Author Topic: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?  (Read 15544 times)

B-Walnut

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New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« on: April 24, 2022, 08:28:34 AM »
I'm offloading some gear and trying to pick up a new deal in a bit of a sweet spot for me. I've had a blend element, 9'8"x30" 146l as well as a carve pro 8'2" x 29" 120l.

The element is stable and surfs reasonably but it gives my leg a horrific yank with every wave that washes over me when I fall off. Has a tendency to break leashes otherwise I would probably just keep it.

The Carve Pro is fun on the wave, but definitely lacks stability on wind/chop sessions.

At first I considered the new deal, but both pricing and shape were a bit concerning to me in terms of wanting something to get me out a bunch. The kalama is significantly cheaper, nearly the same weight, and the shape looks stable. I want a wave hog that is stable and reasonable in weight (my element is 23lbs and the kalama is 16.5). Only question left is how well does it surf? I can't seem to find much online for reviews, seems like any search goes straight to their sup foils (which I have and love). Any input would be great!

Dusk Patrol

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2022, 07:02:45 PM »
No personal experience, but it looks like a nice board, and the pedigree is not so shabby, right? The width up front makes it look a bit like a JL Super Frank, which I do surf (8’6x32). And because of that front end it would probably be the wave hog you’re looking for. Price wise at $1670-ish it’s expensive but reasonable. Infinity’s SUPs are now bumped up to $2300. Great boards but damn.
Btw the Super Frank at 9 x 32.5  is at 156 L,  compared to the 126L of the Kalama, also suggests the Kalama is a serious surf sup.
RS 14x26; JL Destroyers 9'8 & 8'10; BluePlanet 9'4; JL Super Frank 8'6

BigZ

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2022, 08:39:11 PM »
I have this board. I am 240 pounds. Great board for a heavy rider. Very stable and easy to ride. I use it mostly in small surf up to shoulder hight or so. It is a perfect “longboardish” shape for a heavyweight in these conditions. Turns really well if you move to the back. You can nose ride it too although a 10x28 would be better for “true” longboard style.

Construction is virtually the same as production Infinity. Both brands are made in the same factory.

The bottom line, , a great, fun board for a heavyweight. Seems to to work perfect at 1.1-1.2 Guild factor due to inherent stability.


B-Walnut

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #3 on: April 26, 2022, 06:15:07 PM »
I went ahead and pulled the trigger. I'm at 190lbs so it shouldn't be an issue for me if BigZ is slaying at 240.

I chatted with Dave Kalama about it (he responds quickly to emails, nice guy). He rides it at 200 as a very stable board. He said the step down to the 9'0"*28" is great when the waves are good but it's a lot of work to stay balanced.

northshore_slider

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2022, 12:17:56 PM »
Let us know what you think of it. Too bad he doesn't make a 9' x 30" as it would make a great do-it-all.

I've been drooling over the Infinity New Deal 9x31 but the cost is just so high... wish they would offer the New Deal in the less expensive pvc/carbon like they do with the RNB.
Jimmy Lewis Worldwide 8'1 x 29 - 110L
Jimmy Lewis Destroyer 8'5 x 30 - 130L
Kalama E3 9'2 x 30 - 126L

previous:
Jimmy Lewis Super Frank 8'6 x 32 - 141L
Infinity RNB 8'8 x 32 - 142L
Hobie RAW 9'4 x 32 - 146L
Starboard Element 9'8 x 30 - 153L

me: 5'11, 185lbs, 42yrs old
@surfing_byrneski

devon_sup_surf

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2022, 03:52:59 PM »
while you're deciding.....a waist leash will save your leg....

B-Walnut

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2022, 04:28:20 PM »
I've lost track on how many sessions I've had on it at this point and I absolutely love it. Catches fantastically green waves and performs in overhead conditions. The biggest problem with it is that I snatch so many waves it draws the attention of surfers who come over and start to crowd the spot!

Definitely surfs best as a quad, I thought it was a total dog as a thruster.

Dusk Patrol

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2022, 12:49:17 PM »
Great that you're stoked with it.

How has the “vacuum bagged PVC sandwich carbon construction” held up after some use?   
RS 14x26; JL Destroyers 9'8 & 8'10; BluePlanet 9'4; JL Super Frank 8'6

B-Walnut

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2022, 10:14:29 PM »
Seems as solid as ever. Just ordered my 3rd Kalama board, I'm obviously happy with them!

coldsup

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #9 on: August 15, 2022, 02:43:03 PM »
I've lost track on how many sessions I've had on it at this point and I absolutely love it. Catches fantastically green waves and performs in overhead conditions. The biggest problem with it is that I snatch so many waves it draws the attention of surfers who come over and start to crowd the spot!

Definitely surfs best as a quad, I thought it was a total dog as a thruster.

Sounds like you are having fun! I have an element too and was wondering how the 9ft 2 Kalama compares in terms of stability, wave catching and types of waves it suits best. I find the Element does most things pretty well but is a bit floaty. I’m 95 kg. Thanks

northshore_slider

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #10 on: August 24, 2022, 07:39:00 AM »
Just pulled the trigger on a 9'2 x 30" in orange. I'm 85kg with solid intermediate skills. I've been primarily surfing the Jimmy Lewis Destroyer MP 8'5 x 30" 130L for the past two years and absolutely love it, but I'm excited to be on something a bit longer as sometimes the foreward/backward balance is tricky on the 8'5. Hopefully it's the perfect all around board for me!

I've always preferred a thruster setup... I've only ridden one board with quads - a Jimmy Lewis Super Frank 8'6 x 32" and found the setup fast and fun but slippery / skatey on head-high waves. But per Dave, the man himself, it sounds like this board should be ridden quad so I'll give it a go. Any suggestions on affordable quad fcs fins? All my fins are futures. I'm also curious what fin sizes y'all have tried on this? Cheers!
Jimmy Lewis Worldwide 8'1 x 29 - 110L
Jimmy Lewis Destroyer 8'5 x 30 - 130L
Kalama E3 9'2 x 30 - 126L

previous:
Jimmy Lewis Super Frank 8'6 x 32 - 141L
Infinity RNB 8'8 x 32 - 142L
Hobie RAW 9'4 x 32 - 146L
Starboard Element 9'8 x 30 - 153L

me: 5'11, 185lbs, 42yrs old
@surfing_byrneski

BigZ

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #11 on: August 24, 2022, 05:14:19 PM »
Just pulled the trigger on a 9'2 x 30" in orange. I'm 85kg with solid intermediate skills. I've been primarily surfing the Jimmy Lewis Destroyer MP 8'5 x 30" 130L for the past two years and absolutely love it, but I'm excited to be on something a bit longer as sometimes the foreward/backward balance is tricky on the 8'5. Hopefully it's the perfect all around board for me!

I've always preferred a thruster setup... I've only ridden one board with quads - a Jimmy Lewis Super Frank 8'6 x 32" and found the setup fast and fun but slippery / skatey on head-high waves. But per Dave, the man himself, it sounds like this board should be ridden quad so I'll give it a go. Any suggestions on affordable quad fcs fins? All my fins are futures. I'm also curious what fin sizes y'all have tried on this? Cheers!

I use Quobba in an improvised quad. Large fronts, medium center. Waiting for Quobba's proper quad. Have the same set up :) My other board is 8'5x30 Destroyer. Use large thruster Quobba on the Destroyer. 106Kg.

« Last Edit: August 24, 2022, 05:17:23 PM by BigZ »

coldsup

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2022, 12:17:45 AM »
Just pulled the trigger on a 9'2 x 30" in orange. I'm 85kg with solid intermediate skills. I've been primarily surfing the Jimmy Lewis Destroyer MP 8'5 x 30" 130L for the past two years and absolutely love it, but I'm excited to be on something a bit longer as sometimes the foreward/backward balance is tricky on the 8'5. Hopefully it's the perfect all around board for me!

I've always preferred a thruster setup... I've only ridden one board with quads - a Jimmy Lewis Super Frank 8'6 x 32" and found the setup fast and fun but slippery / skatey on head-high waves. But per Dave, the man himself, it sounds like this board should be ridden quad so I'll give it a go. Any suggestions on affordable quad fcs fins? All my fins are futures. I'm also curious what fin sizes y'all have tried on this? Cheers!

Slightly off topic but see you have surfed an Element but also the 8,5 Destroyer. How does the Destroyer compare with the Element in terms of stability and does it really need a bit of push in the waves due to its small length?

northshore_slider

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2022, 01:03:24 PM »
Slightly off topic but see you have surfed an Element but also the 8,5 Destroyer. How does the Destroyer compare with the Element in terms of stability and does it really need a bit of push in the waves due to its small length?
They're two different beasts. The Element is 9'8 and the Destroyer is 8'5. The Element is stable is a barge for me personally but have put first-timers on it and they can barely stay on their knees. The Destroyer took some time to get comfortable with, but I was stepping down from the 9'8 Element so I was expecting a challenge. It started as my "only on clean days" board but I can now take it out in all conditions. The Destroyer has a little bit of glide, but nothing like a 9'+ board so I've learned to catch waves pretty late. Not sure if that answers your questions, but feel free to reach out via pm and I can blab on further.
Jimmy Lewis Worldwide 8'1 x 29 - 110L
Jimmy Lewis Destroyer 8'5 x 30 - 130L
Kalama E3 9'2 x 30 - 126L

previous:
Jimmy Lewis Super Frank 8'6 x 32 - 141L
Infinity RNB 8'8 x 32 - 142L
Hobie RAW 9'4 x 32 - 146L
Starboard Element 9'8 x 30 - 153L

me: 5'11, 185lbs, 42yrs old
@surfing_byrneski

northshore_slider

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Re: New Board, Kalama 9'2" x 30" any experience?
« Reply #14 on: August 25, 2022, 01:18:38 PM »
I use Quobba in an improvised quad. Large fronts, medium center. Waiting for Quobba's proper quad. Have the same set up :) My other board is 8'5x30 Destroyer. Use large thruster Quobba on the Destroyer. 106Kg.
Oh rad! And you see a need to have both boards? I'm wondering when I'll prefer one over the other.

Thanks for the fin suggestions. I surf the Destroyer with the stock Jimmy Lewis 4" side fins and a Gerry Lopez 5.5" center fin. The 8" stock center fin was way too big for my taste.
Jimmy Lewis Worldwide 8'1 x 29 - 110L
Jimmy Lewis Destroyer 8'5 x 30 - 130L
Kalama E3 9'2 x 30 - 126L

previous:
Jimmy Lewis Super Frank 8'6 x 32 - 141L
Infinity RNB 8'8 x 32 - 142L
Hobie RAW 9'4 x 32 - 146L
Starboard Element 9'8 x 30 - 153L

me: 5'11, 185lbs, 42yrs old
@surfing_byrneski

 


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