Leroy13 said...I've written a couple of reviews and wraps for the Hull Paddler. I own a 10'2" and can guarantee that if you can surf you will be able to do anything you want to do. I've got some photos taken mainly on small days and with me just either cruising or setting up Re entry/top turn/bottom turn. They are really good to surf on if you have ability. The only problem with the width is the ability to do a cutback without using your feet to transition from rail to rail. If you keep them in the same place you will overbalance. They paddle well but surf much better. Like all PSH boards they weigh a bit. I've heard that the Hull Rippers are actually very unstable so be very wary of having enough width. They are extremely high performance boards more suited to guys who surf everyday and have a high level of ability. The paddlers can prep you for the transition to a wide Hull Ripper or a move down in size. Hope this helps
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Hey Leroy, always stoked that you are stoked on your Hull paddler!
Re the weights of PSH boards, both the Wood Veneer Rippers, the PSH Boardworks boards and the Carbon Hull Rippers are right up there in terms of weight saving. The Hull Paddlers on the other hand are made tough and to a price point - $1099 - so the trade off is weight. It is incorrect to generalise this across the entire range.
Re, the Hull Rippers stability. If you pick the wrong size board they are tippy.
I have been spending the last few weeks riding and lending out the 9'11 Hull Ripper to a lot of different crew and they all comment on the stability (thinking it was going to be tippy) and 'rippability'.
If you are ready to progress from a 10'6 or a 10' x 30" or 31" wide, down to something more nimble and high performance you would find the transtiton to the 9'11 Hull ripper a breeze and it surfs INSANE
I would not class myself as a high performance guy who surfs every day and I have watched guys come off 11'ers and tear on the 9'11 Hull Ripper.
It is all about getting the right advice if you want to benefit from the Hull Rippers.
Piro's previously rode the 8'11 Ripper and has settled on a 9'2 Hull Ripper and he will tell you it out surfs the 8'11 and is easily as stable.
So the key to the Hull Rippers is to get the right size to benefit from the increased speed, flow and powerful turns.
What the Hull Rippers do is throw out the notion that you have to go smaller to increase performance in the waves and the larger Hull Rippers are well within reach of most riders wanting to improve their wave riding.
. They surf very well but can't handle chop at all unless your KS. If you're wanting to go under 10 ft go for the 9' 6", 9'2"or 8'10" Fanatic Allwave. Other options are the 9'7" PSH Hull Paddler or the 9'5" or 8'10 Starboard Widepoint. These boards all paddle excellently, are stable and turn very easily. All of them are 32+" wide. Cheers and Demo, Demo, Demo!!
I'm glad its incorrect as even with all the demoing I've done of other brands, PSH shapes just seem to have the edge for me (long live Blane) especially the hull designed boards.
I'm holding off buying new boards until I've had my laminectomy as there is a possibility I may not ever be able to surf afterwards (very small) and will be out of action for at least 6 months according to the Neurophysician and Dr OG Phill. Hopefully I will be able to have a nice new extra wide Hull Ripper by September next year and a nice 12'6" or 14 ft Fanatic or DC flatwater board to complement it. I've got to say at 53 and with a dodgy back, those Fanatic Allwaves and Starby Widepoints are mighty tempting though. By the way the QLD average is much higher than Vicco's although our top boys would give any one a run for their money. We're catching up quickly though!!!
