claim, and I couldn’t call Jimmy because of the time difference, so I really had no choice but to send it back with fedex. I do think they used fork lifts in the board, plus throwing it around so it landed on the rail. The box was very light, so I bet warehouse workers looked at the box and assumed it would be heavy, and then threw it way harder than they needed to.
Okay...maybe the next one will be okay!
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That's a bummer :'( I guess I didn't keep my finger crossed long enough... Maybe they'll pack it a little better on the next one.
I think they need styrofoam running along the rails, for sure. I wonder what they do with the damaged boards? Does fedex keep them, or do the companies have a “scratch and dent” sale?
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Better luck with the next one Spirit!
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Board number two returned with a demolished rail. 😢😢
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This is madness >:( Third time is a charm
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Hi Spirit. That’s a real shame. So sorry to hear this. You would think after you sent the first one back they would get it right. Hopefully the next one is good!
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Hi Spirit. That’s a real shame. So sorry to hear this. You would think after you sent the first one back they would get it right. Hopefully the next one is good!
The problem now is they might run out of that board. That’s okay ....I’ll get a Hanalei instead. But will it make it? Should we place bets?
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I got it! After a few tense moments at the freight terminal at the Charlotte airport, the board was tied on and driven home. It’s really beautiful! So, on the third try, I actually got a board that I like more than the all-white ones that were damaged by fedex.
I got 38.9 mpg to Charlotte, 28.1 back. Ouch! Lots of wind and a mountain to go over, but that was true in both directions. That’s a brutal mpg hit.
Once I get the rail tape on (I’m kind of dreading that), I’ll take it out.
Yay!
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More pics
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Congratulations on your new board- it looks great! Well worth the wait! Enjoy!!!!
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Wow! I think the couriers actually did you a favour in the long run - that board is lovely. You are going to really love it.
Use LOTS of water when you rail tape, and make sure you do it in warm (but not hot) conditions. I find it easier to start by affixing the middle of the tape to where I want it (usually centred to the middle of the handle, or a bit ahead, depending on the board and length of tape) and then working outwards (one end at a time), rather than starting at one end and doing it all the way to the other. But everyone has their preferred method.
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Thanks, guys! A10, no problem with it being warm here! 🌞. I’ll do it outside on the shady side of the car, so it won’t be too hot. The good thing is that the tape is removable!
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So what started almost almost 4 months ago, has ended happily after all. You have the perfect board for you in your hands. Just in time for summer:)
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Checking in saw "Thin Rails not for Surfing" and was hoping that your luck had changed!
Looks great in pics have fun on it!
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You guys are the best! Wow, was it really four months ago? The timing is perfect, indeed. I hope to share my own amateurish on-the-water report soon.
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Beautiful board! I'm jealous. Have fun and let us know how you like it. 8)
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Hi Spirit. I just got home from vacation today and saw that you got your new board. Major congratulations.
Sometimes good things are worth waiting for!
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It’s great! I got started on this journey a long time go with a Red Paddle Co 10’ surfer. Then Rick, Pono, and stoneaxe gave me a boost with their amazing generosity. And then all of you with your advice and knowledge——thanks to you!
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Your new board is a "looker"! Looking forward to your first review of it.