HELP!!!!!!! Looking to purchase a race board...

[RAEBERT]

Live on Maui, paddle on s side (looking to do more on the n shore)... looking @ naish 12' and 14'. I have paddled the 14' (seemed fast and similar to the c4 14'... a friend who owns the naish feels it is more stable than the c4, I thought they were about the same) and I have paddled the jl 12'6" (faster than what I'm on now but not as fast as the 14s)
Wt-220lbs and ambitions to be competitive in races and train in upwind/downwind/choppy conditions. I usually paddle 3-5 days a week 1-2 hr sessions on a 11'6"x29 laird. If anyone else narrowed their choices to these two boards I would be extremely interested on why you chose one over the other... or if there are any other suggestions. Mahalo everyone, Daniel

[DavidJohn]

I don't know much about the other boards mentioned but I give the Naish 14 two thumbs up.

It's a much better board in the open ocean than the Naish 12.. btw I have both and I mostly use the 12 for flat water.

DJ

[Dwight (DW)]

Are you comparing the Regular Vortice or the XP?

The regular Vortice has a lot more rocker than the Naish. I used to own the regular Vortice. I thought it was slow to plane up. The XP was much better, but made for lighter riders.

I'd recommend the Naish because it's rocker is like my customs, which work well in our ocean down winders.

[noworrieshawaii]

I would stay away from the Vortice XP if you want to be competitive... really not very fast.  I know people who have them and they like em but wouldnt race em.

[SaltH2Opaddler]

If it were me-

I'd go see Foote  or Mark @ S.I.C.

They know and understand the conditions on Maui.

Good Luck

[FB1]

<sup>If it were me-

I'd go see Foote  or Mark @ S.I.C.

They know and understand the conditions on Maui.

Good Luck</sup>

Second this, 2 boards from Mark perfect dealings.

[footemaui]

Aloha.. You can demo my 14' x 29.5'' x 6''...BF

[footemaui]

Maliko 14

[Pureadrenalin]

I tried the naish 14' it is fast and stable but man since you are in Maui I strongly suggest you demo the 14' foote or one of Marks race boards. I am in Honolulu and if I had your oppurtunity I would do just that before you make a decision. Aloha