hey everyone, i am looking at getting an ocean racer style of standup paddleboard and i was curious as to the differance in board speed compared to other ocean craft eg. oc1 and kneeling paddle boards. of course the skill of the paddler makes a difference, but as rule how does sup compare to other ocean races. thanks

MTT said...

hey everyone, i am looking at getting an ocean racer style of standup paddleboard and i was curious as to the differance in board speed compared to other ocean craft eg. oc1 and kneeling paddle boards. of course the skill of the paddler makes a difference, but as rule how does sup compare to other ocean races. thanks

I know I can paddle faster than a goat-boat..

If speed is your number one priority forget SUP.

If it's fun, thrills, spills and lots of big grins that you're after..SUP is the right choice..IMO..

DJ

Hi MTT,
I am by no means an expert on this one but I have been doing a few downwinders over the last couple of years when the breeze is in and this is what I can share.

On a couple of recent 7km + down wind runs on open ocean, paddling with a mate who is on a 100% carbon Fenn ocean ski (he has paddled Molokai race etc) this is what I can share.

In 2m swell and 18-23knts cross tailwind I hit a max speed of 17.5kmh but over the whole run had an average speed of 10kmh.
This compared to my friend on the ocean ski - he had a top speed of 20kmh BUT an average of 13.5kmh.

His ski length and width vary greatly from that of my SUP and him using a two bladed paddle I'm sure has an impact too on his average + top speed.

Be interested to hear from anyone else who has paddled with other craft over distance.

Cheers,

Courts

Hey Courts,
Hows things in WA? Are you using a JL distance on your downwinders?

I've done some paddling with my GPS. In nil wind I paddle at around 6-7 kph. With a tailwind it gets up to 8kph. Into a moderate wind about 4 kph and 2 kph for strong wind.

It's faster paddling kneeling and lying down and paddling with my hands is faster again.

I would say the fastest paddle craft would have to be a sea kayak by a long way.

Goat boats may be faster into wind but I can't see them being any fast in nil wind or tail wind.

MTT said...

hey everyone, i am looking at getting an ocean racer style of standup paddleboard and i was curious as to the differance in board speed compared to other ocean craft eg. oc1 and kneeling paddle boards. of course the skill of the paddler makes a difference, but as rule how does sup compare to other ocean races. thanks

Hey MTT,

Woogie has paddled all 3 at top level and since you are on the Gold Coast you have a great opportunity to get some really great runs both long and short.

The OC1 would be the fastest by far against the paddle board or SUB as you can rate your stroke rate up and depending on the conditions have longer swell rides. You are normally more stable but like you say depends on the paddler.

The SUB & or PB would be next in down wind conditions but again depends on the paddler.

I think Pono Bill in Hawaii is going to do some testing on SUB speeds in the next couple of weeks have a look at the Penetrator to Hawaii link.

Also if you are looking at a SUB open ocean board I would recommend one with steering system

Thanks Rambo great vid but jeez I got tied just watching it..How do they do that..Going so hard and so fast for so long..I was very impressed at the speed.

I'd still rather SUP tho..

DJ

Jamie Mitchell - kneeling hand paddling - 4:57:14
Duane DeSoto - SUP - 6:17:06

Better get some knee pads for that upwind paddling.