I sell Naish in SA and we just got the new range - here are my thoughts.

Got to try out the 8'3LE and 8'10LE back to back over the last couple of days. I weigh 85kg and normally ride the 8'5 Hokua and the 9'0 Hokua if it's really messy. I really enjoy the way the 8'5 rides whilst swapping out the fins on the 9'0 made it a great board although no where near as responsive as the 8'5.

Trying out the 8'10LE in conditions from 2-3ft to 3-4ft it was immediately clear that this is a whole new beast. Easily as stable if not more so than the 8'5 even though its narrower and less volume. Even easier to catch waves, it just glides into stuff - too easy. On the wave it carries more speed and can turn even tighter than 8'5, the narrow tail and thinner rails really seem to work incredibly well. At first i found it almost too nervous, compared to 8'5 which I find lively, this was even more so - so responsive. This is hands down the best surf SUP I have tried to date.

This morning I took out the 8'3LE - I'd tried last years 90 liter version and got no where so I was a bit hesitant. It was clean and 2-3ft and new 8'3 was manageable for me. Only slightly more unstable than the 8'10. A little trickier to get into waves, you have to be in a steeper section to get in compared to 8'10. On the wave it's the 8'10 on steroids - even more alive and even tighter turning radius - really amazing how SUP's have progressed. But I think I'd tire having to balance on the 8'3 all day so my go to board will be the 8'10.

These boards really are a step up - if you are light enough, or young enough, to ride these boards (max 90'ish kg) then I highly recommend getting a test ride, they look great and surf even better....

I hope to try the 7'6LE one of these days, the 8'0LE is beyond me - but it looks insane.

Agreed,

I'm in same boat at 6'2" and 92-95kg. Pretty much the limit to comfortable paddling for long duration on the 8'3", but insane to surf!!!

JB

Ohhh im waiting for your test of the hokua 7'6 le !