No problem Paul, the Bay is very different to open water, waves are only wind fetch and because it's shallow they are close together and quite steep. Would be great to do some down-winders with you, it's just so hard to predict when it will be good. As time goes on we will get more and more experienced with exactly what works in different directions. There are some big runs to be done in SW winds up to 50k and if the wind is in the 25+ knot range big clean swell.
Equally I'd love to get up to Qld and do some true open ocean stuff, need to get much more open water experience before next years Maui Molokai...gulp!
Excuse my ignorance but what would differentiate a good downwind board from an all rounder ? Wouldn't stability (30" + width) be an advantage . Wouldn't 12' + be a good length?. Is it important to have the Knife edge bow over the more traditional surfboard front. Yours in ignorance and stupidity... Rupert
I think the best 12'6 boards going around is the Lahui kai
It is the 12'6 version of their unlimited board (that James Billy Watson won the honolua race on)
Myself, James Billy Watson, and Jamie Mitchell are all taking them to California for the battle of the paddle.
They are light weight and have a really good glide (like effortless compared to some boards)
They have an easy carry handle so it is easy to get around.
Locally made in Currumbin. They are well priced compared to the imported boards
There will be some down at Jacko's demo day so you can give them a try.
We have all tested a few boards at training and the Lahui kai was by far the fastest.
Well thats my review
Just found the site and it has pictures.. Kinda looks a bit like the Starboard 12'6" Pin.. www.icloud.com/system/cloudos2/index.html.en-us.gzip
DJ
Its a little narrower than the starboard. I think they come in 27 or 28 inches wide, mine is 28 but the flat board on the water is 22. Jamie's is 27 and same on the water
They have a deep fin so there is no compromise in stability
It also keeps the thickness through out the board so it sits a bit more out of the water so it gets up and planing
here is some footage of Jamie Mitchell paddling it
Interesting boards sjw, deceptively simple looking shape, the 17 footers almost seem to have flat bottoms, can't see any concaves or anything.
Thanks for posting the info!