Topics

31

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Pics of the 2014 Starboard All-Star

« on: August 13, 2013, 12:12:04 AM »

Here are some pics of the new All-Star.  This was a 12'6 x 25.5 model.  Aside from the color, you can see they really squared out the tail for this year's model. 

Joe, the West Coast rep, told me the production boards would be a lighter, more electric shade of blue that would stay cooler in the sun.

Sorry the pics aren't very close-up; 1st time using a GoPro for still-shots, I didn't realize how wide the angle is!     

32

Gear Talk / Fin recommendation for a tippy 12'6 race board

« on: May 03, 2013, 05:34:22 PM »

Recently picked up a C4 TGIF 12'6 x 28 to try racing/downwinding, but the board is very "roll-ey" & I've been losing some battles against rough water... especially side chop. 

I'm thinking a new fin is in order. 

Need to increase lateral stability, also better tracking would be nice. 

I've read glowing reviews of both Gladiator & Ninja race fins, but not sure what the differences are between them...  any advice or recommendations out there?

Thanks! 

PS stock fin is 10" long, classic "surf" center-fin looking shape.   



 

33

Gear Talk / SB All-Star: a 12'6 to do it all?

« on: April 15, 2013, 12:18:45 PM »

Paddled the new 27.5 width All-Star for about 10 minutes yesterday @ an SB demo - Brian S. was there  & really sold me on the versatility of this board as an all-conditions racer, tourer & downwinder.  I was in calm conditions, so didn't have any issues and the board felt awesome. 

I was leaning toward their 12'6 x 29 Touring model, but now I'm feeling a 12'6 All-Star might be more versatile once I get it dialed in.   

Anyone have or paddled this board & enjoy it for all-conditions cruising on the ocean, not strictly racing? 

I want to pull the trigger, the only thing holding me back is a fear that it may not be as comfortable for just getting out on the water and cruising… being narrow w/ the recessed deck and all.

Not sure what I'm asking exactly, just wouldn't mind hearing the thoughts of some experienced paddlers.     Cheers.

34

Downwind and Racing / Pocket Pocket Downwinder?

« on: March 15, 2013, 04:33:41 PM »

Just enjoyed the "pocket downwinder" thread, great read.  

Anyone have experience downwinding on a sub-12' board?  I'd like to get into this, but have space constraints.  

Local shop-owner recommended JP Cruiser 11'4 as a great flatwater cruiser that'll also catch ocean swell.  He carries a SIC Bullet 11' too, but that thing looks advanced


Also looked at a Surftech Flowmaster 11'6 (good deal option)...

Sounds like most of you DW on at least 12'6 but thought I'd ask to see what experiences you have DW'ing on smaller boards, and if it's even worth pursuing that angle.

6'2" 165 lbs.

35

Gear Talk / Flatwater Board Recommendations?

« on: March 10, 2013, 02:47:09 PM »

I just sold my Nalu 10'10", and I'm looking to replace it with a flatwater board for touring, fitness, and who knows, maybe some recreational racing and downwinding.   

I've been looking at some touring/racing boards - I appreciate speed, but racing is not my top priority.  More importantly, I need a board that is fun in a wide variety of conditions. 

I live in SF so I'll be taking it out in the open ocean and/or the bay.  Some days are nice, others are choppy, windy, boat wake, etc.  So it has to be able to handle those conditions, paddle well upwind & in crosswinds.  I'm 6'2, 165-170. 

But also I'll take it to calmer lakes and rivers, and hopefully some downwinders if I can figure out where & when. 

The current "deals" in my area (demos, used, etc):

Naish 12'6 & 12'0 Glide
Tahoe Rubicon 12'0,
Surftech Flowmaster 11'6
Amundson TR 12'6 (2011).   

Over 12' will be harder to store due to space constraints, but I could figure it out if it's worth it. 

Any input on the above boards - or others that aren't $$$ - would be appreciated! 

36

Gear Talk / Another Board Reccomendation - surf specific

« on: November 29, 2012, 01:03:43 PM »

OK - first off, thanks in advance for any advice!   

So I've been riding a Naish Nalu 10'10" for about 6 mths. now in & around the SF Bay area waters.  I've learned to catch waves & ride 'em on it... been having a blast. 

I consider myself a beginner, but I'm starting to feel limited on this board - especially when the waves are big, which is more & more now that it's winter.  I'm crashing hard on the drops, pearling, can't seem to turn well, and my board is taking a noticeable beating.  PROBABLY MOSTLY 'CUZ I SUCK, but... 

Been saving up for a surf-specific board - something smaller, more maneuverable, and better for surfing waves of all sizes confidently.  I see what people are doing on these smaller boards, and I want in on it!  I would love some insights on sizes, shapes, etc.  was checking out Caution!; they're local & well priced.  http://cautionsup.com/

Any recommendations for a smaller, surf-oriented board that isn't too advanced-level would be appreciated!

Thanks to all!
/mitch 

37

Gear Talk / Advice on 1st Board!

« on: June 07, 2012, 10:48:14 PM »

Hi Everyone,

I am looking at a 1st board purchase & would love to hear your thoughts, comments, advice, etc.  I live in San Francisco and have access to flatwater lake & open ocean, great waves for surfing, and even river runs within 1-2 hour drive.  So, I've been looking for a board that can do it all.  And if it helps, I'm 6'2" 170 lbs., basically tall and thin.  Also, I am a beginner surfer for sure but the ocean is 10 miles away and it's something I want to take advantage of in addition to touring/exercise runs.  Here are my top picks so far:

1.) Surftech B1 - the only one I've actually demo'd, and what I'm leaning toward since it seems like a performer in every category.  Not to mention, indestructible for the river runs.  Shorter than my other options, but I felt it tracked pretty well when I demo'd it on flatwater. 

2.) Hobie ATR 11'2" - I've heard only great things about this board, essentially that it tracks well and can surf well too.  Not sure how it compares to the B1 in terms of tracking, glide and surf capability. 

3.) Naish Nalu 10'10" or 11'4" - I've demo'd the 11'6" which is pretty fun, but the 11'4" looks like a better surfer while the 10'10" looks amazing with those channels on the bottom.  Not sure if it surfs well, though... and not sure how the 11'4" would be on the open water. 

I've heard that I'll essentially have a blast with all of those boards, but I'd love to hear some opinions or feedback on the pros & cons of each compared to one another.  Any feedback appreciated - even if it's steering me in a totally different direction -  & I'm stoked to have found the forum! 

Cheers,
mitch