Hi guys. I've been sup surfing for 3 years. I surfed a few times as a kid but never went beyond just going down the line. I'm currently riding an Infinity New Deal 8'6 x 29" 114L. I think I've reached a point where I want to try some more performance type surfing. I think now I would say my surfing is more carvy or not even sure what to call it. I certainly don't rip, and I don't ride it like a longboarder. Style surfing maybe, idk??
I am 77kg. I'm thinking of getting an 8' x 28" 100L Infinity Blurr V2. I'm pretty comfortable paddling my current board in most conditions although if it's really choppy my thighs will get shaky pretty quick. I'll probably keep riding the New Deal if it's anything more than a light chop.
It's possible that I should just keep riding my current board until my skills improve. I'll attach a link to a surf session from a few weeks ago so the experts can make that call. If I should stick with what I have, I'm happy to do that for now. The first few waves I don't do much, but I make some better turns a little bit into the video.
I'm certainly not stuck on the Blurr V2. I'm wide open to any suggestions. I am in Florida so I can only get something available around me.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Edit: I can't post a video because I'm new here but if you search SUP Surfing Hurricane Ernesto Ponce Inlet, Florida, it should appear at the top of the page. The channel is LukeAMcDowell .
Hi Luke
Nice video, you are certainly ready for a performance board!
You're surfing is solid, confident and since your Longboard SUP is quite small, you surf it like a performance board anyway.
Your movements tell me that you are not an old SUPster, so plenty of leg strength and willing to take a beating, so don't wait, get yourself a nice performance board and have at it!
You have good wave judgment, surf the most critical part of the wave and are strong in your turns.
I'd just suggest that you consciously kick your board away from the lip instead of jumping over the wave and letting the lip slam your board down 
I am in Florida after Nov 1st, surfing mainly Patricks through Canaveral. Although I have a number of boards with me at all times, they are all my size boards, so too big for you. My smallest boar is an 8'8 Sunova Ghost, so maybe you could get a feel for it, although you would need a smaller one for sure.
Keep charging and maybe we will be able to share a session at some point.
To post video's you have to Copy/Paste the link.... BUT you must remove the "s" from http"S":
+1 with supthecreek.
I was to give some advice on feet positioning, but supthecreek has already made a good tutorial:
Thanks Rick! It's great to have that analysis from you. I've been watching your videos longer than I've been SUP surfing. The ghost looks like a really cool board and the 7' 11" might be a good size for me. I'd love to get down there for a session. Where is a dealer in the area?
Colas, my paddling stance could use some work. I stand really wide and my knees hurt all day after surfing. I'm wondering now if that's the reason. It'll take some work but I'll start practicing a closer stance. I'm 46. I need to make sure I can surf with my grandkids when the time comes. It's also exhausting the way I stand when the water is really choppy or rolly.
Select to expand quoteBillyBoogie said..
Colas, my paddling stance could use some work. I stand really wide and my knees hurt all day after surfing.
I guess it is because the deck is slightly domed and your feet thus rest at an angle, this is bad for the knees.
" the curve of the deck can sometimes effect your ankles and knees, causing them to ache because they are forced slightly outwards when paddling normally."
supboardermag.com/2016/04/29/sup-shapes-designs-the-deck-under-your-feet/
Anyways, you want to keep your feet away from the rails, to stay in the flatter section of the deck, have less risk of slipping when the board rolls, and "roll with the punches", see www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Mastering-lateral-balance-on-a-small-SUP-board?
I'm really glad you commented. I was looking for board advice but this is probably more important. I'm going to force myself to stay in a better stance tomorrow. Thank you!
I'm really glad you commented. I was looking for board advice but this is probably more important. I'm going to force myself to stay in a better stance tomorrow. Thank you!
You look good but to turn that board or the blur more sharply you need to get the back foot further back, I think that will make the biggest difference for you. If you are more down the line (nothing wrong with that) the new deal might be the better board. It's always fun to try something new though. I wonder if in going smaller a wider tailed design might work better for you in Florida, compared to the blur and also be a little more user friendly.
I surfed a new deal for a couple of years and if you are looking to improve on that board just watch a couple of Dave Boehne's vids. I can't imagine being able to get more out of that board than he does.
Select to expand quoteBillyBoogie said..
Thanks Rick! It's great to have that analysis from you. I've been watching your videos longer than I've been SUP surfing. The ghost looks like a really cool board and the 7' 11" might be a good size for me. I'd love to get down there for a session. Where is a dealer in the area?
Thanks Billy, if you ever decide to order a board, please get in touch with me
supthecreek@gmail.com
I think if you try new things (foot placement rail-to-rail and nose-to-tail, stance, etc) you will be surprised what you can get out of that board. It's always tempting to go shorter to get more performance or turn sharper, but often it's a matter of pushing yourself to improve your skills until you actually "outgrow" the board (even tho I think a board like that always has a place in a quiver).
Select to expand quoteslsurf said..
You look good but to turn that board or the blur more sharply you need to get the back foot further back, I think that will make the biggest difference for you. If you are more down the line (nothing wrong with that) the new deal might be the better board. It's always fun to try something new though. I wonder if in going smaller a wider tailed design might work better for you in Florida, compared to the blur and also be a little more user friendly.
Hi Luke, this would also be my advice. The shuffle back to the tail after taking off is a must if you want to really turn a SUP. I think Rick has a video on it. If you've come from a shortboard it's a completely new thing to have to learn. Also moving your back foot from rail to rail. So lots more footwork all around. I have a theory.if you're a good dancer ???? it helps on SUP :)
if you can afford to try different sized boards, do it. You'll learn so much more. But hang on to the New Deal as there's a good chance you'll want to come back to it at some point. cheers
Thanks for all the tips everyone. We are going to have some really fun surf over the next week or so. I'm working on the stance. I'll work on surfing off the tail. I think I started surfing more forward on this board trying to make the most of our mushy Florida waves. The next week should be some nice powerful waves.
I'm surprised no one has asked about what fin set up you're running - I'm not a SUPer, at least not in the surf (tried, I'll stick to my prone longboards thanks) - but I've spent enough time reading this forum to know that the fin set up can completely change the characteristics of the board.
So, I'll ask, what fin set up are you running?
Blurr is great board, 3 of friends ride it, all love it at various volume/weight ratios and surfing styles. I have 8x28 at low 80's kg, it's tippy but so nimble and responsive. Dropping from 8x29.5 JL Worldwide to 8x28 v2 really helped me w turns, its comfortable in steeper sections great for surfing more in pocket, had mine a few years now.
in FL I'd think Blurr maybe not best for your daily driver, but perfect for hurricane or travel, I use when it's chest high, use L41 ST if smaller or soft, similar to escape pod
Have you considered an infinity escape pod? I would suggest that you look at it since I think it will be the better choice for your progression now.
I agree with many of the comments: more foot movement (back and rail-to-rail) will allow you to get more out of your current board, but the Blurr V2 is an excellent board. At 100 kg I am too big (read 'fat') for my 8'5, but I had a ton of fun on it when I was closer to 93 kg. My current "go-to" board is an 8'8 Sunova Flow V2.
