Here is a short introduction on the new Naish Mana 8'5. Its a super easy board to ride and has also been snapped up by some of our most experienced riders. We have backed this board heavily and think its one of the best boards to come out of the Naish stable recently.
check it out.
Specs:
8'5 x 301/2"x 41/2" 132 litres

Great apart from the dude who hasn't tried the board & never seen it before & and looks as if he needs a good nights sleep & a shower -

If only they whacked in 2 more fin boxes at the back?

I am on the market to buy my first surf sup and was looking at the 9'0 hokua. How do you think this 2 boards compare? I'm 6'0 and 86 kg, beginner/intermediate level at Supping and little more advance at surfing. I'm looking at a board that can catch 2 foot fat wave and 6 foot reef break as I have the chance to fly to indo often.
One important criteria is the max length so I can take it on the plane!
Would love to hear your thoughts.

JohnnyMaya said..

Leroy13 said..

KiwiSupGreg said..

Looks nice, could be a good upgrade to my 9'5" 2012 Mana? completely different board? Have been thinking about L41 SIMSUP (or other simmons type boards) or 8'6" allwave. You think the new Mana might compete with these boards?

Absolutely + 1 Are you in my brain Kiwisup Greg- except a 9'2" Allwave is my current board? Hey Jon ho, Google Beau Nixon or click the graphic on Seabreeze that says congratulations Beau Nixon, or are you Joking????????????? It's like being a surfer and askin who Who Natt Wilkinson is. Beau's not a Parko or MF........ yet.

Ok, So I'll be the first one:
Who is Natt Wilkinson?

LOL

Yeah,Yeah Yeah, he is Matt Wilkinson's brother!! LOL I should have at least got the name right!!!!!

I demo'd the new 8'5" Mana several weeks ago in very poor, rough and windy conditions so I thought it unfair to do a review at that time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to have another ride but here are a few observations.
It looks great, very light and easy to handle. I liked this as it doesn't have that big board feel and I would feel more comfortable handling it in a crowded break.)
The rails look a little thick for the size and shape. I thought for a short board style they would be a finer surf type rail but I suppose this is why it's in the Mana stable not the Hokua.
It's 130 Lt and it felt a little corky at my weight of 80kg.
It's definitely worth a demo though I think it would be more suited to a heavier person wanting a shorter surf style SUP.