Messages

31

Gear Talk / Re: What do you know about VESL ?

« on: August 26, 2021, 07:58:07 AM »

I'll chime in here. My first SUP was a Vesl 11'x32". I had to have the fin box repaired after about a year. I was always super careful with it - never ran it aground, etc. I just noticed the fin box is busting out again - I trust my repair guy, I just think it's poor quality. I also noticed hair-line cracks along the rails. This board is purely a pleasure SUP for taking my kids out or cruising with my wife (she paddles my 9'8 Element). I've resigned to simply slapping Gorilla waterproof patch tape anywhere I see cracks/dents/etc. It looks like a beater board at this point even though I've always tried to take really good care of it - keeping it out of the sun, never resting it on pavement or concrete, keeping it away from the shoreline/rocks/etc.

In short, I cannot recommend VESL boards unless you score a killer deal... like a couple hundred bucks max. You're much better off spending the money and buying a top quality board from Jimmy Lewis, Sunova, Naish, etc. And if you can score one of those brands off Craigslist/FB/classifieds for under $1k, even better.

32

Gear Talk / Re: if you could only have one board (2021 version)

« on: August 05, 2021, 11:10:36 AM »

@nalu-sup Never heard of Tabou before, but sounds like it would fit my needs very well... stable in chop, short enough and good tail shape to turn easily, good nose rocker to fit into a steep beach break wave. Not sure where I could even get one which leads me to wonder if anyone else is making an identical board...

Anyone else wanna chime in with their "if I could only own one board" opinions? Keep em coming... I love these "quiver of one" topics no matter what the sport.

33

Classifieds / Re: For Sale: 2016 12'6" Sic Bullet SUP

« on: August 02, 2021, 11:09:04 AM »

Did this end up at Cinnamon Rainbows?

34

Gear Talk / Re: thoughts on Blue Planet Fun Stick (9’4)?

« on: August 02, 2021, 11:07:48 AM »

I have that board and can testify  to its general awesomeness and ability to turn. I can't comment on the quick beach break aspect, but my experience is that it's a very versatile board.  And a little unsung as boards go. I have the carbon version which makes for a nice weight point. If your considering new, they are pricey enough to open up other options, but the board itself won't disappoint in terms of stability while you're waiting, and glide enough that you won't feel it's lacking.   

Thanks for the insight. Good to hear from someone who actually owns one. What do you feel like the differences are between the 9'4 Fun Stick and the 9'8 Destroyer? As for price, it looks like their 2020 version is $1,299.00 including bag and shipping right now, so that seems like a pretty solid value to me?

35

Gear Talk / thoughts on Blue Planet Fun Stick (9’4)?

« on: July 31, 2021, 03:36:19 PM »

Hey folks. I’m thinking about picking up a Blue Planet Fun Stick (9'4 X 33 X 140L). The 9’4 140L and shape is what I’m looking for but I’m nervous about the width. I mostly surf thigh-chest beach break, so it’s a steep quick takeoff requiring an immediate bottom turn to stay in the pocket, hence the reason I’m nervous about the width. I primarily surf a JL Destroyer 8’5 that’s 30.5” wide and I love it, but only when it’s clean. When the wind and chop kick in, I struggle to stay upright in the lineup and usually stay on my knees until a set comes in. I’m looking for something with a bit more glide and catching waves a little earlier but also something a bit more stable for the choppy days. My Starboard Element is great but feels a bit too long at 9’8… but I like the 30” width and find it totally stable in all conditions. Thoughts?

36

Gear Talk / if you could only have one board (2021 version)

« on: July 20, 2021, 01:22:45 PM »

Was just cruising around the forum and found a great thread from way back where everyone chimed in about the one board they would keep if they could only have one. I haven't found that one board yet... still hunting, which I guess is why I'm curious what y'all would say!

My Starboard Element 9'8 is stable and fun, but I always want more out of it. My Jimmy Lewis Destroyer 8'5 is super fun on a lot of various wave types (small or big, mushy or steep and fast, etc) but I struggle with it on choppy/windy days. I'm guessing my one board is somewhere in the 9' range, can turn on a dime but also race down the line and is stable even on choppy/windy days. So what's your one board? Or are you still on the hunt like me?

37

Gear Talk / Re: JL Super Frank vs Destroyer

« on: July 14, 2021, 05:00:16 PM »

@Noo Noo - I'd recommend the 9' Super Frank for what you're describing. In my opinion the SF is much more stable so if you have chop, it's your best bet. Going from a 8'6"x32" Super Frank to a 8'5"x30.5" Destroyer has been tricky. I have to position my feet perfectly and focus much more on the Destroyer when out in the lineup waiting for waves. I remember sitting in the lineup on a choppy windy day with the Super Frank and had zero issues with stability. I much prefer the Destroyer on bigger faster waves as it can really hold a big bottom turn without sliding out in the rear, but I always hesitate to take it out unless it's a decently clean day.

38

Classifieds / Re: Anyone selling a surf SUP on/around Cape Cod?

« on: July 09, 2021, 11:05:45 AM »

The Wall this morning? Yikes, how was it with Elsa upon us? Looks messy as a toddler's sock drawer out there.

Glad you scored a new board so quickly! We should have a StandupZone meetup at the Wall someday this summer/fall. It'd be good to meet some of y'all locals.

39

Classifieds / Re: WTB: Jimmy Lewis Striker 8'11 (Mass/NH)

« on: July 06, 2021, 11:58:28 AM »

Still hunting for a Striker, but I'm looking for a 9'5 now. I bought a 8'5 JL Destroyer which is phenomenal on clean days. I'm looking for something with a bit more length and stability for the choppy days or as a longboard style on the ankle-slapper clean days. Give a shout if you have one!

40

SUP General / Jackson Close sup longboarding clip

« on: November 12, 2020, 06:04:03 AM »

The clip is from 2016 but I just found it last night and thought I'd share... his smooth style, the music, the perfect waves... I love it, hopefully you do too.

41

Gear Talk / Re: new fin setup for JL Super Frank

« on: November 03, 2020, 12:02:08 PM »

Thanks for the insight folks. Appreciate it. I bought a cheap Ho Stevie nubster and will try it out with the JL quad fins on the Frank and see if it makes any difference.

I also just bought a used 8'5 Destroyer (couldn't pass it up) and it came with the stock massive 8" center fin and 4" sides. I bet I'll enjoy that fin setup on bigger days and probably swap out the center for a 6" on smaller days. Excited to try it out!

42

Gear Talk / Re: JL Super Frank vs Destroyer

« on: November 03, 2020, 11:44:11 AM »

Bought the 8'5 Destroyer just now. Had to engage in some serious retail therapy to calm my nerves with this completely abnormal election. Anxious to get it out there - hopefully this weekend! Thanks for all your insight y'all!

43

Gear Talk / Re: JL Super Frank vs Destroyer

« on: October 30, 2020, 05:29:12 PM »

Hey Badger, yes on the sessions page about mid way down.

I will say I’m intrigued by sups with the step deck.  The Flow 2.0 and the l41’s.  I believe Caribsurf was selling a l41 Bruce Wayne that if I had the money would have jumped on it.

Yup I'm deliberating between the 8'5 Destroyer or Caribsurf's 8'10 L41 Bruce right now... they're both for sale at my local shop.

44

Gear Talk / Re: JL Super Frank vs Destroyer

« on: October 30, 2020, 10:08:25 AM »

Thanks for that input BigZ - super helpful. Good to hear from someone who owns the Destroyer 8'5 and to get more clarity about the rocker and bottom flat/concave design. Interesting point about size, I just can't imagine surfing an 8' board yet.

45

Gear Talk / Re: JL Super Frank vs Destroyer

« on: October 30, 2020, 08:02:03 AM »

Thanks for the input folks! Much appreciated. I should have put my concerns with the SF in order of priority, first being the ability to handle bigger waves. I know the SF is intended for small waves, it's right in the description on the website... I just didn't think I'd find its max so quickly. I'm not as worried about glide and getting into waves earlier... in transitioning from my 9'8 Element down to my 8'6 Super Frank I've figured out how to position myself and catch waves later pretty well at this point.

Burchas - your comment about having more width in the tail is what I'm thinking will give the edge to the Destoyer on bigger waves.

Badger - Indeed, I'm looking at the new CR boards they got in. I'm thinking about that L41 too... it belonged to @Caribsurf it's just a bit more money than I wasn't looking to spend, but it might be worth it. I know and trust the Jimmy Lewis build quality so that's in the back of my mind too. I'm sure L41s are top quality, I just don't have any personal experience with them. But the increased length to 8'10 and the different shape might just be what I'm looking for actually. Hmmm.