Beginning to think about getting a board for downwinders and maybe joining in a coupla races.

BUT......
How do we already have three divisions in a new sport like SUP?
12", 14" and unlimited?
How does this help the sport?

Wouldn't the go be to have one division so everyone was on relatively similar kit?
How do you decide what size board to go with? By the size of your car?

Surely at least two divisions (one set size and unlimited) would be more sane?

One design windsurfing was always great as it came down to the sailor not the gear and everyone (hundreds of competitors) was on pretty much on the same gear.

I guess this rant comes down to not being able to decide what board I would get!
Get a simpler, easier 12 or 14 footer has appeal but I know it will kill me when an unlimited board goes flying past me with no extra effort.

Your thoughts?

mucho gracias

Hey Wes, Come for a paddle & see whats hot & whats not.....
Next time your looking for something to do, give me a call
A shot on some of the boards below may give you an idea what to go for.
Cheers
Dean

Wes, long time no see!
I agree 100%, two divisions would work well.

I would think unlimited and then perhaps a planning/flat hull 12'6" & under.

This would control the "money wins" scenario for the average guys that want to compete on a standard board.
Also as Wes said, it would allow a "one design" type board that I believe would end up being more prestigious to win
as it would be 99% the paddler.

Equipment I rekon is what killed windsurfing back in the late 90's here in Vic. SUP distance events here in Vic have
been aimed at fun so far but the average person won't be having as much fun if he/she is finishing 30 or 40 minutes
behind the leaders.

The manufacturers aren't helping (mainly the windsurf brands) building bigger and bigger ranges but I guess each
board has a purpose.

Cheers
Brendan

wes Greene said...

Or even better drop unlimited and stick to one stock size.



Heh B
whoop

Not very fair on all the crew out there already have 14fts or unlimited. There are three divisions in most other countries and Naish, C4 and Penes make 14 foot boards it would not be very fair to leave them out, as crew have already invested there cash in boards this size.
12'6 are great but have you ever been on a 20km plus paddle in wind, waves and chop on one not directly down wind.
14 go across the molokai channel faster than most unlimited.
And have you ever tried to paddle a fixed rudder board in a side wind. These are why unlimited boards are great and they are faster than all in the right conditions.

We need to get a crew together to make these calls on what happens in the future of SUP racing in Australia.

sam

naah, let the equipment race perpertuate and it will flourish.

maybe there needs to be some sort of weight rule like in most other racing water sports.

sam

DavidJohn said...

How about also a rule on board colours?.. Maybe even a rule on fin shapes.. We need more rules.. ...just kidding.

I'd be happy with just two classes.. Stock 12'6" and less off the shelf boards... and unrestricted.

People can paddle their 10' wave board in stock class if that's all they have or if they're light.. and if you choose to paddle a 14' board in unrestricted that's fine.

I think for most people it's all about the competing.. and not just about winning.

DJ

i agree- easy