Hi All
I need some advice from wise people.
I am looking to do more flat water endurance training and races. I have been trying to find information and details on what options are out there, seems to be small amount of information spread all over the internet which i have not really found helpful. I am currently paddling up to 25kms and looking to expand to 50kms +.
So far i have found the Fanatic, Sunnova (new fast) and BIC produce specialised flatwater, are there other options out there that i could look at.
Not looking for an all round board as i already have a downwind board. I am thinking around 24 / 25 inch width
I dont want to have to get a 2nd mortgage as this is more for fitness and the occasional race.
Any advise is greatly appreciated.
I think you will find most brands have a flat water option these days. SIC, Naish, JP, Starboard, Hobie, All of them. I would suggest you ring your local SUP shop see what they have and Demo as many as you can. Also plenty for sale on the Buy/Sell section here that may suit
Happy Hunting
cheers for the quick replies,
I am definitely looking at a 2nd hand board, Looking to spend between 1.5 - 1.8K.
My wife has a 28" which i am finding is a limiting factor in speed due to the extra width.
Ok a few good options
14ft x 24 Fanatic strike few good ones around and, send Jake Jensen a message find him on Facebook he has one for sale and would fit in that price range. Tippy board but if you only use it in the flat it works well.
14ft x 23 sprint great board and still one of the best flatwater boards around. Should be able to track used one down either on here or call a few shops.
SIC do a 14 x 24 but I thought it was average at best some people make it work but I could not.
if your paddling 25 to 50 k in the flats , I would suggest you get a new hobby. Or you could buy my HOBIE 14 and ill throw in my hydrofoil fin for free
SIC 14x24" X Prolite is a weapon. I'm 80 kilos & it's fast & smooth ride & glide.
Even better on longer runs.
Selling mine as we speak at a bargain price in buy & sell
Thanks for the advice and feeback, i will be out testing a few of the nominated boards over the next weekend or 2.
I like the look of the strike & for the $$ the walk on water seems to be good value.
Teatree - as they say different strokes for different folkes. I do the bigger kms for the challenge
Update.
I took a 24" Fanatic strike out yesterday for 10kms. part way through the route there was a 10knot side wind and associated chop. I spent more time trying to stay on the board than actually concentrating on paddling. every time a wave went across the front of the board it was quite interesting to keep it pointed where i wanted.
I am going to try a starboard race 25" this weekend, hopefully i will be a little more comfortable when i need to deal with a little side chop
I'll throw another one in the mix here, the Blue Planet Dark Horse. Well made full carbon boards at a reasonable price. I've had mine for about 10 months now and absolutely love it. I do a 10km training circuit down Rose Bay and it copes well with most conditions the harbour can throw at it and is quick in the flats. Not sure if there are any second hand boards available, just give the BP team a call (02 4351 8934) and i'm sure they'll be able to arrange a demo for you though and let you know if there are any demo or second hand boards available.