Hi All,
I'm fairly new to SUP (just took it up this summer), although I've got over 20 years of Windsurfing experience, living most of my life in WA.
Now live in Melbourne and bought a Starboard Drive (10'5) earlier this year.
My wife, who previously had no board riding experience of any kind, is now hooked on SUP too. This is great, because it means I don't have to feel guilty about going for a paddle, but it does mean that I need to buy another board (also good!)
I figure that since I live quite far from any surf beaches, and thus most of my paddling is going to be in the bay, it would be better to buy a 'racing style' board rather than another surfboard style board.
Due to storage, cost, and transport considerations, I'm favouring a 12'6 B.o.P style board. Also, I'm a light-weight (around 70kg) so another reason to go for 12'6 over something bigger.
From what I've been reading the Coreban 12'6 and the 2010 Starboard Surf Race (or 2011 Race) seem to get the best reviews. It looks like the Coreban might be a bit less expensive than the Starboard.
Anyway, just wondering if there's any other 12'6s I've overlooked. Any other input is welcome too.
might want to consider the new fanatic as well (i am a little biased though) however a friend who rides for starboard in the uk here tried it and actually admitted it was better all round than his surf race although he said it was a fraction more unstable he is however quite a well built guy. Definitely worth getting a demo on one if you can.
cheers charlie
depends how serious ya wanna get. I got a PSH 12ft which wont compete with the others for racin etc but does the all round work really well. Surfs good, capable downwinder,user freindly.
Bonus is the missus loves it.
Lots of demos is the only real way to find out.
Im guessin ya should be able to get demos pretty easy down there.
Good luck.
W
12ft Naish glide is a good all round board, less tippier than a race board. Won't win a race but good for cruising and the occassional small wave.
The more I read reviews on the web, the keener I get on the Coreban 12'6.
However, I've noticed that all the reviews I've read on it are by expert riders.
Does anyone know how it goes for less experienced riders? I want to make sure my wife will also be able to paddle it without too much difficulty.
Also, if I were to get the Coreban 12'6, do you think getting the Carbon (9.5kg) version makes much difference over the Pure (13 kg) version? All the reviews seem to be on the carbon version.
Have you looked at the Hobie 12'6. It is great. Best is to get a short list then try out before you decide
How heavy are you Ant?
Come along to the RPS event this w/e and check out a few options.
DJ
Hi Gords – I haven't checked them out. Is anyone selling them in Victoria.
I'm kind of limited to what is retailed in Victoria - I know in NSW and QLD there are a lot more brands.
Hi DJ,
I'm about 70kg.
What are the details of the RPS event? Is that the one on their Facebook page 8.30am this Sunday? Sounds like a great idea!
It's got to be either a Fanatic 12' 6" race or Joe BarK Surftech 12'6" I've heard the Coreban Alpha 12'6"does everthing but paddle itself for you as well. I think RPS and SHQ have certain of those boards in stock. Zak's in Nortcote has SUP boards as well though not sure of the brands that they carry. Defintely demo anything before you buy it. Cheers Leroy
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The 12-6 market is moving so fast in design change , new customs are popping out weekly all different designs , Dale Chapman and Secret Agent have just put out some super fast boards.
The racing scene on the Gold Coast has to be at the top of the pile re talent and board design at the moment.
There are some really nice production boards out there at the moment but these new customs are smoking fast.
I'm in a similar situation. Keen to demo some 12'6" boards soon, but from everyone I have spoken to, the Fanatic 12'6" seems to be the current benchmark. They say the narrower version (27'3/4) is better for the elite guys on flatter water but the wider 30'5 is a great all round race board and also works well in downwind conditions.
I have yet to find out, but I've been told the same thing from a number of different guys that have tried most of the kit.
Hi DJ,
Thanks for the heads up on the Sunday, and also for the invitation for the downwinder.
I'm definitely keen to try a DW with you guys once I get a little bit more experience and probably a more suitable board than the Drive 10'5 (such as a 12'6!)
Select to expand quotefaito anto said...
Hi Gords – I haven't checked them out. Is anyone selling them in Victoria.
I'm kind of limited to what is retailed in Victoria - I know in NSW and QLD there are a lot more brands.
Give Scott Lovig Hobie a call, (03) 59 756 399, they are in Mornington and he will be able to organise a demo, no problem ! He has the new 2011 12'6 Race and 12'6 Elite. At your weight you will be fine with the Race. Just give it a try!
Select to expand quoteHey! i have one for sale on this site, you can check out pictures of it in the buy & sell section!
Just wondering.. Why are you selling it?
DJ
Hi DJ, I beleive he has now got the Hobie 12'6 Race. Traded the 14' in with Scott Lovig Hobie
Select to expand quoteGords said...
Hey! i have one for sale on this site, you can check out pictures of it in the buy & sell section!
Just wondering.. Why are you selling it?
DJ
Hi DJ, I beleive he has now got the Hobie 12'6 Race. Traded the 14' in with Scott Lovig Hobie
Thanks.. It's such a nice board (the new Hobie 14).. I've paddled it and loved it.
DJ
I was chatting to Dale a couple of days a go and he was saying he's doing a new 12'6" that goes unreal. Anyone paddled, seen, got pics of his new 12'6"?
I have had all kinds of sups at my rental stations here in Texas. The New Jimmy Styks 12' 6" is a great package. 4 of our racing team members including me are entered in the BOP, in may, hawaii, using this board. 12'6 class. The open age and down wind-er.
www.supntx.com $885. best board package worldwide so far for the money.
I have had all kinds of sups at my rental stations here in Texas. The New Jimmy Styks 12' 6" is a great package. 4 of our racing team members including me are entered in the BOP, in may, hawaii, using this board. 12'6 class. The open age and down wind-er.
www.supntx.com $885. best board package worldwide so far for the money.
Ok - I know sh#t about race boards but I have just purchased a s/h hand shaped Lahui Kai 12.6 and I love it. Its stable at my 75kg - its super light to carry and load on the car - it seems pretty quick to paddle - Its well made and seems pretty solid and an efficient shape according to more experienced paddlers that I have asked locally and it was cheap to buy and I have noticed that there are a couple of these boards getting about for pretty good prices recently on the breeze and other places. Hey, I don't know how the Lahui compares with all the other 12.6s on the market but they have a good reputation and if you can get one for the right price then they must be worth a consideration as a first race board.
In my opinion race boards are like any other sup - buy s/h first if you can and spend as little as you can until you really know what you want and need and then invest your big dollars down the track a bit.
