EXOCET 2009 : WINDSURFING BOARDS

	Post number : #1
	Topic :	Kona Standup Paddling
	Date :	5/24/2006 8:06:40 AM Author : WARDOG
		Took the Konas on a standup paddle mission of a couple of miles this afternoon to catch a few point break waves and get a paddle workout...it's got some pretty nice glide...stays in a fairly straight line, and the EVA deck was nice to stand on... http://surfingsports.com/kona_style_standup/index.html While not as wide, fast, or light as my custom epoxy standup paddleboards, it glided along pretty well, and was fairly stable...caught waves fairly easily as well...with the addition of my giant 12" keel shaped wave fin...definitely a fun new addition to the toy box... http://www.surfingsports.com/sos_sup_boards/index.html http://surfingsports.com/Big_Red_Cali_Standup/index.html WARDOG http://surfingsports.com




	Post number : #2
	Date :	5/24/2006 12:59:11 PM Author : mark
		Wardog: What are the inserts on the deck near the rails on the SOS paddleboards for? mark




	Post number : #3
	Date :	5/24/2006 4:57:37 PM Author : WARDOG
		Hi Mark, I had Sean install inserts on the rails, nose, and tail areas... In bigger surf, I install an elastic strap to tuck my paddle under if I'm lay down paddling to duck dive under a set wave...my carbon fiber paddles are $300...they float, but you don't want to lose it... http://www.surfingsports.com/beachboy_paddles.asp Also handy to attach my paddle if I'm head carrying board...I could also install a shoulder sling with quick disconnects for hiking it into a remote area... The nose inserts are for a dry bag for fishing/camping...and H20 photography mount...same as tail... The Exocet Commando had inserts, so I knew they would be handy...don't have to use them...we have some remote access points near here... The Malloy Brothers (who work for Patagonia) did a 50 mile paddle surf adventure near here illustrating the potential... http://www.surfermag.com/magazine/archivedissues/flsea/ The Kona is everything we were hoping for from the Commando and sooooo much more...it's really a wet dream...;-) WARDOG http://surfingsports.com




	Post number : #4
	Date :	5/24/2006 5:55:01 PM Author : John I
		Wider and thinner makes for a more stable, yet responsive paddle surfer, I imagine, Warren? My skills on a paddle board were pretty beginner. Also, a bigger fin adds stability?




	Post number : #5
	Date :	5/24/2006 7:35:29 PM Author : WARDOG
		Hi John, This is true...although, as you progress with TOW...one can go narrower, thinner, and shorter...for a workout and non-wind activity...the Kona is a pretty good paddler...nice glide... Would be kewl if the 180 liter epoxy version had a little more width... hint...hint...something like ~ 75cm...30"... This is what big Will said (250 lbs/114 kg) about his first standup paddle sesh on the Kona: "For my first time I am stoked! What a great workout (standup paddling) - just what I was hoping for! This will be a great cross-training sport for sure: No jarring of the joints, lots of balance work and I felt like I played 1.5 hours of straight basketball once I was done just paddling from G-Beach to IV (granted I did fall quite a bit on this first try). Looking forward to getting a sail on it soon... It reminded me of the times that I was learning to sail and really had to focus, push myself to "get it" - very cool..." -Will- Standup paddling is the ultimate workout...and it's freakin' F U N ! ! ! http://surfingsports.com/images/laird_mensjournal1.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/laird_mensjournal2.jpg Just to show you potential of the surfing aspect... http://surfingsports.com/images/raimana_standup_barrel.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/laird_standup_paddlesurf1.jpg http://www.surfingsports.com/sean_ordonez/slides/sean_ordonez_hookipa1.html http://www.surfingsports.com/sean_ordonez/slides/sean_ordonez_hookipa2.html I'll say it again...the paddle is VERY important...standup is very isometric and hones your balance...having the right paddle influences your balance tremendously...especially, if you are in the ocean with any bump/swell/chop... in the beginning we made our own...but, now the Pohaku Beach Boy paddles are the shizzle... 55 of 58 standup contestants used them at the Buffalo Big Board contest at Makaha a couple of months ago...the other 3 bought them at the end of the event...lightweight...ovalized carbon...optimized blade angle for power and release...minimal fatigue after paddling... http://www.surfingsports.com/beachboy_paddles.asp We have the new 84" lengths...(customizable for shorter people) http://www.surfingsports.com/product.asp?prod=standup_paddle http://www.surfingsports.com/standup_gear/index.html A bigger fin does add stability...I've taken the sidebiters off of my customs now...used only in bigger surf...or if I windsurf it where there is lots of current and I am using a smaller center fin... My 12" FreeWeed feels awesome on the Kona...I don't see using the daggerboard at all...I windsurf my customs with my 10" FreeWeed and stay upwind with no problems...the long waterline really helps... I plan on plugging the daggerboard slot with a pool noodle or something...although, it wasn't a problem paddling it...and neither were the footstraps... WARDOG http://surfingsports.com




	Post number : #6
	Date :	5/24/2006 7:51:19 PM Author : John I
		Thanks Warren.




	Post number : #7
	Date :	5/25/2006 3:45:27 AM Author : Steve in Florida
		Wardog, I just got a Kona for Stand up paddle surfing from Steve Gottlieb at Sandy Point. I've also got a 7' Todd Bradley paddle. I'm a big guy 6'4" 225 lbs. And I'm an accomplished longboard surfer... I came in third in the Southeastern U.S. two years ago in my age group (30-34) in longboard surfing. So far, I'm not impressed with the Kona as a SUP board. Hopefully you can shed some light. Maybe we can find some ways to fix / improve these things. Or maybe I'll sell mine and buy a legitimate SOS paddle surfboard from you... The Kona surfs like, well, a big old Mistral longboard. Like a big windsurfer doing a no-speed jibe, the board sort of wants to turn the wrong direction when bottom turning. It's hard to "unset" a rail once its set. I'm an accomplished surfer, but I can't seem to control this board. It goes where it's going. I had trouble off the bottom with controlling the bottom turn. But if I make the bottom turn, I have trouble down the line, as the board wants to rail up and toss me off. Also, I keep cutting my big toe as it slips into the mast track. The daggerboard channel generally has a ton of water floating in it, making it heavy. Shoving a pool noodle in there is a good idea. Maybe I'll do the same with the mast track too. I'm currently surfing it with a 23cm NorthShoreMaui onshore wave windsurfing fin. I could ramble on more about what I'm doing, but let's start with this so far. I'd like to make this thing work. But in just a couple short sessions, I'm not so optimistic. Thanks in advance for any suggestions, Big Steve




	Post number : #8
	Date :	5/25/2006 2:26:29 PM Author : John I
		I got a big dose of humble pie when trying to SUP. I'm not sure I can blame the gear, yet. I'll defer that 'til I'm more experienced. In the slides provided, it looks like the paddle is used quite often to help with turns. I'll play around a little longer on the Kona. It has lots of uses. My biggest draw to it is sailing onto waves in really light winds. SUP is an added feature. I too thought my surfing skills, 30 or so years, would have made this an easier transition.




	Post number : #9
	Date :	5/25/2006 3:51:15 PM Author : Steve in Florida
		Hi John. It's been a long time since you gave me some pointers and my first harness a dozen years ago in Titusville. John, I got rid of the paddle and just tried to surf the thing to see how that would go. That way, I can't blame it on my inexperience with the paddle. I've competed on a 10' longboard that 3.5 inches thick, so I know how to move a big surfboard around. So far, it's hard to even point this thing down the line on a tiny wave and kick out over the shoulder without falling off somewhere along the way every time. I generally don't go down in a whole session this size. The first, and biggest, problem is setting a rail, and then unsetting it. I'm not sure it's possible. It's always good to have a new challenge. But right now, I'm not sure this is going to work. I've had the board less than a week, so I'm not throwing in the towel yet. The surf has been super small, but that's fine with a huge board. Anyway, looking forward to hearing any other experiences or tips from Wardog or the folks at Exocet. Big Steve




	Post number : #10
	Date :	5/25/2006 3:53:01 PM Author : Steve in Florida
		John about it looking like the paddle is used in turns, I'd bet that's more fashion than function.




	Post number : #11
	Date :	5/26/2006 3:48:02 PM Author : WillV
		Steve, I only tried to catch (1) 2-3ft wave the day I SUP the board and I thought I "had the wave" - but then as I went to stand up to surf it, the brakes came on...nothing like my 10ft longboard releasing into the wave.... Time will tell whether this board can double as a surf-board.....I will def. be giving it more TOW in surf-mode....but the way I look at it is this: A "triple-hybrid board" for me and the family. 1 board to teach beginners on, 1 board for my light-air cruising (in open ocean), and 1 board for SUP. This board "skews" towards windsurfing as its primary role - I think if you want a true surf board/SUP board then one of the SOS boards Wardog has is the ticket for you.... Will report again after a few more sessions....I know Warren got nice glide paddling it, he's lighter and a more experienced paddler....at my weight and skill level it was more like "riding a mountain bike vs. a road bike" - still gets the job done but a little slower ... ;) L8t, WillV.




	Post number : #12
	Date :	6/8/2006 5:29:39 AM Author : WillV
		Hey John and Steve, FYI... I am 245lbs (as of today;) and I am using Wardogs 12.0 (30cm) Weedwave fin on the KONA.... I was in waist high surf today with it and rode a few waves knelling and stood up on a couple....was fun enough and I confirmed that it will ride a wave decently. I found that my feet needed to be way up about at the mast track to get enough glide and angle to paddle into a wave...then step back and paddle a bit more to keep speed - then it was just trim....no bottom-turn off the lips with this beast ;) I guess your expectations as a true "surfer" are a bit higher than mine.....but I'm stoked so far on the mere fact that we have an actual cross over board that will work for a true Clydesdale-class individual..... ;) Still have not sailed her! Yikes, gotta get that under my belt for sure! FYI...I put the dagger board down for added satbilty and a bit better tracking as the surf spot was 1/4 mile from where I launched....then retracted it to catch some waves....gotta get a leash for it now :)) -WillV-




	Post number : #13
	Date :	6/8/2006 3:29:02 PM Author : Patrice [Exocet]
		I do not think that you can compare the Kona with a real long board or paddle board, the purpose of the Kona is to bring windsurfing back on the scene, I think the Kona is a good board for wave sailing, but it will remain not as good as a surfboard. To have a good board for paddling, surfing, windsurfing etc... that would be a huge R&D challenge ! Who knows, maybe 1 day ...




	Post number : #14
	Date :	6/8/2006 6:19:59 PM Author : WARDOG
		Hola, Steve in Florida...John...others... Like Patrice says, the Kona on the spectrum between surfing and windsurfing, lies closer to windsurfing...for a board to be a great wave rider...it needs to look more like a surfboard...I think that you know that, innately...the kewl thing about the Kona, is that you can use it for paddling, surfing, windsurfing, wavesailing, tandem...etc...but, obviously there will be compromises...if you want to specialize more for one sport, then the board needs to be optimized for that...and we, as recreationists and consumers, have tasked Patrice and the guys at Exocet to do the R&D to produce such a magic carpet ride...;-) Right now, standup paddle surfing and longboard wavesailing can both be incorporated into a high performance board...latest issues of Surfer Mag and Surfing have shown what kind of surfing can be done on 12' boards... http://surfingsports.com/images/raimana_standup_barrel.jpg Longboard, light air wavesailing is pretty fun, as well...cruizy wave rides... IMO, more style and soul than being yanked around on a dinner tray with a kite...;-) http://surfingsports.com/images/jeffhenderson_longboard_wavesail.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/jeff_henderson_longboard3.jpg http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5193/923/1600/_MG_2707%20modified.jpg http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5193/923/1600/_MG_2713%20modified.jpg http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5193/923/1600/_MG_2998%20modified.jpg Right now, that means a custom...like the ones above...and below, that I have worked with Sean Ordonez on...we have production models on the way... http://surfingsports.com/Big_Red_Cali_Standup/index.html http://www.surfingsports.com/sos_sup_boards/index.html http://www.surfingsports.com/sean_ordonez/slides/sean_ordonez_hookipa1.html http://www.surfingsports.com/sean_ordonez/slides/sean_ordonez_hookipa2.html They work pretty well for windsurfing... http://surfingsports.com/cali_standup_paddleboarding/slides/cali_sup_windsurfing_03.jpg http://surfingsports.com/cali_standup_paddleboarding/slides/cali_sup_windsurfing2.jpg but, I doubt they would take 16th place in the Gruissan...like Patrice did on the Kona...;-) The Kona is such a joy to windsurf on...so smooth...and it turns remarkably well...feels like 130 literish freeride board...and I find that with the waterline...I don't even need to use the daggerboard to point with high AOA's...in epoxy, it will of course plane up faster...but, as is, it maintains momentum through the holes... BTW, the paddles are definitely more function than fashion... I could post several dozen pages of photos where the paddle obviously helps the surfer make the wave...or ride it better than sans paddle... http://standuppaddles.com/PHOTOS_files/IMG_6014.jpg http://standuppaddles.com/PHOTOS_files/_MG_6598_1_1.jpg http://standuppaddles.com/PHOTOS_files/Copy%20of%20bottom4.jpg http://standuppaddles.com/PHOTOS_files/B01jpg.jpg http://standuppaddles.com/PHOTOS_files/_MG_6322.jpg http://standuppaddles.com/PHOTOS_files/_MG_6388.jpg http://surfingsports.com/santa_barbara_paddlesurfing/slides/cali_standup_bennett8.html Warm winds and waves...{:~) WARDOG http://surfingsports.com (remove triple x in email addie to respond directly)




	Post number : #15
	Date :	6/8/2006 6:31:57 PM Author : WARDOG
		This is pretty kewl... Laird standup paddles the English Channel to raise funds for autism documentary... http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/2006_06_06_laird.cfm http://www.beautifulson.com/ "The extreme surfer Laird Hamilton has always created new challenges. His latest mission is a crossing from London to Paris on a bike, with the crossing of the English Channel doing stand-up paddle surfing. Total crossing: 425 km. For every Kilometer, Laird paddles or peddles trying to raise funds for �Beautiful Son�. �For years I have wanted to cross from London to Paris. It is a physical challenge: a worthy mission. Also, it�s a great opportunity to bring awareness and hopefully raise funding for Don�s film about healing autism. I am honored to have the opportunity to help Don.� ---Laird Hamilton Warm winds and waves...{:~) WARDOG (who's wife works with autistic kids) http://surfingsports.com




	Post number : #16
	Date :	6/9/2006 2:57:59 AM Author : Steve in Florida
		Yes, I realize the board was made to windsurf. I didn't mean to complain... Well, I've continued standup paddle surfing on the Kona, to make the most of our very small Florida surf this summer. It is one heck of a workout... I'm getting a little better at waveriding it... not trying any off the lips, more just staying in the pocket, and trying to prevent the board from railing up. If you dial your expectations down a bit, it is fun -- a new challenge -- and quite a workout. Catching waves is still pretty technical... To balance while you're paddling for the wave, and then keeping your balance as it jacks up, and timing it right, then moving back to the tail on the drop... It's technical. Like windsurfing in the ocean, it's a lot harder than it looks from the beach. I think I'll keep improving on it for a while (the soft deck and stable platform is nice). And then eventually buy a board made for this type of thing... So... Wardog... how does your Big Red float in relation to the Kona? I'm 225 pounds riding small waves... it's important... And... well... are you going to be getting rid of it soon??? Thanks for the replies, everyone... Best regards, Big Steve




	Post number : #17
	Date :	6/9/2006 9:32:40 PM Author : Steve in Florida
		The board continues to show it's uses... Today I windsurfed it (actually it was the first time!). We had light side-onshore winds and knee high surf, but long lines. I got plenty of backside rides and backside off the lips. I also taught a 250-pound guy to surf on it. He really was having trouble learning on a regular longboard. But he got the whole paddle and get up sequence on this board. Big Steve




	Post number : #18
	Date :	6/30/2006 10:11:31 PM Author : RickI
		Thanks for post this topic and contributing all the information on Standup paddle surfing. A illustrated article on this just went up at: http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2329424 Have fun!




	Post number : #19
	Date :	7/2/2006 3:55:22 PM Author : Steve in Florida
		Okay. I've got this standup paddle surf thing down now on the Kona. The waves have been pretty small this summer, so the challenge of standup paddle surfing the Kona has been more interesting than going out on my regular longboard to surf. Here's my conclusion. IT IS DOABLE. AND FUN. AND A GREAT WORKOUT. Everything is just in very slow motion (from regular surfing). This is not a bad thing. You just have to adjust what you expect the board to do. You can go down the line go off the top and redirect the other direction, etc. It just all happens very slowly. It's pretty cool though. As Patrice from Exocet said, this board was of course designed to be a windsurfer, first and foremost, with crossover capabilities. After a questionable start, I NOW GIVE IT MY APPROVAL AS A CROSSOVER BOARD TO TEACH PEOPLE TO SURF ON AND TO LEARN HOW TO STANDUP PADDLE SURF. (I realize that my opinion and a quarter won't get me a cup of coffee. I realize you simply have to take my word that I'm an accomplished surfer and windsurfer.) The large platform and the EVA deck most likely make it a good platform to learn the basics of standup paddle surfing, or make it a particularly good board for a REALLY big guy to learn to surf on. I taught a 250-pound friend to surf on it. He'd been trying to surf for 10 years, but it seems he was always on too small a board. With the KONA, he finally understood how to catch a wave and when to stand up. He now has a Surftech 10'6" Munoz, and he's doing great (well, he's catching waves and going down the line). Enjoying surfing for the first time in his life. Yes, it's a windsurfer I know. But yes, after a few dozen sessions on it now, mostly standup paddle surfing, I can say that it truly does have crossover capabilities. I'm now talking to my surfing shaper, and we'll likely build a dedicated standup paddle surf board. We'll actually use start with outline and the bottom shape of my Kona as the starting point to our dedicated paddle surfing board. To wrap up, if people are interested or are having problems with standup paddle surfing the Kona, I'll check in here once a week or so and try to help. Big Steve




	Post number : #20
	Date :	7/3/2006 9:58:33 PM Author : WARDOG
		>>>>(I realize that my opinion and a quarter won't get me a cup of coffee. I >>>>realize you simply have to take my word that I'm an accomplished surfer >>>>and windsurfer.) Hi Steve, Coffee's on me...I'll take your word...but, you just never know... on the internet forums, everyone is 10' tall and bulletproof...and a surfing/windsurfing pro...heck, some of them almost have a jibe and sail/surf at least once per year...;-) >>I'm now talking to my surfing shaper, and we'll likely build a dedicated >>standup paddle surf board. We'll actually use start with outline and the >>bottom shape of my Kona as the starting point to our dedicated paddle >>surfing board. The rocker line on the Kona is pretty surfy...and it does have good glide... It is a decent board to get started in standup on...and it's even better if you know how to windsurf...or want to learn... You can see the rocker pretty good with my wife sailing it here...definitely not an ironing board: http://www.surfingsports.com/kona_summer_lopez/slides/kona_summer_lopez4.html http://www.surfingsports.com/kona_lopez_summer/slides/kona_summer_lopez30.html Big Will, at 250lbs, demonstrates the proper board carrying technique for standup...and it shows the rocker line pretty well... http://www.surfingsports.com/kona_style_standup/slides/kona_standup.html You'll definitely want some extra nose rocker for the hollower beach breaks...sure glad I had it in this surf...;-) http://www.surfingsports.com/images/wardog_cali_standup.jpg http://www.surfingsports.com/images/wardog_cali_standup1.jpg http://www.surfingsports.com/images/wardog_cali_standup2.jpg The epoxy production versions of Big Red and Big Blue will be available through us soon... http://www.surfingsports.com/blog.asp WARDOG http://surfingsports.com (Remove triple X in email addie to respond directly)




	Post number : #21
	Date :	7/3/2006 10:53:44 PM Author : Steve in Florida
		Thanks Wardog! What are the rough specs on the SOS boards? In short, are they big enough for my 225 pounds? Compared to the Kona, Big Red doesn't look that, well, big. I was going to go like 11'8 x 28 x 4.75. Something like that, anyway. My carrying technique for standup for the Kona is different than Wills.. One hand in the daggerboard slot, closest to the masttrack. It angles just a little, but you can use that to your advantage if you have to go down to the water. It's got a convenient handle! Big Steve




	Post number : #22
	Date :	7/4/2006 1:00:21 AM Author : WARDOG
		Hi Big Steve, You are right...the daggerboard slot on the Kona does make a good handle... Randy is your size...and has his technique: http://www.surfingsports.com/sos_sup_boards/slides/sos_sup_boards17.html and of course...there is always the Endless Summer style... http://www.popartuk.com/g/l/lgptw105.jpg even if you are in cold water...;-) http://www.surfingsports.com/Big_Red_Cali_Standup/slides/bigred_cali38.html I just updated my blog with the specs and board briefs for Big Red and Big Blue... http://www.surfingsports.com/blog.asp I'd take yours out to 30"...we are going to do a few customs even wider for the Beeeg Boyz club...>250lbs... Check out this standup paddle surfing clip, if you haven't already... http://www.surfline.com/video/video_player/video_player.cfm?id=2583&mv=pro Hi Rick I (Poster 18)...kewl that there are some kiters getting into standup...but, won't ever be able to do standup on a dinner tray...;-) I guess there goes the small board, fit it in the trunk of the car theory...;-) We've dedicated one of our company vans into a paddle wagon... OTOH, we just got the new two-piece standup paddles in... http://surfingsports.com/images/pohaku_two_piece.jpg and WIP for two-piece standup boards...with faux golf bag logo and look for traveling...so maybe you won't have to buy a bigger car afterall... Warm winds and waves...{:~) WARDOG http://surfingsports.com (Remove triple X in email addie to respond directly)




	Post number : #23
	Date :	7/26/2006 9:30:58 PM Author : adam england
		Hi all I've been interested in standup paddling for ages. I live in England, and paddling of any sort is mostly unknown here. I count myself lucky to have an 18'8" Craig Richmond and a 16' Eaton paddleboard, as well as my longboards. I am 6'3" and 220 lbs, and after reading the forum, it seems a Big Blue epoxy board and an 84" paddle would be right for me. Does this sound OK? We have all sorts of conditions here - glass, windchop and of course swell - and I would like to use the board for paddle training, and for a 2 mile offshore paddle to a break I like. Would this be possible on this kind of kit? And how hard is it to paddle into the wind with a good deal of chop? Finally, could Wardog tell me how much this board and paddle would cost, and how much would it be to ship to England? Many thanks, Adam




	Post number : #24
	Date :	7/27/2006 7:27:56 AM Author : Steve in Florida
		Adam, Are you my long lost brother? We're the same size... I'm 6'4" 225. Like you, I have a 19' Richmond Paddleboard. I windsurf, and surf, and paddleboard too. I have an 84" paddle for standup. A few things: 84" sometimes seems just a hair long. I've never once thought "gee it would be nicer if this thing were a bit longer." But I've thought the opposite many times. You can't standup paddle in chop. Your body works to hard just to balance. You can standup paddle 2 miles without trouble if there's no chop, once your body can balance the board without work, which doesn't take too long. Just don't think you'll be able to do it on the first day. You'll be falling a lot, and laughing at yourself. You could lay down and paddle it the two miles too. Wardog said he put handle things on the rails for the paddle. It's a good idea, as I don't know where you'd put the paddle if you wanted to lay down and paddle. These boards lay-down paddle as you suspect... much better than a surfboard, yet you'll feel like you're dragging an anchor compared to your superglide Richmond (sweet board) Wardog's advice of going up to 30" wide on the board sounds reasonable, particularly to help deal with the chop. The width will make it easier to balance, which is crucial. Best of luck, long lost brother... Big Steve




	Post number : #25
	Date :	7/28/2006 4:04:54 AM Author : WARDOG
		Hi Steve, Adam, et al... "Wardog said he put handle things on the rails for the paddle. It's a good idea, as I don't know where you'd put the paddle if you wanted to lay down and paddle." This is what I've come up with...basically, footstrap inserts on the rails and nose...I used it again 2 days ago in some really fun waves...I can quickly stick my paddle under the mid-point bungee and the webbing on the nose...blade forward...handle rests on deck pad...and I can lay-down arm paddle back out through the lineup...and duck dive through the breakers... http://surfingsports.com/images/big_red_bungee1.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/big_red_bungee2.jpg A few local guys are using industrial strength hook & loop...(velcro)... My system works mo' bettah'... Here are a few pics of our first production standup paddle boards...they have the identical insert lash points... http://surfingsports.com/images/sos_standups1.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/sos_standups2.jpg Here are a couple of new custom bamboo SUP's...13'6" & 14'6"... http://www.surfingsports.com/images/sos_bamboo_sup3.jpg http://www.surfingsports.com/images/sos_bamboo_sup4.jpg Ready for the Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race this weekend? "This race is the most challenging and prestigious of its kind in the world. A 32-mile paddleboard race across the treacherous waters of the Ka�iwi Channel, it is the ultimate measure of strength, endurance and agility." "Only the world�s finest paddlers compete in this event. They are respected for their achievements and inspire others to reach for success..." http://www.quiksilveredition.com/?pageID=760 >>>how hard is it to paddle into the wind with a good deal of chop? It's V E R Y hard...especially with a super lightweight paddle...think stick hand out of car window effect...also, think balance on bowling ball effect...;-) We paddle a couple of miles to access secret spots... Hint: If you encounter gusty winds with chop while you are motoring to your outer break(s)...it's not a crime to drop to your knees and paddle...minimize your windage... Just sent a 2-piece paddle to "Gustav" in Sweden...he has a Kona and believes he is the 1st standup paddle surfer in his country... http://www.surfingsports.com/blog.asp The 2-piece paddles are pretty economical to ship...especially, over the pond...1-piecers exceed the length limit... I've also been working with my surfboard shaper on SUP's for the Clydesdale class...;-) http://www.surfingsports.com/images/blair_trisect_plug.jpg http://www.surfingsports.com/images/standup_paddle_surfing.gif http://www.surfingsports.com/images/bigred_standup.gif Warm winds and waves...{:~) WARDOG http://surfingsports.com (remove triple X in email addie to respond directly)




	Post number : #26
	Date :	8/1/2006 8:21:53 PM Author : Steve in Florida
		Boards look sweet... Now I must decide if I should have my local shaper make one here and save a few bucks, or if I should go for one of Wardog's SOS boards...




	Post number : #27
	Date :	9/4/2006 10:12:54 PM Author : Stan LeCain
		Just tried one in 5-7 knots and knee to thigh high. Windsurfing was a blast,,,,, Didn't have a paddle to try the paddling aspect but longboarded a few waves in the kneeling starting position,,,,,rails are just way to boxy and thick to really surf.....I would give up the windsurf performance for the same board with some thinner soft rails.....to give it more surf application. The ride reminded me of my old F2 Lighting as to the wave-riding......... I think whoever comes out with a more surf orientated design will hit the mark and make a killing...after all...most of us want something we can shlog out on and really ride some waves with or without a sail.




	Post number : #28
	Date :	9/5/2006 4:24:14 AM Author : WARDOG
		Hey now, One of my Swedish clients, Gustav The 1st,...(standup paddle surfer in Sweden...;-) just sent a few pics of standup on the Kona... http://surfingsports.com/images/gustav_paddle1.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/gustav_paddle2.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/gustav_paddle3.jpg He's doing a pretty good job surfing it... Steve/Stan...et al... Regarding "more surf orientated design(s)" ... Here are a few pics of our new Sean Ordonez production standup paddle boards with mast tracks...Big Red and Big Blue... http://surfingsports.com/sos_sup_boards_sb/index.html http://surfingsports.com/Big_Red_Cali_Standup/index.html http://surfingsports.com/sean_ordonez/index.html http://www.surfingsports.com/blog.asp Sean has been staying with us here in Santa Barbara...and we are building some new prototypes...a bigger, greener "Big Red" at 13' that will be called "Big Green"...it's a big wave standup gun...and a 14' Channel crosser... Here's a couple of preliminary construction WIP pix...the boards have Curly Koa wood veneers... http://surfingsports.com/images/so_stoked10.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/so_stoked19.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/carbon_curly_koa1.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/carbon_curly_koa2.jpg Warm winds, good waves, and strong strokes...{:~) WARDOG http://surfingsports.com (remove triple X in email addie to respond directly)




	Post number : #29
	Date :	9/5/2006 1:26:42 PM Author : John I
		Stan, good to see you are thinking outside the box concerning wave sailing. I've been using all sorts of sticks in the surf for years. Tons of fellow WS'rs watch but never join. Best short wave basher: S-4 or a lighter version of the S-Cross 85. Application: steep waves with 7-14 mph winds. Super slash and fun. S-Cross has the chicken strap option, but heavier. S-4 no back strap, not totally neccessary anyway. Best non custom longboard commercially available: Kona. Wardog's stuff looks really good. These types perform in a slower longboard fashion, obviously. BTW, beware the advertised wind numbers reported by Maui sailors. They really underestimate the wind strength over there....




	Post number : #30
	Date :	9/5/2006 1:35:02 PM Author : Stan
		The guy in Sweden is doing a great job. He's keeping a straight line though and at the bottom of the wave. I was fine as long as I slid with the flow but when I tried to go halfway up the wave face to generate some speed that boxy knife edge rail sets its mind to going one way. I could jump hard back on the tail and move it around though. It's do-able but I'd have alot more confidence on something I know I could swing around smoothly. The backside waveriding windsurfing was alot of fun....even put 5 on the nose holding the sail behind me luffing....even did a helo tack 360 riding a small wave.............only possible because the wind was 5-7mph...... Saw Sean site on a google search........def. keeping my eye on his designs........I like the whole idea,,,,though def. brings the fun factor back in the waves or even a glide on the Bay.... PS Best part, was easily able to take a girl on the beach for a ride. ;)




	Post number : #31
	Date :	9/5/2006 3:37:28 PM Author : pete
		In a previous thread someone from Exocet mentioned that a smaller Kona was on the drawingboard. This is very interesting! Any news on that project?




	Post number : #32
	Date :	9/5/2006 7:06:38 PM Author : John I
		Looks like the mod's will be for a bigger one :~) The newer one will be a combo like the original, but a tandom/big boy single sets of bases and straps will be available. Patrice a co. tried smaller without much headway, yet. Dunno when the co. will announce the jumbo/tandom version. Makes sense, really, since the Customs WD has are longer, wider and thinner profile... More specifics will be officially released later.




	Post number : #33
	Date :	9/5/2006 8:42:53 PM Author : Stan LeCain
		When I think back I use to longboard the wave of a friends power boat without a ski rope on a Mistral Superlight......works great till you ride the nose, speed up and find yourself about a foot off the prop.......but with the rounded rails I was able to really jerk it around more like a longboard.......though with that big round spoon bottom it would not have made a good paddle board.........Hopefully a few more people will jump on the idea......... I can def.see the Kona Class being a great board for the masses racing in low wind areas......for anyone and everyone....... Too bad I only got to demo for about 20 min's,,,,,,then the guy wanted his board back, ;)




	Post number : #34
	Date :	9/6/2006 2:56:17 PM Author : Steve in Florida
		I've surfed the Kona a lot now, with and without a paddle. I can now do floaters and other off-the-top moves, and can cut back. A few things though: -I'm a very big guy, so I can throw it around, -I've been a competitive longboarder, so I've got experience. -the thing doesn't act like a surfboard. It "tracks" hard in it's existing direction. You have to learn to surf it. -Noseriding is basically useless, you need to stay near the tail for control. It's actually fun. Everything is just in slow-mo. You've got to wait for it to come around, compared to a regular longboard. It is fun though. I agree with you Stan, on a crossover board. I don't know how many else agree too. B




	Post number : #35
	Date :	9/7/2006 3:09:30 AM Author : Stan LeCain
		Hey Steve, Couldn't agree with you more. I'm a 185 pounds and I could get it to turn but I had to do a really hard step on the tail....kinda reminded me of my old 11' red wood stringer Dewey Webber I had 20 years ago. I do think it will be an awesome board for the masses, a great one design type board...... Being more of a wave type windsurfing I was just frothing at the mouth thinking of a version with soft rails and with less thickness for someone my weight.......you'll def. give something up when the wind really blows but then I'll be swapping over to my other rig anyways..........when someone comes out with one I'll be all over it......something to get me thru the summer doldrums........ I guess you saw the post about the first Florida Wave Contest in years coming up this October over in Cocoa.....should be a blast.... I still had a blast on it.....




	Post number : #36
	Date :	9/7/2006 3:14:41 AM Author : Stan LeCain
		John, Just saw your post...right on. My Florida Bread and Butter is the JP FS 109 with the new Hucker 6.6. I sawed about 2 inches off the freestyle fin which is short anyways and it really adds to the slash factor..... As much as I love to surf, nothing like a little wind even in a shlog sesh to get the wave count way up there.




	Post number : #37
	Date :	9/7/2006 7:30:55 AM Author : WARDOG
		Ya mon...kewl to see an even BEEGER version of the Kona will be coming out...tandem style soul... Longer boards are coming to win us...;-) If you don't think longboards can turn...check out this vid clip... http://surfingsports.com/vidstream/surf/tandem.ram Tom Wegener knows what up...he's got a hella 16'er... http://www.tomwegenersurfboards.com/boardmodels_page.htm Check out my two new biggies...still rough form...not quite finished...but, closing in on it...13' and 14', respectively... http://surfingsports.com/images/sos_big_green1.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/sos_big_green2.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/sos_big_red_canoe1.jpg http://surfingsports.com/images/sos_big_red_canoe2.jpg Warm winds, good waves, and strong strokes...{:~) WARDOG http://surfingsports.com (remove triple X in email addie to respond directly)




	Post number : #38
	Date :	1/29/2007 10:41:41 PM Author : Bruce Matlack
		To Wardog.. I have been reading all the posts about SUP... I first saw it at Ledbetter point last summer in Santa Barbara... I'd like to meet up with you all in SB in May. I'll be in SB for most of the summer with my Kona gear, Windrider 17 trimaran, butt ski, etc. FYI..., I discovered windsurfing in SB in 1969...was first to wave sail the sand bar off the breakwater ( SAIL #22) on a Gary Seaman shaped Baja board for Hoyle Schweitzer's outfit..also I was windsurfing's first national and world champ. I have an original Baja Board here in my storage in Fla., that I believe was used to make one of the molds for the rotomolded, polyethelene windsurfer. It would be interesting to compare the lines with what you are building custom. I will ask Gary what his MO was in shaping the windsurfer vs the tandem surfboard, Clark blank that he started with. My gut says there is too much of a straight section to be good or best for surfing for the old Baja board... I am also the measurer for the Kona One Design Racing class. We are counting on the simplicity, performance, versitility and charm of this board to bring people back into the sport, as well as attract newbies. By the way, I agree that the paddle is not for show; no more than a paddle being only for show on a butt ski. Bruce Matlack




	Post number : #39
	Date :	2/2/2007 11:53:08 PM Author : WARDOG
		Hi Bruce, Give us a shout out when you get into town... There are still some old timers around... I have several clients that sail out of the yacht club... http://www.sbyc.org I've got them fully supplied...they have their slalom stuff rigged and ready... I'll be sure and let them know that you're around... Jalama should be cranking in all of it's glory... Spring on the Central Coast...nowhere else I'd rather be...:-) http://www.surfingsports.com/gallery_index.asp http://www.surfingsports.com/gallery_index_II.asp >>>was first to wave sail the sand bar off the breakwater<<< Kewl...I was the first to standup paddle surf it...;-) Man was it going off today!!! Not quite this big...but, super consistent... Biggest standup paddle surfing that I've been out in...it's funny how far we've come since that post in September...;-) http://www.surfingsports.com/cali_sb_surf/index.html Same swell as the one that's been hitting da Islands... Here's King Laird doing standup in 40mph Kona winds... DOH+ waves...on a 14' big wave standup gun... http://www.dropshots.com/photos/180568/20070131/b_163742.jpg More shots here: http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=180568&cdate=20070131&cimg=43 Here's my 13' big wave gun... http://www.surfingsports.com/standup/sos_curly_koa_standups4.jpg Paddles are definitely not for show...here's some cutting edge standup pics... several of these guys are competitive longboarders... http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=302340;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest=8995053 Warm winds and good waves...{:~) WARDOG http://surfingsports.com (remove triple X in email addie to respond directly)




	Post number : #40
	Date :	8/11/2009 3:28:03 AM Author : freddo
		Hey It's been interesting reading this string of posts. I'm a surfer and windsurfer, on the verge of buying an SUP board. I could just get a surf-specific board, but being a sailor too I of course am desirous of that mast track and sailing ability. If it will diminish the board's performance in waves, though, I'll forgo the mast track. I like the looks of the Kona. I'm also looking into the Starboard "Blend", which seems to have the look (which admittedly could mean nothing) of a longboard. My local surf shop owner-buddy has offered me a Ricky Carroll 12-oh, which is foam, but I'm worried about the weight. Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks.




	Post number : #41
	Date :	8/14/2009 12:50:09 PM Author : John I
		Kona 11'5 gives great performance with a sail in hand. Paddles, that's up to the individual. Step tail needs a steeper wave to release properly when paddling. I rarely have time to surf, prone, so the whole SUP aspect is not that important to me. I also like the foot straps for easier launching thru shore pounds, rocks, etc. Oh, and with about 8 knots of wind, I'm using the foot straps while wave riding for better trun performance.



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