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Stand Up Paddle => SUP General => Topic started by: 1tuberider on February 03, 2008, 10:20:16 AM

Title: Surfing
Post by: 1tuberider on February 03, 2008, 10:20:16 AM
Does anyone know where sup will end up?

Surfing saw long boards, short boards then both.  Seems like ours started out on the huge scale and now it seems like new boards are sinkers.  Where is the limit?

It also seamed that the sup was suited for smaller waves.  We could glide and catch waves that were just rolling.  With the new gear are we destined to be regulars in the lineups like at sunset or outer reefs like hammerheads and jaws? 

I know a lot of folks are pushing the limits, so where is this new way to surf headed?


Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: PonoBill on February 03, 2008, 10:50:24 AM
I believe it will head in all directions. Distance boards, fishing boards, serious surfing boards, guns, camping boards, sailing.

I suspect I'll wind up with a dozen Sup boards. I want one that can carry a lot of camping gear, one that's fast for catching deep water rollers, one to race, one for lazy small surf, one for bigger stuff, one that has a sail stowed inside so I can pop it up like James Bond.
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: steamroller on February 03, 2008, 06:54:39 PM
i got one board and it DOES IT ALL.... ;D....plus im too cheapskate to get another
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: 1tuberider on February 07, 2008, 06:33:11 AM
I can see this sport all heading all directions, but I am a  surfer an would like to talk surfing with the sup.

Surfing started on long boards, short board, back to long boards.  I was surfing an 11' board before I bought my sup.  I total enjoy the sup, but my first board a 12'6" starboard has a lot of limitations.  One limitation is wave size.  I have pushed it, abused it, found all it limitations, but it really is a small wave board. 

I surf a beachbreak  most the time so I have to paddle thru the surf to get out.  My ability to get out in larger surf is like limited cause climbing over 6' + whitewaters is sometimes a real challenge.  Doable when there is a large swell duration, but when short duration a real pounding. 

Now I have a 10'6 board.  It is a surfing machine.  I have not had it long enough to really put it thru the drills but I can see it will work in surf with more size.

Sup's by nature are larger surfboards.  Larger surfboards have built in limits, and some are special designs for purpose,  but do we have boards that work in big surf.  Guns traditionally are longer boards with drawn out lines so they work well in larger surf. Our sup's have wider widths, greater floatation and more stability but do they work in large surf.  I would think extra width is contrary to handling in bigger swells.

I see sup's now 9' range.  Are they being used in larger surf?  Are we going to see 7' or 8' sups?


I have over 45 years surfing experience.  I am sure that this board has thousands of years of surfing experience.  Lets share our experience.  I see beginners asking technique questions, lets give them our insight and talk about surfing.

With that 45 years of experience I have seen the level of surfing go to the highest levels ever.  The old legends were great in everyway, but it is breathtaking to see the level of skill these young chargers bring.

What do you think?   
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: stoneaxe on February 07, 2008, 06:44:22 AM
I'll never use them but this vid of Ivan on a 7' kids starboard windsurfer just stylin proves it can be done. I actually picked up an earlier version of the same board for my wife to try out this summer. A local lifeguard found it washed up and I bought it for $50. It would be a submarine for me but I think my wife mi9ght be able to use it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPUEixCs5mE&mode=related&search=
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: shapeshifter on February 07, 2008, 06:55:10 AM
I believe it will head in all directions. Distance boards, fishing boards, serious surfing boards, guns, camping boards, sailing.

I suspect I'll wind up with a dozen Sup boards. I want one that can carry a lot of camping gear, one that's fast for catching deep water rollers, one to race, one for lazy small surf, one for bigger stuff, one that has a sail stowed inside so I can pop it up like James Bond.

funny, i was thinking you were talking about shoreline hunting... those poor deer would not be expecting that spotlight coming off the water!

i can imagine an uli with a built in hookah (http://www.surfacedive.com) for some surface air delivery in order to do some underwater exploration in remote places.
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: Paddle-Plappe on February 07, 2008, 10:56:33 AM
The sport is young so we quite all are beginners.
Young folks will make SUP progress... Well, i notice that actually, young folks are not as much involved in SUP as senior, master or veteran people. Let's wait
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: tonemike on February 08, 2008, 11:09:16 AM
The sport is young so we quite all are beginners.
Young folks will make SUP progress... Well, i notice that actually, young folks are not as much involved in SUP as senior, master or veteran people. Let's wait
i've got my 11yr old son paddling next to me on one of my noseriders and a "modified" 6' canoe paddle.  he thinks it's great and we get to hang out more together.  i think it'll sure be interesting to see where SUP goes.
-mike
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: Paddle-Plappe on February 08, 2008, 11:16:23 AM
Great!
To be a good surfer, you have to begin in early age. May be it's the same for SUPing. Who knows yet?
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: PonoBill on February 08, 2008, 12:02:25 PM
we have a bunch of kids coming for the board showcase, I'm really interested to see what they think. They are all experienced watermen (and women).

As far as surf-ability goes, I was really longing for that JL 10'6" yesterday. I think it would have actually been more stable in the surface chop, or at least I would have been concentrating on staying up more. I KNOW it would have surfed better than the 12'6" I was on. I had a hard time turning it in the chest to overhead stuff. The nose is so far out there that any whitewater at all has to be taken with the board going straight. the fins release pretty early too. I think the thrusters are a mistake right now, I just need a bigger fin.

Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: 1tuberider on February 09, 2008, 06:14:31 AM
Interesting a 7' starboard as an sup.  I saw them and almost bought one for a light wind sailer. 

PonoBill the 12'6 is a bear to turn.  It took me a couple of sessions to find the sweet spot but there is one.  I move back for turning and often use my paddle for additional turn.  If you are in the right spot the board does turn as well as climb and drop.  Yes there is a lot of nose hanging out, but as long as the nose is not sticking in the water it comes about.  The glide on these big boys is what carries them thru the white water.   
I make white water sections I could never make on a regular surfboard.  To do so, I am back where the board turns and drop in front of the white water. Then I set an edge and just drive.  The paddle helps set the edge and maintain balance.  You can also pump the board in the white water to gain more speed and go  around sections.  Give it a chance and of course I am not talking about overhead surf, as larger white waters will have you straightening out.

I wish my kids surfed with me.  I tried but as I found out later, my son could not get over the shark fear.
He was doing so well also till he stopped.  Kids have the chance of falling off and starting all over again with out the fear of being a kook.  But all learners have to start somewhere, so I don't think being young is the only time you can take up surfing.  Kids have more time than adults to surf,  and it so fun, that they tend to live surf.  Surfing skills come quicker when you can practice everyday all day.

So this brings me to another question about surfing.  What are waterman skills?  I have my ideas and will chime in later but lets make a list of skills that help keep us safer in the water. 
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: Rand on February 09, 2008, 07:36:30 AM
I see sup's now 9' range.  Are they being used in larger surf?  Are we going to see 7' or 8' sups?

Hi Tuber,

There are a few members here who have been enjoying smaller boards for some of their riding for some time now.  Tim Stamps had an 8'0 for a bit, Byron, NoWorries, Frank at Lightning Bolt, Chan (and it seems like I may be missing others) all have boards in the mid 8 foot range.  The difference between these and the 7' Starboard is that they are not 30 inches wide or 5 thick (they are 26-28 ish, and 4-4.5). 

Speaking only for myself, I think that many riders will eventually own what is now considered a little board (whatever that might be for their size) for perfect waves, and something a bit larger and more stable for when things get sloppy.

If you enjoy experimenting, and are willing to leave your ego on the sand, give it a try.  I can guarantee some of the funnest waves of your life...and some utter humiliation.
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: 1tuberider on February 09, 2008, 10:15:35 AM
Hi Rand

So how much do these guys weigh?  Does it look like they are sinkers?  How about their paddle speed?

I am now riding a 10'6.  It is so much more a surfing board than big sup's.   I have ridden a friends 9'11 and it seemed real similar to my 10'6 only it had a pulled in nose and a squash tail design more short board oriented.  It handled great and paddled well.  Now he is wanting a smaller board.  My 10'6  is more of a long board design and suited for nose riding.  I will be riding it for a while now to see its limits before I acquire another. 

I rode short boards for 10 years or so, so I know the ride.  I am a long board surfer at heart and that is why I chose the nose riding design. 

It would be nice to be able to go to a demo where all the new gear is available to try in the surf. 
Title: Re: Surfing
Post by: Rand on February 09, 2008, 10:41:25 AM
Hiya,

Quote
So how much do these guys weigh?
  My guess is 14-16 lbs, but never did weigh one.


Quote
Does it look like they are sinkers?
  No.  If you consider that most 6'4 shortboard surfboards have under 30 liters of voulume, most 9' longboards under 65 liters, most wavesailing boards under 75 liters (with huge ones still under 95).  My 8'4 stand up is about 110 liters and and my feet are just above water level at a stand still.

Quote
How about their paddle speed?
  What paddle speed?  :)  Kidding.  Slower than you are used to, but faster than you might expect.  That said, you will get clipped when you don't plan well.  For Channel outs, it is no problem, beating out takes more work.

Quote
I rode short boards for 10 years or so, so I know the ride.  I am a long board surfer at heart and that is why I chose the nose riding design. 
  No doubt.  This is just an alternative, not a one or the other thing.  It is fun because it changes the way you can ride, and the way you have to ride.  Among other things, it is incredible balance practice.  I would never suggest that it should replace larger boards, noseriders, or anything else anyone is having fun on, but it is very fun in its own right, and would hopefully open up new possibilities in your riding.

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