Topics

1

Gear Talk / Sunova Allwater vs Ocean

« on: April 29, 2018, 09:32:51 AM »

I am considering of ordering a Sunova Ocean Pro or Allwater Pro. Is the Ocean model significantly better than the Allwater Pro in downwinds? We don't have these boards in Spain yet so no possibility to test. Is Ocean Pro significantly slower in choppy or flatter conditions then Allwater? I guess what I am trying to understand is will I lose more in downwind with Allwater then I would lose in general flattish, choppy waters and upwind with the Ocean? I want to paddle mostly in downwind conditions but here in Mallorca we have typical Mediterranean winds and swells so mostly 15-20 knots and the swell period is shorter than the Oceans like 5-8 seconds max.

Sunova Allwater Pro
https://sunovasurfboards.com/en/sup/flatwater-touring-race/allwater-faast-pro






Sunoca Ocean Pro
https://sunovasurfboards.com/en/sup/flatwater-touring-race/ocean-faast-pro

2

Travel, Trips, Destinations / SUP surfing in Costa Rica

« on: November 01, 2017, 01:54:31 AM »

We plan to visit Costa Rica after Xmas until 11th of January as family with two kids 7 and 9 years old. We will spend some time in the capital city and then plan to visit some other areas of the county like National Park of Tortugero and then head to Pacific side for some beach holiday and surfing.
Our boys are learning surfing and I would also like to do some surfing and SUP surfing.
Which towns or areas would you recommend for a quality family location with surf possibilities? We prefer small and authentic towns instead of main stream tourist areas. Samara, Nosara, Tamarindo or any other town?
I plan to contact some local SUP schools there like Blue Zone SUP or Nosara Paddle Surf to check if I can join their daily events without using their lodging. What I am looking for is quality SUP surfing material and some daily local guide services to good spots. I currently surf a 8’5 Speeed from Sunova. Also it would be nice that our boys can surf some small waves so they can practice their surfing skills. We plan to spend 5-6 days for surfing.
Looking forward for your suggestions for areas and SUP schools or rental places.

3

Downwind and Racing / New unlimited designs

« on: September 10, 2017, 12:43:42 PM »

I read this article http://www.totalsup.com/rise-sup-unlimited-division/ and wonder how these new designs are different than the SIC unlimiteds as mentioned in the article.
For example, is the latest NSP unlimited really faster at 15-20 knots wind than a SIC unlimited design? If that is the case, that can be interesting where I live. Here in Mallorca, in the Mediterranean sea we do have more these type of mild conditions.

4

Gear Talk / FCS II Connect Fin

« on: August 14, 2017, 08:29:22 AM »

I am planning to order a FCS II Connect Fin 8¨for a longboard style SUP, a Sunova Style 10΄.

Are the price differences worth in terms of performance between the:

Performance Glass version prices starting from 95€


PC Carbon version prices starting from 85€


Glass Flex version prices starting from 49€


I have the Glass Flex version 9¨ for my downwind board and it works fine.

5

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Jimmy Lewis Rail

« on: December 08, 2016, 10:51:40 AM »

My Jimmy Lewis Rail 14X28 has arrived a week ago. It is the regular sandwich construction. It does not weigh so much for its size and volume. The look and finishing quality is very good. I have tested it in flat and choppy waters and it is really stable. I weigh 80 kgs and 1.80 m tall. It is surprisingly fast on the flat water. Not as fast as a race board for sure but definitely faster than SIC 14 V2 that I tested before. I look forward to use the Rail in a real downwind session soon. But considering its flat & choppy water performance, weight and balance, I can recommend it as a open water board as well. The European Jimmy Lewis dealer and Jimmy Lewis were very helpful in the purchase process. It is really great that Jimmy takes his time and answers his customer's emails!





And here it is among other boards before a race

6

Downwind and Racing / Helmet for really windy days

« on: November 17, 2016, 03:12:42 PM »

Which helmet would you recommend for really windy downwind sessions?

7

Gear Talk / Which KeNalu for surfing?

« on: October 09, 2016, 02:10:05 PM »

Which KeNalu blade and shaft combination do you use for surfing and why?

8

Travel, Trips, Destinations / Mauka Lodge - A SUP surfing retreat in Portugal

« on: January 07, 2016, 06:00:24 PM »

I was in Portugal two months ago to improve my SUP surfing skills. Stayed at Mauka Lodge run by a well known SUP instructor called Tiago Silva. He has a nice concept where he provides the lodging close to Ericeira just north of Lisbon with tailor made SUP surfing sessions and good quality SUP material from Sunova and Quickblade.
More information about Mauka Lodge can be found at www.maukalodge.com
I also wrote a short article about my stay in the islander magazine. I attach it here. I can warmly recommend Tiago and his lodge. I look forward to go there in the spring of 2016 again.

9

Gear Talk / Fin suggestion for 14 NSP Coco Mat

« on: August 18, 2012, 02:33:17 PM »

I am thinking of replacing the current fin.


DJ, I used your picture if you don't mind

It is quite big and full straight. Hits the bottom easier and makes it very difficult to pass the swimming zone ropes etc.

Which fin would you recommend instead? Preferably doesn't make it less balanced and if possible easier to paddle with side wind as well.

10

Gear Talk / 2012 Surftech Bark prices

« on: October 22, 2011, 04:41:46 AM »

According to the distributor in Spain, the 2012 models will have a significantly higher price.
2011 Surftech Bark Competitor Pro Elite is sold for 1350 € and it will be around 2000 € in 2012.
The Dominator Pro Elite 2011 costs 1650 € and will cost around 2600 € in 2012.

How are the prices going to be in US? Anybody knows?

11

Gear Talk / Mistral's 2011 SUP Boards

« on: May 08, 2011, 01:27:50 AM »

My all time favourite windsurf brand has announced their 2011 line.

http://www.mistral.com/sup/sup-boards/

The race models look interesting for sure. Anybody saw them in real?

12

Downwind and Racing / 12'6'' race board for Mediterranean

« on: October 17, 2010, 10:57:30 AM »

After paddling with my Starboard Big Easy, I decided to get a race board to compete in local races. I live in Mallorca, Spain. The sea conditions are typical Mediterranean conditions with few possibilities of downwind and mostly flat or medium choppy waters. Following boards are available here and I would appreciate comments and suggestions about the performance/reliability of these boards. I weigh 85kg (185 lbs).

• Starboard Free Race-I find Starboard's boards as good quality, wouldn't mind to buy another one. I consider the 29'' wide one
• Jimmy Lewis - Blade or Slice. Difficult decision. I don't know if Slice or Blade fit better to our waters. These boards are not in carbon, does that mean they are way heavier and slower?
• Nidecker - All Water Race. Popular board here in Europe.
• Naish - Glide Catalina 12'6''. I am sure it is a nice board but I am concerned about the price
• Fanatic - Fly Race. It is full carbon and the shape is interesting. Some friends have tested it and were impressed.
• Exxite - They will release a 12'6'' full carbon version but I don't know much about this brand (www.exxite.net)
• 404 - 12'6" Monster Race Board. Danny Ching's weapon. Quite expensive here, around 1800 €. Is that really so good or Danny would win a race with any board?

So far, these are the alternatives I can choose from. I am curious to hear about your comments.