Messages

16

The Shape Shack / Re: How to fix delamination bubble?

« on: July 16, 2020, 06:44:28 AM »

I've patched a few small dings, nothing major. I have epoxy and some fiberglass cloth from West Marine that doesn't say S or E...just "Fiberglass Cloth, Medium density, 6oz." Happy to buy CF if it will make a difference. Durability is my biggest concern.

Googling "bubble roller" was good for a laugh.

I dremelled carefully around the delam bubble and the piece that lifted off is CF backed by a thin pink layer of what looks like high density foam (3/16"). The SIC website describes a PVC deck reinforcement. Maybe this? Beneath that is some white cloth on top of the EPS foam. The cloth was moist when I first removed the deck material...presumably from the leaking handle months ago. More prep work needed, but here's a photo of this stage.

Would you epoxy CF or fiberglass directly onto the white cloth or does the PVC/foam material need to be replaced? I thought about cutting a thin piece of plywood to fit and glassing over that.

17

The Shape Shack / How to fix delamination bubble?

« on: July 15, 2020, 09:47:04 AM »

I've got a delam bubble to fix on my SIC RS. Long story, totally my fault...

In April, I found my SIC handle was leaking. I removed some deck pad and found a small crack at the edge of the handle. Sanded down to good material, and fixed with some 6oz fiberglass. I paddled it like this all spring with the deck pad missing around the handle. No problems.

I finally got a roll of replacement deck pad this week. I left my board in the sun for an hour, thinking it would soften the existing deck pad adhesive so that I could scrape some more off and make the replacement pad fit. You guessed it...I found a big bubble of delamination when I came back, just behind where my heels would go. It's about 7" in diameter.

So...how to fix a bubble like this? If it's a matter of cutting out bad material, sanding, and laying some new fiberglass (or carbon cloth?), I can do probably do a decent job and get back on the water. If it requires a vacuum bag setup or other fanciness, I'll need to find a pro.

I'd actually be happy to hire a pro for this one, but my fav shop is a couple hours away and booked out over a month for repairs.

18

Gear Talk / Re: Lets see your paddle quiver

« on: April 10, 2020, 06:28:51 PM »

I have three fancy paddles, all great in different ways.

KeNalu Mana 82 - The most idiot-proof. Great catch, works every time, even when you're tired and sloppy. I have the xTuf(s) shaft. The downside--and this is nitpicky--is the blade feels sticky on the exit compared to the others. It wants to stay in the water. Probably doesn't matter much in wild conditions but it does when I'm geeking out on technique. I attribute this to the pronounced scoop.

QB Trifecta Vector net 86 - A quieter exit than the Mana, a softer catch, and easier on my shoulders despite being slightly larger. It's a bit more technical...you have to set the blade more deliberately and focus more. It's perfect mid-stroke, when your power peaks. I do miss the strong catch, which felt so productive, but the GPS says it's just as fast if not faster than the Mana. If I were to buy it again I'd get the all carbon version. This is my go-to paddle.

BP Hydro 84.5 - This is 2 oz lighter than the other paddles, which is noticeable while paddling. Silly light. It has a more solid catch than the Trifecta and is effortless on the exit. The blade angle is 8d instead of 10d on the others, which maybe contributes to the catch feeling so solid. The shaft is the 29mm version and flexes more than the other paddles (I did some deflection testing) but doesn't feel like it on the water. It's a bit harsher on my shoulders than the QB Trifecta, despite the softer shaft. I haven't figured out which is faster. Still getting to know this paddle.

19

The Shape Shack / Re: Leash points for 14 ft board

« on: March 30, 2020, 12:24:49 AM »

I agree with Burchas' comments about the advantages of a forward leash. Nothing underfoot when you step back.

My RS has a dedicated leash insert 10" forward of the center of the handle, and identical inserts for the tie-downs past that. I use the farthest tie-down insert, which is 19" from the handle, for my leash. Not its intended use, but less coiled junk under my feet.

20

Gear Talk / Re: My experience with the Starboard Ace GT unlimited, and now I'm thinking custom.

« on: March 27, 2020, 09:08:31 PM »

Good review. Thanks for posting this, Robon.

21

Gear Talk / Re: Anyone try Black Project Texcarbon shaft?

« on: March 17, 2020, 09:13:56 PM »

Good timing for Black Project fans. They're having a 25% off sale thru March 22 to encourage people to stay healthy by paddling.

https://mailchi.mp/blackprojectsup.com/keep-paddling-and-save-25-off-storewide?e=ba39ae8184

22

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Re: "New" VMG Mako 36 fin

« on: March 16, 2020, 09:52:18 PM »

Looks good, Luc. Which board is it going on first?

23

Gear Talk / Anyone try Black Project Texcarbon shaft?

« on: March 14, 2020, 07:48:58 PM »

Has anyone tried the Black Project texcarbon shaft? It's the silver one with the texture. Any problems with blisters during long paddles or the shaft not sliding well in your hand as you switch sides? 

I've been happy with smooth shafts, no desire to add wax or tape or anything like that. I did pick up a Texcarbon paddle once in a store and was surprised how prominent the texture is. Good, bad, indifferent?

Thanks!

24

Classifieds / Re: For Sale or Trade: Werner Rip Stick 79, small diameter, 73" Length

« on: December 17, 2019, 07:06:44 PM »

Similar to Bean...I used a heat gun on my epoxied handle, grabbed it with a rag, and twisted hard. Not as easy as hot glue, but it did pop free.

25

SUP General / Re: stocking stuffers for paddleboarders

« on: December 15, 2019, 10:14:29 AM »

• Replacement Camelbak valves/hoses without the suspicious mold spots
• PBW (brewer's wash) to keep the new Camelbak stuff from getting so funky

26

SUP General / Re: Cold water paddling

« on: November 30, 2019, 08:43:08 AM »

Winter paddling here is usually air temp in the 30s and 40s, water temp 45-50F...a tad cooler than OP. I'm always trying to find the balance between staying reasonably warm and sweating myself into dehydration. A 4/3 full would be too hot most days. I usually wear a 2mm farmer john wetsuit or 1.5mm neoprene pants with either cycling/climbing type gear up top (base layer + various jacket options) or a 1.5mm neoprene top, or all of it on sub-30F days.

Feet and hands:  7mm Rip Curl flash bomb booties and my feet still go numb sometimes. I bought them big and wear wool socks underneath if it's going to be cold. Avoid split toe booties if you want this option. Cycling gloves are great for hands. I have three pairs from thin basic layer to GoreTex gloves that could be used for skiing. Like Creek, I keep wetsuit gloves on board just in case.

I've ordered a SupSkin drysuit which might control sweat and temperatures better, but it's been months and months and I've given up hope of predicting when it might arrive.

27

Gear Talk / Re: Fin Fit

« on: October 10, 2019, 02:58:40 PM »

Beasho...that slow-mo video made my day. Thanks.

28

SUP General / Re: Fins: stalling and broaching

« on: September 03, 2019, 05:22:18 PM »

Thanks, guys. Good explanations.

29

SUP General / Fins: stalling and broaching

« on: September 01, 2019, 03:36:22 PM »

I'm reading old zoner threads about fins and board behavior. The terms "broach" and "stall" keep coming up, but I can't figure out what they mean in the SUP world. Or maybe I can't imagine how a fin would cause what I'm thinking. A little help?

30

Classifieds / Re: SIC RS 14x26 sup board

« on: August 26, 2019, 07:10:08 AM »

Have you not liked the Ace GT for touring? I would have guessed the extra length and glide would be a plus...