Topics

1

Downwind and Racing / Infinity Blackfish AIR 14 x 26

« on: March 01, 2023, 08:38:06 AM »

Thinking about getting an all around inflatable for travel.   Has anyone this new board?  Other thoughts?

2

Downwind and Racing / Replace Mana 90 100 Flex?

« on: February 17, 2023, 10:17:27 AM »

I am about 210 pounds and muscular build from heavy weight lifting. Mostly paddling flat water. I am paddling a Mana 90 on 100 Flex shaft. I like the paddle pretty well, but I am pretty sure I am overpowering the blade and causing slippage at times. I have Zero shoulder issues. I am considering a new paddle and like the descriptions of the UV 88, have No place to test. Would be interested in opinions for those with experience with the UV 88, VDrive or other recommendations.

3

Classifieds / Assorted SUP Fins

« on: May 10, 2021, 08:58:44 AM »

I am looking to sell the following fins.  All are in good shape.  (Willing to mail to you in the US only.)  Prices are negotiable - Half off list or less.  Make me an offer.  Willing to sell individually, or as a group.   Please send me a PM if interested.   

Larry Allsion Ninja

Naish - Dagger fin 9-10 inches I think.  (Came with my V2 Glide.) 

Futures - JB Runner 58.9

VMG - Time Trial - Full Carbon (floats!!)

I am looking for an SIC 7.0 Weedless Carbon fin - Willing to buy or trade for it.     


     

4

SUP General / Might Move to the Columbus, OH Area

« on: February 19, 2018, 09:53:29 AM »

Might move to the Columbus, OH area.  Kind of focusing in on the Dublin, OH area.  There is a new condo/mixed use development called Bridge Park at Mooney Street and Tuller Ridge Drive.     The Scioto River runs through the area.  From photos I have seen, I can't tell if there is enough water in the river there paddle a "hard" SUP board safely.  Does anyone know?  Would be a huge bonus to be able to launch close to the condo.  How far would I have to go from the condo to have a good place to paddle there?
     

5

Gear Talk / 2016 Infinity Blackfish 14 x 27

« on: August 08, 2017, 07:50:26 PM »

I was planning on buying a 2017 14 x 25 Blackfish and was waiting for some year end pricing or possibly a nice used one to come available.  However, I spotted a 2017 custom 14 x27 Blackfish, which is in excellent shape with the four fin set up at a great deal.  The kicker is that it is a ridiculously long drive to go get it.  I wrestled with the pros and cons for buying a wider and older model for a few days. I just could not get the board out of my head, which told me I just needed to go get it.  My son is going to ride with me and assist with the driving, so that is a huge help. 

I guess I am buying in to the philosophy that narrow is not always faster (sound familiar Area 10?) and is rarely as enjoyable to paddle.  I like to go paddle hard and go fast, but I only race occasionally.  I know this shape is notoriously stable and that i could easily go narrower.  However, I have gone that route and have had some regrets. 
             

6

Travel, Trips, Destinations / Paddleboard Rentals in Maui?

« on: May 13, 2017, 09:24:25 AM »

Heading to Maui for ten days starting tomorrow.  Staying in Lahaina for the first week, then heading to Hana.  Might want to rent a couple of nice boards for some light wind or flatwater paddling with the wife.  She paddles, but just in mild conditions.  Any suggestions?       

7

Gear Talk / 2017 Allstar 14 reviews???

« on: January 23, 2017, 03:24:19 PM »

Can anyone provide an unbiased review on the 2017 Allstar?  I am thinking about buying one. I am 200 pounds with good balance. I know I can ride the 24.5, but should I go with the 27 for better hydrodynamics?

8

Gear Talk / Blisters

« on: August 18, 2016, 12:20:35 PM »

For some reason, my hands are prone to getting blisters when paddling frequently and/or aggressively.  It was a few years ago, tried out several different types of gloves for paddling.  My favorite was the Grease Monkey Gorilla Grip found at Home Depot.  They are only about $4-$5 a pair.  I usually buy a dozen or so and share with my paddling friends, who like them as well.  Yesterday, I forgot to throw a pair onto my golf cart and had to paddle without them.  Six miles and two blisters.  One each on my middle finger between the first and section joints.  Maybe it is from the ribbing on the Ke Nalu shaft.  I am not sure, but it again reminded me why I wear gloves to start with.  I know how to hold a paddle, so please no advice on that.  I am also comfortable in my current gloves.  Just curious if anyone else has has similar issues and good solutions.  I saw that RSPro now has a paddle grip.  Has anyone tried that or a similar paddle grip?  Wax, tape or anything else?  I would be interested in your experiences.
               

9

Downwind and Racing / Stroke Rate for Racing

« on: April 02, 2016, 06:51:05 AM »

I have been playing around with my new Speed Coach Sup and have been watching my stroke rate and speed. I am beginning to find that my race pace stroke rate is in the low to mid 40's using a Kenalu Konihi 95 blade. My  6 mile race pace is about 5.0 to 5.1 mph on average. I am planning to purchase a 90 inch blade and wonder how that will impact my stroke rate and speed.  I would appreciate any thoughts you may offer.

10

SUP General / Planning Trip to Maui and Looking for Advice

« on: December 27, 2015, 05:21:15 PM »

Planning a trip to Maui with my wife in late 2016 or early 2017 and looking for any type of advice that you may have to offer.  Hoping to find a nice little house or condo for $300 a night or less.  I know nothing about the island, but want to learn.  Thanks!     

11

Gear Talk / Paddle Comparisons - Konihi versus Trifecta

« on: December 01, 2015, 09:53:45 AM »

I am continually working on my stroke ( THANK YOU LARRY CAIN!!) and trying to incrementally improve my gear.  While I have been through several boards over he last several years, I have only had a couple  paddles/blades.  My primary use has been flat water training and down breezers and the rare down winder on large inland lakes.  Lots of confused chop and no real surfing.  My first decent paddle was a Ke Nalu Maliko with an x-Tuf-S shaft and an Extended ergo t-handle.  The ability to adjust the paddle length has been a huge plus when searching for the just right length and adjusting to new boards.  However, the blade would punish you for poor technique and just felt like a truck at the end of a long run or heavy upwind paddling.  So I switched to the new Konihi 95 blade.  I noticed some improved performance and it felt a ton better going through the water.  It is a great blade.  However, I am always reaching and I had read many gushing reviews about the Quickblade Trifecta and V-Drive blades.  I had recently suggested to my son that he purchase an SIC bullet V-2 and a Trifecta 95 paddle with the oval shaft.  He loves both and I was excited to get to try his paddle which is just my size.  We paddled together and switched off blades between each other over several runs of 1-1.5 miles each.  The Trifecta seems to go through the water like butter and I can see where it would be easy on the upper body.  The blade and shaft flex noticeably on loading and an early exit is required.  It is light as a feather and takes a little getting used to, as the swing weight difference is significant.  The oval shaft is very comfortable.  I am a little concerned about wearing out the handle cushion.  I suspect the handles are epoxy glued rather than hot glued.  Anyway, all is going as expected during the test.  After a few paddle swaps, it becomes readily apparent to us both that the Konihi blade is significantly faster for us both.  I could seriously gap him when using the Konihi and he could almost keep up with me when he used it.  No measurements, no gps, no science.  We guessed that maybe the Trifecta would be more comfortable over a long run and the gap might shrink.  I am more of a power paddler than high cadence paddler.  You could attribute it to many things I suppose, but the difference was really significant.  I am not blindly loyal to the Ke Nalu brand and actually had my mind set on buying a new paddle this spring.  As far as I am concerned, the Trifecta is now off the short list for my tastes. It will be interesting to try the V-drive 91 now.  I have read with great interest the 85-95 Konihi comparisons here on the Zone.  After reading, it seems to me that a 90 Konihi blade might be right in the sweet spot.  How's about it Lane?  We want a 90!!  Any plans??     
                   

12

Gear Talk / Leap of Faith - SIC FX 14????

« on: October 28, 2015, 07:39:04 AM »

I have an agreement to sell my SIC X 14 Pro on this Friday.  I REALLY like that board.  It is fast and responsive on flat water for me.  I like the narrow 26 inch width, which suits my frame and stroke.  However, there are a few traits that I don't like about it.  Here they are in no particular order.  The nose catches when drafting and does not allow for easy direction changes.  Although OK, it is not as stable as I would like.  Does not downwind as good as I would like.  I think it needs a little more nose rocker and volume for that.  Board trim balance is a bit too narrow and could be more forgiving.  At my 200 lb weight, I think I may need a little bit more volume than 253 liters.  When you listen to Mark Raphorst describe the FX 14, he addresses all of these concerns with the new design.  The volume at 290 sounds a little higher than I would have expected and the narow 25 inch width is more narrow than I expected.  The new flush deck kind of surprised me too, as cutouts usually help with stability and leverage.  The rails are also 3/4 inch thicker at 7.75 for the FX.  So, with my current favorite board being sold, I have a dilemma.  Should I wait until I can test this board and maybe others in late April, or order an FX 14 now and have it arrive late January/early February?  I have combed the web and have found VERY little feedback and no real evaluations.  What you you think?  Pull the trigger, or hurry up and wait?                                       

13

Gear Talk / SIC FX 14 x 25

« on: August 06, 2015, 05:57:54 AM »

Just saw a vid of Mark R. at the Outdoor retailer show talking abou the new FX 14 all water board.  Looks like my next board.  Would love to hear and see more about it.  Pics, specs, availability.....

14

Gear Talk / SIC X14 PRO vs SIC BulletV2 ???

« on: November 15, 2014, 09:15:46 AM »

I am the proud owner of an X14 SCC (the 28.5 inch one).  I love the board for many reasons.  However, I would like it to be a bit faster so that I can carry more speed and make me a bit more competitive in the few races that I run each year.  I am 5 foot 9 inches and 200 lbs and I able able to average about 5.1 MPH (max) over a six mile run on a very flat day.  I mostly paddle large lakes with mixed conditions and occasional trips to inland/coastal races. I really like this brand and would prefer to add another SIC to the quiver.  I may have a chance to pick up an X14 PRO, which is 26 inches.  I have not had a chance to test one.  I can find nothing in the SIC catalog that shows the weight handling capability of this board.  I read that the volume is 253 liters.  My current board has been quoted as 296 or 280 liters, and it floats me with lots of room to spare.  My guess is 280 liters.  Anyone 200 lbs or over riding this board??  I have also considered the BulletV2, but again no test ride opportunity.  I have read a lot of great things about this board being fast and versatile, etc.  I read it is 265 liters of volume and 27.25 wide.  From the sounds of it, the Bullet V2 might be better suited to my size, but will it be a faster board than my current X14?  I would REALLY appreciate any feedback that is out there.  Thanks!!!!                 

15

SUP General / Bubble Under Pad - Repair Ideas?

« on: May 16, 2014, 06:21:30 AM »

I just got a used SIC - X14 SCC, which I love!!!  To my dismay, I noticed a good sized air bubble about 4 inches across on the left side of the pad that surfaces in the heat of the sun.  It is about half way in the standing area and subsides once cooled down.  It is bugging me and I would like to repair it, but I am not sure what to do.  Common sense tells me to use a turkey injector or something and shoot some glue up in there through a needle.  What kind of glue?  How much? However, I would rather hear from others on the Zone who may have some experience like this.  Maybe I should just leave it alone, try to keep it out of the sun and ride it like it is.  Maybe just piercing the pad with a small needle hole would allow the heated air to escape.  I would appreciate the benefit of any experiencess and advice that you may have.