Looks like one of the three world championships this year is betting on the 14' class: www.supracer.com/hennesseys-world-stand-up-championship-2012-details/

Will be interesting to see if this will get the others to follow?

Would be nice with one class and one world champ.....

but as someone said: "Rather 3 than none..."

PeterP said...

Looks like one of the three world championships this year is betting on the 14' class: www.supracer.com/hennesseys-world-stand-up-championship-2012-details/

Will be interesting to see if this will get the others to follow?

Would be nice with one class and one world champ.....

but as someone said: "Rather 3 than none..."

Not sure if I totally agree with you on that PeterP. IMO 12'6, 14' and Unlimited all have there place in the ocean and with respective titles. It would be like putting a heavy weight boxer up against a feather weight and saying do your best to the feather weight. Some people excel in some divisions and that's what they train for all year long.

I still think it's horses for courses. 12'6" is far better suited to BOP style. Marathon races mean you want a 14' or maybe more (if you can get it there), although the trouble with transporting a 17' or 18' to some far flung world championship destination pretty much rules that out as ever being feasible.

nah mate, that favours 12.6 to much....it should be 13.3

Hi PeterP

I have a few mates who paddle in the surfski series and my understanding is that there is a container/s that is moved around from location to location (truck/train/shipped). Paddlers can hire a ski for a reasonable price to race on the day. The key diference being that there are only a couple of key manufacturers and designs ie Fenn, Epic. From the handful of guys I know that went over from QLD to Perth for the Doctor I was not aware of any that tried to get their own ski sent over on the plane. I'm assuming some of the guys who are personally sponsored might be able to pick up a ski from the local distributor at the location where they are racing.

Others might be more informed on the ski series than me (including yourself!!). I think the issue of board travel is a big one that needs to be considered. As a seperate issue I would also like to see a minimum weight spec nominated for each class as well. A weight that enables balance between acceleration and also durability but thats a whole other topic of discussion.

Cheers
HV

haha I was only joking as Paul J couldnt count unless it involved sheep....

IMO there are that many boards already sold and each has its merrits. 12.6 surf/bop 14 flatwater more distance and unlim for the DW stuff. If events want to get punters they will have to have the 3 classes with the exception to Bop... I think it will limit the growth of the sport and each individual discipline by going one length....having played with my 12.6 in the surf a little, no way I would have any longer for that stuff. In fact If Bop in surf really takes off here, i wouldnt be suprised to see some sub 12 custom race boards turn up at races that have true beach break surf...