Author Topic: Looking for 1st SUP  (Read 7544 times)

Kwolfe

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Looking for 1st SUP
« on: June 18, 2015, 07:22:18 PM »
I'm looking to get my first paddleboard.  I'm in central PA near Harrisburg so we have rivers and creeks around us with some smaller lakes somewhat close by.  I'm about 6' 190lbs.

I was thinking about shaping and glossing my own board but might be interested in buying used if I can find a good deal.  I found a BIC Ace-Tec Wing 12-6' near me.  It's about brand new with a leash, accessory bag and sliding carbon paddle for $900.  Not really sure about the board or price and was looking for some feedback. 

I'm actually building a strip built kayak right now but would like something to get me on the water sooner. 

Kwolfe

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2015, 01:28:47 PM »
Anyone? Beuhler?

2Rivers

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2015, 02:59:59 PM »
I paddle on lakes and slow moving rivers and have been using a 12'6x30" iSUP. Dimensionally that Bic 12"6 Ace-Tec you're looking at is also 12'6x30", so that would be perfect for touring and it performs up to 260lbs if you want to bring some extra gear. If you're planning to race or want more performance for fitness paddling, then you may want something narrower and lower volume.
 
Bic makes really good boards from what I know. I don't think that's a bad deal for a 12'6 board with a bag, leash & adj. paddle, but personally I'd want to get the paddle separate instead of a "packaged" paddle. Paddles are a very personal piece of equipment imo, so they need to be the right size, shape, weight, and flex for what you need and/or want out of your paddle. Packaged paddles might not be the correct paddle for you, so that's something to consider.
 
Based on where you plan to paddle and based on your weight, I'd look for a 12'6x30"-32" touring/race shaped board with a single fin that's removable/replaceable (like the Bic). You may also want a "tie-down" option for securing gear, so look for that feature too (most boards have this now). If can demo, that's ideal. Good luck.
« Last Edit: June 20, 2015, 03:03:04 PM by 2Rivers »
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PonoBill

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #3 on: June 20, 2015, 03:18:52 PM »
Great starter. The BIC boards are bulletproof and fairly light. That's good advice on ther paddle, but since it's part of the package you can at least start with it and get something decent soon.
Foote 10'4X34", SIC 17.5 V1 hollow and an EPS one in Hood River. Foote 9'0" x 31", L41 8'8", 18' Speedboard, etc. etc.

Fog City Rider

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2015, 04:28:55 PM »
That sounds like a good deal & a good first board for someone your size.  I've spent plenty of time on that board, and it's a solid flatwater performer & stable.  As Pono says they are super tough; the extra durability will go a long way if you're paddling in creeks & rivers. 
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ski_2_bike

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2015, 08:13:33 PM »
I would recommend trying as many boards as you can before spending the bucks. Rentals are a good way to start. Many rental places offer different boards. Demo days are great way to try a wide variety of boards. This can help you dial into the differences between brands and shapes and help you find whats going to work best for you.

Ichabod Spoonbill

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #6 on: June 21, 2015, 05:09:08 AM »
That Bic Wing is a good flatwater board, especially if you're going to bang it up a little.
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Kwolfe

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #7 on: June 21, 2015, 11:13:52 AM »
Well I shot him an offer yesterday. Haven't hear back yet so we'll see.  I'm heading over to the jersey shore in about 3 weeks so I'm also going to keep an eye on craigslist from me to there.

Kwolfe

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #8 on: June 22, 2015, 05:51:34 AM »
Just checked craigslist this morning and he must have sold the board.  So much for that lead.

Anyone around the Harrisburg PA area wanting to sell a board, give me a hollar.  I'm also heading down to the jersey shore in a couple of weeks and could meet someone.

Thanks
Kev

robon

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #9 on: June 22, 2015, 10:32:07 AM »
Just checked craigslist this morning and he must have sold the board.  So much for that lead.

Anyone around the Harrisburg PA area wanting to sell a board, give me a hollar.  I'm also heading down to the jersey shore in a couple of weeks and could meet someone.

Thanks
Kev

Keep your eyes peeled for deals on the Bic Ace Tec because I have seen them going for as cheap as a grand new. Gorge Performance has them for 1095.00 and Paddleboard specialists has a  limited version on sale for 1149.00 right now. You can get into something like the surf tech flowmaster 12'6" for just under a grand as well.

JimK

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2015, 03:42:42 PM »
I think I can help

I'm in Pa (Allentown Area) but in the summer I move my shop to Jersey Shore (lakes Bay in West Atlantic City)
We have a bunch of boards new and used plus you get a ZONER DISCOUNT
I know what works in NJ/PA and I'll deliver in NJ PA area

Give me a call
Shop 609 641 4445
Cell 484 515 5758 (winter Warehouse # transfered to my cell)

JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com

Kwolfe

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #11 on: June 27, 2015, 09:53:43 AM »
So I'm heading down to the jersey shore in a few days.  I'm going to stop and see Jim while I'm down there.  I also saw an Ohana 14tr that wasn't real far.  It's new and the seller is asking $700'which seems like a good price. 

I guess what I am a little confused about is what to get.  Here's my stats again.  I'm 6', 192lbs, 40 years young.  Since I live in central pa and don't get to the beach more than about 7-10 days per year, the vast majority of my paddling will be done on freaky flat water.  SUPing seems like a good way to get outside and excercise.  I probably won't be doing leisurely strolls down the river.  It would be more for fun/fitness. 

Most of the signs point to a 12-6 or 14 displacement board.  Would a planing board be ok?  I would like the board to be fairly fast and track well.  Tracking is probably more important as I don't think I would want to be switching sides ever couple of strokes.

Thoughts, opinions, etc?

Litchfield County Paddler

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #12 on: June 27, 2015, 04:28:19 PM »
I have 24 boards for our buisness thelitchfieldcountypaddler.com
My favorite board to ride is one of many Kaholo 14' .
There's nothing like a wooden SUP.

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Foilman

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #13 on: June 27, 2015, 05:49:54 PM »
The BIC would have been a good starter board. I used it plenty of times in their one design challenge races. Very durable, stable and maneuverable. It's really easy to step back on that thing and it turns on a dime. It just isn't very fast or light but the durability and versatility make it a good starter. I'd keep looking for something similar to that.

Rob
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Kwolfe

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Re: Looking for 1st SUP
« Reply #14 on: June 29, 2015, 01:29:50 PM »
Its down to the Ohana or a used Naish Glide.  Both are 14ft.  Not sure how wide the glide is yet.  My quesstion is, would I have trouble learning on a 28" wide board.  I have good balance normally.

 


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