Rider: low level intermediate, 67kg, 181cm
Style: freeride, ride fast and boost high
Conditions: choppy water

Recently i have tested a couple of boards which are quite different from my old Nobile 555 130cm. I have tried a 2010 Cabrinha Custom 136cm (thanks Brendan) and a 2012 Cabrinha Caliber 136cm (thanks to SHQ). Although both boards were a blast when powered up, neither seem to match my old board's low end. Whilst i found the Custom too compromised in that i had to be really powered to have fun, the Caliber was a much better balance between the useability of the 555 and the fun of the Custom.

I don't really want to go back to a board like my 555, and so maybe it's time to fork out money for a lightwind board to fill the wind range gap.
So, i was wondering:
- What are some lightwind boards that are FAST, yet are still relatively comfortable in choppy water?
- Are boards such as the Airush Sector and North Freerace fun in choppy water? What about lightwind surfboards?

Thanks in advance for any tips/advice.

Hey Daniel,

If you found the 136 caliber lacking bottom end then there are technique issues. At 67kg that board is way too big for you except as a light wind option. That would be an all round board for a 90kg guy in Melbourne. The good news is, technique is free to upgrade!

With a bit of work on how you're loading the board and trimming your kite you should be able to reduce the low-end deficit considerably. I reckon a few more sessions on more rockered boards and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Still, my board suggestions (based on my experience and reviews of guys who tell it straight) would be:

131 Nobile NHP (Harry Potter is a fair bit heavier than you and gets fine bottom end)
136 Slingshot misfit (Lewis Crathern weighs the same as you and jumped Brighton Pier on this board!)
136 Cab Custom (At 11kg heavier than you I get decent bottom end on this board, don't write it off yet)

I'll be back on the water within a week or so I reckon, so happy to have a look at how you're riding if you're at Brighton sometime. This old dog may have a pointer or two that'll help with bottom end.

Keep Demo-ing and it will find you

I found a Shinn Monk was fast, good easy planning but ate choppy water.

But with all boards demo in your conditions

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belowtheknee said...

I found a Shinn Monk was fast, good easy planning but ate choppy water.

Couldnt agree more - Shinn Monk is as aweome board that crosses over really well from free-ride to freestyle. Fast & comfortable, pops like a cork.
If you liked your 555 then the NHP was also a great suggestion. Again comfort enough for free-ride in choppy sloppy water but still high end enough performance for all your tricks.
Neither are really built for low-end though. With either you can only go larger for lighter wind. But there are boards with low-end built in that would be a better option than going larger.

Race boards are quite 'different' to ride. You may find you still want a twinny for regular sessions. Im not really up on race boards personally but have had feedback from riders who use them for racing but dont really 'like' the ride.

Some more comments from race board riders on this 'ride-ability' of race boards would be valuable here ? Anyone ??

sounds like you need to take a look at the airush switch, sick board for doing whatever you like. nice flex in the tails for soaking up the chop and being kind on those knees.

www.airush.com/2011/products/switch/

the demo ride will speak for its self.

Thanks guys. I definitely agree with Brendan that my technique and inexperience on rockered boards is a factor in why i feel these boards lack low end. Strangely enough though, the 136 Caliber didn't really feel too big, even in the max winds i was riding in on Sunday at 28 knots, gusting to 31. The only indication that it was too big was the back leg burn i was getting holding down all the power, which would have been a bit more bearable on a smaller board.

Despite this issue, i've had more fun on the Custom and Caliber the last two sessions than just about any time on my old 555.

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puppetonastring said...

Couldnt agree more - Shinn Monk is as aweome board that crosses over really well from free-ride to freestyle. Fast & comfortable, pops like a cork.
If you liked your 555 then the NHP was also a great suggestion. Again comfort enough for free-ride in choppy sloppy water but still high end enough performance for all your tricks.
Neither are really built for low-end though. With either you can only go larger for lighter wind. But there are boards with low-end built in that would be a better option than going larger.

I find my Monk has surprising Low End. gets going way sooner than I expected.

Can't comment on the TT,s but as far as SB,s go maybe try a North Whip.