I test rode the 9'0" SB at pelican point on the river on sunday. Was fine paddling it around in the flat conditions, but just wondering if anyone has had it in choppy conditions or waves. It looks as if it would be a great board to ride. I also rode the 8'5" and found that easy to paddle but once again wondering how it would go in choppy conditions. Was looking at the 30" 8'5" as it has the same volume as the 9'0". Would it be advantageous to go the 9'0" for downwinders and cruising around?

Cheers for any comments

Get back to work "Hole in the wall".
The Boss!

How are you going to pay for it? The interest free bank is officially closed
The other Boss[}:)]

Only in secret. He will be too embarrassed to do it on front of his short board crew

I weigh 68kgs and have surfed the 8'5 and 9'0 quite a bit and would have to say that these boards are not downwinders. Although anything is possible hehehe
If you are a shortboarder you will like both these boards in the surf.
The quad fin set up and narrow tail make these boards very very loose.
To answer your question I had the 8'5 out in onshore winds and lumpy surf which made trying to balance on harder than the longer boards. I had to concentrate alot more and found that I couldnt relax and enjoy the surf. But in clean surf it wasnt an issue.
If I was to choose one of these boards it would be the 9'0. Less thinking and more surfing in a variety of conditions. Very stable and surfs a treat.

I have a 9 x 30 starboard and find it incredibly stable in choppy conditions. I am far from an expert but have no trouble staying on the little beast in onshore. I weigh about 76kg and am 6'1 - I run the board as a 2 + 1 which gives it a bit more stability also.