For a while I had been really interested in a SIC or a Foote Maliko 14 as I do not like the cutter low rocker noses that are de rigor these days. I only downwind and surf I do not paddle flat water so I like boards with nose rocker. I have owned the Naish 14 and an older DC16. The Hobie, Fanatic and DC boards with the cutter noses are fantastic boards but just not my taste.
I struck up a conversation with Bill Foote via Facebook and he put me on to Jeremy Riggs and I managed to get a great deal on a demo Aircore 14 x 29. Mike Owens facilitated freight etc. The boards are hollow made like surf skis in a mold with a durable gel coat finish. Everyone involved were great to deal with, which was reassuring as I was a bit nervous buying sight unseen. I totally ignored my demo demo demo mantra.
I have had it out in little waves and some ok dw conditions. WA this year has been a bit average on the dw front. Impressions so far are really positive the board is really user friendly with lots of stability and can keep up with the guys I usually dw with. Compared to my DC16 the Aircore catches less runners, as it is shorter, but on the ones it gets it can out surf the 16 due to it being lighter (12kg on my scales) and more of a surf shape. The lower tail rocker means I can go faster on the runners and link them a little better. The DC16 and the Aircore perform better in different parts of our 24k run from Port to Sorrento. The Aircore prefers the direct downwind parts of the run.
Best of all it is a real fun board and puts a smile on your dial. As well as being 2 foot shorter so easier to carry and store.
The only negative is due to the thickness my dw paddle now feels about 2 inches too short as I stand so high compared to the recessed deck on the DC. The first time I paddled I was sure I had picked up the wrong paddle.
