My 59 yo 75 kg pretty fit brother-in-law has finally come over to the dark side after surfing for most of his life. In recent years a dodgy back and crook shoulder has meant he hardly catches anything (riding 9' mals) and when he does he struggles to get to his feet.

This summer he has been using my 9'5 x 32" 153 L Starby widepoint. Now he loves life again. All of his surfing on a SUP has been in reasonable conditions in knee-to-waist high happy waves at the Prom. He can now stand out the back without paddling around and he catches most of what he paddles for. He probably had 15 sessions, often for over 2 hours.

In four weeks we are off to the Maldives and he is trying to decide what to surf. The 9'5 might be too big and heavy for those waves, and may be too big for one of the short flights we have to take.

The current thought is a 130 L 8'10 x 31" Flow. Unfortunately he hasn't yet tried my 8'10 speed (and probably can't for two weeks) and he can't demo the Flow.

What do you think? Is it too small?

Hey DH
I just got my acid last week- only had it out twice I'm 95kgs and went with the 8'7 106L vs the 8'4.
I have the 8'5 Speeed too and although different boards i found the Acid is close to the same as my Speeed in terms of stability. You do have to change your set up and stance a little but I was surprised at how stable it was. I'm pleased I didn't go bigger and i can see myself getting the 8'4 next year at some stage. Great board and compliments the speeed in my quiver.
Chur

The 8 10 flow will be perfect for him

mike3217 said..
The 8 10 flow will be perfect for him

mike3217 said..
The 8 10 flow will be perfect for him

mike3217 said..
The 8 10 flow will be perfect for him

R U Sure?
Sorry

I have flow an a speed they are both great boards but coming from a surf background the flow surfs like a shortboard if its clean an good its the flow everytime

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I am traveling now but I will get him on my 8'10 Speeed and 9'1 Acid to see how it feels to him.

Just been through a nervous moment though. We have to catch a flight from Male to Laamu and just learned that there is a board restriction of 8'. The tour company is now working on a solution - they had better solve it!

CSE... I have a different take on the 8'10 Speeed vs 8'10 Flow
I could never ride my 8'10 Speeed in my full winter gear.... to tough for me.(I ride a 9'2 Speeed in winter now)
But, I am riding my 8'10 Flow in full winter gear and find it much easier than the 8'10 Speeed.

Both of them have plenty of float for him.... but the extra width of the Flow will make the transition easier.
And as was stated earlier.... it will have a similar feel as his shortboards.

Just put tape on the boards and write 8'0 on the side

Gandalf said..
Enjoy your trip! I'm off there in three weeks - luckily a boat trip from Male to Hudhuranfushi. Can't wait!

I might see you there! I fly in on the 21st I think.

Fortunately they will take our boards regardless of size (contrary to their Web site).

I can't wait!!

hi cse
I have been watching this topic with interest I presently have a 9'2" flow and have been looking at getting a speeed.
from your posts I was thinking 8'10" but should I look at 9'2" or would the boards have no point of difference? I presently weigh in at 90kg but have been looking to reduce for the past 2 yrs.(not happening)

briansup19 said..
hi cse
I have been watching this topic with interest I presently have a 9'2" flow and have been looking at getting a speeed.
from your posts I was thinking 8'10" but should I look at 9'2" or would the boards have no point of difference? I presently weigh in at 90kg but have been looking to reduce for the past 2 yrs.(not happening)

Hi Brian - I guess you have to assess your balance, and consider how you will use it. At 90 kg you would be OK on an 8'10 Speeed if you are an active user and you want to push the performance. If you are riding a 9'2" Flow and feel comfortable on it then I suspect you will be OK on an 8'10 speeed. But can I ask why you are looking at buying a speeed?