Messages

1786

Gear Talk / Re: what kind of leash do i want?

« on: March 14, 2011, 02:15:33 PM »

Just don't take that rig anywhere critical.

Why is it not good to have a coiled leash in the surf?
I have no clue as to why

1787

Gear Talk / Re: my first board, any and all help wanted,

« on: March 09, 2011, 04:52:44 PM »

My two cents. I would look at the Hooked SUP or the Starboard fisherman. I have also ran across the BOTE board recently.
I am 6'4" and 225 lbs. For my first board I was set on the Hooked SUP last year but the container was delayed. I was way bummed. I ended up getting the R French 11'6" model. I got a boardfisher crate and fish flat water on that. After last summer it is adequate for sure but for what I want to do and what you seem to want to do I want a bigger board. It's a good durable board and glides way nice for sure. 
The French would definatley get you by, give you some money for the boardfisher and a good paddle and away you go. I would suggest the NSI tie downs rather than the ones that come with the boardfisher. Their flexible attatchment works better than the rigid ones with the board fisher. Hooked SUP or BOTE or Starboard fisheman wouldn't need those but the French did not come with attatchment points.
These are definately just like skis and kayaks I have come to find out. You will end up with a quiver of them if you like it.
 I am going to get another board coming up soon (starting my quiver) and not sure which of the three I am going to get. I think it will narrow down to the Hooked SUP or the Starboard. I want the extra width for the drier ride which I think you will also for your camping. I know you could get by with the French but would probably have wished you had gotten one of the others. The Bote is a little thicker and longer so it may float a little better than the French but it is no wider so I wonder.
If the Imagine is a poly/plastic like a kayak, it looks cool but I wouldn't go that way. One of the things I like about the board instead of the kayak is how light and easy it is to use and that would defeat what I was after. I really realized that after enjoying my board for a while. I looked at getting one of their boards last year untill I actually saw one and decided against it because of the weight. It was like schlepping around a kayak. Cool idea, cool stuff, durable as all get out, great price, but not a board.
I would be curious as to what board you decide on as there are lots of good boards out there. The Hovie or Tahoes are also boards I considered. With their displacement hulls it could be just what you after but not to good in current. I did take my French down a river with Class 2 and did fine. No displacement hull. I am certain the Starboard and Hooked SUP and BOTE would do fine in current also.
 I will definately post my comparisions between my new board and my French but I am still 60 days from open water where I am but will have that new board ready to go at first chance.

1788

Gear Talk / Re: Time for a flat water cruising board...

« on: March 06, 2011, 02:43:52 PM »

I got a R French board last year for my first board. I too am a flat water paddler. Great board to learn on and really like it. Got me out paddling for sure. The person who I have talked to and sold me that board has told me the best compliment I can get to that board is one with a displacement hull for flatwater paddling. Hovie, Tahoe, and a few others make boards with displacement hulls.

1789

Gear Talk / Re: Randy French 10'6" for 210 lb novice

« on: October 31, 2010, 03:05:55 PM »

I have the 11'6" and am 220 lbs and 6'4". I do mostly flat water and fish. I can lay back and take a nap, cruise, and love this board. I would not get the smaller board for flat water for myself. I am actually looking at a bigger board to compliment this as I am in the rockies and with marginal weather more float is better for my paddling.

1790

Gear Talk / Midnight Board Bag

« on: August 17, 2010, 07:34:56 PM »

I wanted everyone to know here I went off a thread here for a bag that would fit my R. French 11'6" board. After a few measurements and a very reasonable waiting time I got my custom made board bag. This bag is every bit as nice as the Surftech bag that would not fit my Surftech board and had to send back. Bomber constriuction, stictching and materials and very reasonably priced. Check out Midnight Prodcuts.

1791

Gear Talk / Re: Need PFD - light, cool, unobtrusive

« on: August 01, 2010, 08:33:04 PM »

I have a Astral V8 (vest in above link) and although a high quality vest it sits up a bit high on me. I got the med/lrg and am 6'3" and 230 lbs. It isn't bad and it works but do not think I would like it for paddle boarding. I found a patagonia vest that fits amazingly well and use it for kayaking and cooler weather SUP. Most comfortable vest I have had. I wear a onyx belt back similar to the hobie belt pack and it is way comfortable for the hot days. Forget it is there but it is if you need it. On another note, I have got a Hobie Kayak vest and it just plain uncomfortable and is so for whoever has tried it on to loan it to.

1792

Gear Talk / Fins

« on: July 26, 2010, 08:36:10 PM »

Got my first board. R. French 11'6" and getting the hang of it. 6'4" 225 lbs. I am wondering about fins. Thrusters and center. What differences will what fins make? It has a stock Surftech 9" center and FCS sides. Will different centers make more difference than different sides. etc? ? I am lake/flat water paddling almost exclusively.

I am also already thinking of another board. Just like skis and kayaks and all the toys, got to see what is out there and what they do. I have been interested in the Tahoe Rubicon, Hovie Nomad, and Hobie 12' ATR? The Jimmy Skykes board has also caught my attention as its price is quite attractive. Any input on another board for a big guy intermediate flat water paddler would be appreciated.

1793

Gear Talk / Re: First SUP for big guy

« on: June 28, 2010, 09:23:55 AM »

Hi. I am also looking for a board to fish from and also a beginner. I was going to get a Hooked Sup from Alex Aguera but they are delayed. I was looking very hard at the Rubicon also but have ended up getting a Surftech R. French 11'6" model. It will be here later this week. I am 6'3" and 230 lbs. and just want to cruise and fish lakes here in the Rockies. I know it is a softtop but I have been told I can make some good attatchment points on this board and have felt very good talking to the people at paddle board specialists, who sell the Rubicon and the Surftech. I must say I may have gotten the Paul Hana Big EZ if I had seen that before. There are no shops near my location so demoing a board was not an option. I hope to hear what you end up doing and more on the Rubicon and will let you know my experience.