Hobie E Series Size Suggestion

[General376]

I'm 6'0, 170lbs.  Looking at a board for fitness/recreation.  Will be used strictly on flatwater.  I'm a competitive cyclist, might become competitive in this arena at some point in the future, but at this point just want another outlet to keep in shape.  Can't decide between 12'6 or 14'.  I know I'd get better glide with the 14' and I have the room to store it.....though 12'6 would be a bit more convenient storage wise.

Would I regret going with a 12'6 over the 14'?

[ObviousSup]

How important is speed? When I was deciding on length I went with the 14 because of the better glide and the extra flotation ( I'm 5'9" and 250). The widths are effectively the same (.225 according to the list or the same according to the video about them). When I said I have no desire to go slow, (other than lack of physical fitness) and want to get to point B as quickly as I can, the 14 was recommended.

[General376]

Speed isn't the most important factor, though of course I'd like a fast board.  It seems the trend from what I've seen/heard is toward the 14' boards....but that seems to be more for those really trending toward racing.  I'd like to go fast of course....but like I said more fitness oriented I guess than race oriented if that makes any sense.

Doesn't even necessarily have to pertain to the Hobie board....12'6 vs 14' in general.  I've searched a couple of prior threads on this....just hoping to get more opinions as to whether I'd feel "lacking" with a 12'6 board.

[JillRide45]

I would say you would be much happier with the 14'.  Just like you do not take your mountain bike out on road rides. Both give you great fitness (the mountain bike would even be better) it just does not feel the same.  Also you can cover more ground on your road bike.  All this applies to the 12'6" vs. 14' argument.  At your size you can easily handle a 14'.  I am 5'7" 110 lbs and the only time I do not like a 14' is when it is really rough in the open ocean.  On flatwater the 14' is just a joy to paddle.  Any paddle over 8 miles is much nicer on the 14'.  The 12'6" requires a higher cadence to keep its speed and that can wear on you after 8 miles. 

Now, if the Hobie 14' is the right one for that is a whole different can of worms!

Cheers, Jill

[freetobeme]

+1  on the 14'

i am 5'9 175 and had only paddled 12'6's before last month.  At the Carolina Cup i demoed a dozen 14s and borrowed one for 5 days. 90% of the guys down there were racing 14s.  even on fun runs it's much more efficient and enjoyable imho.

no hobies at the Cup…M&M, Infinity and Kings impressed me the most.

good luck hunting 

[pdxmike]

I would say you would be much happier with the 14'.  Just like you do not take your mountain bike out on road rides. Both give you great fitness (the mountain bike would even be better) it just does not feel the same.  Also you can cover more ground on your road bike.  All this applies to the 12'6" vs. 14' argument.  At your size you can easily handle a 14'.  I am 5'7" 110 lbs and the only time I do not like a 14' is when it is really rough in the open ocean.  On flatwater the 14' is just a joy to paddle.  Any paddle over 8 miles is much nicer on the 14'.  The 12'6" requires a higher cadence to keep its speed and that can wear on you after 8 miles. 

Now, if the Hobie 14' is the right one for that is a whole different can of worms!

Cheers, Jill

Jill--that's interesting to hear that you also prefer 14'.  It's been pretty obvious from the several threads about this that 14' is the almost-unanimous preference for big guys in flatwater.  Most--but not all--women around here still seem to be paddling and racing 12-6s.  I wonder if that will change--that lighter people will be following the move to 14'.  It could mean a new wave of very narrow 14s.

General--I could easily see you wanting a 14' soon if you start with 12-6.  If you start with 14, I can't see you ever going shorter, unless it was for something other than flatwater.

[ObviousSup]

  If you start with 14, I can't see you ever going shorter, unless it was for something other than flatwater.

This is pretty much what I was told as well. That and the detail that I can only swing one board and I can't afford to "out grow it" for a very long time.
Where are you located? Maybe you could find f board by the same manufacture in both lengths to try so see the difference. Trying a 12.6 from one shaper and a 14 from another would add the problem of comparing oranges to tangerines.

[General376]

Exactly the kind of information I wanted to hear.....14' it is.  I'd be stressing about this decision for a bit, as didn't want to dish out an exorbitant amount of money on a board and find that I should have gone with the other a short time later.

Very much appreciated all....THANK YOU!

[JillRide45]

In terms of me loving a 14', I think the key for women is you have to get a 14' that is narrow and light.  Otherwise you end up paddling a barge!  Living in the land of shapers (So. Cal.) it is easier and sometimes less expensive just to go custom.  I ride a custom 14' double carbon Infinity that weighs 23 lbs (complete).  The Infinity 14' paddles like a dream and is super stable.  I use the 14' board to paddle with my husband when he is on a surfski or OC1. I paddle down at Dana Point baby beach a lot so if you see me there with an Infinity 14' hit me up for a paddle. 

Cheers, Jill

[sup_surf_giant]

I'm 6'0, 170lbs.  Looking at a board for fitness/recreation.  Will be used strictly on flatwater.  I'm a competitive cyclist, might become competitive in this arena at some point in the future, but at this point just want another outlet to keep in shape.  Can't decide between 12'6 or 14'.  I know I'd get better glide with the 14' and I have the room to store it.....though 12'6 would be a bit more convenient storage wise.

Would I regret going with a 12'6 over the 14'?

Competitive road or mountain?

I trained and raced mountain for about 5 years.

FWIW When you start SUPing you'll put on muscle mass upstair and down. So, if you're a weight weenie, keep that in mind.

[1paddle2paddle]

I prefer a 14' over the 12'6 because the difference in speed with the longer board makes it much easier to catch open ocean bumps with the 14'.  But if you are not paddling in such conditions, perhaps that extra speed isn't needed nor particularly important.

As you noted, the 12'6 is easier to store, as well as tote to and from the water.  And if you will be catching a few waves at the end of your paddle, 12'6 boards generally surf far better than 14 footers.

So I think the big question is what you want the board to do.  If speed is top priority, get the 14'.  If not, then maybe the 12'6 will do.