Starboard Tiki 8'0" x 26" question

[JohnnyMaya]

Hi guys,

After I got my Coreban Performer (killer board), my wife just got addicted to SUP, so we're gettin her a new board (this way we can SUP together and she'll not be asking for my board anymore).

She's 120lbs and she's 5'3 ish...
She rode a PR and she found it too buoyant, so we were thinking on two boards: the SB 7'11 and the tiki 8'0" x 26".

Unfortunatelly, the 7'11 is not available at this time so we're pretty much stuck to the 26" tiki.
Do any of you guys have any feedback/review on it?
I've been loking for it but all I can find is the 2009 (28") model review.

My only concern right know is on flotation, since technique is something you can get better over time. I think it should be hard to balance, but she's also 120 ish, so it will be easier for her than for an heavier rider.

There's also two other options, the 6'10 impossible and the 7'4 rush.
I like their volume, but i'm afraid they're too wide and she's gonna have an hard time trying to turn those boards. Also, I think those shapes won't be really fast on waves, but i'd like to read your thoughts on these boards.

I really the tiki can be a great board for her.
Thanks for your time and patience.

Best regards,
Johnny

[surf monkey]

Look at the smaller PSH boards, I would get one that is a little wider so you can ride also and the resale would be better.

[PilonSUP]

I got to demo one in clean 6 inch waves,coming in @ 167lb...I was not sure if i could stand on it.
Well i could stand & catch waves on it! I was kinda shocked..It was a little ambitious to stand on but it's an 8'0, I but it thru the test(in a bout a half hour),paddling over ww,catching waves..turning around...pretty much blown away,impressed with the way it caught waves the most...
Did'nt belive it was 26 wide,came home and knocked an inch(width) off my next board(just got shaped..8'10x27'1/2)...keep it up Starboard.
Thanks... Sobe crew for the demo....Shawn

[mdsurf]

It is a small board for sure.  It has 105 L of volume.  The width is small and your wife wouldn't have to stretch out to paddle.

[cammar]

Don't know the Tiki, but at 155 pounds, I love my 7.4x29.5.
VERY easy to turn, not super fast but not super slow either. I used it up to head high and had the feeling it might be a bit too wide for bigger waves.
But I keep learning something every time I use it, so I might be wrong...

[Tetlom]

In Clean conditions you can stand on pretty much anything.
As soon as it gets choppy - different story.

All comments above, pretty much on the money.
Remember if you will surf where it is not so epic, the extra width will ensure more time riding and less time falling and getting tired fast.

Also, if you will surf where there is any headwind and the break is a long paddle the extra length helps.
7'11 rocks - good long distance, ok into the wind, rail to rail very nicely.

7'4" x 32" - adds stability when it is choppy or for bigger people.

6'6" Impossible - Think about turning - it already happened. Great fun - except if you have a long paddle into wind or through white water - then you get damn tired. Good as second or third board.

Love to try the Tiki - but have not yet.

Been riding the 10'3" Gun in Carbon - no chance to try in swell yet but OMG it is light !!!!

Selling my 7'11" Black Camo (bought a Carbon One) - yes I am an addict

am@amarawatersports.com

[mdsurf]

The Brushed Carbon is so light and stong.  I was blown away when I picked it up to feel the weight.