Hi all - I have been paddling a 10' 6" x 30"for about 18 months mainly ocean , surfing and cruising around. My balance now is ok and am 78kg and starting to hit my senior years. So l wish to try a 14' for mainly ocean and occasional Pittwater or harbour. Something which can punch through the NE chop then turn and catch runners back. I know I can go to the local shop and demo but would probably buy 2nd hand from this site so feel that's not right. I'm thinking 27" to 30" wide any specific brands ? Of course the more durable the better. Thanks in advance for any advice.

After missing yesterdays downwinder, bugger!! I went for a 6km paddle from Sorento Caravan Park to the point at Portsea and used my Paddle Logger to get some details. So for 6km I had an average speed of 4.53kph in choppy cross wind conditions and waves coming from all directions around the docked ferry from Queenscliff and a max speed of 9.39kph cruising back with the wind at my side and back. It says my pace was 13.14min per Km.

Once I had a rest I did a 2.2km when the wind died down a bit then averaged 4.62kph and a top speed of 13.52kph and a drop to 12.59 min per km.
Not sure if these figures are ok or not but its good to have a starting point to refer to and compare when conditions are calmer.