Messages

31

Downwind and Racing / Re: Maliko 14

« on: April 13, 2011, 10:46:01 AM »

Agree I will take the First ONE!!! BF for sure.

32

Gear Talk / Re: race paddle

« on: April 05, 2011, 11:48:35 AM »

Motopilot:

  The bent shafts are really length specific.  You can't just buy a long one and cut it down, or the bends won't be in the correct location for your lower hand.

Thanks that is something I was wondering about with these paddles.  Going to try one out and see.

33

Gear Talk / Re: race paddle

« on: April 04, 2011, 10:01:18 AM »

I'm 70" (5'10") tall and use an 82" bent shaft, so 12" longer than my height.   I'm starting to think it's not long enough.  It reaches my wrist, but I could go 2 more inches for it to reach my streched hand.  I paddle flat water mostly on a low profile board (Starboard Pin).

Pono Bill:  You still stand by your paddle length article?  Maybe I want to go even longer to extend my reach.

I saw that bent shaft paddle and looked pretty cool.  You think you need longer because of the bent shaft?  I held it but did not use one on the water. Was wondering about the lenght if it would be longer with the bend?

Oh and how do you like the bent shaft with a raceboard?

34

Gear Talk / Re: SUPER BUMMED....sank a new board!!

« on: April 04, 2011, 07:30:29 AM »

Hip, have you ridden any other boards in this size for comparison? I see that you have been riding a Pau Hana Big Easy 11' correct? I know the first time I went smaller (from SOS 10'10 to 9'6) it took a little getting used to and certainly did not float me the same.  Again just something to consider as this is a jump from 11' to 9'11 with a pulled in nose and tail.  Hope you get more comfortable on it as I bet in a couple more sessions you will be more stoked on the smaller board especially in the surf. 

35

Gear Talk / Re: SUPER BUMMED....sank a new board!!

« on: April 03, 2011, 07:01:12 PM »

Sorry to hear about your disappointment in the new board.  Were you looking for a "wave" specific SUP board or for something for all conditions?  I have seen EastFL on his 9'6 ripper and yes in the beginning that board looked really small on him.  That was about 8 months ago.

Now he's on that board all the day (sometimes 4-5 times a week) and the board does not too small on him.  Will he be crusing around on it?  No but for surf it rips for him. 

Reason I am asking as someone asked me the other day about the boards I ride (sizes).  I feel I ride some pretty small boards for my size (190lbs) but there are guys that ride smaller here and are about the same size.

When I first got out on my smaller boards (7'11 being the smallest) yes I looked like a mess and felt i could barely standup.  Took a couple of sessions but now when I am on my 8'6 it feels like a tank.  Maybe just give it some time if you are looking for a specific "wave riding" SUP.  But if you want a do everything board then maybe the larger board may be good for you.  Hope it works out for you in the end and you get on the water.

36

Downwind and Racing / Re: Race Training???

« on: April 01, 2011, 06:28:12 PM »

I'll be ready in a week to train as well!

37

Downwind and Racing / Re: Any Downwinding in Florida?

« on: April 01, 2011, 06:25:37 PM »

We do some just south of you a little.  Probably be more as the waves start to disappear. I did the same as you for awhile and just ended up getting a 14' race board as I wanted more speed.  Lots of great spots here on the east side of FL.

38

Gear Talk / Re: Kialoa Shaka Puu

« on: April 01, 2011, 06:23:29 PM »

I have Shaka, but would like to try Methane. My bad shoulders do ok with Shaka. I'm a big XXL dude who surfs 4 hours a week. Good Luck and you will enjoy your Kialoa

I have both and still use both.  I am 190 and do not have any problems with either paddle.  I came from the C4's which at first were great but I too was getting shoulder and elbow pains.  If you are a bigger guy I think you might still like the shaka pu'u better. 

For just in the waves the methane is great.  Couple of strokes and off you go.  If I am playing in the surf/cruising etc I go with the shaka. 

39

Gear Talk / Re: PSH Bamboo durabilty after 3mts

« on: March 25, 2011, 08:24:35 PM »

I have had my 86 and 94 since august of last year. I use the 86 80% of the time. There is some heel denting on the board but it is not soft. I feel I ride the boards very hard but have not had any other problems whatsoever. So far I am happy with the product but wished there was a lighter stiffer construction such as a carbon option. Bamboo is nice but let's use some windsurf technology and apply it to SUP.

40

Gear Talk / Re: kind of bummed

« on: March 16, 2011, 05:31:48 PM »

I have been riding a 7'11 carbon a couple of times now and it only has a tailpad on it.  I am not having any problems.  have used with both booties and bare feet and neither problems anyway.  I do agree it takes some getting used to compared to a pad but kind of like going without it. 

41

Gear Talk / Re: The coveted 2011 Z.M.P.P. Award!

« on: February 15, 2011, 12:57:02 PM »

Kialoa Methane.  Small blade and light.  Easy on the joints as well.

42

Gear Talk / Re: PSH 10'0" Wide All Arounder or 9'6" WAA that is the question

« on: February 09, 2011, 09:12:12 AM »

For your weight the 9'6 would be plenty.  Both are very nice boards.  I have a lot of experience of the 9'6 and have only seen the 10'  The 9'6 is plenty stable for what you are looking for.  If you are not sure, try to demo one if you can, well worth it.

43

Gear Talk / Re: T-Rax racks

« on: February 07, 2011, 01:23:02 PM »

Agree.  I wrote the review for two reasons.  First off the product was very high quality.  Yes it was not cheap but you certainly get your $$$ worth.  Second their customer service was very very good.  I was planning on ordering the SUP model but after talking to the salesmen on the phone he recommended I go with the longboard model.  And even still plenty of room between the boards to throw boardbags up there and stuff.

44

Gear Talk / T-Rax racks

« on: February 07, 2011, 01:07:42 PM »

I ordered these a couple of weeks ago for my new garage and finally installed them this weekend.  Was not sure if anyone has used then but I contacted the company and they were very professional and supply a great product.  I ended up going with their Longboard Rax as the SUP racks are really meant for longer and bigger SUPs.  Since all of mine are under 10' the Longboard one worked out better as the bars are shorter and easier to walk around (they are at a 15 degree angle) and the spacing is still good with fins on.

The rack is solid aluminum and is very sturdy and strong.  All stainless hardware was included and fit was perfect.  The racks are not cheap (@ $130) but the quality was well worth it IMO.  Here are a couple of photos.  Got 5 boards on the 4 tier rack (shortboard on top top) and it looks great.  Just wanted to post as these guys were great with product, shipping and customer service.

45

Events / Re: John E.B. pics FBI (From Big Island)

« on: December 21, 2010, 07:46:22 AM »

Great pics John and congrats!  Hope you get some great waves out there.