Topics

1

Gear Talk / Inflatable Question/Advice-SIC/Starboard

« on: January 06, 2022, 06:18:28 AM »

Hi all-I have a race coming up this June where I'll be needing an inflatable board. I need something that's durable, reasonably fast, and stable. I need to carry a fair amount of gear and manage a lot of portaging.

My daily board is a SIC RS 21.5. I'm looking at the SIC RS Air Glide 14x26" and Starboard Airline 14x26". I'm writing off the Airline 24.5 as it seems to me that it would be too narrow. Am I correct to assume this? Last year I did a really long event (340 miles) on a SIC RS 24.5 hardboard, but I know that inflatables are typically less stable. Any thoughts?

Does anyone have experience with the durability of those? I like the "rails" on the Airline but that stringer on the bottom has some exposed parts that worry whereas the SIC as the carbon bit instead and seems more simple overall. It's cheaper.

I would rather test each, of course, but don't have access to either. I'll have to order online so trying to get it right the first time.

Thanks, everyone!

2

Gear Talk / Fin Recommendations for Unlimited Board

« on: September 30, 2021, 02:42:17 PM »

Hi there -
Looking for some advice on what type of fin setup I should use. My custom King's unlimited board is about done and should be picking it up next week, super excited! It has a standard fin box and a center box for a tool-less FCS fin. I currently have a SIC 8.3" weedless fin and a Futures Triangle (small). I'm not sure if either of these would be good choices for it on the standard fin box, what do you all think? I don't have a FCS tool-less fin for the center box and would be looking for a ventral fin for that. Any recommendations? I'm pretty certain I'll want to have both fins for the board.

Thanks for your time!

3

Gear Talk / Low Volume Board Question

« on: July 13, 2021, 06:01:30 AM »

I've done quite a bit of searching on here and the Internet can't seem to find the answer, maybe someone on here can help me!

I'm curious to know the true advantage to a lower volume board in regards to this scenario. I'm 5'8", 122 lb (55kg) and looking at a SIC RS 21.5. The standard RS 21.5 has a max rider weight of 190lb and 265L and the LV version has a max rider weight of 155lb (70kg) and 240L. I'm still under the weight limit of the LV by 15kg. That's not adding water or anything of course, just rider weight.

What would the advantage/disadvantages of using the LV board versus the standard in my case? The board weighs about a pound less which is nice. Would it be better to choose the LV versus the standard?

Thanks!

4

Gear Talk / 21.5" board recommendations/advice

« on: June 30, 2021, 06:48:01 AM »

Hi all - just looking for some SUP advice on going from a 24.5" board to something more narrow. I'm newer to SUP but am absolutely fell in love with the sport. I went from paddling a kayak, surfski, canoe, and then to SUP. I prefer it for a variety of reasons. In April I decided that I was going to get a race board and went to the local paddle shop. I didn't do extensive research at the time so I relied on advice from the shop. My athletic background is in running (trail ultramarathon, road, track) which I'm about 24 years deep in. I had only been on a paddleboard, I'd say about 3-4 times. I was looking at the 26" SIC RS but ended up with the 24.5" after discussing my background. I'm a 5'8", 122lb male so that was also a factor. I always paddle on flat water lakes, which do get windy and choppy definitely not the ocean. Can't wait to get out there soon and where the 24.5 will feel quite different I'm sure. I'm a few months in with paddling avg. 3-4 times a week. Typically 8-21 mile paddles and have been really enjoying practicing pivot turns and working on technique recently. To be honest, it feels like the board has gotten bigger and I'm looking forward to something a bit more svelte. I really bought this board for long-distance/touring and knew having something "wider" would be nicer for that. I knew that I would want something more narrow, just wasn't sure when I would reach that point. I knew I still have skill to develop, but look at the future and keeping my eyes peeling on the used market.

I'd like to spring for a 21.5 this year to further build my skill. I'd like to eventually get into some racing. Given my background, body size, are my thoughts correct on feeling like the 24.5 is a bit of a boat? I'm super glad to have started on it and will be great for touring, but a lot of my normal paddles aren't longer trips/etc. I'm curious if you all have some board recommendations. I'm looking at the Blackfish Infinity 21.5" at the moment. I really like the Infinity boards that have a "petina" look. The SIC looks great but it shows dirt so easily! Totally nitpicking, I know. The Starboard's are too pricey (unless I found used) for me and their durability concerns me. The SIC 21.5 looks okay, but I'm not a huge fan of being forced to go through a dealer for a board. I really like that you can order direct from Blackfish. I'm not ruling anything out, though, just some initial thoughts. I'm really excited to continue building my skill on any board but looking to the future, too.

Thanks everyone.