I currently have a 11' Oxbow and 9'6" Naish. I rode a 9'8" Element today and found it very stable in shoulder high waves and it carries my weight of 90kg easily. I am after a lighter board (then the oxbow) for my wife that has similar stability to the 9'8". I thought the 9' Stinger might be the go but have not ridden one. I figure if I am going to spend some $$$ I may as well get some benefit of a short board and am wondering if the Stinger has the stability for her and the weight carrying ability for me.
Appreciate any feedback from any that has tried it.

Hi Brooko
The naish surfs better especially on sucky beach breaks or critical tack offs. I love this board. It is definitely my preferred choice if you are comparing performance with the 2 boards. This is not saying the starboard is a dog, it surfs really well as well but the Naish is just looser and has more rocker. If it was a fatter swell the 9'8' Starboard would be the slightly better as it has better glide and would pick the wave up easier. Both work well under my 90 odd kgs.
The 9'8" Starboard has the stability of a much larger board where by the 9'6" Naish tests your balance when just standing on the board especially in a bit of chop.
I am interested in the stability, glide and floatability of the stinger if anyone has an opinion.

Hi Swanie

I have had the 9'0" Stinger for a couple of months now I mostly use it in the surf.

I'm about 84 kg & 5'8" in height. I found the Stinger very stable in flat water and in an offshore breeze in the surf. It was quite challenging for me in strong onshore almost impossible not to fall off, not as bad in light onshore winds.
I can easily keep up with my girlfriend when she paddles my 11'2" but you do work a lot harder I wouldnt want to paddle long distance more than 1-2 km.

In the surf I find it easier to take the drop than the 9'8" and easily work it from rail to rail but that could be just experience.
Im experimenting with the fin setup at the moment. It feels a bit more stable set up as a thruster with a larger centre fin.
I have'nt ridden any large waves yet to compare Quad/thruster setup.
Ive been more than happy with it so far.

Hope this helps
SF66

high as a kite said...

Go on Brooko, you know you want one

I'll have one for you to try soon.

HAAK

Not a chance mate, super happy with the 8 6" surfshape