I have searched and reviewed many posts on the Naish Hokua 9 and 8.5 all impress me, just now trying to find where I can test in the surf - I am located in the Newcastle/Central Coast area NSW.
I currently ride a Jimmy Lewis Kwad 8' 7" x 115 l, I am abt 77 kg following Christmas NE but normally closer to 75kg. I am very happy with the JL Kwad but just want a little bit more wave performance.
I am looking for a board that has about the same stability as the JL Kwad with an increase in wave performance in small to medium waves.
Can anyone advise me if the Naish Hokua has changed the design in the last 2 to 3 yeras as all information seems to indicate its the same board?
Many of us (being slightly over 75kg) may feel not suitably qualified to advise you 
Hi there. Now, I can't answer what is probably your main qu, which is stability compared to the Kwad, but I have had both the 9'0" and 8'5" for 2 years. Both great boards which perform really well. But If you are looking primarily at surfing performance I would suggest you go the shorter board. IMO the 9'0" is quite a bit more stable, but the 8'5" noticeably more manoeuvrable. I'm a bit over 90 kegs, so at 75 you shouldn't have issues with the balance.
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I am demoing a few similar boards over the next week or so.
However my preference is still the 8' 5" Hokua - anyone got one for sale?
Go down to ESS boardstore at Erina, they usually stock a few differnet sizes in the Hokua, Mark is still in Japan ATM i think but im sure one of the other boys or girls there can hook you up with a demo, i ride a 9' 5" both in a quad setup and with the Jackson Close thruster setup, both go well on the hokua IMO with the quad giving more stability on those choppy days.
Maybe try out the new fanatic pro wave if you can BTW. 
Can anyone provide me with measurements for the 8' 5" Hokua ie nose and tail widths 12" in from each end plus the width at the tail?
Thank you
