Messages

766

Gear Talk / Testing SUP on Flat Water

« on: August 19, 2014, 09:45:04 AM »

Has any one ever tested board shapes on flat water FOR SPEED / EFFICIENCY ?

Flat Water
By definition, flat water could be so many things. For now, let's just say that it's a body of water completely flat (sheltered from waves and wind).

Shape
From previous surfski, K1, outrigger canoe, windsurfing and surfing, I conclude that the primary goal of a SUP is to glide, the second (perhaps) to plane.
Since gliding requires moving water, I am inclined to conclude that the best shape may very well be a rounded hull.
Since "rounded hull" can be interpreted in so many ways, I will use known boats to illustrate.

The hull speed of a SUP could (perhaps) be improved by having a hull that resembles that of a Fenn XT or that of a Epic V8 surfski.
For those unfamiliar with surfskis, I believe that the hull of a SUP for flat water should be shaped closer to a kayak than to that of a surfboard / windsurfboard.

I say this, because I have tested Kayak Hull - just never tested SUP.
My finding was that a flat hull is much slower.

Questions
Do you believe that a SUP for flat water should be round or flat, and why ?
Do you believe that a SUP with a Fenn XT hull (or similar), 17 to 18 feet long, 23" wide would be faster or slower than the same board in 12'6 ?
To add stability, do you believe we could simply flank the sides to create more surface area ?

Keeping in mind
For flat water, we could make this board very light by making it hollow.
Strength is not what I am after - speed is.
Feet position would be lowered to the max to add stability.
Transport isn't an issue - I am used to carying surfskis all over the place (like my Fenn Spark that goes everywhere I go) - it's nearly 22 feet long.

By all means, do not agree with me. I am actually looking for FACTS to see what a theory could amount to. All feedback is welcome.

767

Technique / Re: How to train for a 25 mile paddle?

« on: July 23, 2014, 11:25:10 PM »

I use a very different approach for long distance paddling (or long distance any-sport).
For biking, if my race was 50 miles, I would train for the 80 to 120 miles.
For cross country skiing, I would also double the distance during my training sessions.
On the surfski, I would do the same, after reaching the goal of "double the distance", I would then add sprints to the mix for training purposes.

For me, it's psychologic: my brain needs to know that I can easily accomplish 25 miles because I have already done it.
In the end, I believe you have to do what "feels" good for YOU.

768

Technique / Re: Most efficient distance paddling stroke?

« on: July 23, 2014, 11:19:46 PM »

Disclaimer: I am not fast, but I can paddle all day at 7km/h

One of the things that may help you:
When you are paddling, there are dozens of "tricks" and finer adjustments that you can make. Don't feel bad if in 5 years your technique isn't perfect, but by all means, always seek improvement / efficiency.

When paddling for 2 or 3 hours, I constantly ask myself "could I paddle like this for 4 to 5 hours ?
If this answer is yes, I am doing "something" right, but at the very least, I won't hurt myself at my old age.

Couple of weeks ago, using the same technique, I paddled 34+ kilometers with an average speed of nearly 7km/h (round trip).
After getting home, I had lunch and was able to go back out - with my surfski this time.
(I always seek the stroke that doesn't hurt - if it makes any sense)

769

Gear Talk / Looking at different UL boards

« on: July 23, 2014, 10:55:19 PM »

Looking for a new board… but quite specific & hoping someone will be able to help with links.

Does anyone know of a board that meets the following criteria:
14' to 18' in length
Truly rounded edges AND bottom (closer to a surfski than anything else)
24" to 27" in width
Recessed deck to the max
Stiff & light overall weight

Ideal usage: calm water racing

** you have no idea how much this would help, especially if you have links **

770

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

« on: July 17, 2014, 01:47:56 AM »

The only combo that I can really see is: Downwind / Touring with gear as I can imagine myself riding a 17' board DW one day and tour 20-35 miles the next day on flat water, or any other body of water.

As far as racing, I would have to compare the original question with surfskis:
They kinda work, but not really.
When we get to either extremes, they definitely do not work for us: huge downwind conditions, in my experience, need more rocker, YET rocker will slow you down on a totally flat body of water.

771

Flatwater and Touring / Re: Let's see pics of your favorite flatwater places

« on: July 16, 2014, 08:53:05 PM »

Brittany, France
(Morbihan Golf)



**** It's not always this calm ****