WA
1 posts
Thinking about buying a carbon race SUP, whats the advantage of carbon over regular craft...anyone know where i can try before i buy??
VIC
17570 posts
Carbon is often lighter and stiffer.
DJ
WA
169 posts
Hey Red Devil, got an email from SurfSail Aust about a demo day coming up. Maybe check to see if they do Carbon and standard const. race boards and try both. Carbon should be lighter and stiffer but IMO not necessarily heaps faster. Most shops that sell em should be able to organise a paddle on one. Good luck.
WA
73 posts
Red Devil,
It is amazing how different they feel to paddle, be it race or allrounder or wave.
We have the Starboard 9'5" x 32, 10'0" x34, 10'5" x 30, 12'6" x 31.5 Race and the 14' x 28 Open Ocean all in two constructions.
If you are in Perth send us your email address to info(at)standuppaddle.com.au if you would like us to let you know when we next do a demo, so you can see for yourself.
Cheers,
Stand Up Paddle Sports
standuppaddle.com.au
WA
354 posts
Hi RedDevil,
The obvious has already been mentioned ie stiffer, lighter etc. Is it an advantage in racing?
The advantages are more obvious in short course racing, like around buoys like in BOP. The lighter and stiffer boards are quicker to accelerate, faster to change direction and manoeuvre. This makes a noticeable difference in BOP races.
In flat water distance races, I think the wood boards are just as fast and there is no advantage in carbon as momentum carries the board a bit more in recovery part of the stroke.
In downwind and surfing, I think carbon makes a bigger difference with ability to accelerate quickly being important.
If you are in Perth, we have 6 different race boards you can try and we are expecting the new Jamie Mitchell 12'6" and 14" race boards from Surftech in another week or so. We train three days per week so it is easy to hook up with us and try a variety of paddles too.
If you aren't in Perth, ask on this forum who the local shops are to go speak to.
DM
