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My wife and I have just completed 18 months of supping from total beginners to probably advanced beginners .
We have loved every minute of it, bought many boards and have a collection of seven.
I love downwinding in the river, 20 knots behind you, small catchable waves - lots of fun with my Fanatic Fly 14, however my lack of balance made this board unstable and NOT fun for me in the ocean. Any side chop and I was off, tried many times but wasn't enjoying getting wet all the time.
So I started looking for a board that might suit me and asked David John on this forum for advice and thanks David you put up with my stupid questions and kept replying.
After talking to Dale Chapman on the Gold Coast I decided to make the effort and go down and see Dale who put aside a half day to show me around his factory and take me for a paddle on some of his boards to see what I thought.
I asked Dale for a board that would be very stable, even stupid stable in the ocean for downwinding and reasonable on the flat water. Well this is what I got. This board paddles faster than my Fanatic on the flat and today my first Ocean downwinder . Just 15 knots but I caught plenty of bumps paddled across the chop, had the nose hit the wave in front of me and didn't bury and didn't fall in once. I still have the smile on my face.
I am sure this board will build my confidence so I can become an Ocean paddler.
Thanks Dale you delivered what I asked for !
Congrats.. The new board looks awesome.. even though my neck now hurts after looking at your pictues.. 
So nice of Dale to take the time to help you out.. How wide is it?
DJ
Certainly a bloody nice looking board, I reckon you should now give us all some Go Pro footage of the Downwinding :)
Thanks Gregc
Well need to get a gopro so I can do that, my downwinders wouldn't be in the same class as David Johns but I enjoy what I do just as much I think.
I post so people who were like me when I started have an idea where even non racers can advance to a point where SUP is fun and exciting .
I am really fortunate to have the support of this forum to point me in the direction to where I am now.
But I never thought someone in the class as Dale Chapman would give up his time to put a beginner on the right directon as he did with me .
Good Luck , in the right place at the right time ? Don't know but this bloke has helped me get to the next level and I am very happy and can't wait till my next Ocean Paddle
Cheers
John
Hi John,
New board looks great mate, did I see you both off Lamermoor heading towards the harbour mid morning?
Actually thought I may have seen you driving through Rocky a few weeks back also, looked like maybe a JP and a Starboard strapped precariously to the ute?????
Cheers,
Scott.
Good stuff!! That board looks like a beaute!! For sure Dale is one of the friendliest guys you could ever meet and is always willing to chat and figure out the best board for the individual. Was so cool to visit his factory and see how it all works. Ended up with one of his new shape 12'6" and I've had soooo much fun on it so far!!
DC true legend that's going to be quick Alain has a lot to do with the shapes on theses and Travis input is prices less all that R&d on the goldie paying off
