Need advise on a good ocean paddling board . Some long distance paddles weigh 100kg.
Not sure on what is best length assume 14 foot ?
The 17' Glide is what you need... There's not much else other than the F16/F18 or 17'4" Bullet.. or a custom from DC.. all of which will cost a lot more than the Naish.
DJ
If its purely ocean paddling then, yes 14' or longer would definately be better. However DO NOT limit yourself to looking at only one brand. There are some exceptional boards that would suit you from Fanatic/Bark/Sic/DC/Lahui Kai/Starboard/ and I am sure I have missed a couple. All the above brands have or can make you something that will suit and some of the more modern boards are much lighter and easier to handle than some of the older model big cruiser/racers. The 17 glide is an awesome board but it is big and heavy and apparently can be a bit of a handful in inexperienced hands. I am quite a bit lighter than you but I am also looking to purchase an open water board and I am testing new boards every week and having a ball doing it. They are all radically different so you really must must must demo as many as you can as they arent cheap and if you are gunna go any real distance on it you will really want to love the board under your feet.
right or wrong, i don't think we will see as many of the big boards around in the foreseeable future
What sizes do you reckon will stick around Lacey? I'm think it will be the 12'6's and 14's for sure
The SIC F-18 seems to be a fantastic Open Water Tourer, and even for enclosed waters.
I can't see why the big boards would die off. SIC in Maui will surely continue to set the bar for Custom Open Class Boards.
If money was no object, I would get an F16 & F18. I have the happy cheaper mid point board, the Naish 17.
But serious racing is starting to go towards 12'6 & 14 classes. But having said that, I think the Hawaiian Inter Island Races will continue, and if you're "not" a lightweight, you will be quicker on an Open Class Board (in all probability).
