Hi All,

I'm fairly new to SUP (just took it up this summer), although I've got over 20 years of Windsurfing experience, living most of my life in WA.

Now live in Melbourne and bought a Starboard Drive (10'5) earlier this year.

My wife, who previously had no board riding experience of any kind, is now hooked on SUP too. This is great, because it means I don't have to feel guilty about going for a paddle, but it does mean that I need to buy another board (also good!)

I figure that since I live quite far from any surf beaches, and thus most of my paddling is going to be in the bay, it would be better to buy a 'racing style' board rather than another surfboard style board.

Due to storage, cost, and transport considerations, I'm favouring a 12'6 B.o.P style board. Also, I'm a light-weight (around 70kg) so another reason to go for 12'6 over something bigger.

From what I've been reading the Coreban 12'6 and the 2010 Starboard Surf Race (or 2011 Race) seem to get the best reviews. It looks like the Coreban might be a bit less expensive than the Starboard.

Anyway, just wondering if there's any other 12'6s I've overlooked. Any other input is welcome too.

depends how serious ya wanna get. I got a PSH 12ft which wont compete with the others for racin etc but does the all round work really well. Surfs good, capable downwinder,user freindly.
Bonus is the missus loves it.
Lots of demos is the only real way to find out.
Im guessin ya should be able to get demos pretty easy down there.
Good luck.
W

The more I read reviews on the web, the keener I get on the Coreban 12'6.

However, I've noticed that all the reviews I've read on it are by expert riders.

Does anyone know how it goes for less experienced riders? I want to make sure my wife will also be able to paddle it without too much difficulty.

Also, if I were to get the Coreban 12'6, do you think getting the Carbon (9.5kg) version makes much difference over the Pure (13 kg) version? All the reviews seem to be on the carbon version.

Have you looked at the Hobie 12'6. It is great. Best is to get a short list then try out before you decide

Hi Gords – I haven't checked them out. Is anyone selling them in Victoria.

I'm kind of limited to what is retailed in Victoria - I know in NSW and QLD there are a lot more brands.

Hi DJ,

I'm about 70kg.

What are the details of the RPS event? Is that the one on their Facebook page 8.30am this Sunday? Sounds like a great idea!

The 12-6 market is moving so fast in design change , new customs are popping out weekly all different designs , Dale Chapman and Secret Agent have just put out some super fast boards.

The racing scene on the Gold Coast has to be at the top of the pile re talent and board design at the moment.

There are some really nice production boards out there at the moment but these new customs are smoking fast.

faito anto said...


Hi DJ,

I'm about 70kg.

What are the details of the RPS event? Is that the one on their Facebook page 8.30am this Sunday? Sounds like a great idea!

It's now on the following Sunday.. (3/4/11) .. btw.. I paddle at St Kilda almost daily so come on down one day and catch up for a flat water paddle..

Maybe even join us on a down-winder.. PM me.

DJ

faito anto said...

Hi Gords – I haven't checked them out. Is anyone selling them in Victoria.

I'm kind of limited to what is retailed in Victoria - I know in NSW and QLD there are a lot more brands.

Give Scott Lovig Hobie a call, (03) 59 756 399, they are in Mornington and he will be able to organise a demo, no problem ! He has the new 2011 12'6 Race and 12'6 Elite. At your weight you will be fine with the Race. Just give it a try!

jlv said...

any pictures of the 2011 hobie?

Pics number 14/15/16 in this post.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Port-Phillip-Cup-pictures/?SearchTerms=port,phillip,cup

DJ

jlv said...

any pictures of the 2011 hobie?

Hey! i have one for sale on this site, you can check out pictures of it in the buy & sell section!

Hey! i have one for sale on this site, you can check out pictures of it in the buy & sell section!

Just wondering.. Why are you selling it?

DJ


Hi DJ, I beleive he has now got the Hobie 12'6 Race. Traded the 14' in with Scott Lovig Hobie

I was chatting to Dale a couple of days a go and he was saying he's doing a new 12'6" that goes unreal. Anyone paddled, seen, got pics of his new 12'6"?

I have had all kinds of sups at my rental stations here in Texas. The New Jimmy Styks 12' 6" is a great package. 4 of our racing team members including me are entered in the BOP, in may, hawaii, using this board. 12'6 class. The open age and down wind-er.
www.supntx.com $885. best board package worldwide so far for the money.

faito anto said...

Hi All,

I'm fairly new to SUP (just took it up this summer), although I've got over 20 years of Windsurfing experience, living most of my life in WA.

Now live in Melbourne and bought a Starboard Drive (10'5) earlier this year.

My wife, who previously had no board riding experience of any kind, is now hooked on SUP too. This is great, because it means I don't have to feel guilty about going for a paddle, but it does mean that I need to buy another board (also good!)

I figure that since I live quite far from any surf beaches, and thus most of my paddling is going to be in the bay, it would be better to buy a 'racing style' board rather than another surfboard style board.

Due to storage, cost, and transport considerations, I'm favouring a 12'6 B.o.P style board. Also, I'm a light-weight (around 70kg) so another reason to go for 12'6 over something bigger.

From what I've been reading the Coreban 12'6 and the 2010 Starboard Surf Race (or 2011 Race) seem to get the best reviews. It looks like the Coreban might be a bit less expensive than the Starboard.

Anyway, just wondering if there's any other 12'6s I've overlooked. Any other input is welcome too.

Ok - I know sh#t about race boards but I have just purchased a s/h hand shaped Lahui Kai 12.6 and I love it. Its stable at my 75kg - its super light to carry and load on the car - it seems pretty quick to paddle - Its well made and seems pretty solid and an efficient shape according to more experienced paddlers that I have asked locally and it was cheap to buy and I have noticed that there are a couple of these boards getting about for pretty good prices recently on the breeze and other places. Hey, I don't know how the Lahui compares with all the other 12.6s on the market but they have a good reputation and if you can get one for the right price then they must be worth a consideration as a first race board.
In my opinion race boards are like any other sup - buy s/h first if you can and spend as little as you can until you really know what you want and need and then invest your big dollars down the track a bit.