NSP Sonic advice

[FRP]

Hi. I am a sup surfer but looking to start down winding. There is a used 2018 NSP Sonic 14' x 24" that has come up for sale. At 70kg am I going to struggle on a board this narrow? I will be able to do a test on flat water but that likely won't tell me about stability in high wind and chop. (I have cross posted this on Seabeeeze)Thanks. Bob

[gone_foiling]

I'd say it depends on your skill level and conditions that are presented for you. One thing is being in 15kn winds in the bay some sort of and totally different in the ocean with 30kn winds. But imho I would personally start with a wider board, being stable on the board in dw means everything. Going narrower doesn't equal being faster, unless you have mad skills 

[blueplanetsurf]

it really depends on conditions.  In rough waters a wider stable board is often faster, even for very experienced paddlers.

[Luc Benac]

My vote also to a wide rboard.
When conditions are line-up nicely with long period and a strong steady wind, then you can get away with the fastest board possible.
When you are in mixed conditions, cross-chop, cross wind gusts and chop that is comparatively bigge rthan the wind push, then you have this stop and go, paddle hard, stall feeling and a wide rboard is invaluable. I am 6' 170 lbs but not an experienced paddler but not a novice eitehr, and I would not go anything narrower than 26" if high deck or 25" if close to the water.

[warmuth]

  If you're looking for a board that can handle everything 24" is too narrow. If you are going to nope out on 20+mph stuff then it's fine.

[Eagle]

In rough slop DW conditions like in the vid something around 28 would be good.  Even maybe the 30.  In lighter easier DW conditions the 27 or less would be ok.  Besides width would consider the profile and design of the underside.  My M14 @28 feels more stable than my Touring pin @30.  For rough DW runs into Squamish we use the M14.  For easier the Bullet V2.

[FloridaWindSUP]

I would love to race and downwind on the 14x24 Sonic. Seems to be a really good shape for rough water and downwinding if you've got the balance to stay on it.

But I agree with the others that for just downwinding, especially in wild 20+ knots conditions, a wider board would be easier and probably faster because you wouldn't be falling and getting back on as often.

[yugi]

Start with stable.

Learn to dance on the board.

Then do that on a toothpick (like an NSP Sonic x24) and you'll be word class.

"A journey of a 1000 miles starts with..."

[Dusk Patrol]

Curious where are you going to downwind?  Are there downwind runs around Tofino?  ...or just head out into the Pacific and go for it?

[Luc Benac]

Curious where are you going to downwind?  Are there downwind runs around Tofino?  ...or just head out into the Pacific and go for it?

I was talking with Catherine Bruhwiler and her spouse, they have been looking for predictable runs to set a program for their business and offer Downwind, but they never really got around finding the spots. I would also like to know as it is difficult to catch good conditions for a Grice Bay run. I suspect that most runs would require a boat taking you out.

[Eagle]

The Sonic 24 looks to be a good AW dugout.  Was considering this for myself as I know the seller -> but already have the AS23.  So too much duplication.  But would get this otherwise to boot around in.  Probs fast enough on flat and should be able to handle chop.

[FRP]

Curious where are you going to downwind?  Are there downwind runs around Tofino?  ...or just head out into the Pacific and go for it?

Thanks everyone for good advice. Will pass on the 24" board. I am still living half time in Vancouver and occasionally could get out on English bay when it is blowing and run from Spanish banks to the end of the bay. I have done it on my 8'10" Sunova when it was blowing 30 knots but it was not great and I spent quite a bit of time in the water.

As far as Tofino I do know one guy that makes the run on Grice bay when it is blowing and lines up with the tide. I have been thinking though that Kennedy lake with the right wind direction could be possible run. I really don't know much about down winding though but interested in expanding my time on the water.

Cheers

Bob

[Luc Benac]

Thanks everyone for good advice. Will pass on the 24" board. I am still living half time in Vancouver and occasionally could get out on English bay when it is blowing and run from Spanish banks to the end of the bay. I have done it on my 8'10" Sunova when it was blowing 30 knots but it was not great and I spent quite a bit of time in the water.

As far as Tofino I do know one guy that makes the run on Grice bay when it is blowing and lines up with the tide. I have been thinking though that Kennedy lake with the right wind direction could be possible run. I really don't know much about down winding though but interested in expanding my time on the water.

Cheers

Bob

Yes Kennedy Lake could be worth pursuing but need to fin the right put in and put out spots with reasonable car access or go for a very long walk. I go to Tofino only once a year for a few days to visit my step-son so never have the time to do much toward exploration. last time I had a great paddle with Artie from his place, all around, to McKenzie dodging seaplane and boat traffic from the First Dock. You could contact him when he is back, he definitely knows the waters around Tof.

[FRP]

Thanks Luc. I will contact Catherine. I am sure I could rent a wide down wind craft from her if the conditions line up.

Cheers

Bob

[ayup]

Curious where are you going to downwind?  Are there downwind runs around Tofino?  ...or just head out into the Pacific and go for it?

Thanks everyone for good advice. Will pass on the 24" board. I am still living half time in Vancouver and occasionally could get out on English bay when it is blowing and run from Spanish banks to the end of the bay. I have done it on my 8'10" Sunova when it was blowing 30 knots but it was not great and I spent quite a bit of time in the water.

As far as Tofino I do know one guy that makes the run on Grice bay when it is blowing and lines up with the tide. I have been thinking though that Kennedy lake with the right wind direction could be possible run. I really don't know much about down winding though but interested in expanding my time on the water.

Cheers

Bob

There's an SIC F14 (14' x 30") board for sale in Squamish right now. Saw it advertised on the 'Squamish Outdoor Gear Buy & Sell' Facebook group. Has the same downwind focused rocker profile as the Bullet V2. Might be of interest to you.