Stuart and the team at SUPlove really have their act together. A couple of weeks looking at the website and reading reviews. One phone call. 5 days later a shiny new SUP arrives at my door. Full deck grip, lightweight, subtle concaves, lovely bamboo deck and bottom.
Now this is my first performance board. I weigh 80kg and come from a shortboard and windsurfing background. Riding SUP's for about a year now. My first surf was in perfect 3'-4' (head high and over) beach break perfection on the Gold Coast. No crowds or other hassles considering how nice the surf was. I lasted 4 hours and caught countless waves.
This board really goes! Within 10 minutes the Mach 1 and I felt comfortable in each others company and it was on! Steep take offs and long drawn out bottom turns no worries. Really stable for the paddle out. Swings around quickly when you need to catch a wave. The only thing holding this board back was the rider.
Its an insane board hey. I have spent quite a bit of time on the same board and more recently the little 8.10 and they are just the most fun boards in all conditions.
Probably a little better than your 9'3 and not quite as corky. I reckon you are ready to have a blast on the 8.10 - you will love it - its soooooooooo much fun.
