My 59 yo 75 kg pretty fit brother-in-law has finally come over to the dark side after surfing for most of his life. In recent years a dodgy back and crook shoulder has meant he hardly catches anything (riding 9' mals) and when he does he struggles to get to his feet.
This summer he has been using my 9'5 x 32" 153 L Starby widepoint. Now he loves life again. All of his surfing on a SUP has been in reasonable conditions in knee-to-waist high happy waves at the Prom. He can now stand out the back without paddling around and he catches most of what he paddles for. He probably had 15 sessions, often for over 2 hours.
In four weeks we are off to the Maldives and he is trying to decide what to surf. The 9'5 might be too big and heavy for those waves, and may be too big for one of the short flights we have to take.
The current thought is a 130 L 8'10 x 31" Flow. Unfortunately he hasn't yet tried my 8'10 speed (and probably can't for two weeks) and he can't demo the Flow.
What do you think? Is it too small?
Hi CSE
I reckon the 8.10 Speeed is the way to go
It will be super stable and easy for him manoeuvre as is the 8.10 Flow but that take a bit more to master
I have the 8.5 Speeed and 8.7 Flow - 49 yrs / 80 kg
Surfing the 8.5 all this week in some good sized swell which I guess to be double over my head in Bali
I have been following with interest all the discussions about the Acid and now keen to add to my collection
Im thinking the 8.7 or 8.10 but don't want to struggle for balance as Im super happy on my 8.5 & 8.7
Thoughts on the Acid ?
Cheers
Hey DH
I just got my acid last week- only had it out twice I'm 95kgs and went with the 8'7 106L vs the 8'4.
I have the 8'5 Speeed too and although different boards i found the Acid is close to the same as my Speeed in terms of stability. You do have to change your set up and stance a little but I was surprised at how stable it was. I'm pleased I didn't go bigger and i can see myself getting the 8'4 next year at some stage. Great board and compliments the speeed in my quiver.
Chur
Select to expand quotemike3217 said..
The 8 10 flow will be perfect for himSelect to expand quotemike3217 said..
The 8 10 flow will be perfect for himSelect to expand quotemike3217 said..
The 8 10 flow will be perfect for him
R U Sure?
Sorry
I reckon it would also depend on how you catch waves. The Speeed has a lot volume up front. I personally find myself really pushing forward when trying to catch a wave . The Flow has more weight in the rear . I have not surfed either board but I would consider this to be something to think about . If you like to chase a wave by paddling hard and leaning forward the Speeed has good nose kick and plenty of volume me where it counts . From what I heave read the Speeed actually lifts when you paddle hard for a wave and the nose doesn't catch
I have flow an a speed they are both great boards but coming from a surf background the flow surfs like a shortboard if its clean an good its the flow everytime
yes 9.5 is frowned a prone buy airlines.a 3metre rule .
so 15 sessions ,so thats 2 weeks .and one day
there is a board that is 32 wide and 9.1 foot and 150 litres .
and high performance .
naish 9'1 x32 hokua 
Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I am traveling now but I will get him on my 8'10 Speeed and 9'1 Acid to see how it feels to him.
Just been through a nervous moment though. We have to catch a flight from Male to Laamu and just learned that there is a board restriction of 8'. The tour company is now working on a solution - they had better solve it!
CSE... I have a different take on the 8'10 Speeed vs 8'10 Flow
I could never ride my 8'10 Speeed in my full winter gear.... to tough for me.(I ride a 9'2 Speeed in winter now)
But, I am riding my 8'10 Flow in full winter gear and find it much easier than the 8'10 Speeed.
Both of them have plenty of float for him.... but the extra width of the Flow will make the transition easier.
And as was stated earlier.... it will have a similar feel as his shortboards.
Just put tape on the boards and write 8'0 on the side
Enjoy your trip! I'm off there in three weeks - luckily a boat trip from Male to Hudhuranfushi. Can't wait!
Select to expand quoteGandalf said..
Enjoy your trip! I'm off there in three weeks - luckily a boat trip from Male to Hudhuranfushi. Can't wait!
I might see you there! I fly in on the 21st I think.
Fortunately they will take our boards regardless of size (contrary to their Web site).
I can't wait!!
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..
CSE... I have a different take on the 8'10 Speeed vs 8'10 Flow
I could never ride my 8'10 Speeed in my full winter gear.... to tough for me.(I ride a 9'2 Speeed in winter now)
But, I am riding my 8'10 Flow in full winter gear and find it much easier than the 8'10 Speeed.
Both of them have plenty of float for him.... but the extra width of the Flow will make the transition easier.
And as was stated earlier.... it will have a similar feel as his shortboards.
Just put tape on the boards and write 8'0 on the side
Thanks STC - that's interesting and very useful info. The extra width in the middle versus in the nose.
I also have the 8'8 X32 Hokua he can borrow. 140L and 4 7/8" thick. Could be corky. He should buy the Flow.
hi cse
I have been watching this topic with interest I presently have a 9'2" flow and have been looking at getting a speeed.
from your posts I was thinking 8'10" but should I look at 9'2" or would the boards have no point of difference? I presently weigh in at 90kg but have been looking to reduce for the past 2 yrs.(not happening)
Select to expand quoteSupmaori said..
Hey DH
I just got my acid last week- only had it out twice I'm 95kgs and went with the 8'7 106L vs the 8'4.
I have the 8'5 Speeed too and although different boards i found the Acid is close to the same as my Speeed in terms of stability. You do have to change your set up and stance a little but I was surprised at how stable it was. I'm pleased I didn't go bigger and i can see myself getting the 8'4 next year at some stage. Great board and compliments the speeed in my quiver.
Chur
Thanks Supmaori
Just back from a week of waves in Bali with my 8.5 Speeed
I will get a demo Acid in the next week or so and will try the 8.4 and 8.7
The fast sucky reef breaks of Bali would be suited to the Acid I would think
I really appreciated the stability of my Speeed this trip as we were surfing a very current affect channel with some pretty big vertical faces , couple of other guys on these Brazilian short board SUPS (7.4) were really struggling with the take off but when they got it right they were smoking it and able to get barrelled
Thanks for the feedback
Cheers
Select to expand quotebriansup19 said..
hi cse
I have been watching this topic with interest I presently have a 9'2" flow and have been looking at getting a speeed.
from your posts I was thinking 8'10" but should I look at 9'2" or would the boards have no point of difference? I presently weigh in at 90kg but have been looking to reduce for the past 2 yrs.(not happening)
Hi Brian - I guess you have to assess your balance, and consider how you will use it. At 90 kg you would be OK on an 8'10 Speeed if you are an active user and you want to push the performance. If you are riding a 9'2" Flow and feel comfortable on it then I suspect you will be OK on an 8'10 speeed. But can I ask why you are looking at buying a speeed?
Select to expand quotecantSUPenough said..briansup19 said..
hi cse
I have been watching this topic with interest I presently have a 9'2" flow and have been looking at getting a speeed.
from your posts I was thinking 8'10" but should I look at 9'2" or would the boards have no point of difference? I presently weigh in at 90kg but have been looking to reduce for the past 2 yrs.(not happening)
Hi Brian - I guess you have to assess your balance, and consider how you will use it. At 90 kg you would be OK on an 8'10 Speeed if you are an active user and you want to push the performance. If you are riding a 9'2" Flow and feel comfortable on it then I suspect you will be OK on an 8'10 speeed. But can I ask why you are looking at buying a speeed?
hi cse - thanks for your reply. firstly like you and others I am sold on the finish and durability of the sunova . secondly I have a cheap copy of a speeed that's 9'6" 153l poor construction and feels too big that I would replace however it has given me the chance to see I like the style of the board. but its just about finding the right size board, I am comfortable on the flow unless there is a side wind chop.
