Topics

1

Downwind and Racing / Is There Such a Thing As A Good Combo Downwind/Flat Water Racing Board?

« on: June 25, 2014, 10:07:43 AM »

Is there a board made today that is good at flat water paddling/racing and going downwind in legit conditions? Or, are these separate genres, requiring separate designs using specific elements particular to the purpose?

2

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Review: SIC F-14 Wide Glide vs. Angulo Shaka

« on: April 17, 2014, 08:26:57 AM »

It's been a weird Spring in NorCal. The wind usually picks up in April and the water temps are usually cold. Low 50's. It's not uncommon to get the windiest runs of the year in April. But not this April. That's the bad news.

But the good news is that things are looking better. A pressure gradient formed north of San Francisco and created small craft advisories and blustery conditions in the outer waters. It blew up a decent short interval wind swell and combined with the Salinas Valley thermal low served up 20kt. plus winds for the Four Mile to Mitchell's Cove North Coast downwind run.

We put the word out on the Santa Cruz Paddleboard Association Facebook page, and sent out an email blast the day before the run. Six paddlers showed up the next day at Mitchells for the shuttle up to Four Mile. This was the first of run season for about half of us (including a prone paddler) and everyone was pumped and stoked to be out there again.

Thanks to Scott at Covewater Paddle Surf in Santa Cruz for offering up the 2014 SIC F-14 Wide Glide (without A.S.S. active steering system) for me to demo. Covewater co-worker Keith knew a lot about the board and gave me a few pre-paddling tips that turned out to be right on. He also made a very good case for taking the FCS 10 inch Weed Fin instead of the stock SIC fin, so I did. I was skeptical at first because even though the fin is billed as a "kelp" fin, it's 10 inch depth had me concerned. But the fin has substantial rake and is very narrow with a thin foil, which finally made me more curious than skeptical. The fin is well constructed with carbon fiber and looks like it could take a beating, which at that depth it probably would sooner or later. The final selling point though is the fin shape itself, with that deep 10 inch depth and the narrow base carried throughout for holding the tail in and acting as a pivot point when maneuvering on the bumps, glides and waves of a downwinder. I was intrigued and I took it with me. I'm glad I did. In addition to the excitement of the first downwind run of the season, I was jacked to try the new Wide Glide and to see how it compared to my Angulo Shaka.

By the time we got our shuttle preferences in order and arrived at the highway-side lot at Four Mile the wind was cranking. Two person board offloading is a must unless you want your high value SUP peeling off and cartwheeling into 65 mph traffic on Highway One. We staged up in the field adjacent to the lot and paired up for the buddy board carry down to the beach. When it's windy, solo carrying a downwind board the third of a mile trail walk to the beach is a challenge few really want to accept.

A quick safety briefing and basic orientation to the paddle out, the reefs (and adjacent surf), and the kelp beds prefaced our launch at 2:32PM. Everyone paddled out in front of me and I was the last to hit the water. When the wind is pumping rarely am I able to hug the channel's north side kelp bed long enough to avoid the massive south side kelp bed. Today was no exception and even though I put in my first 500 strokes on the lee side of the board, I soon found myself losing the battle against the wind and side chop and heading for the kelp beds. No worries I told myself. This is a good test of the weed fin. It was.

The first thing I noticed about the F-14 was stability. This board is rock steady and handled all the side wind and chop the conditions and bumpy seas could throw at us. During this part of the channel, before you turn downwind, the swells are coming at you perpendicular to the board. So in addition to the choppy, wind blown seas, the paddler is negotiating the larger ocean swells. In this the board was perfectly stable. So far so good. This is a very comfortable board.

I was chomping at the bit to turn downwind but not before paddling through the last of the south of channel kelp beds. It's always helpful to have a like product to compare a current product with, and I had both fin and board to compare with the F-14. The Angulo Shaka 14 and the Angulo Sea Shaka fin. So far both board and fin were very similar to each other, and in the same basic camp and category. I didn't notice much real difference between the two fins paddling through the kelp. The Weed Fin (WF) caught a couple times but considering the thickness of the sea vegetation, it wasn't bad at all. Next test, downwind gliding.

Again the boards are very comparable and what I like best about both boards is their stability. Even though the boards are both 14 feet long, the F-14 is "larger" (and a bit heavier) with 298L of volume vs. the Shaka's 250L. But this just ensures the stability that is the primary feature of these two downwind boards.

This was my first run of the season and I should have been a bit rusty but on the F-14 I took off like a shot in the downwind bumps and proceeded to take full advantage of the wind, swells, glides and the F-14's progressive design. SIC has made a board that is both stable, and fast in the bumps. At least part of this can be attributed to the relaxed rocker overall. I didn't fall ever, and only came close once when I back peddled to pull the nose up and wobbled a bit on the narrower tail. To be sure, the Shaka is a bump catcher, but I like the way the F-14 "surfs" better. This is due I think to hard rails on the F-14 that start about a third of the way up from the tail. The Shaka has soft rails all the way around which gives it less bite in the wave face. The hard rail provides two advantages. One, when you have to surf the board on an actual nearshore wave, you've got a good surfing and controllable board under your feet. Two, the hard rail stabilizes the tail in crazy wind chop and keeps it from sliding out. Again, this is another rock steady feature of the F-14, along with it's overall paddling stability.

Another design element both these boards utilize is the pin tail. The pin vs. square tail is no match-up in my book as the pin tail is much less susceptible to multiple waves pushing the tail around at the same time. The square tail is less stable and more liable to slide out, or sideways on the bumps than the pin. The pin definitely enhances the board's stability in the kind of conditions you want to be in for good downwinders.

Getting back to the Weed Fin vs. the Sea Shaka fin the margin of difference wasn't noticeably dramatic. I would use either fin in either board and it would be all good I think. The WF seemed to also add to the ability of the tail to keep from sliding out and perhaps to give the board a pivot point off that long 10 inches of depth. I give both fins a thumbs up for sure. (The fin, like all fins these days, is expensive at nearly $100 (online) and if I get one, I'll throw it in the Shaka for comparison's sake. I'll update if and when that happens.)

I try not to let the hype all board companies claim about their boards influence me too much, but in the case of the SIC F-14 I found this bit of marketing to be pretty much right on.

"Building on a legacy of gliding and derived from the most winning open-ocean race
board, the F-16, this all new F-14 (14’0”) features, speed, glide-ability and stability that is
unmatched. With a focus on the less experienced paddler looking to find the perfect glide,
however, needing a shape that is more forgiving, capable of taking on sloppy seas and
giving the stability that allows one to get on glide and minimize fatigue, the F-14 brings
gliding to the masses and is also an amazing all-round fitness board."

So now we come to the two major points of difference between the Shaka and the F-14 as I see it. Price and availability.

Price. I have always thought that the SIC boards were expensive...really expensive. Some people (especially those into racing) are willing to pay what I call that "premium" price but I tend to be more of a value (aka budget) shopper and I'm not into racing. Fun and fitness on a durable high quality product that matches my skills and needs is what I'm after. At $2400 (online) retail, the F-14 definitely falls into the "pricey" category. When you compare that price against the Angulo Shaka at (online) $1400-$1600 (EST build) and $1600-$1700 (XLT build) you can easily see what I mean by premium price.

Availability. SIC has built itself into a proven powerhouse in all areas. Mark Raaphorst's
SIC designs are second to none worldwide. The company has chosen to prove itself in the competitive arena and more often than not, SIC comes out on top. They have built their business into a solid, profitable enterprise with a distribution system that ensures you can get a board just about anywhere in the world where SUP is happening. Check SIC's website for retail locations and if you're in NorCal or Santa Cruz, Covewater carries a full line of SIC boards and they have demos so you can try before you buy.

Ed Angulo is a senior shaper and one of the most experienced designers in the world of wind surfing, surfing and SUPs. Way back in the day on Maui, Mark worked for Ed. But today, Angulo Designs is the weaker business compared to SIC. Production and availability seem to be limited for the Shaka which is too bad because it's a great board at a reasonable price. Therefore, depending upon where you live, getting a Shaka could be difficult. Check the Angulo Designs website for contact info and availability.

Summary. Both boards will do what I want them to do. One is more expensive than the other. One may be more readily available than the other. Build quality appears to be very comparable. If you want the most red hot design emanating out what is arguably the most red hot, cutting edge company in the SUP world today and are willing to pay a few more dollars, then SIC may be your call. But if value is your most important criteria then you may want to chose the Shaka. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

3

Downwind and Racing / Downwind in NorCal

« on: May 05, 2012, 09:49:38 AM »

I'm just starting to get into downwinding here on the north coast of Santa Cruz/San Mateo County. I know there are similarities and differences between here and Maui for example, but I'm wondering what they are specifically re wave riding and ocean conditions (yeah, I know it's a lot colder here and not as windy (although we get a decent share of 20-30 mph days) and types of boards being ridden.

If anyone has thoughts, insights, thread referrals, links, etc. I'd be interested in hearing them.

Thanks,
gary

4

SUP General / L41 Surfboards Original SIMSUP Online

« on: December 12, 2011, 01:29:54 PM »

http://www.original-simsup.com/

The Original SIMSUP website is online with lot's of info, video and pics about this unique SUP surfboard. Fast, maneuverable, short and stable...good things in a small package. Check it out.

Created and built by SUP surfers in the USA.

5

The Shape Shack / SIMSUP 3 - Ready For Liftoff

« on: November 21, 2011, 03:38:26 PM »

Read this on my blog with pics and some vid. http://srfnff.blogspot.com/2011/11/simsup-3-first-paddle-surf.html

SIMSUP #3, the third in the series of high performance SUP surfboards is by far the most radical of what is already a radical concept and design in stand up paddleboards. The SIMSUP series tends to bend the term "paddleboard" into a form that may not look quite "right," but when surfed transforms the mind vis a vis SUP surfboards.

The Original SIMSUP was a collaboration between L41 Surfboards Kirk McGinty and myself. The idea was to design and build a fast and maneuverable SUP surfboard that was also stable. The Original SIMSUP succeeded beyond our expectations. Each successive SIMSUP has been tweaked with performance enhancements in mind. SIMSUP 2 surfed better than #1, and was a bit less stable. SIMSUP 3 surfs better than #1 & 2 and is a bit less stable than 2.

Any competent SUP surfer who has their 9'+ SUP chops down can ride SIMSUP 1 and be blown away by how the equipment will radicalized their surfing. The ability level must increase to take on SIMSUPs 2 & 3. But the awesomeness of what can be done on the advanced SIMSUP designs will never the less alter the surfers consciousness forever. At least this is what happened to me. Frankly, I'm as surprised as anyone that the SIMSUP series works as well as it does. But I am genuinely stoked and looking forward to many fun sessions in the future.

SIMSUP 3 (Simmy 3) first impressions:

    Definitely tippier, I'm guessing due to a little less volume overall, especially in the rails. Perhaps it's light weight contributes in that the ocean can throw it around a bit easier. Anyway...I'll get used to it but it does require more energy to balance at rest, paddling through breaking waves, etc.
    Surfs better than SimSups 1 & 2. Performance is impressive. For the stability it loses paddling, it gains it all back surfing. It's fast, sticks really well on top to bottom transitions in steep waves, does directional changes (180 turnbacks) like it's on a hinge (absolutely amazing) and handles foam better than any SUP I've ever ridden. I was able to ride a couple bigger waves from takeoff in front of the cave almost to the beach below that staircase at In-Betweens....a real Energizer Bunny, it just keeps going and going.
    Waxed deck. I like it because it has the feel of a traditional surfboard, I feel more rooted to the board and connected to the waves. No slipping issues re paddling or surfing. I don't like it cuz it's kinda messy like wax can be. When I got out I had wax all over my paddle blade and handle...not bad really, but I had to wipe if off. (Maybe a less anally retentive person wouldn't be as perplexed.)
    Weight. At 15.2 pounds, a real plus...it seems to paddle faster and it has to contribute to how easily it responds in the waves. A game changer and a great option to "weigh" for future boards. Kudos to the boyz at the Stretch factory who did the glassing and the vacuum bagging. (Glassing sched: 6+6oz. deck, plus deck patch) and 4+6oz. bottom.)

Video: Length 3:25 (no surfing shots)

6

Sessions / Nice Waves at Ponta Preta (Cabo Verde)

« on: January 01, 2009, 06:21:50 PM »

Josh Angulo paddle surfs some nice ones in his home town on the Angulo 10-2 Perfect Wave. For more check his blog at http://anguloboards.com/blog/?p=38

<object width="400" height="302"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2659556&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2659556&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><br /><a href="">SUP on Punta Preta</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/anguloboards">Anguloboards.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.

7

SUP General / Recommendations for Newbies

« on: July 22, 2008, 04:39:07 PM »

I've been thinkin' about this for a while so I thought I'd run it up the flagpole. Because our sport is growing so quickly, and is becoming somewhat compartmentalized along the way, it's sometimes difficult for folks who are new to stand up paddling, to figure out what kind of board they should get. I always recommend a good all-rounder, depending upon what they want to do with the board. Aside from a board designed for downwind and/or distance runs you have two choices: a paddleboard you can surf; or a surfboard you can paddle. Each one of those choices has it's limitations. The holy grail would be the perfect blend of the two, but I wonder if that's even possible.

Any thoughts?

8

Events / 7th Annual Surftech Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race

« on: March 29, 2008, 08:22:25 PM »

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Time: 08:00 AM
Venue: New Brighton State Beach
Address: 1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Brief Description:
A paddleboard race in the beautiful waters of the Monterey Bay. It is in memory of Santa Cruz waterman Jay Moriarity. Paddle the 12 mile or 2 mile course. Free races for kids 12 and under.

All proceeds are donated to Junior Lifeguard Programs in Santa Cruz County. The donations provide kids with JG scholarships in Jay's name and provides new paddleboards to train and have fun on.

For more info: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1542241&assetId=b4a12264-6ef0-4610-a5f9-ac15e197e0df

     
     

9

Gear Talk / Fin Recommendations?

« on: March 25, 2008, 10:00:34 AM »

Hey All,

I'm always looking at and fooling around with fins (according to my budget that is). I've got an Angulo 10'4" Olohe set up as a 2+1. I've used a number of different fin configurations including surfing it as a single and as a 2+1. I've been reading the drive vs. maneuverability posts and it seems that the fins I've got are either designed to be drivey or loose. Then I read that a lot of the stand up surfers in HI are using cutaways.

Anybody have any recommendations for a cutaway fin that might work well in the Olohe which is shaped and surfs like a big longboard? (BTW, I am 155 pounds soaking wet and in my 5-4-3 Mutant...yeah, size matters! )

Thanks,
g

10

The Shape Shack / Design Software and Volume

« on: March 07, 2008, 08:17:27 AM »

Hey All,

I'm fooling around with the aps3000 aku shaper program and need some help with a couple things.

Is there a more comprehensive tutorial? I'm trying to plug in thickness figures and can't seem to figure out an easy way to do it, or even how to do it. There's a little button for length and width but nothing I can see for the other dimensions.

Re volume, is there some kind of generally agreed upon standard or formula that states a given volume for a given weight for a SUP? For example, is there a volume figure that is standard for a 150# person, a 200# person, etc. My thought is that if there were such a standard or generally accepted "average", then could one plug that volume figure into the software and work from it?

Apparently there are accepted standards for generic surfboards and the aku program let's you start with a generic shape if you want. I've been playing with the 9' longboard and experimenting with it. The default setting for thickness is 3".

Thanks in advance for any comments and advice,
gary - srfnff

11

Technique / Quick Turn

« on: March 06, 2008, 11:10:53 AM »

One of the skills that is taking me a long time to learn is pulling off a quick turn on my SUP in the line-up, when I need to change direction 180 degrees and make a quick paddle in order to catch a wave. I've read the thread about turning from the nose (doesn't work well for me), and about stepping way back with one foot or the other, sinking the tail, and making a quick turn. Since my board is a rounded pin (10'4" Angulo Olohe) things get pretty unstable when I step back onto the (reduced volume and surface area) tail, especially in bumpy conditions.

I tried something yesterday that seemed to work pretty well although I'm sure it looks totally absurd and kookish. For lack of a better phrase (and the creativity to go with it) I just call it the "bunny hop" quick turn. OK, for those of you who didn't hit the "go back one page" button after reading that, I'll go on.

All one does is to take several hops backwards while in the normal parallel stance paddle position. Hop back enough to submerge (just a little at first) the tail of the board. Lower your center of gravity a bit by crouching and using a wide arcing stroke, turn left or right. You'll be surprised at how fast you come about. When ready, hop back to your normal paddling stance and position for wave catching or paddling. The benefit of this quick turn technique is that your feet always stay parallel which is, I think, the most stable paddling position. Of course like all things SUP, it's easier to do in calmer water.

The thing that makes this easier than other quick turns I've practiced is that keeping your feet parallel is a very stable position. Your hops can be incrementally small or large, depending upon your skill level. When I first started practicing the hop I was taking little mini hops back and forward. After a while I was able to increase the hop distance from about four inches/hop to a foot or so per hop.

It's the easiest way to quick turn I've found so far and the quick turn really comes in handy on a lot of occasions when you're late and really want to catch that next good wave.

Cheers and aloha, I hope this info is useful to more than just me.
gary - srfnff

12

Random / Great Website, Great Forums

« on: November 27, 2007, 07:34:14 AM »

I just wanted to post a big mahalo for this great website and the extremely interesting and positive forums and forum participants.

I don't know why it's taken me so long to get with the program but I'm glad I finally got on board (pun intended)!

Also a big, big thank you for posting my link, I am humbled and I hope that I can make a fraction of the positive contributions that Randy and so many others have already made.

gary - srfnff