Any advice for me?? I am stuck between a Starboard 8.2 WP a 8.10 WP a 8.5 PR and the 9.1 Pro as my board for the surf. I have a 11.2 Blend and I prone surf shortboards 6.0 FW Dominator and 6.2 Lost Stealth when the waves cooperate the east coast of Central Florida. I want to do more paddle surfing and not on the monster blend. I'm 5'9 and weigh 80 Kgs, should be 76. Most of the waves here are a bit choppy and onshore with some glory days sprinkled here and there. A lot of people have recommended me not to go shorter than 9 feet for glide. I am looking for 1 of these 4 boards to compliment my Blend for a 2 board quiver with the #1 intention to ride waves, but also to go for the occ paddle with a chica. I am leaning towards the new 2012 Pocket Rocket with a new shape, more volume 130L and 5 fin configuration. Any thoughts? Thanks!!
have tried the 8.10WP, 8.5PR, 9 x 30 converse and the 9.1 Pro and have to say that I loved the 9.1 Pro. I am only just an intermediate rider and really only tried the pro so that I could cross it off the list as I felt I would struggle on it but was amazed how easily it caught even smaller waves because it is just so fast paddling for the wave compared to the others. Initially I thought i would go for the 8.10 WP or the converse but will probely get the pro even if it means a bit more time in the water for a while. I also didn't like the front shape of the other boards. Just try everything you can.
I've read a lot of posts regarding the 8.5 Pocket Rocket and many people have commented on its stability. Starboard rates its stability being better than the 9.1 Pro. I would think that the longer board would be more stable considering its added length and it is only an inch thinner. The PR is supposed to be a little sluggish in the water as well. I will definitely have to get a hold of these 2 boards before settling on one.
How would you all rate the stability factor of the Pro in onshore windy conditions vs the PR? Thanks for all the input.
In my opinion if you are considering a 9ft board then the converse is a much much better board than the 9.1 pro. Its stable, fast, light and surfs as good as any 9fter on the market (and better than most)
If you are considering going under 9ft and looking for performance with comfort then look at a more serious sub9 board like the 8.5 pro of 8.2 widepoint or maybe even the 8.0 (depending on your weight). IMO if you are good enough or dedicated enough to want a more challenging board, then rather than wasting your time on a bigger, narrower board you should go shorter and really step up the challenge and in turn the rewards.
