Has anyone got / used a SIC F14 and can advise if this board is suited for downwinders on the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast.
I keep hearing that these boards are probably the best out there, but wonder if this is based on the Hawai conditions rather?
Appreciate your thoughts, also if you believe there is a better board out there for SE QLD, why?
From what I understand there is both an F14 and 14 Bullet. Go onto the Sic website. The F 14 is for lighter riders and true downwind and Bullet can handle bigger riders and rougher conditions.
From what I understand there is both an F14 and 14 Bullet. Go onto the Sic website. The F 14 is for lighter riders and true downwind and Bullet can handle bigger riders and rougher conditions.
Thanks for advice all. Would prefer the 14' as it seems most people are going that size for open water, also the F14 often had steering cables built in for later upgrade to full steering.
There are a few one year old models in USA for reasonable prices now.
I've got a hollow moulded f14 in Hawaii that I used for the Maui races and Molokai last year. And yes, it is a different board to the 14' Bullet.
The nose rocker on the f14' is a bit less than on the f16 (though the different models of f16's vary a bit) but slightly more than the 14' Bullet i think. The board is awesome downwind and I reckon it would be go well for the good days we get here, but for paddling in anything less than 15 knots, in my opinion, a flatter rockered board would be the way to go. I did go for one long flatwater paddle on this board and in complete glass, the glide was pretty good, but when we hit a reasonable headwind, i was wishing i was on a flatter board.
I've been thinking about shipping it back here, but considering that I probably only get about 10 (or less) decent downwinders here per year, it's a big cost for a few day's of fun (as downwinder says; if you want to play, you have to pay!). But, if you don't have commitments (work etc.) that stop you from taking advantage of the wind when it's on and you have the time to paddle when the wind is good then I reckon the f14 could be a lot of fun here.
Although they are moulded in a fixed mould (so not completely custom), Mark does offer a few different options when it comes to fins/rudder system, so you will find some of the boards have a fixed rudder (either left or right side), some will have an interchangeable rudder system, some just a fixed fin and some a fin box and rudder. You can get a plate to 'lock' the rudder on the boards without a fin box to paddle in the stock class. So if you're looking a getting a second hand one, make sure you find one that suits you're needs.
Here's a few pics:
thats a shame about only getting 10 in a year due to work ali.
gee the last 5 months have been nuts. a few of us around the traps would be averaging 2 runs a week with the odd 5 days in a row.
this week has been exceptional. tuesday and wednesday all time
maybe staturday might hang in there
Thanks Ali. Jealous of your toys and appreciate the comments, was thinking of bringing one back from Hawaii. They do look good!
