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Messages - stvandev

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1
Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Large wing, how big?
« on: December 14, 2021, 02:11:45 PM »
I'm contemplating a Slick 7, Unit 6.5, or the Matador LT 6 mainly at this point, maybe a Slingwing V3.  Don't think I'm ready to drop the $$$ on the OR or DLab materials yet.

2
Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Large wing, how big?
« on: December 14, 2021, 09:00:47 AM »
Updating my wing quiver, currently riding Echo 7/6 and Slingwing V2 4.  Settled on a Matador 5 & 4 for the middle and small wings but debating on the big wing.  I'm an intermediate/advanced rider, 205 lbs so there a fair amount of me to get flying on an Armstrong 5'8' with 1850/1250 foils in the Seattle area.  My main debate right now is do I need something bigger than a 6?  The Matador 5 got me flying the other day when there was barely a whitecap on the lake and wing was barely flying in the lulls, not unlike the conditions that I'd pull my 7 out for; so then I started thinking the Matador LT 6 might be the biggest wing I need.  The big wing is my session saver, especially on those marginal summer days.  The appeal of a light and simple 6 is strong right now, but we're in our windy season.  So the question is with current, powerful wings, is a 6 big enough?

3
Gear Talk / Re: Focus SuperFast Race
« on: October 30, 2019, 03:19:11 PM »
I've had my 23" Pro since May.  It's the fastest Focus raceboard in flat to small/medium conditions by a decent margin.  I split my time on the SuperFast and Bluefin Turbo, the Bluefin is my rough water and downwind board.  The flatwater glide is fantastic, I think on par with (probably better than) most 21"-23" raceboards.  It has a fair amount of initial roll but a decent amount of secondary stability, so it does take some time to get used to movement, feels similar to my surfski moving with the water, but it's managable.  It does well course racing as well, once I got my foot work down buoy turns are similar to most other boards in this width.  You're stepping up onto the tail from the standing area, so footwork practice is key.  This is the fastest board I've paddled going upwind.  The narrow nose slices right through oncoming waves with minimal slow down.  It also handles small/medium chop really well, similar to upwind performance the nose just seems to slice and key moving with minimal slow down.  It's decent downwind as well, handles like a surfski with the narrow nose, the downwind downside is that stepping back requires stepping up onto the higher back deck; I don't find has a real surfy feel back on the tail.  It has become my go-to race board for most conditions other than big messy and downwind conditions.  Construction is solid too.  Full disclosure, I've been riding Focus raceboards as an ambassador since they started making boards.

4
Classifieds / Takuma V100 Hydrofoil - $750 new condition
« on: February 04, 2019, 05:02:23 PM »
New condition Takuma V100 hydrofoil. Been in the water twice. No scratches and all hardware looks new. All around foil, can be used for surf, SUP, kite, windsurf, and wake. Not getting use so I’m selling it. Aluminum mast and fuselage with full carbon wings. Case included. Located in Seattle area, will ship, buyer covers shipping.  More pics available, just couldn't get them to post.  Looking for $750 obo.

5
Downwind and Racing / Re: Race To Alaska - ambitious for sure
« on: May 26, 2017, 09:48:44 AM »
Boards are from Blue Shed in the Gorge.

6
SUP General / San Clemente SUS rental recommendation?
« on: April 03, 2016, 09:36:17 PM »
Headed to San Clemente this week and may have some time to fit in some surfing.  Any suggestions on where to rent a performance stand up surf board for a couple days?  Thanks.

7
Gear Talk / Re: new Focus race board
« on: July 09, 2015, 09:36:39 AM »
I'll jump in on this discussion, full disclosure I'm a Focus ambassador.  My current raceboards are a 2015 Bluefin custom 14x24.5 and a 2015 Cali custom 14x25, both US made.  I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs for reference.  The first thing I noticed with the Bluefin is that it is oddly stable for the width.  I've had no issues with stability in any conditions on this board.  The targeted use is open water paddling and downwinding, and I think it does really well for both; in messy conditions it the raceboard of choice.  Downwinding it gets into bumps well and is really easy to surf on a bump; it's probably one of the better surfing boards I've downwinded on.  I haven't had it in the surf yet but think it will handle really well, I know that the guys in CA like these in the surf.  It isn't a bad board in flatwater either but does give up some speed, but it also wasn't built for flatwater.  This board also has done really well paddling in reverberating boat wake chop on busy times on the lakes; it seems to stay above the mess and doesn't get pushed around with cross-chop.  Cross-chop/crosswind conditions are way nicer on this board compared to standard race shapes. 

8
Flatwater and Touring / Re: Rental in Seattle
« on: June 15, 2015, 04:26:06 PM »
Urban Surf near Gasworks park on Lake Union.  Not sure of their exact rental inventory now, it varies some.

9
Gear Talk / Re: need advice on how to grip a slick paddle shaft
« on: August 13, 2014, 09:08:07 AM »
If the shaft has a gloss finish, use a scotch brite pad and take the gloss finish off.  Removing the gloss finish in the grip area has all but solved any hand slipping issues even when really sweating.  Take it slow with the pad, it's surprising how quick you can get the gloss finish off.  No messy tape or wax to maintain and replace.

10
Gear Talk / Re: Paddle Blade Angle
« on: February 26, 2014, 05:40:00 PM »
The smaller offset will work fine for flatwater and surf.  I've used the Nitro for everything: surf, flatwater, downwinding; it's a good all-around shape.  I believe the Nitro and Soul are the same shape with different materials.    Blade size is tough one to weigh in on, really depends on how you paddle.  Higher cadence will probably work better with a smaller blade.  I've been happy with the medium blades in the Werner line.  Depends on the feel you like as well on the blade size.

11
Gear Talk / Re: Paddle Blade Angle
« on: February 26, 2014, 09:13:47 AM »
Full disclosure, I'm a Werner team paddler.  I've used a few different brands of paddles and the Werner Grand Prix suits my style best; the Grand Prix has a 12 degree offset.  I've found the Grand Prix a bit more forgiving when I'm getting tired racing, which results in going faster.  My surf paddle is a 3 piece Werner Nitro with a smaller offset.  Both are great paddles, a somewhat different feel, but really not a huge difference.  Technique is definitely key because once that's dialed in, then you'll be able to figure out what paddle works best for your style; everyones a little different.  As far what model and materials, it's what you can afford.  The biggest difference is the weight between the models, mainly based on the amount of carbon in shaft and blade.  The carbon and fiberglass/carbon blend shafts feel pretty similar flex wise, there is some flex in the fiberglass style blades on Carves but Soul is different construction (I haven't had a chance to try the Soul yet).  I generally agree with the sentiment that you should get the most high-end paddle you can afford because it really does make a difference, with that said for general use I don't think you'll go wrong with the Soul.

12
Gear Talk / Re: Advice on surf paddle - Werner Carve, etc.
« on: November 22, 2013, 09:20:28 AM »
I'm using the Werner Nitro 3-piece, which is great.  Paddle performs great in the surf, really like the 3-piece for travel.  I don't really notice a decrease in performance with the 3 piece, just a little added weight.  Ke Nalu is a good paddle but can punish sloppy technique, not as big of a deal in the surf as it was racing when tired.  I've got a Werner Advantage as well with the fiberglass blade, good surf paddle as well, just heavier.  I think the Advantage and Carve have the same materials, and the Carve is the same shape as the Nitro.  A good paddle makes a huge difference, generally all the higher end paddles now are good.

Full disclosure, I do paddle for Werner but used use a Ke Nalu before switching over.  The switch was a choice due to personal preference that happened before paddling for them.

13
Gear Talk / Re: Anyone remove the gloss finish on a Werner Grand Prix shaft?
« on: September 02, 2013, 07:00:42 PM »
The last tape I tried was the TEGS, the grip was awesome but the adhesive didn't last for more than 2 weeks and 2 races before it was bunching up and shifting around.  Too bad because I really liked the tape. Went ahead and used a Scotch Brite pad on the shaft today and it worked great.  Easily took the gloss off. Took it out for a paddle today and it feel great, just that little extra I was looking for with my sweaty hands. Hopefully this solves the issue. Thanks for the input. 

14
I've used the hockey tape before and it worked fine except for the black adhesive all over my hands after every use. Looking for a solution that doesn't involve tape as it does wear out, just looking for slightly more grip with sweaty hands. I have a Ke Nalu as well, it's a great paddle but for me the Grand Prix is a better race paddle. I do miss the shark skin texture on the Ke Nalu shaft, it was about the perfect amount of grip. Just want to make sure that I'm not compromising the integrity of the shaft by removing the gloss finish.  I can't see how this would hurt it but just looking for others experience and method recommendations. Thanks for the input.

15
I've tried wax and don't like the mess. Tape doesn't last long either, which is why I'm thinking of taking the gloss finish off in my bottom hand area.  Used a ZRE canoe paddle this weekend with a matte finish and the grip was about perfect. Just want to make sure I'm not going to screw my paddle up.

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