I got mine on friday. Now i just need to get it wet. I went for the 7'8 and im 97kg so it will be interesting to see how its goes my first few times.

buzzard said..
Hi there I am seriously considering getting one of these to use in NZ, but like others there is no way to test drive one.

I mainly surf Muriwai Beach and on the Coromandel.

I'm 180cm, and 95kgs.

I currently use a Coreban Icon, and have been on a standup for around 4 years.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hey Buzzard, I have the 7'4 Minion @104L and love it but at 85kg I have found Muriwai has too much current and turbulence and wind chop to really enjoy my Minion there. I know what I am doing in the surf and can easily handle the 7'4 in a lot of conditions but find Muriwai conditions are tricky and fickle and rarely glassy. I came to the conclusion that volume and width are your friend there so just got a 8'5 LSD Flashback @130L specifically for Muriwai. It has been a joy to get out there again and not struggle in that killer cross-chop!

The Minion is my go-to board for all things east coast which is about 80% of my sessions and the rare glassy days at Muriwai. It has really taken my surfing to where i want it to go which is faster more aggressive, throw more spray and crank harder turns and generate more turns on the wave.

I guess my advice for you @95kg would be to go for the 7'10 Minion @124L if you want it for Muriwai.

I have ordered mine - can't wait - but I have been curious about what they are like in a late take off. Anyone had trouble with nose dives? I have the 8'8" Naish X32 and it has plenty of rocker - I am sure that has saved me more than a few times.

No issues with late takeoffs or steep drops. My Minion is 7'4" and given it's short length (and rocker) I think it handles these things better than longer boards. I also have found that, after getting the feel of the board and the way it paddles, if you stay relaxed and keep your paddle technique you will catch as many waves as when on a longer board. Don't try to "brute force" it into waves.

Also, I regularly surf my Minion at Big Left and don't find the paddle out any issue.

Thanks guys - that is all good to know. Now I just have to wait until the beginning of May for my board... (I will be trying it at Big Left - the paddle was a concern and the choppy water out there is also a bit of a concern, but it sounds like the Minion will be as good or better than my bigger Naish.)

I've spent the morning (on & off) reading this thread from start to finish...

All I can say is...you bastards...I want one so bad I would sell a kidney...have to start saving the pennies. Don't think my better half will allow a new board 4 months after the last one.

I suppose I could just do it and deal with the consequences (easier to ask for forgiveness than permission?) but if anyone hears of a 40-something Brisbane man murdered by his wife for indiscriminate purchase, please speak well of me...

Camarillo said..
I ride a 2014 Starboard Pro BC 8'0"x28"@96 liter and I weigh 84 kg, my SB is too much work when it is choppy and I could use a bit more speed.

What size Minion should I go for? The 7'2"x27 1/4 @97liter?

And can it be shipped to Europe? I already sent Simon an email but he didn't answer...

Hi Camarillo
After riding a 7'0 x 26.5 @ 95L I would go a 7'5" x 27 @ 98L for your weight, a little bit more length will help. They are a awesome board and you will struggle getting back onto a standard shape board.

TheGoodDr said...

roscoe1974 said..
I've spent the morning (on & off) reading this thread from start to finish...

All I can say is...you bastards...I want one so bad I would sell a kidney...have to start saving the pennies. Don't think my better half will allow a new board 4 months after the last one.

I suppose I could just do it and deal with the consequences (easier to ask for forgiveness than permission?) but if anyone hears of a 40-something Brisbane man murdered by his wife for indiscriminate purchase, please speak well of me...

Hey Roscoe,
Thats what credit cards are for...........then sell the 4 mth old coz you won't want to ride it again

You're a welcomingly-persuasive influence Doc...

Camarillo said..
I ride a 2014 Starboard Pro BC 8'0"x28"@96 liter and I weigh 84 kg, my SB is too much work when it is choppy and I could use a bit more speed.

What size Minion should I go for? The 7'2"x27 1/4 @97liter?

And can it be shipped to Europe? I already sent Simon an email but he didn't answer...

Camarillo,

I emailed Simon last week and got a response from him, though he stated he's not back until after Easter. I'm sure you get a response from him in the week once he is back from his trip away. im looking at trying to get a minion shipped to the UK, he says its do-able.

No standards Camarillo. That's what i'm loving about this board. I've gone for an 8'0" cause i'm a fat bastard at a wind blown local. Today was my 6th session on this f'n awesome board. I was blown away by the amount of tourists on all the lazy breaks, but not as much as how this skateboard of the ocean handled the steep walls they were all avoiding. Trust the minion. This biatch eats steep walled beach breaks for breakfast. Back out at dawn tomorrow. Look out vics, bring on winter!

Bit of minion action for everyone..from East Coast NZ

.be

Cheers mate..I have the 7'8 115L Minion. Really stoked with this board..use it in all conditions and size. I did think about going for the 7'4 but because I couldn't demo this new Minion shape in NZ I decided to go with the 7'8. I'm 95kgs, 6ft

Cheers Kami..I would definitely go smaller and narrower next time..but in saying that still feels like I've got lots more to learn and push on this board first.
If only I could have two..whoop whoop..I don't know if it helps a anyone but posting my videos..but I like to share the stoke..
Chur everybody

Thanks Colas...Much appreciated advice..yeah that's what I'm really trying to go focus on now is getting back more over the fins and driving it from the rear..I think it's bad habits from prone surfing for so long that I tend to slip back into.
And I'm in no rush to get a new board..Still love this one and it challenges me enough for now
Kia ora

Hey cantSUPenough. I'm the same height as you, about 10kg heavier. I originally went an 8'0", changed my mind halfway through the process to a 7'10", and ended up with an 8'0", and you know what, i'm glad. It's a really comfortable size for me and as the shortest sup i've ever owned surfs really, really well. The combination of stability, speed and manouverability is spot on. Easter Sunday morning was the most fun i have ever had on a sup, and i definitely ain't no jackson or kai. I keep getting stopped by people wanting to chat about it, cause it looks freaking unreal! You'll love it.