NSW
2232 posts
I just got off the water from having a session with Sam from Wind Surf 'n' Snow on the 9'6" Naish and the 9'0" Starboard.
Really hard conditions, dead onshore, about 10 knotts, waist to shoulder high waves.
The short SUP thing is really interesting how it is interprated by different companies. There was a world of difference between the boards.
I found the Naish faster accellerating and much more drive off the tail. The star board had a bit more of a mal feel to it, with nice nose riding, and a really loose slidey feel off the tail.
If I was going to try and generaize the designs, I would say the Naish 9'6" is designed to feel as much like a short board as possible, where as the Starboard 9' has more of a smaller mal feel to it. The Naish seems to carve and drive of the rail more, were the SB felt a bit cruizier and more of a tail slide turn. Definately notice the nose rocker difference as the waves were pretty hollow, the nasih naturally felt happy on a hollow wave, were I felt I had to pay more attention to the nose when taking on a hollow pit.
Paddling stability was also very different. On the SB you can really feel that extra 3/4 of an inch, especially in your stance, and I think the width ion the tail helps a bit also, however, I didn't really feel less stable on the Naish, but the board did move around a bit more. But then again both boards were all over the place in the chop and wind out there and it was a pretty unrealistic test.
Paddling speed was hard to tell, as it was so windy. But in catching waves, the Naish accellerated much fast. But I think paddling out the SB held good speed once you were going. I found the SB turn/deviated coarse more while paddling and I had to change sides alot more, but this would be alot to do with the smaller length.
A very hard experience to explain, so I strongly recommend booking in for a demo so you can make your own mind up, very keen to hear your comments.
JB
223 posts
Thanks for the report. Very interesting. Now what you need to get is the 9-8 Starboard and compare it to those other two. Any chance of that happening?
SA
2060 posts
JB,
Any talk that naish will be bringinog out a cruising or downwind type board like the JL distance?
NSW
1613 posts
Tried the Star 9'0" in really small surf (knee with maybe waist sets) with a light little off shore breeze and had a ball.
The board felt super loose and snappy yet still fast despite the lack of power in the waves. The more I rode it the more fun I had, even got the odd little tail slide going when I pushed harder. Bigger surf may make fin set up more critical given the wide tail but I can't wait to find out.
Paddle speed wasn't high but this didn't matter as even in low power surf it still paddled easily on to waves that you thought might glide on by. Again once on the wave speed wasn't a prob.
For anyone who also windsurfs this board should be amazing on wave so hopefully I can give that a go soon. Keep you posted.
Anyway, if anyone in and around Sydney is keen to see for themself just let me know and we'll see what we can set up.
Cheers,
Sam.
NSW
2232 posts
SM,
There is rumor of a flat water/distance board coming, but Naish is waiting to see if some one starts a proper SUP paddling club and sets any rules and board restrictions first. I think there will always be open ruled ocean paddling, but a more restricted class would be great. Maybe something like 12' max length and a total nose and tail width minimum (i.e. you measure from 12" in on each end and add the widths) to keep the class more competitive. All the manufacturers should get together and make up some rules. Keep construction and lengths with in reason so you get more participants, maybe add a minimum weight rule also??
I would love to try the 9'8" SB, I think it is going to feel much bigger than 9'8" after trying the 9'0". If I get a chance, I'll post my thoughts. I think Sam is maybe thinking of a demo weekend soon, I will try to get some boards to that so we can get a much bigger review.
JB
