I am at an intermediate level and I still sail on a BIC Core 293 board because of its stability and the retractable dagger board, which allows me to better tackle the upwind and the prevailing sub-planing conditions.. Actually I came back to this type of " beginners" boards out of dissatisfaction with the true shortboards ( I sold a Taboo Rocket after using it for one season)
I was recently looking into the longboards and I was reading some dithyrambs about the Kona 1( how wonderful it is etc, etc).
I was wondering what should I expect from it in terms of performance as compared to my Bic 293. I am not into racing or speeding and I am not a performance buff. Just leisurely sailing in moderate winds. I weigh 84 kg and , with this weight, generally planing does not come easy to me in light winds, even with an 8.5 which is the largest sail in my quiver.
1.Does the Kona 1 have a V-shaped displacement type of hull , like the original longboards or a flat bottom like the regular shortboards?
2. Would a displacement type of hull be more wind-effective than a flat bottom, i.e. require less wind-power (=smaller sails) in subplaning conditions?.
3. How about its planing capability?
4. Does it have a standard rigging, ie. would it take the standard mast-foot from my current Bic ?
Any other comments on the Kona 1?
Thanks
Francone