Demo'd one a few weeks back. Surfs like a short board, did the best on a rail cutback I reckon I've ever pulled on a SUP. but..... Was real tippy to paddle compared to other boards of the same size I've tried lately. Apart from being tippy generally, it did the same thing as some other boards i've tried of a similar length and width, it often seemed to "broach" as you paddle into a wave, that is skew off on an angle.

I was really seriously considering it as a purchase and then got a chance to try an even shorter board at 8'2" which even though it was shorter was way easier to paddle. I normally surf a 9 foot board that is a couple of inches wider so it was obviously the width rather than the length that was a factor.

Anyhow, probably my age/weight/lack of skill theft makes that a factor.

In short, great surfing board once on a wave, probably not as user friendly as the other Mana models IMO.

Have had my 8"10 mana gt for a few weeks and love it. Rips on wave and find it so easy to turn & paddle. Compared to my 8"10 allwave it feels a lot more like a short board.

ok, not sure where to start besides to say that naish has accepted to replace my board. large bubbles started showing up all over the base of the board (delamination). now to how it surfs; easy, stable, turns great, and loving it in small playful waves, its perfect. I have taken it into overhead steepish waves, and found it to be scary, just a little too big volume wise and think the rails and the tail are too fat and too wide (i say this from windsurfing experience and looks...). I kind of wish the pad went further forwards on the board too, i waxed it and it looks a mess. i'm not a good surfer, but this board makes you think you might have a chance one day! i never thought i would be surfing the kind of waves i am in my lifetime, thanks dave, laird and naish for replacing my board.

Tried it with Cyberhusky. Also had an 8 10 Starboard wide point on the same day. We both agreed the Starboard was an easier paddle.
Then we gave the JP-Australia 8 2 Surf wide body a fly and were blown away by it. Give it a try, I am sure it will grab your attention.
I have some pics up of that board in teh surf with me on it. 83 kg and it floats me well.