1125 posts
I've never had the chance of paddling an ocean racer eg Javelin, Falcon, Allstar type SUP but paddle a 28 DW board Regularly. Wondering if the speed diff is very noticeable ( all things being equal ) paddling on the ocean from A to B? i guess you can't beat a DW board for surfing bumps but if I was just paddling on a small bump day or simply cruising on a calmish day is one of the race boards going to be noticeably quicker?
1508 posts
Yes. The difference isn't huge, but it is there.
But once the conditions get to 25+ knots, you really want to be on a dedicated DW board. They can be hugely faster and easier when bumps get above knee-height in a big blow. Horses for courses.
1508 posts
Well, it would depend on what board you'd be comparing the V2 to, and who is paddling them, but in general, the answer is no.
Downwind boards' strengths lie in downwind, obviously, but also in making life generally easy for the paddler when conditions are bad. So, if conditions aren't bad, then an ocean racer is a better bet. Also, if your skills are through the roof, and you don't mind paddling being a painful and exhausting experience, then ocean racers can go fast in pretty much any conditions.
So, if you are one of those guys, and you are gonna be racing, then buy a SIC FX. But if you are a normal Joe who loves downwinding, and wants a board that makes hard conditions easy, and that doubles up as a comfortable tourer, and even surfs pretty well, then bite the Bullet.
