Kronos NB - A SUP with Sidecut

[surfafrica]

I've been keen to push myself a bit this summer and try a lower volumed and slightly narrower board. I'm also a sucker for trying new shapes. After reading some more about this one and talking to some people who have tried it, I decided to give it a shot.  This one takes inspiration from the Firewire Cornice by Dan Mann.  Kyle at Kronos was really cool to work with (I love the process of drafting up custom boards).  He just sent me the pics fresh from the glassers.  Can't wait to get my hands on it and give it a try.

[exiled]

Cool! what are the specs on it?

[surfafrica]

It's 7'5 x 26, 87 L. I'm only 145 pounds.

From the shaper:

What this shape really does is attack head on the problem of standup boards: We need a big board to stand on, and want a little board to surf on. This shape focuses extra surface area and volume in the tail, which provides disproportionate stability. Then it takes surface area and volume out of the center of the board. This improves performance.

A wide tailed board isn't supposed to turn well. But this does, because the curvature starts super early. A board that turns well isn't supposed to be stable relative to it's dimensions. But this board is stable, because the tail is wide and has volume.

You can ride this board a bit smaller than you're used to and be equally as stable. Or you can ride it the same size that you're used to and enjoy more stability with similar performance (depending upon conditions of course).

[beached]

looks a bit like the Hypernut shape. let us know how it surfs

[ninja tuna]

can't wait to hear how this thing rides.

[surfafrica]

Ya, I can't wait to try it.  I'm really looking at it as an experiment--both for the shape and size. I told the shaper (Kyle) that I was OK pushing my limits a bit. No risk, no reward!  He was great to work with.  Even had a webex meeting to finalize the dims and design (I eat that stuff up!).  Apparently my 7'5 (which is getting packed to be shipped next week) is about 11.5-12 pounds.

I've talked with one bigger guy who has one:

8'8 x 30, 138 L
rider: 245 pounds

I've been riding this 8'8 for a couple weeks and so far I really dig it. Stable for my big bones (6'3, 245) and amazing rails and rocker for my spot. It's made me feel young and it works backside and is fast. The tail allows me to feel stable and I can paddle some distance and deal with chop. It's about 17 pounds so the lightest board I've ever owned. The board has psychology built in to make you rip.

The board is a hybrid of a progressive shape and a Simmons. I can skip it into waves and I always like that as an option. I'm sold on the domed deck. It's more predictable--kind of like standing on a fulcrum or Indo board. It has stability but still is fun. The rails and rocker are clean.

[RATbeachrider]

Super kool! Give us a ride report soon.

[SpaceCoastPaul]

Does Kyle recommend a fin setup for the board?

[surfcowboy]

Yes, want to hear more about paddling that 26" wide board. I'm planning my next and I really want to go down in width but I don't want to go too far. If you can paddle this, maybe I'll chance a 27". I keep talking myself down bit by bit.

Beautiful board, really intriguing shape.

[surfafrica]

Does Kyle recommend a fin setup for the board?

For my size (145 pounds), he recommended the Futures F4s for general everyday conditions.  If conditions got a bit bigger or more critical, maybe one size bigger.  (I'm guessing the F4s will do me!)

Yes, want to hear more about paddling that 26" wide board. I'm planning my next and I really want to go down in width but I don't want to go too far. If you can paddle this, maybe I'll chance a 27". I keep talking myself down bit by bit.

Beautiful board, really intriguing shape.

I'm guessing I've really pushed my lower limits with this one, but that was the goal.  With this shape, the 26" width is the widest point which is right at the top of the front fins.  The narrow part of the mid-section is 24.5".  The wide point as it transitions into the nose at the handle is 25".

[SUPalon]

Africa you have my attention.. how ever I couldn't find more info online on Kronos, can you please share their website if you have it.

Thanks!

A

[supthecreek]

I like the foil better than the H-Nut.... it looks much thinner in the nose.
Interesting.... and the good news is.... you take movies! Movies tell a better tale than words.

Have fun on it!

[RATbeachrider]

The John John's will be great when the waves are bigger and a bit steeper.

[Cardiff Sweeper]

Way to go, Kyle.
Looks good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[anonsurfer]

Very cool.  It's great to see people going smaller and trying new shapes.  Let us know how you like it.