Thanks Paul. That is interesting stats to show similarities with each person. But 4 degrees. Ever thought of migrating north. I thought it was cold today with a range of 17 to 22.

Hey Stu, I think Jean has spent more time on the Ace Pro than either Dean or myself. She has also spent much less time on the Ace, which is difficult to jump straight into.

I think my familiarity with the Ace absolutely gave me an advantage with that board vs the other boards and the other paddlers. I also had a little bit of boat wake to contend with on my Ace Pro run but it would have only cost a couple of seconds at most.

There's no doubt the Coast Runner is a whole different board with a bit of wave and chop. That would have tightened up times if we'd seen a typical 15-20 knot SW wind shaking things up.

I love the Ace for speed but the Coast Runner is the most fun and stable board out of the 3.

people seem to like the aces, might have to give one a go one day not the 25incher though, nice comparison of the boards

Jarryd

What is impressive is the Ace's times given they are hard to turn, being unable to step turn these boards.
PT, what's your secret to turning the Ace fast?
Agree with Jonathan, if only for a skinnier Coast Runner.

PTWoody said...


I think the important thing is you have to attack the turn, no hesitation. So that means knowing what you are going to do and just going for it 100%. If you are hesitant or if you push too hard and destabilise yourself, then the turn is ruined.

Totally agree, that and a bit of practice turning the board so you can be confident about it and your limitations.

I hadn't spent a huge amount of time on the Ace (especially not turning it) before the dash for cash at the NSW titles. When at the briefing they told us there was going to be 8 buoy turns (instead of the 2 turns shown on the online course map) I was really worried (and thinking I had turned up with the wrong board for the race). But the board surprised me and though a little wobbly on the first few turns, once I got used to the feel of it, it actually turns ok, maybe not as easily as the BOP or Race (but 12'6 boards are built for turns whereas the Ace is built for straight line speed).

With any board, your turns will improve with practice and knowing how the board will respond, be prepare to fall in lots so you can discover where the limit of the board is! The Ace is a very different board to get used to paddling and turning likewise and though it's never going to be the quickest board to turn, you should be able to find the point where it's not too difficult either.

Goochi said...

Great review PT, you might have to change your avatar now to a starboard sandwich instead of those red boards!

The avatar picture features a Starboard K15, Pin and Blend in the old sport tech finish. Ah, the good old days when I only had 3 boards to choose from.

the coast runner doesn't need it be skinnier- use it for what it is- a proper downwind board.

That Ace Pro tail pad was not a Starboard item, someone has added that after market. It looks to be in the wrong position but without knowing the board really well, maybe it's too hard to step back any further than that. The Coast Runner tail pad is more or less on top of the fin, although Starboard's pad goes back a lot further on the Coast Runner so it's debatable whether this one is needed. I like it, especially on a big downwinder. Feeling the need to get right back on the tail pad tells me it's a good downwinder.

I don't think so personally. The grip is okay in the back of the Ace and I don't think slipping feet is the problem back there, it's balance. I like the pad on the Coast Runner just to know where I am on the board.