Fat Boy 12'6" race board

[southwesterly]

Flash back 30 years and this was the same problem with racing stock one-design Windsurfers until they included different weight classes. The light "little twerps" always won.
I was a lot lighter back then but was just around the cutoff point between the lightweight and the heavyweight division. I made sure to wear two sweatshirts and have lots of change in my pockets during the weigh in.
It really made a big difference being the lightest guy in the heavyweight division.
Seems like if they are going to go with a stock 12'6" class, why don't they just have two weight divisions?

[Admin]

I'll try Mark's surf race as soon as I can. He is very fast on it, but he's skinny, we'll see how it does with a porker on board.

There is a 14 foot surf race proto floating around that might do better for you (it's fast).  Maybe check that one out when you get back here.  The little one is fun, but feels about at it's limit under my weight (190 lbs today).

[paddledaddy]

So is that the new board not yet released but mentioned on the Starboard website?

[river]

The new 14's from Division 585/Brian Syzmanski are insane! I can't wait for the 2011 Starboard 14's they will blow minds. 

[paddledaddy]

So what have you decided Bill? I was counting on you to research the Fat Boy race board issue for me (speaking about myself, no one else). I really wanted the SurfRace to work for me, but at 215 I think the 14' model may be available before I can get to the recommended 190 pound maximum. If you are drawn to the suggestion as I am of going with a 14' and waiting for the 2011 Starboard 14's. You might consider the K-15 in the meantime. Here in Florida, no one seems to take offense at anyone winning on a production K-15 as it doesn't scream, "I have more board under me than anyone else on the water," like that custom F-18 of yours.

[gorgebob]

Bill it is time to revamp the race classes.
11 1/2 surfboard class . Somewhere to start and have fun on the most popular style and size.
12 1/2 raceboard class (light and heavy) More serious racer . Weigh in and split the class or add weight to the board?
unlimited. Anything goes.

[lee]

Bill it is time to revamp the race classes.
11 1/2 surfboard class . Somewhere to start and have fun on the most popular style and size.
12 1/2 raceboard class (light and heavy) More serious racer . Weigh in and split the class or add weight to the board?
unlimited. Anything goes.

I'd vote no on that.
12'6"and under
unlimited
That's all you need.

[paddlejones]

Can anybody coment on the Lahui Kai 12/6 for a 200 pounder?

[lee]

I looked at a used one in Santa Cruz.Looked like lots of float ,not much rocker,sleek outline probably work well for flat water.Maybe not so great downwinder unless you have balance from Mars.That was about what the 200lb owner said too

[CMC]

I paddled on a Dale Chapman 12'6 this morning.  Actually it was other board of 2 made at the same time as the board Travis Grant came second at BOP to Danny Ching.  P.S You havent seen the last of Travis Grant.  He came 2nd in OC1 Relay Molokai this year also.  Also paddled with Danny in the OC6 Kamanu Team.  This guy needs a sponsor!

This board for a 12'6 was amazing.  I could not believe the flow, I usually paddle a 17' and I almost reckon it was smoother in the water.  Very stable and customisable.

The boys posted a video on Seabreeze our Aussie SUP forum as below.  P.S I have no affiliation with Dale Chapman, I simply train in a group of guys that he trains with.

[paddlejones]

Yep, DJ posted a pic of the DC 12/6 a little while back, it's a thing of beauty.

Lee,
thanks i am looking at that same board, i paddle a lake mostly so i am considering it.

[stoneaxe]

I know I'd love to see either a weight class added or 14' for big guys. I was 220 or so at 18 with almost no body fat. If I got as lean as possible today I might get to 230....and still get smoked by guys 160 with big shoulders.

[ECSUP]

Hey Bill-

How about calling Joe Bark? He is an unbelievably nice guy, and, imho, shapes awesome boards. I have his 12'6" BOP board, and it is fast,stable, and I love it, although I am a skinny little s@#t now . If nothing else, he may some good ideas for you.