Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: devon_sup_surf on June 08, 2022, 06:26:33 PM
-
Hi guys
I haven't done much sup surfing for the past couple of years and I'm longing to get back into it. I have posted on here about the mistakes of going too short in the past. For reference I'm 10kg overweight atm which isn't helping. 105kg 6'1 late 30s.
Currently riding a starboard pro 9'2 128L. It's lovely. But it's hard work atm. Even when I'm the right weight- cruising the line up and catching 8/10 waves like I could with my laird isn't possible.
Part of the lairds magic was it's length and shape. But also its weight. In the era of modern carbon boards- people shy away from weight. But actually I miss a bit of momentum when paddling for a wave enjoying.
With thought- the laird was nearly perfect for me. 10'6. 29 3/4" wide. 154L.
So- can I ask what shapes are out there now that's close to the laird ? I would happily lose a few litres- 140-145 would be ideal.
-
This is an easy one. Call Bob Pearson and order one. He's still alive and well and could make you one of "the real ones" that is light and perfectly sized for you.
Best Surf SUP ever imho.
Go ahead guys, close the thread. I've sorted this one. 😆😅
-
Any idea how much they cost ? I would need to import it to the UK.
-
Everyone who has ever tried one loves the Pearson Arrow.
-
Can you get a sunova over there?
They ride pretty nicely.
https://sunovasurfboards.com/en/sup
-
Can you get a sunova over there?
They ride pretty nicely.
https://sunovasurfboards.com/en/sup
Yes you can. In fact I have owned a couple. One was a custom acid- which was lush but needed real power and a steep wave amd was right on my limit balance wise. I bought it after 2 weeks on Costa Rica- weighed 90kg and had been sup surfing 4-4-5 hrs/day. 95kg and surfing less frequently it became harder work.
I also had a sunova creek for a brief period- I forget the exact spec- around 9'4 and 153L- but I really didn't gel with it. In truth I didn't really give it a fair shot but I moved it on pretty quickly.
What sunova would you suggest ? :)
-
Everyone who has ever tried one loves the Pearson Arrow.
I can believe that! :( I really regret selling it. Any suggestions ?
-
Can you get a sunova over there?
They ride pretty nicely.
https://sunovasurfboards.com/en/sup
Yes you can. In fact I have owned a couple. One was a custom acid- which was lush but needed real power and a steep wave amd was right on my limit balance wise. I bought it after 2 weeks on Costa Rica- weighed 90kg and had been sup surfing 4-4-5 hrs/day. 95kg and surfing less frequently it became harder work.
I also had a sunova creek for a brief period- I forget the exact spec- around 9'4 and 153L- but I really didn't gel with it. In truth I didn't really give it a fair shot but I moved it on pretty quickly.
What sunova would you suggest ? :)
If you can get to try out a sunova Speeed - I think you will be pleasantly surprised 🤙
-
Can you get a sunova over there?
They ride pretty nicely.
https://sunovasurfboards.com/en/sup
Yes you can. In fact I have owned a couple. One was a custom acid- which was lush but needed real power and a steep wave amd was right on my limit balance wise. I bought it after 2 weeks on Costa Rica- weighed 90kg and had been sup surfing 4-4-5 hrs/day. 95kg and surfing less frequently it became harder work.
I also had a sunova creek for a brief period- I forget the exact spec- around 9'4 and 153L- but I really didn't gel with it. In truth I didn't really give it a fair shot but I moved it on pretty quickly.
What sunova would you suggest ? :)
If you can get to try out a sunova Speeed - I think you will be pleasantly surprised 🤙
I have read good things about the speed and you may well be right. Will keep an eye out!
-
If you want a Pearson Arrow you should get a Pearson Arrow. It will cost more and take more effort to get, but magical boards are worth the effort. If you get something else you'll still want a Pearson Arrow. That's how I justify chocolate--if have something else instead I'll still want the chocolate.
-
If you want a Pearson Arrow you should get a Pearson Arrow. It will cost more and take more effort to get, but magical boards are worth the effort. If you get something else you'll still want a Pearson Arrow. That's how I justify chocolate--if have something else instead I'll still want the chocolate.
Hmmmm good point. Finding one may be v tricky though. Super rare here.
My previous one was a surftech one. My only complaint about it was it was very heavy. But it seemed pretty well made. Perhaps a bit fragile on the tail but that's it.
I have read the genuine Pearson arrows varied hugely in their quality.
Are the surftechs known for being better built?
Are the newer Pearsons better built and production board quality ?
Best build quality I have seen is jimmy lewis.
Is the gerry Lopez 9'6 sup similar ? Theres One of these near me I could look at until I can find a much rarer laird pearson.
-
I know this may sound heretical. But check out the Starboard Longboard SUP. 10' x 31" 140l.
I have one and love how it surfs. Outline is similar to the Arrow, bit it has a modern bottom and rocker. Carves nicely from the tail and nose rides very well.
Even better... It should be easier to get in the UK.
-
I know this may sound heretical. But check out the Starboard Longboard SUP. 10' x 31" 140l.
I have one and love how it surfs. Outline is similar to the Arrow, bit it has a modern bottom and rocker. Carves nicely from the tail and nose rides very well.
Even better... It should be easier to get in the UK.
I think 31" and only 10' would ruin the glide for me- but the 29" could well work! Hmmmmmmm
-
Yes... The 10' x 29" wide Starboard Longboard would be even better. In blue carbon it would be truly outstanding.
-
You can order a Pearson from Bob Pearson. If you call him he will extract all the information from you that's required to build you a board that makes you crazy. The end result will be like my Kenny Tilton custom longboard that sits in my garage--delaminated, totally unusable, but I'll own it until I die. Pure magic. I look at it and remember how it surfed--it made me a better surfer. Those perfect things are worth the effort. Good is the enemy of great.
I made Cacio e Pepe two nights ago with prawns and morels. I've been practicing this ridiculously simple but infinitely difficult recipe off and on for years. I came very close to perfection two nights ago. My wife and our house guest are still talking about it days later. Some things just don't allow a substitute,
-
You can order a Pearson from Bob Pearson. If you call him he will extract all the information from you that's required to build you a board that makes you crazy. The end result will be like my Kenny Tilton custom longboard that sits in my garage--delaminated, totally unusable, but I'll own it until I die. Pure magic. I look at it and remember how it surfed--it made me a better surfer. Those perfect things are worth the effort. Good is the enemy of great.
I made Cacio e Pepe two nights ago with prawns and morels. I've been practicing this ridiculously simple but infinitely difficult recipe off and on for years. I came very close to perfection two nights ago. My wife and our house guest are still talking about it days later. Some things just don't allow a substitute,
What a great post. I love you way with words.
Why did your board become useless ? I have read the original pearson arrows were badly made- have they fixed this ?
-
You have specific stories from a time after he was building some of the first boards ever or are you just going to put Bob Pearson's decades long reputation in question on the internet?
Sorry but people should be more careful. That is a family business, not some faceless corporation shipping stuff from china. What happened and when?
Sorry, just a gentle reminder that that's an artisan, not just a licensed brand. Surftech deal was short. Life is long. The internet is forever.
-
You can order a Pearson from Bob Pearson. If you call him he will extract all the information from you that's required to build you a board that makes you crazy. The end result will be like my Kenny Tilton custom longboard that sits in my garage--delaminated, totally unusable, but I'll own it until I die. Pure magic. I look at it and remember how it surfed--it made me a better surfer. Those perfect things are worth the effort. Good is the enemy of great.
I made Cacio e Pepe two nights ago with prawns and morels. I've been practicing this ridiculously simple but infinitely difficult recipe off and on for years. I came very close to perfection two nights ago. My wife and our house guest are still talking about it days later. Some things just don't allow a substitute,
What a great post. I love you way with words.
Why did your board become useless ? I have read the original pearson arrows were badly made- have they fixed this ?
It wasn't a Pearson, it was a Kenny Tilton board, and I rode the shit out of it for five years. It was custom and was built lightly, to my specification. If you get enough heel dents from some huge dude walking on the board for five years it's gonna delam, and it did. Plus I'm just really hard on equipment.
I've talked myself into getting a Pearson Arrow. I might even get it as a prone longboard, though my pop-up is ridiculously slow these days.
-
You have specific stories from a time after he was building some of the first boards ever or are you just going to put Bob Pearson's decades long reputation in question on the internet?
Sorry but people should be more careful. That is a family business, not some faceless corporation shipping stuff from china. What happened and when?
Sorry, just a gentle reminder that that's an artisan, not just a licensed brand. Surftech deal was short. Life is long. The internet is forever.
Fair point mate :)
One owner who owned two pearson arrow sups both of which were poor build quality he says.
But details and specifics I don't have. And I mistakenly thought the chap above board was a Pearson Arrow. And as he said- it was built lightly.
-
You can order a Pearson from Bob Pearson. If you call him he will extract all the information from you that's required to build you a board that makes you crazy. The end result will be like my Kenny Tilton custom longboard that sits in my garage--delaminated, totally unusable, but I'll own it until I die. Pure magic. I look at it and remember how it surfed--it made me a better surfer. Those perfect things are worth the effort. Good is the enemy of great.
I made Cacio e Pepe two nights ago with prawns and morels. I've been practicing this ridiculously simple but infinitely difficult recipe off and on for years. I came very close to perfection two nights ago. My wife and our house guest are still talking about it days later. Some things just don't allow a substitute,
What a great post. I love you way with words.
Why did your board become useless ? I have read the original pearson arrows were badly made- have they fixed this ?
It wasn't a Pearson, it was a Kenny Tilton board, and I rode the shit out of it for five years. It was custom and was built lightly, to my specification. If you get enough heel dents from some huge dude walking on the board for five years it's gonna delam, and it did. Plus I'm just really hard on equipment.
I've talked myself into getting a Pearson Arrow. I might even get it as a prone longboard, though my pop-up is ridiculously slow these days.
If you're getting a beautiful custom board- why not get it into a shape you will use lots? Or do you still prone quite a bit?
-
I don't prone surf at all anymore, it's wishful thinking. My pop-up pooped out long ago. I'll get it as a SUP.
-
Yeah, fair enough. If you buy a custom glass board and compare it to sandwich construction that's likely going to be seen as "not rugged" because they aren't.
Sort of like complaining that your classic car doesn't get good mileage. ;) I love those things but yes, dings are part of surfboard ownership at times.
-
I'm now 72 years old. I still do prone surfing and I love it since I started surfing when I was 15 years old. I've got a pinched nerve in my lower right side of my back right above the right pelvis bone.
I've also got a partial tear of the meniscus in my left knee. And a partial tear of the meniscus is not the same thing as a torn meniscus because of where the partial tear is in the meniscus. The partial tear does not cause me any pain at all.
Anyhow, doing a pop-up at my older age, the pinched nerve let me know sometimes it didn't like me doing a pop-up. And when it let me know it, it was a rude awakening because it made me yelp. I had to change the way I did my pop-up.
Which means I had to modify the pop-up. I started looking at every surfing video of men I could find on YouTube to see if could modify the pop-up. My biggest mistake was watching men doing their pop-ups and I finally realized none of the men were old like me. And the men's pop-up looked more like "hard work". So I figured there had to be a better way.
So I had to switch gears so to speak and started watching women prone surfers doing their pop-ups on their longboards and quite a few women, speaking just for myself, "had the better way" because some women modified their pop-ups into what I call a "push-up".
I found one woman named Haley Otto on YouTube and I copied her pop-up (push-up for me). The only difference between her and me, besides age, she is a goofy footer whereas I am a regular footer. So I just reversed her moves since I'm a regular footer.
The two minute YouTube video below is a drone video of her surfing. Watch the very first pop-up, what I call the push-up, and you'll see how easy she does her pop-up.
Not much effort with the least amount of energy expended which gives the best result. The best view of the modified "push-up" starts around the 29 second mark of the video. You might have to start and stop the video, quite a few times, to really see how she does her pop-up.
So when you get to be my age and you have lots of miles on your body where you're not as limber as you were when you were younger, you learn to surf smarter. Not harder and when you surf smarter, your body will let you know it.
So when I prone surf my 9'3" Parallax single fin longboard, I don't have any pain in my lower back anymore from that pinched nerve when I do a "push-up".
BTW, the video is best viewed in high definition and in full screen mode. I've got good graphics cards in both of my desktop tower computers so I watch this video in 2160p60 (4K) high definition which looks real good on my 27" external monitor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7UPOvRuVek
-
The 10'6" Pearson Arrow is a classic, I wouldn't change a thing about it. Hopefully you can order one.
Other options that come to mind are:
Dogman 146L 10’2 x 29″ by Deep
Longboard 147L 10' x 31" by Starboard
Longboard 149L 10' x 29" by JP
New Deal 152L 10' x 31" by Infinity.
LongSUP 152L 9'8" x 30" by RRD
Noosa 154L 10'6" x 31" by F-One
Turbo 161L 9'10" x 33" by Blue Planet
Black & Blue Machine 164L 10'1" x 31" by Jimmy Lewis
-
I started surfing fairly late in life after I tore up my shoulders and couldn't windsurf any more. so I always "popped" up like Haley does--pushing up, gathering my feet under me and then pushing the board backward, under my feet as I stand. It's worked well for about 15 years, but now when I bring my front (left) foot forward and get my weight over it I get a stabbing pain in the joint which leaves me wobbling while the wave insists on not waiting for me to get my shit together. I can get away with the hesitation on a wing foil board because I'm just getting to my feet, the action starts later when the wind lets me pump up onto foil. I'm doing a lot of PT, and my knee has been fairly happy with the winging.
Sooner or later I'll probably have a knee replacement and I'll have to figure out how to keep doing the stuff I love. For now it's just PT and exercises. So far, so good.
-
The 10'6" Pearson Arrow is a classic, I wouldn't change a thing about it. Hopefully you can order one.
Other options that come to mind are:
Dogman 146L 10’2 x 29″ by Deep
Longboard 147L 10' x 31" by Starboard
Longboard 149L 10' x 29" by JP
New Deal 152L 10' x 31" by Infinity.
LongSUP 152L 9'8" x 30" by RRD
Noosa 154L 10'6" x 31" by F-One
Turbo 161L 9'10" x 33" by Blue Planet
Black & Blue Machine 164L 10'1" x 31" by Jimmy Lewis
I want some glide and so want to keep the length above 10' and the width 30" or less. 140-150L volume seems about right.
There are lots of options out there as you suggest. But what are the pros and cons between each one I wonder ?
The JP, SB, Infinity and dogman all look pretty great to me.
-
If you are in So Cal..
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/spo/d/woodland-hills-laird-106-standup-sup/7488325549.html (https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/spo/d/woodland-hills-laird-106-standup-sup/7488325549.html)
-
If you are in So Cal..
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/spo/d/woodland-hills-laird-106-standup-sup/7488325549.html (https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/spo/d/woodland-hills-laird-106-standup-sup/7488325549.html)
Ah sadly I'm in the UK!
What's the difference between the above board and the surftech ones ? Is the above a genuine Pearson?
-
'That is a production model that is made in China, I have similar one but in 8'0 and it one of the best board i surf with. I'm not sure how it compare to custom one that is made by Pearson but I assume it will be the same. The price seem high for SoCal, I bought mine from Amazon when they were closeout all the Laird/Pearson board for super cheap.
-
I'll chime in since I've owned a Surftech Pearson Laird 10'0 & also have a custom Pearson Laird 9'0. I also own a 2017 Naish Nalu Pro 10'0 (the one reviewed on SUPboardermag.com).
Agree that the Pearson Arrow shape is the BOMB for surfing. Having owned both a Surftech & a handshaped custom, I would go custom over Tuflite 10 times out of 10. Tuflite is heavy and stiff and feels lifeless on a wave IMO. Sure it's indestructible, but I'm not a beginner anymore and know how to treat my boards. I've had the 9'0 for many years and it's going strong.
I will say this - IMO the Pearson Lairds are excellent surfers but sluggish paddlers. HUGE nose and low entry rocker doesn't do any favors for glide, especially in bumpier conditions where the nose is underwater a lot and gets pushed around. But in clean conditions, it's all good. My 9'0 slashes turns and noserides with the best of them. Surfers are often surprised at what I can pull off on that thing.
The Naish Nalu Pro is a totally different animal. More pulled in nose with heaps of rocker. Paddles well in all conditions, really shines in larger swell and rougher conditions thanks to the banana rocker fitting nicely in the troughs between waves. Fun in small waves, but absolutely rips when the swell picks up. I prefer the Laird on a small glassy day, but I've learned to love this board for it's versatility. It works in overhead waves & I haven't really found its limit yet. IMHO it's kinda a "fun gun" disguised as a longboard SUP.
I imagine the Starboard Longboard might sit right in the midde of these 2 boards, but can't say for sure. For cleaner, lined up conditions and a perfect blend of carving and noseriding, Pearson wins. For versatility and easy paddling and especially if noseriding isn't your thing, you can't beat the Nalu Pro. Of course if you go custom with Bob, he can make you anything!
-
Well this is kind of a combo reply to two threads...this one here, and really the Sano is an unfoilable salad garden (https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,38064.0.html) one.
So still getting tangled in the weeds at 4.9' high tide the last Friday, figured that if I wanted to stay in the water (with my sanity), a change was going to have to be made, and pulled the Laird/Pearson Arrow out of the rafters where she had waited patiently for 5 years, and threw her in the back of the van.
Yesterday was she made it out of the van when at the 3.5' high tide and watching the only two foilers out (amongst the 12 or so SUPers) spend 90% of their time stuck in the grass, it seemed pointless to even venture out "winged up"...even though the little 2-3' peelers looked like perfect foil waves. :-\
(https://i.imgur.com/cPurymV.jpg?1) (https://i.imgur.com/1BNKJGx.jpg?1)
Well let's just say that it's only sorta "like riding a bike". Without the big foil keel hanging under the board, the wobbles were sumpin' fierce, and just paddling out to the lineup, I must have looked like a baby giraffe trying to take its first steps as I tried to balance the board on the way out.
Once out, it was more like trying to turn a battleship than a surfboard to turn for the incoming wave, and once on the dang thing...what an eerie feeling it was having the entire length of my 5'1 foil board way out in front of me while trying to keep the nose from pearling, and to get the thing somewhat turned and headed down the line.
It took a few waves to gain at least a little familiarity with her again, and she did treat me well enough that it was enjoyable enough all things considered...but man, I sure did feel like a kook out there for most of the session, and wow I'm sore. Didn't know that "sup muscles" were so different than "foil muscles". :o ;D