I still reckon [think its been said before] the biggest market will determine board sizes{ie BOP in the states] as to what sizes the big companies will make and then event classes will be based on this rather than what the thoughts are of one elite racer.

In regards to the 12'6 surfboard class for beginners,

I'd rather see a 12'6 Novice Class on any type board,

and then a 12'6 Elite/Expert Class.

Firstly though you'd need enough competitors in both to have the two classes [don't think there's the numbers down here in Vicco yet but have to wait and see when summer finally gets here].
The 12'6 surf sup seems to be becoming more scarce with the new shorter wider sups on the market for beginners,
12'6 BOP/flatwater sup board now has more range and affordable,
when someone in the 12'6 novice class does well in a few events move them up to the elite class as they are probably getting more competitive anyway and would rather be in there to see how they go,

just my thoughts hope Scotty Mac doesn't drop in on me now at Mambo with a gut full of pizza,
Cheers.

I think that is important. People winning in the lower division need to be moved up, to give the next rank a go.
Depending on numbers, there may be a place for a number of divisions. Once you get so many points in a division, you move up to the next one.
This keeps apples racing apples and everyone feels like they have a chance on the day.

camo hosk said...

I still reckon [think its been said before] the biggest market will determine board sizes{ie BOP in the states] as to what sizes the big companies will make and then event classes will be based on this rather than what the thoughts are of one elite racer.

In regards to the 12'6 surfboard class for beginners,

I'd rather see a 12'6 Novice Class on any type board,

and then a 12'6 Elite/Expert Class.

Firstly though you'd need enough competitors in both to have the two classes [don't think there's the numbers down here in Vicco yet but have to wait and see when summer finally gets here].
The 12'6 surf sup seems to be becoming more scarce with the new shorter wider sups on the market for beginners,
12'6 BOP/flatwater sup board now has more range and affordable,
when someone in the 12'6 novice class does well in a few events move them up to the elite class as they are probably getting more competitive anyway and would rather be in there to see how they go,

just my thoughts hope Scotty Mac doesn't drop in on me now at Mambo with a gut full of pizza,
Cheers.

^^^
I doubt that Paul,reckon we might have quite a few keen paddlers this summer,

also heard a whisper you'll be on something NEW that's real fast .

Me too!

As a first buyer (racing board) I went for a 14" instead of 12"6 probably for the same reasons as DK explained in his post. It is fun!
I didnt see a point going for a 12"6 at the time as I found it to be an odd size in between long SUP surfboard and the racing ones (14+).
As a first buyer (sup), I can't see why people would spend $2k on a 12"6... anyone is just going to go for a smaller and cheaper board. For that reason I don't think the argument that market will dictate what's happening in racing stands as I cant see the elite guys going to smaller boards.

What happens at the elite level is little concerns to me.
Having everyone on the same size board is restrictive but doesnt mean all boards are equals despite what some might think as I read above (you shouldnt have skipped these science lesson!). Maybe they should create weight class to keep everyone happy. As long as the rules are the same for everyone then it's up to each individual to perform, a bit like in normal life really...