I bought a secondhand 2014 12'6" x 24'75" 266L Fanatic Falcon (see www.fanatic.com/sup/composite-boards/race/falcon-carbon) a while ago. I had already owned a Starboard Element for a few years and was comfortable in small surf and in ocean cruising. I was keen for something faster to maybe try some racing and do some longer distance ocean cruises. I'm under 65kg.

After now playing round with it for a while and buying a new fin and keeping on waiting for it to get comfortable, I must say I'm kinda just disappointed with it. It just doesn't feel as much quicker or more efficient than the Element as I expected. Downwind and in the flat it's not fantastic but okay, but upwind or crosswind or in any joggle, it's really hard to get good momentum happening.

Is it me? Are these signs the board is simply beyond my skill level? Or am I expecting too much from the board?

Any advice greatly appreciated. Would especially love to hear from anyone with experience with these boards. Cheers.