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Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Seawalker on January 09, 2022, 11:44:12 AM

Title: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on January 09, 2022, 11:44:12 AM
Hey all,

I’ve been riding a Red Sport 11 x 30 ISUP and am looking for a hard board. Either 12’6 or maybe 14.

Weight: 160
Height 5’4
Age: 42
Hair : balding

Looking back at old post in the forum, 26 inch width comes up a quite bit as a progression for stepping down from an all around ISUP. But, I still struggle with balance in side chop, heavy chop and successive boat wakes. Can’t focus on paddling as much, but I don’t fall off much. But, love the challenge! definitely am experiencing the limitations of my board I think. The nose gets knocked around easy. 

I also paddle with two other guys on all arounds boards. We like to paddle from flat water out to the open water, up wind and get blown back in - but definitely not real downwinders lol
So I’m looking for something with more performance than I have now - but not sure if an all water race board is gonna be too much paddling with the other guys on All around hard boards.

Starboard Generation seems like it might be a good fit, although I won’t be surfing around here. There is a new SIC Bayonet for sale on FB market place right now for 2k, or maybe an SiC Okeanos.

Too many choices!!!
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Dusk Patrol on January 09, 2022, 06:45:42 PM
Hey - The Bayonet is probably a bit more downwind specialized than you're currently looking for. The Okeanos is a good board but a little heavy and you might find it limiting on the growth side, as you progress. Of SICs board you could look at a Bullet or an RS. The RS is a great everything board, fast and great in chop, and stable. I use mine in an in-city lake with wind chop, boat wakes, cross chop, etc.  I wouldn't worry about being too fast in the company of your friends on all-arounders.  They may come around  : ).   The Starboard Generation would be a great choice. Just because Starboard markets it as able to surf, I don't think you not surfing should be an obstacle to getting one. I have a predecessor (a 2015 first gen Freeride) shaped on the same principles, and I love that thing.       
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: supmmmm on January 09, 2022, 08:15:54 PM
I went from (in width) 30” to 27.5” to 26” and finally settled on a 24”x14’.
Along the way I also changed my stance to a semi surf for fore/aft stability and use my paddle stroke for side to side stability.
I also switch stance my foot position - tend to brace (paddle) on the opposite side from where any energy might be hitting me from.
And I’ve gotten to a point where I’m looking ahead/to
The side and at any wind / chop that’s coming at me - not really eyeballing my immediate stance and keeping that stroke going really helps with the stability.
Once I get the board going, which ever side I’m paddling on - it feels as if I’m falling/tipping a bit in that direction and the stroke keeps me upright- providing a ton of stability 🤙
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on January 10, 2022, 10:16:23 AM
Thanks for the advice! It’s especially hard to demo boards when everything is on back order due to supply chain.

Dust Patrol, The RS was actually at the top of my list until the price shot up recently, then I started looking at other options. Great to know about the Generation. Wasn’t sure if it had too much nose rocker. Think I’d rather have an RS but the Generations can actually found in stock atm. actually thought the Bayonet would make a better all around board than the Bullet but sounds like I had it backwards.

Supmmm, no doubt my technique and skill need improvement. How long was your transition from 27.5 to 24? When I’m in heavy chop, I try and keep my paddle in the water for a brace, which usually means my stroke slows way down so as not to burn out from high cadence. . So power and speed suffer to stability. Usually my quads are burning out as well from lowered stance. I think I know what you mean about the back foot stance. I do this too sometimes as it makes for a stable tripod. Just need to get better at shuffling my feet.

If I were to go with a Generation, they now offer it in a 26 and 28 x 14
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on January 10, 2022, 10:20:37 AM
Duplicate Post
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Dusk Patrol on January 10, 2022, 11:16:20 AM
I don't think you're wrong about the Bayonet and Bullet. I just remember conversations I had with guys when the Bayonet came out, that at least in the downwind context (the Gorge) the report was that Bayonet was a higher performance, more demanding board.

But I recall it has a lower rocker than the Bullet, making it potentially better on flat water in that respect.   

What I like about the Generation is that it seems like just a fun board, to hop on and not think twice about it.
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on January 10, 2022, 12:22:18 PM
Gotcha, yes I read that too in downwind context.

Is the general rule of thumb that more rocker = better in rough water, slower in flat?
I find it interesting that the RS does so well in chop but leans on the flat side, if you know what I mean
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: supmmmm on January 10, 2022, 02:28:23 PM
transition from 27.5 to 24 was over the course of one summer. What took me a bit of time to get used to was the change in length. Everything I was paddling was 12.6” - when I steeped down to the 24” x 14’ initially the side to side stability was an issue but I learned to trust in the length coupled with the stance change. I can really push on my front foot as I plant the paddle stroke and it’s just such a solid feeling.
And on your point on rocker- my 14’ is pretty flat and was worried about it in waves n chop but it does fine - had to wax the back of the board as it’s narrow and slippery back there when surfing it 🤙
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: supthecreek on January 11, 2022, 06:14:18 AM
Hey all,

I’ve been riding a Red Sport 11 x 30 ISUP and am looking for a hard board. Either 12’6 or maybe 14.

Weight: 160
Height 5’4
Age: 42
Hair : balding

Looking back at old post in the forum, 26 inch width comes up a quite bit as a progression for stepping down from an all around ISUP. But, I still struggle with balance in side chop, heavy chop and successive boat wakes. Can’t focus on paddling as much, but I don’t fall off much. But, love the challenge! definitely am experiencing the limitations of my board I think. The nose gets knocked around easy. 

I also paddle with two other guys on all arounds boards. We like to paddle from flat water out to the open water, up wind and get blown back in - but definitely not real downwinders lol
So I’m looking for something with more performance than I have now - but not sure if an all water race board is gonna be too much paddling with the other guys on All around hard boards.

Starboard Generation seems like it might be a good fit, although I won’t be surfing around here. There is a new SIC Bayonet for sale on FB market place right now for 2k, or maybe an SiC Okeanos.

Too many choices!!!

Hi Walker

If your goal is to be more comfortable as you paddle with your buddies on Allrounders, then going narrow isn't going to work IMO... you will spend all your time waiting for them, and falling over.

Being a loner who has paddled flat-water on everything from an 8'3 to 14'.... I have seen most of the people who were in it for the speed, slowly fade from the scene.
To me paddling is about enjoying my time on the water, on whatever board I am on.
Being comfortable as you absorb the nature around is relaxing.

Really consider what it is that YOU want.
Enjoying your outings with friends is pretty awesome.

If you want to step out from them.... go with something faster

Here's a video I made 5 years ago, winter paddling boards from 9'5 to 14' -- from 30" wide to 36" wide.
After the 5 min mark it really changes to more variety of locations, different boards... from blizzards and paddling in ice, to warm calm winter days cruising estuaries and creeks.

There's more to this sport than going fast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cyrClGTaG0
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: PonoBill on January 11, 2022, 04:45:42 PM
I have both a 17' Bayonet and a Bullet in Hood River. The bayonet is a blast, but it's a handful. The bullet is easy money. I think that's equally true for the 14' boards. I paddled a wide 14 bullet (loaned by SIC) in the Battle of the Paddle distance race because the conditions were ridiculously choppy and I couldn't stay up on my Infinity Blackfish. The wide bullet was amazing--super stable but still fast. If you could find one of those used you'd be in luck.

And Creek is 100 percent right about the benefits of staying wide.

I'd look on craigslist in the downwind hotspots. Most of the folks that had downwind fever a few years ago are wingfoilers now, and the used boards in those areas are selling for peanuts. I've seen good downwind boards here on Maui for well under 1K--like $500. And they still don't sell.
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: supmmmm on January 11, 2022, 05:07:14 PM
Yes - dig through the classifieds on here - some great boards have come up for crazy low dollars that I wished I could bring back to the east coast. Some of them might still be languishing in garages, etc.
Btw - my fave board for all around cruising was an old starboard blend - think that was 11’3” x at least 30” wide. 🤙
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Dusk Patrol on January 11, 2022, 05:25:41 PM
Is the general rule of thumb that more rocker = better in rough water, slower in flat?
I find it interesting that the RS does so well in chop but leans on the flat side, if you know what I mean

There are a few things going on. (And I'm sure there are Zoners more articulate about these things...)

Less rocker means more board in contact with the water... longer waterline is faster. So its good for flat water in that respect.  More rocker is slower in flat water because less of the board is in contact with the water.
 
More rocker is generally better in rough water because it's better able to take whatever the water throws at you....  rough water will have troughs to fit in, and waves/chop that can catch or move around the front of your board if it is embedded in the water, Also more rocker means less likely to pearl.  Rocker's purpose really is to keep a board in a surfing aspect in relation to a wave. Different waves - different rocker.

Chop affects boards with flat slab sides for it to hit, and affects a bow that is a piercing bow and thus like an immovable object for chop to react against.  Check the front of boards like the SIC RS, or a S'board Allstar, or Infinity Blackfish... rounded and high volume.  Chop hits the rounded sides and tends to flow around it, so the board isn't as affected. That's why the RS is fast (flat) and stable in chop (the front end and nose).       

Where are you at location-wise?

     
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on January 12, 2022, 11:55:49 AM
Thanks all!

Creek, cool video. And yes well said about just enjoying time outdoors with buddies.

One thing I’ve noticed on my 30 inch Red paddle co is a little narrower would help my shorter arms keep my paddle more vertical. Maybe 28” would be a good compromise on width then for all around use then. Sounds like maybe I need a generation and an RS and a Maliko and a Bullet ;)

I’ll keep my eye on classifieds. I’m in Maryland and paddle on the Chesapeake Bay. I see a lot of boards on FB marketplace sit for months since I’ve been checking it. There is a used 2020 RS on there for 3k, dude is trying to take advantage of the supply chain crisis I guess.

Hardly ever see other folks on race boards around here. I hope that I doesn’t mean SUP in general is dying. I’d like to see more pewoplemget involved behind just your typical rental places!
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Luc Benac on January 12, 2022, 04:22:40 PM
I rarely paddle without chop, steep and confused from tide, sandbars, rivers and side winds.
I would suggest three boards that I have personal experience with in no specific order:
1) Bark Vapor 14x26
2) Naish Maliko 2020 preferred but 2019 also good
3) Sunova Torpedo
Adjust width from 25.5 to 27 or 28" based on your size, weight and taste for comfort over speed.


These are fast and will get you where you want to go coupled with the right fin. Quartering won't be a total nightmare anymore.

Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: spindrift on January 13, 2022, 09:56:09 AM
After reading the responses I would add that there is a a big difference between how an inflatable and a hard board perform. You will notice a significant difference in how a hardboard feels under foot in heightened sensitivity and control. Jumping from an inflatable to a more efficient outline in a composite board will make a big difference. You may find that a moderately narrow outline with 29 to 30" will be sufficient to give you the performance you want. My favorite touring board is an old 14' Naish Glide that is 29" wide.

I think you will regret going to a 26" wide board and strongly recommend you try one before you spend the money.
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on January 14, 2022, 07:49:57 PM
Thanks for all the great advice and suggestions.

Unless something comes up used I’ll probably go with a Generation in 28”. I’ll post back when I do
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: white water on March 01, 2022, 04:59:00 PM
Beautiful video, Creek.
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on March 04, 2022, 12:20:27 PM
Maestros,

I was reading an old thread about the Infinity Blackfish, Luc mentioned that the 14 x 27 was a lot unless your a big dude - that I am not! At 160lb with extra padding to shed, would this make the board feel more buoyant - corky, what are the disadvantages ? Like Is there a trade off between going wider for stability but gaining too much volume?

I did wind up reserving a Starboard Gen, but then the shop called last week and said they won’t be getting any until August now! But I can still order one online.
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: supmmmm on March 04, 2022, 12:37:26 PM
Yes to the cork factor - really noticed it when recently when I borrowed a 14’x30” JP down in the DR for a paddle out to the reef and back. There was a lot of board to push through the chop. Where my svelte 14’x24” just pierces and can sometimes get really low in the water line yet keeps on going.
For me personally- I like my surf sups and the one racebaord that settled on to have barely enough float. Hope that helps
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Luc Benac on March 04, 2022, 04:01:33 PM
Maestros,

I was reading an old thread about the Infinity Blackfish, Luc mentioned that the 14 x 27 was a lot unless your a big dude - that I am not! At 160lb with extra padding to shed, would this make the board feel more buoyant - corky, what are the disadvantages ? Like Is there a trade off between going wider for stability but gaining too much volume?

I did wind up reserving a Starboard Gen, but then the shop called last week and said they won’t be getting any until August now! But I can still order one online.

I do a lot of steep chop and quartering, and I prefer low volume/low profile a bit wide/narrow tail (25~27 is considered extremely wide these days...) at 170+ lbs, that is what works for me. YMMV.
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on March 05, 2022, 07:46:46 AM
Thanks guys, very helpful. The idea of quartering or punching through chop trying to keep a battleship on course doesn’t sound fun. Maybe I should be going 24.5-26 max
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Seawalker on May 15, 2022, 03:50:13 PM
Thought I’d post an update for the archives. Starboard Generation finally arrived. I got the 12’6 x 28 Lite tech.

My first impressions of the board is that it is great for the chop! There is a huge difference just riding into a little boat wake. The bow doesn’t get knocked around around as easy as my iSUP.

On flat water, I didn’t notice that much difference in speed compared to my Red sport 11. The generation definitely looses some water line with the kicked up bow. And you hear the water slapping underneath the nose as a reminder.

The board feels a *little narrow (to me anyway) but is surprisingly stable. The wider point is forward of the Handle which gives that perception.  I also think the double concave bottom shape and the rails really push back as the board rolls.

Overall, pretty much agree with all the reviews out there on the generation!. Seems like a great all around board. I was tempted to go with the SiC Okeanos 27”, but the wider tail and new higher price steered me away. The generation is definitely a great value!
Title: Re: Board recommendations for the chop
Post by: Dusk Patrol on May 16, 2022, 09:44:26 AM
Awesome that you’re stoked with the board. Surf some of those boat wakes!
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