PSH 10'6 WAA review

[awe]

Blane,
Any 9'10 w rippers coming? I have the 9'6" wide ripper, thought maybe a 9'10" wide might be coming
              Aloha

[Byronmaui]

I have not ridden this board but I was reminded right now via-phone by my 5'2 330 lb 5'8 235lb childhood friend that he was insanely barreled on one of these boards....

Aloha

Byron

[diesel]

I like the 2+1 fin setup that Blane rides as well.  If you have 4.5" sides and around a 7" center with it moved up in the box then it seems very loose but it won't slide out on a steep wave.  Somehow I don't trust having only the 4.5" back fin on a good wave.  If you surf the board with your back foot right over the fins, the 2+1 is quite loose.  I have thrown the tail out a few times on a cutback with the 2+1 setup on a 9'6 WAA.  To each his own because everybody surfs different.  There definitely is no right or wrong fin setup, just preferences.  Has anyone used the thruster (4.5" all three fins) setup in overhead, steep waves?  Did the board slip if you pulled up high and tight in the pocket?  Just curious because I have not used that setup.

[motopilot]

I have ridden both the 9'6 Ripper and 9'6AA in head high surf with a straight tri-fin setup.  yes it is loose.  The board never seemed to slip but I was always trying to keep it on the rail which may have helped.  It was a nice setup and still use it sometimes but also do the 2+1.  Both are fun setups.

[diesel]

I have not ridden this board but I was reminded right now via-phone by my 5'2 330 lb 5'8 235lb childhood friend that he was insanely barreled on one of these boards....

Aloha

Byron

I am also super hyped to get barrelled deep on SUP.  Anyone care to discuss barrel riding technique for SUP?  I know some guys guys are getting pitted somewhere and there must be some technique.  I am guessing frontside is easier.  Maybe do a deep and drawn out bottom turn and pull up right in front of the throwing lip into the pocket.  Then what?  Maybe stick the paddle in the wave to stall.  Should you fade up into the wave or can you pull up hard into the pocket and kick the board down.  I have tried and the board travelled to high in the wall and went over.  I have only seen Ikaika and Kainoa Mgee but that was at pipe which is not a normal wave.  There is no footage of barrel riding on SUP so far besides those guys.  I was thinking more of a normal type tubing wave.  I am psyched to learn this if anybody has got some pointers thru experience.  How about Blane and the boys, any tips?

[diesel]

Sorry, I didn't realize I was starting to hijack the thread.  Let me post barrel riding as a new topic under technique.  Mahalo.

[Byronmaui]

Oahu's most famous Opala picker playing with his 10'6 AA....Not my photos just sharing the stoke....

Aloha

Byron

[crtraveler]

Finally got a chance to try the board I have been waiting to try......and as I thought it was awesome.  The 10'6" WAA is the board for me.  My buddy picked one up and I'll get mine in the spring.  I'm  6'3, 230#, 2yrs on SP Kalama 11'6".  This board will take it to the next level for sure.  Will post a new thread comparing the Kalama to the WAA.  Thanks Motopilot for sending us down to Island Surf and Sail in NJ - well worth the 3 hr trip.  Please send our (Jon + Seth from NY) thanks to them when you see them next!!

[motopilot]

LOL your welcome.  Glad you like the board.  Great board for someone your size.  Just ask EastFL.  Can't get him off his.

[EastFL]

You are going to love that board.  I'm about 20 lbs heavier than you and the board is great coming down from a bigger stick.  I'm really impressed with mine. 

My recommendation is take it out in anything and everything.  I bought mine thinking that I would only use it in bigger cleaner surf since I was coming down from a 12x32 board.  Even at my size it catches small waves great and it's really stable.  I've had mine for about 4 or five weeks and I feel fine in a reasonable onshore chop.

The board paddles well.  The last couple sessions we've had about a 2 mile paddle each way to the break.  At 250 lbs, I never thought I'd paddle a 10'6" that far for a surf. 

Enough rambling... Have fun with the new board.   

[diesel]

I am still surfing mine in all types of surf and I am 190 lbs.  At my weight you can cruise into big bombs but still move the board around if you know how to use your weight and feet placement.  I love it because you can get to the outer reefs quick but still surf good when you get there.  I just had an unreal session at my outer reef spot.  It was head high and bowling out.  I was doing these nice bottom turns and hooking into the bowling section.  So fun.

[NickFL]

This was my first board (10'6" WAA) and I love it.  I am completely new to SUP and surfing and I caught my first wave the other day.  Now it was only a knee high roller but it was a great time.  The only time I have had trouble with the board was in 15mph+ winds and some chop.  This was also my second time ever on a SUP though.  It feels like a solid platform after 3 weekends of using it.  I'm 6'1" and 220-225 lbs with not much to lose and it floats me fine for a newbie.  I originally wanted the 11' WAA but I live in a condo and the 10'6 was the biggest I could fit into my elevator.  I'm already talking to place an order for a 3way split 12'6" big boy trainer from Corran for cruising and fishing on.

[crtraveler]

There is a HUGE difference in the performance between the Kalama 11'6" and the PSH 10'6"WAA - I was actually very, very surprised.  I will be posting further review and photos soon.

[linter]

and when you're ready for the 9.6 waa, i'll trade you mine for your 10.6!  (9.6 is just to small for my uncoordinated ass ...)

[crtraveler]

Linter - As you saw at Matunuck, I'm a big guy - 9'6" might be pushing it for me right now.  If you wanna sell it though, I do have a few buddies that may be interested.  Next trip up to RI pretty soon.....Lemme know if interested