I've been enquiring about the Kona Mahalo on a couple of forums, but there's only limited information. No tests seem to have been done on this board.

I use a Kona 1 at present for cruising, but I need something bigger to carry camping gear, but that will still perform well. (A Kona 1 on steroids shall we say.) Since there is no chance of a demo here (England - don't think any have been imported) it will mean taking a chance and ordering new, blind.

There seems to be a thriving longboard scene in Australia, so does anybody have first hand experience of using the Mahalo solo? (I've had one positive impression from asking on the Kona forum.)

Specifically, in cruising you often have to round big cliff headlands while being flung all over in swelly backwash and tide races. Not funny when you're trying to broad reach or dead run in a wind shadow, with little pull in the sail. (Buckets of sweat etc.) That's when volume and stability come into their own!

If anybody can give details of its solo performance in comparison to the Kona 1 it would be a great help.

Yes, a properly designed for the purpose board would be ideal but I don't have the necessary knowledge (or money) to take that route.

I was a sea kayaker for years (Anas Acuta and Explorer) and did regular month long solo 500 miler camping journeys at home and abroad. Developing back trouble from the strain was the original motivation for taking up windsurfing, with a view to making the journeys easier. Fat chance! The boards of the time (Hi-Fli 555) were not up to it.

The Mahalo may just be big enough and good enough to carry the same load while still performing well.The front strap inserts could be anchor points for the gear. I just need some information on how it actually performs with a load on front, and a single sailor aboard. If only there was a test of it available.

Thanks Matt. I've now got the Mahalo and fully agree with you. It won't be able to carry the full load I do by kayak, for extended journeys.

I will trim my load as far as possible (though I won't ditch the tent - I can't stand blasted midges!!!) and use it this summer for shorter 3 to 4 day outings. For next year, a custom board such as yours will be the proper answer.

years ago I started touring with an imco and a custom made kevlar pod attached to the front of the board which worked well as long as it was windy.
In light wind and rough seas - especially down wind it was tricky. being a sea kayaker i was used to taking lots of gear but now i'm starting to learn how to pack lighter and go without which makes it quicker to pack up and get on the water anyway.
recommend a 8.5 - 9.5m sail as being loaded up you need all the power you can get and as the wind picks up the heavier board makes the whole kit pretty comfortable.
get yourself a few good drybags and a dry backpack from www.over-board.com.au/
make sure you carry a few spare parts and you'll be fine.
FYI we also tested the phantom race 380 and found that when fully loaded up it struggled in light wind and although was quicker than the scarper tour in 10 - 15 knots is struggled again aver 20 knots.
seems a touring board is very different in design than a race board or fun board.