Looking for input to a fast 14' board for technical racing in flatwater conditions and up to 25 cm chop.
For these conditions, would you go for a pure flatwater board like the Sprint, Vortex, Ninja, Strike etc. Or a more universal design like the All Star, Equinox, Sonic, Falcon etc.
Hit me ;)
You need to try them and see for yourself.
It depends on how many turns there will be in the race, and how often there will be winds over about 15 knots, and "25 cm" chop.
But assuming that this isn't the majority of races, and the whole race won't be decided by buoy turns or drafting, then I'd probably be going for a dedicated flat water board that has a cutting or displacement-type bow - something like you see on eg. the SIC X14 pro or the Bark boards. As long as you don't go crazy narrow, a lot of the displacement nose boards go pretty well in small chop, and of course they excel in the flats.
Looking for the same. I think a board with a low stance, so like starboard does, is a stable board. I am gonna try the All star and Sprint. Also the Naish Maliko and Javelin are on my list. The Mistral Vortex 14 is also a good candidate. I think the width is of less importance, your bodyweight and your height is of more importance to keep those boards stable and running. So a higher bodyweight requires a wider board with equal fitness.
Ok here is something new we made it just for those kind of paddling conditions , a board that can do a bit of everything as well as a 14ft board that is good for BOP style racing. Fast in the flat works in DW and is unreal in the surf. Comes in a bunch of widths and nice and light.
I think the 404 V3 14 x 24" is a solid choice because it's extremely stable for a 24" wide board and the balance is exceptional. It has enough volume in front to push hard when paddling - you can stand on the rail without a tendency to go over. I have the 25.5 wide and I love it but recently paddled a 24 and knew immediately I'd be getting one next spring.
