their still working on the big canoe. it just takes longer to dig out

ps ptwoody is going to flip when he see's this post

Connor is sponsored by Starboard.. and also by SIC... It's no biggie IMO.. Although making his SIC boards look like a Starboard is a little odd.

He obviously puts Starboard stickers on his SIC boards.. I wonder if he also puts SIC stickers on his Starboards? ..

DJ

The market for unlimited boards is relatively small and unique and as a result many brands are scared to go I'm to production. I think the big issue would be if connor still raced a bullet if starboard did enter that market.
Sic don't give boards away, they don't need to while the best paddlers cue up to buy them.
Mark raaphorst has shaped boards for starboard in the past. Connors mum works with sic doing accounts for them I think whilst at the same time connors parents are the starboard distributors in hawaii.
If you doubt the speed of their dugout just paddle one. We have a light wind downwinder this weekend and after paddling the 14 x 27 ace with aussie dave k last weekend it's at the top of my list of boards to paddle. Come try it you want as it flies.
I would also think starboard would be happy in connors form in the naish. Pretty much only 4 minutes slower than his time in the maui jim race when he was on his bullet.
Sam.

If you want to go and surf Waimea do you use the same person that makes your everyday beach break board or do you get a board from someone with experience in that area..Simple

laceys lane said...

their still working on the big canoe. it just takes longer to dig out

ps ptwoody is going to flip when he see's this post

I am counting to 10 and with gritted teeth will shut this thread down so as to avoid any ugliness. Let's just say I disagree with certain opinions posted here and take issue with some of the misinformation posted as well.

It all sounds fair with starboard and Sic but what do you make of Jimmy Lewis taking action against them for using photos of Connor riding a pointy nosed JL gun and them using it repeatedly in catalogues etc representing it as one of their boards.

PTWoody said...

laceys lane said...

their still working on the big canoe. it just takes longer to dig out

ps ptwoody is going to flip when he see's this post

I am counting to 10 and with gritted teeth will shut this thread down so as to avoid any ugliness. Let's just say I disagree with certain opinions posted here and take issue with some of the misinformation posted as well.

pt, i took down my s### stir, but you would have to admit there is a misrepresentation issue here.

it's not what one might say an idea situation. whats the average joe sup suppose to think
cheers

What's really weird is that on the front cover Conner in riding a SIC board with Starboard stickers and on the back cover, he is on a Jimmy Lewis with Starboard photoshopped onto the rails.

I think it's pretty normal procedure as it has been happening in kiting and windsurfing for years. Riders have their custom boards decalled up in their board sponsors livery. I guess you could see it as R&D for future models. Often the boards are prototypes and brands still want some branding.

I think customers are clever enough to see through this. Case in point is Talia Gangini who is riding in the Unlimited class and Coreban don't have and unlimited board. Over time design progress will slow and production boards will be as quick as the customs - in fact we're probably nearly there on a number of 14' models.

Personally I'd like to be able buy a board off the rack that has proven itself - even though this would never make me a Connor Baxter.....

ha, ya know its wrong when industry start posting

This is a great topic I luv my SIC boards I have all three, f16 - f18 -Bullet and have another Bullet on the way. Mark Raaporst is a master craftsman and builds the best custom Downwind SUP's on the planet. Take a look at the SIC rudder system Mark has designed the best rudder system on the planet it's so responsive. So many companies have copied the SIC rudder system, I was talking to Scot Trudon about it last May on Namotu Mark was going patent it but didn't bother. As you can see other company rudder systems are not as good.
If you're just a flat water paddler and want to go fast in the flat buy an f18 the glide will blow your mind.

rager said...

rager said...

I'd prefer to talk about his incredible paddling technique too. In a few of the YouTube clips I've seen he is paddling with his top hand down on the shaft below the handle. I tried it out and no surprises it felt a bit awkward. He also seems to be using a very long paddle compared with a lot of the others. Im thinking this gives more leverage and reach but not sure how it ties in with the "hand on shaft" technique.

Doesn't he just need a shorter paddle?

Any ideas on that grip style being an advantage?

Ah! Connors answer to an adjustable paddle!

I wonder if Connor has a big callous running down the center of both palms from paddling so much like that.. .. Andy.. Did you check out his hands?..

DJ

A little birdy was telling me recently that alot of the top boys regularly change their paddles (size of) during different stages of the race depending on the conditions.

Obviously only if they have a support boat can this be done.