Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Admin on July 26, 2007, 08:33:18 PM
-
Hi all,
We believe that as it matures, our user review page(s) will become one of the more useful resources available to the stand up community. Please help us in advancing this feature by posting a review (or more, if you are so inclined). Better features will lead to a larger community. That in turn will lead to more input into all of our posts, better answers to questions, etc.
Enough begging...
The list has been moved to a more accessable fixed location. If you look up, you will notice that it (and the manufacturer list) are now available on every page.
To have your review added, please respond to this post with your contributions. Please list the product name and model, your height, weight and one of the following: New Paddler, Infrequent Paddler, Frequent Paddler. Let us know your comments on the product. If you are the first to post on a given model, the product page will be created (we will do this manually for now, so allow some time for this to occur). If the product page already exists, your review will be placed above the previous review. As always, your comments and participation are greatly appreciated. The list will be updated as new reviews arrive.
Thanks,
Admin
-
Coming from a kitesurfing background, one thing I have learned reading reviews and doing reviews myself, is that knowing what other kites a reviewer has used, or is using, is key to interpretation of that persons opinion. After all, there is no right or wrong review, it is just one persons opinion based on their experience. No need to flame reviewers. It is better to just know where they are coming from.
I'll start with my review of the Jimmy Lewis 11 footer.
6'2 200 lbs
Paddling 3 months.
Owned Laird, have ridden JL 11'7, Custom EVO, and Mistral Pacifico.
Paddling in the ocean several times a week.
Things I like about the JL 11 footer:
1) Light weight. The lightest board I've tried. A pleasure to carry this one to the beach.
2) Turning. It surfs great for me. I use a 9.5" fin. Never tried the stock 13.5". It looked too scary to even try that fin.
I read somewhere on the web, Jimmy likes that 13.5" fin because he is into nose riding.
3) Glide, the glide is short, but probably due to a lack of weight. Acceleration feels quick though. Heavier boards I've paddled glide, but are slower to get moving. The wife smokes me in an upwind race on her JL 11 footer. I sink too much for great glide.
Things I don't like:
1) When doing off shore paddling and catching large off shore swell, the sexy nose rider style nose is not so great. I can be cruising on a nice swell and that low nose will catch some chop and kill my ride. In these conditions, a windsurfer style nose would be better.
-
Thanks DW,
Added.
Very useful info!
-
I have added 2 new board reviews.
We would encourage you to add your own experiences with a given model even if a similar opinion has already been stated. In that way a new user might be able to make a better judgement on the appropriateness of that item for their own needs. Needless to say, if you have an alternate opinion, we are all ears.
Thanks in advance for your participation in this new and evolving feature.
Randy
-
9'6" Paddle Surf Hawaii - custom, Blane Chambers shape
9'-6" x 27" wide x 4-1/8" thick approx 18 lbs
Floaty, light, ultra responsive. Works great for me in pretty much all conditions including downwinders. I'm pretty lightweight though - 125lbs. Love it being sooo light and easy to carry. Did take a little getting used to how quickly it responds and had to relearn setting up for waves.. Basically just spin right in the pocket and take 1 or 2 strokes... I ordered directly from Blane on Ohau and got within 5 weeks. Love this board.
Have picture... am sending to Admin to upload since I dont have time to figure out.
-
Have picture... am sending to Admin to upload since I dont have time to figure out.
Perfect, for others, if you are reviewing a custom product, please email a photo. For production products we will find a suitable photo online.
No worries, let us know about that Munoz as well!
-
11ft beat up softtop .. dims are about 11ft x 26 x 3 3/4 (maybe a little thicker)
(http://tinyurl.com/298gw3)
Bought this board from a surf school here on Oahu on the cheap, well used and looks every bit of it. At first I was worried it wouldn't float me but at 5'11 and 165lbs it was just fine.
As a beginner paddler, it took a session to get used to the narrow width, in SUP standards, especially in some trade wind chop.
I have used this strictly as a cruiser since the North Shore has been flat. I have my doubts as to the performance of this board in any type of surf due to the state it is in. But as an introduction to the SUP world this has been great. It was cheaper than my paddle, has given me some great workouts and improved my balance.
As I have progressed I see the need for the more progressive SUP boards. For me personally that will be a cruiser that can handle some surf. Maybe in the 10' x 28 x 4 range.
-
12ft super beat up Munoz softop.... 12ftx26" x4" I think...
Frequent paddler, 5'7", 125lbs
First SUP I got and I bought it from Kimo at Royal Lahaina Surf.... paid $350 for it I think. Back couple years ago when you couldnt find any boards anywhere. Rode it for about 8 months and think it was the absolute perfect 1st board for me... So ugly no one would steal it if I left it on the roof all day and who cared if ya wacked it with the paddle. I really had fun on this board. Once I tried getting into the surf though, it was time to move on... Fins would hum, board would vibrate and man its scary dropping in on this beast. Especially with my size.. Have to get all the way back on the tail and crank. I still have this board and although its not as stable as the wider boards, I think its the perfect board for your buddies who want to try to use... Now there are so many choices that I think people tend to get caught up on trying to get the perfect board and dont get in the water.
Tanks Kimo
-
12ft Surftech Munoz epoxy 12'x26"
2nd board owned. Actually really liked this board especially after the Softtop. Still too big for me in surf of larger size. I have a friend who has been riding same model for over a year and he rips on it. Little narrow for most guys of any size but definately works and is super tough and light. Works ok for cruising and downwinders. Rode it for about a year until I got the custom 9'6". Still have it and will keep for spare/buddy board along with Softie.
-
Terrific guys! Keep 'em coming.
Of note, I changed the dimensions only to match the manufacturer specs. Also to Emissions, I listed you as Beginner (advancing) based on your comments. If that is not correct, please let me know and I will happily update the review. Additionally, props to Surftec for listing board volumes. Very informative!
Best,
Randy
-
Been riding a 12' x 30"x5" Walden until May, then switched to my custom ordered 11' Foote board and have accelerated my skills way beyond my own expectations. I average 175-180lbs and at 5'8" this board handles and turns like a 9'4" regular longboard. I put a 10" (Fins Unlimited) on the back because I do love to "Straugh five" at every opportunity. It accelerates and catches waves easily. It is certainly not an entry-level board at my weight or a great ocean cruiser but I have a 12' custom Foote model (same shape) on order for that purpose. I use both a Quickblade and C-4 Pohaku paddle and love them both. Bill Footes' soon to be released production models, off this particular shape, will undoubtedly be the transition board from stand up paddler to stand up paddle surfer....
-
Hi Surfpainter,
If you have a photo of your custom 11', we will be happy to add your comments in the form of a review. Thanks!
-
Hi all,
We believe that as it matures, our user review page(s) will become one of the more useful resources available to the stand up community. Please help us in advancing this feature by posting a review (or more, if you are so inclined). Better features will lead to a larger community. That in turn will lead to more input into all of our posts, better answers to questions, etc.
Enough begging...
The list has been moved to a more accessable fixed location. If you look up, you will notice that it (and the manufacturer list) are now available on every page.
To have your review added, please respond to this post with your contributions. Please list the product name and model, your height, weight and one of the following: New Paddler, Infrequent Paddler, Frequent Paddler. Let us know your comments on the product. If you are the first to post on a given model, the product page will be created (we will do this manually for now, so allow some time for this to occur). If the product page already exists, your review will be placed above the previous review. As always, your comments and participation are greatly appreciated. The list will be updated as new reviews arrive.
Thanks,
Admin
-
i agree, product reviews no matter how arbitrary they tend to be would definitely offer some advantage to the well versed and most new comers alike.
my sincere apologies mr. admin. i spouted off with a pope trisect preliminary review (http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=84.msg363#msg363) elsewhere though it was initially meant to posted on this thread.
dumb addendum: i am 5'6", 190 lbs, an avid skateboarder (retired pro), terrible retro 70's surfer, beginner stand-up paddler, and neither sponsored nor employed by the pope bisect company... (yet.)
-
Mr. Shifter,
Thanks so much for the excellent review.
Please keep them coming guys.
Thanks!
Admin
-
Frequent paddler
115 lbs
Kazuma 9'1" x 26"x 4" custom epoxy
I am not typically inclined to flights of fancy, but you must excuse me, because I am in love with my new board. Clearly, it was designed for me— just for me. It can handle any turn and is ultra responsive, and forgiving. Great for late drops, top to bottom style surfing, and —wow— this board accelerates when you pump the rail. The drawbacks: Not great for all around cruising, and definitely not the right choice for riders much larger than myself. I feel like I am pushing the small side of the envelope on this one. The low volume and aggressive rocker line require steeper drops, and therefore, some of the advantage of easy entry is lost, but this is more than an adequate trade off for what is gained in overall performance. There are no production boards like this yet for riders of my size. I highly recommend a custom board like this to all small riders looking for a high performance short board style ripper (but you will have to order your own, this one is mine).
A few notes on the shape that I requested: 7 Inch wide squash tail (3/4 thick), 16 inches at a foot from the tail, 20 at a foot from the nose. Flat bottom with Vee at the tail only. 3 fin shortboard thruster setup (no longboard style fin box). I went with a flatter rocker in the paddle zone with a more rocker in the nose and tail than on most Stand Up boards. Low volume rails were a priority.
-
I have the JL. 11' I'm 5'-10'', 185 #'s and its pleanty board for me. I have had some of my buds ride the board and a few with weight of 250 #'s and 6'-3'' in height. They seem to have had no problem w/ float or paddling the J-Lewis 11' I'm a back foot surfer so I have no promlems turning the board in waist high or better surf. But in knee to thigh high gutless surf on Hilton Head its tough. I do try to use the paddle for leverage but their is no power to our "rollie waves" and is difficult at times. I did discover that a the stock JL 13" fin is too large so I tried several fins untill I found that a 9 & 3/4'' G&S speedfin shaped fin worked the best moved forward on the box.
The Laird board I have not tried yet nor seen anyone on one but on other forum sites, responses seem to say the board is great to learn on but lacks performance on waves, so I've read. I'm also looking for a performance SUP to surf larger waves and use the JL for small and flat water paddles. There are several great SUP boards on the market but I think the Jimmy Lewis 11' is a great choice and recomend that board for anyone's first SUP board . Good luck and I know all will be hooked as I was on their first paddle. Doing it every chance I get,.... Mahalo ......GJBSUP
(http://standupzone.com/Glen.jpg)
-
these are just a few of my personal observations of infinity's ottertail paddle design.
(http://www.slidegear.com/ftp/pope'n_paddle.jpg)
the ottertail paddle is different from other paddles in that its blade is nothing more than a flat, two dimensional piece of carbon fibre shaped almost like an oval attached to a tube that is cut at an angle. the blade's face is almost like an elongated egg which comes to a blunt point with the broadest width about three quarters up from the tip, toward the shaft. the circumference of the blade is surrounded by a more resilient clear edging strip to prevent damage for those occasional times it makes contact with the board. this strip also gives the paddle a little bit of a concave but this is only very slight. so slight in fact the blade's outward flex while under tension negates this as the upper (wider) part of the blade bends back into a slight dihedral.
from what i've come to understand, a dihedral is the convex shape of the paddle's blade face (more pronounced at the neck) which would seem counterintuitive to how a blade should be. one would expect that a concave blade would offer a better surface to "grab" the water but apparently this concept is in error. a slight convex in the paddle's blade surface would instead release the water in a controlled manner allowing the paddle to travel through the water on a linear pat with more control, otherwise it would have a tendency try to stray or turn sideways (flutter) along the way as it tries to find the path of least resistance. likewise with the back of the paddle where the parted water would form a vortex crashing back on itself creating ventilation as evidence by bubbles which may appear. in the infinity ottertail's case, the tapered beam where the shaft blends into the blade redirects this water back outward (though not as seamlessly as i would prefer).
infinity's own reason for the design is to give the paddler a low-end and high-end "gearing" as momentum changes while getting under way. i understand this concept but still have yet to employ this efficiently for myself. where i do find this paddle working for me is throughout the whole stroke cycle itself. first off, there isn't as much resistance at the beginning otherwise known as the catch when mostly pulling. second, the broad face engages during the power phase, when one arm is pulling and the other one pushing. then third, and finally on exit when the paddle reaches just past vertical. it is pulled up out of the water releasing its "grip" as it begins its return to the catch position.
this translates to a different approach to paddling when compared to the standard "squarish" blade shapes which i've had the opportunity to experience. the ottertail provides for a more consistent stroke cycle. i suppose other paddles counteract this with some flex of the shaft or otherwise one could attempt to vary the energy expended for a more consistent amount of resistance from the paddle as it progresses through the water. it seems as if the ottertail blade's shape graduates that initial "slamming effect" through it's shape.
i feel that there are also other advantages by having a long drawn out surface for steering. this type of template can be good for planing in outrigger mode though the slimness of the blade may catch in some situations (ie: improvement possibilities here). carbon fibre paddles can seem a bit too light as i also want to experiment with putting a little counter weight out near the neck so that there would have some heft to these paddles. i really could foresee a paddles lightness as being a drawback on those windier days. i feel that this paddle should be measured longer as the blade shape dictates a different paradigm.
i have an 8" ottertail with the heavy duty (blue) shaft. it is a custom split-apart in carbon... and i love it!
-
the circumference of the blade is surrounded by a more resilient clear edging strip to prevent damage for those occasional times it makes contact with the board. this strip also gives the paddle a little bit of a concave but this is only very slight. so slight in fact the blade's outward flex while under tension negates this as the upper (wider) part of the blade bends back into a slight dihedral.
It seems that you are putting your new gear through the paces. I love the picture, it feels so serene. How far off shore were you when you took this shot? You must get some interesting reactions from the Chicago locals when you take her out for a ride. Must be a great to just hop on and paddle far away from the hustle whenever you feel like it. Thanks for the informative and interesting paddle review. I enjoyed reading it, and learned a great deal. Is the edging a stock feature on all of the ottertail paddles?
-
hi chan,
i really appreciate your comments on the post... i've been getting an hour or two on the sunrise sessions almost every day since i received my board last saturday. think i may have been about a mile out last saturday 8/4/07 (ooops... just now realized that was my b-day) when i took that picture. at that point i'm pretty sure that i'm in the shipping lanes. the winds picked up an hour after that shot and built up during the course of the day so there was some wave action to be had. had my short board out until the lifeguards asked me to bring back the stand-up so they could give it a go. i brought it back out and at least 10 of them had a ball with it for a few hours. we ended the day with a cookout at the beach with prone surfers, skimboarders, and the paddleboard trading rides and banging on a makeshift drum. sunday brought more of the same, had so much fun that i took monday off as well!
we've had a couple days of small board surf during the month of july but we'll usually do the dawn patrol paddle sesh to stay in shape for when it gets big in the fall and winter (drysuit weather). right now i must be quite a novelty because from time to time you'll find groups of people gawking or coming down from their highrise perch to converse about this new activity. comments range from "...you got that whole native thing going on." to "...that's so neat to see you riding up the sun beam!" and "...are you really jousting with the bouys out there?" then there are those who don't really get it, but it's just a matter of time...
sometimes a bunch of us would scour the beach to gather trash. quite a few people chose to swim on those early morning hours when the beaches are empty though the lifeguards aren't on duty yet. i let them know that i'm watching out and they seem more relaxed about letting their children stray a bit. one of the kids took a ride on the nose of my board as i did my paddle workout. most of the time ten-year-old thomas was sitting cross legged paddling with his arms, a couple times he stood up and we both struggled to coordinate our movements. it threw me for a loop how much momentum his little hands developed when he paddled, it made me realize just how easily my board moved through the water.
the trim material is similar to what you can get at auto accessory retailers and comes stock with infinity's ottertail paddles, though they also offer it for application on other production paddles. mcmaster carr has a similar type of black rubber trim but i really like the clear stuff that came with my ottertail.
all the best,
alan
-
I bought a JL 11'7" in June that I learned to paddle on. I bought it before I did all the research and If I had, I probably would have bought the 11'. However, I am glad I did get the 11'7. It was definitely hard to learn on but I am really getting used to it and enjoying the challenge and the workout. I tried a 11' last weekend and it was like standing on a boat compared to the 11'7 - very easy. I let the guy try the 11'7 and he could not get up on it (I am sure he would have in time). I do feel that I can paddle just about anything else after learning on my board. I live on the GA coast and do not have great surfing opportunities but what I have surfed so far, the 11'7 is fast and also glides much easier than the 11'. The board is tippy so you really have to focus on staying up on the board which makes it difficult to wait and get into position for the right waves. It was definitely more relaxing on the 11'. I just put a 10" Wingnut Cutaway fin on by Rainbow Fin Co. and the 11'7 is more responsive in turning. I am looking forward to the new Southpoint SUP. It is supposed to be more stable than the 11'7 and faster than the 11' and also less expensive. If I can justify an additional board I will let you know how it is. This is just my take - hope it helps.
-
Great review MST,
Please provide your height, weight and level (new paddler, infrequent paddler, frequent paddler), and I willl add your post to reviews.
Thanks to all of you who have begun to add reviews! Please keep them coming.
Admin
-
Sorry,
Frequent Paddler - H - 6', W - 190 lbs
-
MST,
Where on the Ga. coast are you Savannah area?
I have the JL 11 and love it. I too also thought that if I went to a narrow SUP would I be able to ride it, balance and paddle like the 11' JL. This morning I was able to try the surftech 11 foot Micky Munoz wood vaneer' model at 26.5 inches wide my big (265 #'s)surf buddy uses as a surfboard. I was really surprised with it being so narrow and a rolled "V" on the bottom it was some what stable to paddle. I would not want to have this board as my everyday SUP but it worked. I do feel now after 3 months on a SUP and many sessions behind me I can paddle a smaller board. Have a epoxy blank and ready to shape a SUP. Have no idea what shape but will continue to research before I mow or draw on the foam.
Great 8 mile paddle today taking almost 2 hours - 10 min with and against tide and wind at times. Ocean was too sloppy to paddle today.
Waiting for a little swell here to surf w/ the SUP ... Enjoy all.. Glen
-
Glen-
I am on Tybee Island and yes it is pretty sloppy out there. I wish I had the time for a 2 hr paddle today - I should get some time in tomorrow. So far I have seen about 5 or 6 of us over here. Happy paddling.
-
MST,
I'm an hour away. I just may have to come over and paddle with you and the others. Now that there are more of you paddling, I will make the trip over for sure now. Keep you posted Glen
-
Lets get this party started with a JL 10 footer review.
My review is short. Could not ride it. Wow, was it tippy. Stunned by the skill required.
My lard butt 200 lbs and 6'2 height was no match for this board. Being 53 years old doesn't help either.
I did enjoy watching my 155 lb 5'2" younger paddling buddy attempting to ride it. He struggled at first, then switched back to the JL 11 footer and said ahhhh. Much better. Then he took another shot at the 10 footer. Then another. By the end of the session he was tearing up the surf on the 10 footer. It was so cool to see that board rip the waves up in the hands of someone capable. Very impressed. Too bad I have no chance to make it work for me. Jimmy, make a board between the 11 and 10 footer. It seems like a huge gap once you try them back to back.
-
this translates to a different approach to paddling when compared to the standard "squarish" blade shapes which i've had the opportunity to experience. the ottertail provides for a more consistent stroke cycle. i suppose other paddles counteract this with some flex of the shaft or otherwise one could attempt to vary the energy expended for a more consistent amount of resistance from the paddle as it progresses through the water. it seems as if the ottertail blade's shape graduates that initial "slamming effect" through it's shape.
I tried out a 7" ottertail blade, which is supposed to be the specialized "surf blade." I don't know if the 7" is too small to push a 12 foot board, but I found that it lack the ability to propel the board. Supposedly the smaller blade should lead to less fatigue, however, I found just the opposite occurred.
I even did a side by side comparison one day with my QB Kanaha. The Infinity blade felt like I was paddle through wet cement compared to the Kanaha. Once I switched to the Kanaha, I could tell a major difference in the speed that my board was traveling while paddling.
Just my two cents. The larger Infinity blades might make a difference, but I found the 7" to be too small for me. Too expensive to keep experimenting though.
-
apparently the smaller ottertail blade widths are designed for the shorter sup boards. the reason i had hoped to get a 9" was because i would be pushing an 11'6" through fresh water most of the time. turns out the 8" they sent me works alright. probably won't be winning any races though but you never know. hmmmm... come to think of it i may just attach an "expansion" blade for the race this weekend (it wouldn't be difficult to do).
according to steve at infinity, he's noticed that certain people of different body types also seem to prefer one shape of blade over another. the longer leaner individuals want the slimmer blades while the broader stouter people like me lean more toward the wider shapes. this kind of makes sense in a way if you consider the ergonomics involved.
-
Just my two cents. The larger Infinity blades might make a difference, but I found the 7" to be too small for me. Too expensive to keep experimenting though.
Thanks for the reviews guys. THESE ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
JD: Please provide you height and weight and I wil add your review.
DW: There is a pretty big second learning curve when switching to a board that is on the smaller side for you. I noticed two frustrating weeks until it started to feel natural. I would suggest completely quitting your stable board during this period (if you choose to go that route at all). Going back and forth was just confusing to my weak mind. Good luck!
-
DW: There is a pretty big second learning curve when switching to a board that is on the smaller side for you. I noticed two frustrating weeks until it started to feel natural. I would suggest completely quitting your stable board during this period (if you choose to go that route at all). Going back and forth was just confusing to my weak mind. Good luck!
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I really want my wife to like the 10 ft JL. The beatings will be less when she eats it. She tried the board, but preferred the easy time she has on the 11 footer. Now I'm going to push her to try the 10 footer again. She should be on a 10 footer for sure. She's only 125 lbs.
-
Rand,
I'm 6'4", 220lbs. I was using the paddle with a Ron House custom shape 12' x 30" x 4 5/8", which I why I prefaced my comments that my size vs. the size of the paddle may be one contributing factor to it feeling like it did not have enough push.
-
more observations on the infinity ottertail:
part of the genius of infinity's ottertail paddle lies in the relationship between its blade's position to the paddle's shaft. the blade is mounted in front of the shaft which is cut in an angle to set the blade's offset. this allows the shaft to form a supporting spine running almost the whole length of the blade making for more soundness of structure. by mounting the blade before the shaft the paddle is loaded "above" its fulcrum, which is the bottom hand holding the middle of the paddle. in other words the shaft is pushing the blade as opposed to pulling it along. the blade hits the water at the catch in a less drastic angle allowing for more effectiveness during the catch. the paddle angle at mid-stroke being slightly ahead of the moment arm, or shaft, is slightly more vertical. by attaining its exit angle earlier it makes a lot of sense because a standing paddle stroke is less effective once the fulcrum hand is behind the rider. all of this having a lot to do with the ergonomics of the standing paddle form and the rider having to maintain balance on a sup.
the shape of the ottertail's blade has quite a lot going for it too. since it comes to a rounded point the paddle enters the water gradually, readily redirecting the exess off to the sides, this forces the sidewards vortices upward as the paddle drives deeper creating a cleaner flow and guiding the paddle through a less turbulent path. a paddle with a flat tends to have more of a slamming effect at the catch initially releasing water out the bottom as well as off to the side, excessive shaft flex can exacerbate this effect.
list possible improvements to the ottertail:
more blend on the spine's side transition at the back of the blade
a bit of a blended spine on the face of the blade would create a more persistent dihedral
longer blade lengths as well as a proportionally longer shaft may be desirable
-
Great stuff.....a very similar conversation on my brothers blog. http://www.ponohouse.com/ponoblog/?p=158 Great for everyone to share the stoke and help others avoid buying a ride that doesn't fit. I don't see any way of avoiding trying out before you buy though. Too many variables involved. Same thing with paddles.
My brother did a comparison of 3 boards (Laird, Ku Nalu, and a JL 11) and while it helps to narrow things down for folks of similar size and skill it will be different for others. I think he sleeps with the JL now.
-
This is a review of a 12’ Soft top (Munoz design) 12’ x 26.25” x 4.375”.
I am 5’-6” and 150 pounds. Started SUP about a year ago and went out frequently until 4 months ago but starting to go out again. I’ve also been surfing on and off for years starting out on shortboards but have moved onto hybrids and longboards. I can do more than point and shoot but never enough to stand out in a crowd. Basically I’m just another blob in the water.
The soft top is my first SUP and at the time I wanted to get a board with the least amount of money invested in case I didn’t like it. Luckily I was able to get a good deal on it a year ago. After my first two days owning it, I was able to stand up for a total of 20 seconds in two sessions lasting 20 minutes each. Of course, I was trying it in the ocean with 10-15 knot winds… I never said I was smart. By the weekend, my wife and I went to a wind sheltered bay and I was ready to take another soaking. As I was explaining to my wife how to slowly stand up, I looked over and she was already on her feet asking why I was having a hard time with this SUP thing (she’s about 10 pounds lighter than me and with much better balance). It has been so much fun that my wife got one so we can paddle in flat water together. Bottom line is that the length of the board is enough to easily stand in calm waters.
Cruising along the shore: Being a narrow board, in the beginning I found myself in the water every 100 feet if there was any chop. As I got my sea legs, it got easier and now I can stay mostly dry in small to medium chop. When big chop hits, the instability got my legs tired fast and I’m in the water a lot more. The board tracks pretty well but turning is tough. I tried standing further back on the tail to turn but the narrow tail had me in the water almost every time.
Surfing: The length made it easier to get into the surf but it doesn’t turn too well. Then again, it could just be me. I found that I needed to drag the paddle or stomp on the tail. It performs best in waist to chest high waves but I’ve taken it in head high conditions and it is a blast.
Bottom line: This is a great beginner board for lighter people and at an affordable price in comparison to other SUP. It is heavy (about 30 pounds) but it can take a beating. Knowing what I know now, I would still buy this as a starter board and it is affordable (relatively speaking). SUP is so much fun that I never prone surf anymore.
I’m hoping to get a custom board but want to get better on this one before laying down the dough.
Mike
-
This is a review for the Kialoa Nalu paddle. Surface area: 108 sq in; Blade width: 9 ¼”; Blade length: 16 ½; Weight: 26 oz
The Nalu is an all carbon paddle and feels good in my hands. Honestly, I don’t have much experience with canoe paddles and such so I have either gotten used to it or I lucked out and found the perfect paddle. What I do know is that for my medium size hand, the shaft is the right diameter that my hands don’t get tired. I’ve tried the Pohaku paddles but found the shaft was too big. I used to play tennis so I know what diameter I should use. Also the t-handle is shaped so I know which way is forward without looking at it. My fingers can wrap around the handle better than the Pohaku. I think the type of handle is purely based on preference.
In the water, the blade size gives me plenty of power when I’m moving. When starting from a stop, it is almost too much power. I’ve learned to pull a little easier for the first two strokes when starting from a standstill. I haven’t experience any noticeable shaft flex either as mentioned in other posts. When I am paddling or surfing I never think about the paddle performance. In my mind that is the perfect design.
Overall I love this paddle. If I end up traveling, I just hope they come up with a two piece paddle so I can take it with me.
Mike
-
If you're a 60+ year old guy, 6'2", 250, that likes to go fast and play in the water and relatively new to SUP this review of 4 boards may apply. ;D My older bro...pretty good for an old geezer.
http://www.hawaiiv.com/allalum/?p=176
-
I have been paddling for two years now and am so stoked on it, I can barely stand it. It has been very frustrating trying to keep up with and get equipment. I wasted the first year waiting for a Surftech Laird. It finally showed after 18 months, but by then I did not want it. I started with a custom 12' X 26". A waste of the first year. I then moved on to a 12' Softop which was actually an improvement. My wife and I now share a 11'11" SOS, a 11' Channel Island Fish and a 10'10" Walden. We're waiting on a 10' C4, a 10'6" C4 (since January) a 9'6" Walden and a 10'4" Blane Chambers. Which all sounds like a lot except they are scattered at three houses in three countries. ;D
-
I'd like to update my prior JL 10 ft review if that's OK?
I've had 9-10 sessions on the 10 footer now. All in glassy to mild chop. No heavy chop yet. I've been surprised at my body's ability to adapt to this board. My first attempts, as noted in the first review, were impossible. Those attempts were in mildly choppy conditions, 10-15 mph winds. My first success came on a glassy day. I was able to stay upright just long enough to catch 2 waves. I was hooked at that point. The challenge didn't seem impossible anymore. Fast forward to today, I'm now stable and relaxed in most conditions. The next challenge will be to handle heavy seas and extreme wind blown shop. It has been interesting to jump on larger boards since the 10 footer became my stick. When I swapped boards with friends riding larger boards, those boards initially felt less stable. Weird! Of course once I was on them for a minute or two, I adapted, and they become very stable. But I found it interesting how my body and balance had adapted to what the JL 10 required, so when I switched to anything else, even though larger, it felt unstable for a brief period. I guess our body's can learn to ride anything and feel at home given time on the water. Cool news for anyone wanting to go for one of these smaller high performance boards.
Now for the ride. Every time I catch a wave, I'm soooo stoked. I feel like a hot dog short boarder. The board is fast and loose. Each time I drop in, I get excited like a kid. This board actually catches waves easier than larger boards. It paddles and accelerates fast. If you haven't made the jump from the cruiser class boards to a 10 footer, don't put it off any longer. You will be stoked.
-
Of course, done.