Do I Need a New Board?

[osjpaddler]

Hi.  New to the forum and to the sport.  Need advice on whether I need to get new boards or just be patient.

My wife and I do most of our paddling on the ocean in PR.  Lots of chop.  We bought used boards -- a JL Blade and a Surftech Laird / Ron House 11' 6''.  The problem is that we have a hard time staying on top of them.  I''m 5' 7''  and 170-180 and she's 5'5'' and 150 or so.

So my question is whether you guys think we should look at getting new boards.  I know for example that the Blade is a flatwater board, but, will different boards really make that much difference?  In other words, can we hope to learn on these boards?

In case it matters, we can each ride both boards in flat water.

Thanks in advance!

[stoneaxe]

How long have you been paddling? It took me longer than most to get started.  My balance is crap so I spent months getting the hang of it. If you've really just started I'd give it time. Keep going out in conditions that challenge you and soon you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

[osjpaddler]

How long have you been paddling? It took me longer than most to get started.  My balance is crap so I spent months getting the hang of it. If you've really just started I'd give it time. Keep going out in conditions that challenge you and soon you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

I would say a few months.  That's the answer my wallet was hoping for.  I just want to be sure that we didn't get the wrong boards, because someone mentioned to me that we were going to have stability issues on the ocean (with the JL Blade).

[CT SUP]

Given your sizes, both these boards have more than enough volume for each of you. the 29" width may be a little narrow for a beginner though. However you will eventually overcome the stability issues and should be fine.

I think I would focus on the type of board. The JL is a displacement-hull designed for speed/distance paddling. The Laird is a surf-style board - good for all kinds of paddling including surf but not as fast. Will there be "issues" if you two paddle all the time together?

I may look into selling the JL since there will be a fairly good market for it and get yourself a more all-around type board with bit more width.

[pdxmike]

I say what Stoneaxe said. 

You could also see if you can test out a wide, stable board to see the difference.  You could even get one as a third board.  But you'll improve quickly, to the point the more stable board may be boring and the ones you have now will be fine.

[adios pantalones]

There's always room for the, "is it the indian, or the arrow?" discusion. Don't forget your basics in open water. Hands forward, legs relaxed, eyes UP! 

[balance_fit]

Hi.  New to the forum and to the sport.  Need advice on whether I need to get new boards or just be patient.

My wife and I do most of our paddling on the ocean in PR.  Lots of chop.  We bought used boards -- a JL Blade and a Surftech Laird / Ron House 11' 6''.  The problem is that we have a hard time staying on top of them.  I''m 5' 7''  and 170-180 and she's 5'5'' and 150 or so.

So my question is whether you guys think we should look at getting new boards.  I know for example that the Blade is a flatwater board, but, will different boards really make that much difference?  In other words, can we hope to learn on these boards?

In case it matters, we can each ride both boards in flat water.

Thanks in advance!

Hi osjpaddler

Do you live in Puerto Rico? If you do, contact me and i'll help you guys with your issues.

Anyways, I don't think you need to change boards for now. I had the opportunity of teaching a friend to paddle in a JL Blade.
I feel that with the boards you both have, with good t.o.w. (time on water) your issues will be solved.

Be well !

[Bulky]

I concur with the rest. If either of you were 50lbs heavier, changing boards might be considered, but right now it's about getting your sea legs and the only way to do that is t.o.w.  make it easier and paddle in a harbor if you can for a few sessions and then gradually go out into open water. I'm a big fan of buying boards a bit too narrow and then gaining the ability to manage them. Starting with something too big and stable makes it likely that you'll find it cumbersome when your skills develop.

[osjpaddler]

Thanks for all the advise!  Will do as I'm told and practice more.

Balance_fit: yes, we live in PR and generally paddle in the Pine Grove area.