Kawaihae coastal cruiser suggestions?

[Hamakua]

Howzit?!  I'm new to sup and this forum but have been in the ocean all of my life (outrigger, sailing, surfing).  I'm looking for a board for coastal cruising and riding swells mainly on the Kona side.  I've been futting around on costco surf oriented boards and want to get a board with more glide.  I'm 6', 205lbs.  I'm thinking of a 12'6".  I don't plan on racing or charging overhead waves, just have fun and not feel like I'm paddling a tank.  Boards that have caught my eye so far are:  Amundson TR, Hobie Bamboo, Naish Glide, Ron House Coastal Cruiser, Starboard Cruiser...   Any suggestions for me to demo?  Mahalo

[Kevin]

I paddled that Ron House Coastl Cruiser.  It seems like the ideal combo of going fast and catching breaking waves on the shore.  I didn't actually ride any waves on it, but just looking at it you can tell it would ride waves better than any  12'6" race board.  You can also tell by looking at it, and paddling it, that it would almost keep up with a dedicated race board, especially in downwind conditions.  I'd love to have one.

[SEA]

I'd go with the Hobie Bamboo 12'6".  It super stable can surf waves depending on your ability way above head high and does down wind and flat water super well.  You might have a hard time finding one though, apparently they are sold out across the country and we should be getting some in May or early June.  I believe you should be able to get one when they get here (Hawaii)  for about 1800 which is dam good for a quality 12'6".   PM me if you want more info.

[SEA]

Check this guy out surfing the 12"6 Hobie race board !!

Also here is a thread on the 12'6 and 14 Hobies


!

[Hamakua]

Thanks for the replies.  Sea... I'll be in Honolulu in June and will check in with you.  Kevin...  Hopefully I can find one to demo in Hawaii.

[SEA]

PM me with your contact info and when your here on Oahu we can hook up and go for a run. We have a 12'6 demo and a 14 footer as well.

Aloha

Scotty

[Hamakua]

Thanks.  That thread was what got me looking at the Hobie. 

[Takeo]

Hamakua, Tokunaga Store in Hilo got some Hobies on order. They also got Starboard Pierce Touring boards coming in, can order the Naish Glides, have the Starboard BOP in AST and Carbon in stock, a Jimmy Lewis M14, and can order SIC boards.

[Hamakua]

Mahalo, Takeo.  Tokunaga has sups... Tings I nevah know

[headmount]

Hamakua, I went to high school in Kamuela (Waimea) and was on that coastline quite a bit.  It can get very strong off shore winds, especially around Kawaihae, and pretty sharky as well.  The wind can come up quick and getting back to shore could be a handful on some days.  Be careful out there. 

I'd contact the SUP guys on the BI and find out where they go.  Maybe start in Hilo Bay if you're new to SUP.  That way you'll increase your odds on getting back to land no matter what.

[Hamakua]

Headmount...  I've paddled a couple of years with Kawaihae Canoe Club and know what you mean about the wind and the grey suits.  Thanks.  Maybe a safety orange board would be a good idea. Ha!    Parker or HPA?  I live near Honoka'a so I can get to most places within an hour. 

[Takeo]

Hamakua, I got a Naish 2012 Glide 14' and a 17' Bullet if you want to demo. My friend has a Starboard 12'6" BOP if you want to check that out. What is your price range? For coastal cruising I prefer bigger boards for the better glide but I hear you about having to deal with a bulky board.

[headmount]

HPA... 44 yrs ago

[Hamakua]

Thanks for the demo offers, Takeo.  I'm slammed for the next couple of weeks but I'll catch up with you when I have more time.  Price range... $1500 ish.  Its more about not getting carried away than budget, considering that this would be my first board and I'm a novice.  I'm fine with used boards.

[Hamakua]

My girlfriend wants to be able to float around and take a nap on it, too.     She might have to get her own board.