Has anyone tried a NSP DC 17-10? If so, how heavy was it? How did it go upwind? How securely does the rudder centre itself, and can you fit a fixed fin ?

Thanks AndyR, that's very useful.

But only one reply? Are there not many UL boards in Australia? I'd have thought that they would be popular in your conditions.

How does the 17-10 compare to the SIC Bullet to paddle?

Well in Europe at least, the cost of the 17-10 is the same as a carbon All Star, which makes it extremely good value compared with a SIC, which is typically about 40% more than eg. a carbon All Star 14. So that might have something to do with it. For many people the sheer cost of an UL board rules it out for them.

Another reason why there aren't many UL boards might be because the ones that do exist tend to be very specialised. They are either DW-only boards or they are flat-water only. If there were more UL boards that were all-conditions designs, more people might want them.

Not everyone wants a board to race. I've got more boards than anyone I know but I very rarely race. It's about the inherent enjoyment of the paddling activity. And UL boards, if they were designed right, could give you plenty of that. I'm not sure that this 17-10 is that kinda board (and it probably isn't), but at least it's a step in the right direction, at the right price point, maybe. I'd certainly find a 15-16ft fixed fin All Star (or Naish Maliko, or Bark Vapor etc etc) a very attractive option. Still a manageable size without a rudder, and short enough to be surfable (just) for the average punter, but faster in all situations and nicer to paddle. What's not to like?

I paddled the same board on the same day as Andy for about the same amount of time and agree 100% with Andy's comments it is a super stable and I reckon the 26" version would be an awesome DW board even for a bloke my size (6'1" & 106kg)

Has to be quicker in flat stuff than sic with less rocker.
I like the nose shape of it a lot.

I plan to pick up an unlimited within the next 18months to 2 years and really hope there is a few of the nsps around in aus to get one 2nd hand. I can"t justify the cost brand new for something I would use 10 times a year but 2nd hand price would be well worth it for me. Its a winning shape I don't see a lot changing with it in near future either.

Nozza said..
No boards in Victoria yet.
Unlimited scene in Vicco is Helmy and MJ.
I'm surprised at the apparent / alleged excitement / interest in this board , given the general disinterest about unlimiteds overall.
Haven't even seen a good picture of the production, or pre production board.
No idea of rail shape, hull design etc.
QLD may be different but it's pretty irrevelant down here at the moment

The unlimited thing is progressing in NSW with lots of the crew buying them. Wind Surf N Snow is selling out as soon as they arrive.

The downwind races I organise next year here will probably be only "unlimited class" and age groups.

The way things are looking Unlimited is going to include foils.

NNSUP said..

The way things are looking Unlimited is going to include foils.

It wouldn't at all surprise me if Molokai is won on a foiling board this year...

Don't forget to include Unlimiteds in ALL of the races you're potentially organising NNSUP!!!

Todzilla said..
Don't forget to include Unlimiteds in ALL of the races you're potentially organising NNSUP!!!

As I said Todzilla, the downwind races will be unlimited. The flatwater races will remain 14. Sorry buddy.

DavidJohn said..

I actually hope I'm wrong..

You wrong DJ....never!

Al Hunter said..


don't forget unlimited age groups

I'm pretty much at that age Al, the unlimited age will definitely be in.

Nozza said..

NNSUP said..

Todzilla said..
Don't forget to include Unlimiteds in ALL of the races you're potentially organising NNSUP!!!

As I said Todzilla, the downwind races will be unlimited. The flatwater races will remain 14. Sorry buddy.

Why? What are you scared of?
Include an unlimited division - we are not going to impact on your 14' race.
But we might get some fun, interesting boards, that allow big blokes to paddle narrow long boards out there.
You won't get many entries, but if I was North NSW, I would enter an unlimited.

Scared of nothing. It just adds a huge amount of extra work and another division with small numbers. (The trophy hunters will love it)
In fact it will impact the 14 footers as some guys will draft the unlimiteds. This was a complaint we had from the elite racers when we were considering unlimiteds. It sounds like an easy thing to do but in reality it's not. We looked at doing it last year and it wasn't worth the effort for the flatwater races.

When it comes to downwinding it will probably just be unlimited. So get in the ocean Todzilla and get in some practice on that big ACE.

Core Boardsports said..
We've got a demo 26 wide arriving soon we hope and a 24 pre-sold the 26 will be on demo for a couple of months so available for a try on the west coast .. Get in touch if you want to try

Do I need to sell a kidney to afford one?

Couldn't see any sense racing an unlimited in flat water racing, in any breeze less 15 knots it's just a huge board to get moving but once it's it's over 25+ it's a missile, if it's a DWer then the unlimited is the board of choice...the old saying is true, "size is important", well especially on dwers...

It starts to make sense when you're my height/weight! I've got an Ace GT which under me - 6'9", 110kgs - is like anyone else on a 14' Ace. It's just a waterline thing for me really, it's not got much difference in volume. Me on a 14' would be like anyone else on a 12'6"...

Having said that, pretty much all other Unlimited's are hopeless in the flat...