QLD
82 posts
Hi all.
I managed to ride a PSH 8'0" Ripper on the weekend and enjoyed the experience so much that I'm looking to buy something of similar proportions. (8'0" x 28 5/8 x 37/8 and 98 litres) for those glassy days. Rider specs 5'9" 72kgs. I currently ride a Jimmy Lewis Kwad 8'7" x 28 which I'll keep as my all rounder. I've considered the 8'2" Jimmy Lewis Stun Gun .... but they're doesn't seem to be too many dealers (if any on the east coast). Any thoughts or suggestions on something similar would be welcome. Something with a rail, not too much volume in the nose and 5 fin option would be good. Thanks in advance.
1144 posts
The Naish hokua,s, Fanatic and Starboard Pro,s tick all these boxxes...
QLD
82 posts
Yeah I considered a custom through DC maybe but I'm starting to think epoxy, or surftec might be better for general resilience to dings etc.
NSW
105 posts
Had all of the above. Ripper, Hokua, DTM. Now WoW Carbon 8'0" is the best I have ever ridden - the closest to short board surfing I have experienced yet.
WA
495 posts
Yes, I rate the 8ft x 28" Starboard Pro as well -
it is classic as on bigger waves it seems to draw out the turns nicely but when it gets small you can hook it in the pocket as well.
I am 84kg and ride it in all conditions.
QLD
1782 posts
If you are around the Goldy we have the Starboard Demo trailer at the moment and there are some very good 8ft and under boards to try!!
If you are around just me know and i can send some contact details.
Angie
NSW
637 posts
hi
i will never ride an 8 foot board, but some of the boards out there look great,
i would probably have a look at some of the Naish hokuas, or starboard pro
i would also have a look at a DTM custom, they are a great price and will take your surfing to the next level
Jarryd
QLD
82 posts
Cheers everyone for the help. It's all good advice. Thanks Angie as well for mentioning the demos.
I'll be thinking about the options on the new board to be for a few weeks I'm sure.
408 posts
Mate dont look by the JP PRO 8'2 x 28 or the 8'0. These boards rock and they are performance boards.
NSW
391 posts
I would even try the 7'4 jp pro , I'm 72 kgs after a couple of beers , 5'11 , they surf a lot like a surfboard , and solid construction . I was wearing out 2 short sups a year , customs , which are epic on the wave , rhis rates no different , I know I can replace this with the same awesome machine .
QLD
1205 posts
Hey mate, if you're able to get to the starboard demo trailer while its on the Goldy, have a crack at the 8ft Pro (8'0" x 28" x 3.7" & 96L) and if you want, send me a message on here and, I can organise for you to try my 7'7 Pro (7'7" x 27" x 3.8" & 92L) at the same time to compare.
The Surf Fish 7'10" Airborn (7'10" x 30" x 3.4" & 97L) is definitely worth a try as well, particularly if you're surfing a lot of beach breaks. Although it's wider than what your looking for, the rails are really sharp and the tail is thinned out, resulting in performance much higher than you may initially expect from wider board. Has 5 fcs fin slots (as opposed to a centre fin box) and although I initially thought I'd only ever ride it as a quad, a suggestion by Rod (the guy who runs the demo trailer up and down the East Coast) to try a thruster setup has added a new dimension to the board, particularly offering a bit more drive in bigger waves.
There's also a wider version (7'10" x 31.5" x 3.3" & 98L) which I haven't ridden but it sounds like the 30" would be better suited to you needs.
It's little brother 7'4" x 28.5" x 3.4" & 84L is a sweet little board, but probably a little low on volume for your wishes. I'm 5'8" & 69kg and loved it once on a wave but was definitely a workout and challenge to paddle (only tested it in 18-20kt cross-onshore winds - so maybe a bit easier in glass).
Disclaimer: I'm a starboard team rider (so maybe a little bias & haven't tried other brands) but will only recommend a board if I enjoy riding it.
