I took an 8'7 flow and a 9'5speed for a demo this morning

I like the flow but was a bit too small for me. I could balance on it ok but it was alot of hard work my legs were pretty wrecked after an hour and I struggled trying to turn and paddle for a wave.... Plus the swell was tiny which wasnt fun but it was ok performance on the small waves I grabbed.

Ideally I would be looking at the 8'10 but cant demo one. Is there a big stabilty difference? Im currently on a 9'2 x 32 148l so would be dropping around 17l rather then the 28l. Im almost touching 100kg at the moment.


I like the speed it suited the waves this morning though the 160l made it a bit easy. I think the 9'2 would be a perfect size if I was to go that way. Just nor sure how it goes on the bigger days. I think id be looking for the flow due to it seeming a bit more fun on the waves .

8,7 flow is a favourite of mine ,but at 98 kgs ..i struggle a bit in rough stuff ..and do tire quicker ...
I' also have the 130 ,8,10 flow ..it is far more easier to ride ,and i can stay out all day on this board .
both like to be ridden on the tail ,the 8,7 rips harder as you would expect .they are better as quads .
and changing fin sizes ,they can be loosened up immensely.another one to check out is the 9,0 flash .

The 8'10 flow does feel more stable than the 8'7. A friend and I demoed both and he ended up going for 8'10 but had Sunova customise one by thinning it out a little so similar volume to the 8'7 but with a little more surface area. It's a good mix of stability and performance. Apparently, the older 8'10 flows were this shape but last year they changed the dims a little. I went for the 8'9 flash which is a different beast altogether. I'd say at your weight the new 8'10 flow would be a great board.

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Tardy said..
8,7 flow is a favourite of mine ,but at 98 kgs ..i struggle a bit in rough stuff ..and do tire quicker ...
I' also have the 130 ,8,10 flow ..it is far more easier to ride ,and i can stay out all day on this board .
both like to be ridden on the tail ,the 8,7 rips harder as you would expect .they are better as quads .
and changing fin sizes ,they can be loosened up immensely.another one to check out is the 9,0 flash .

The 8'10 sounds the go on paper. The 8'7 was killing my ankles after awhile trying to stabilise.

What sort of surf do you take the 8'10 out in? Im on the sunshine coast so anywhere from ankle to chest height seems the most common.

Have you ever ridden the 9'2 speed?

At 107 Kg I was able to ride the 8'7 Flow, but just barely. After 1/2 hour I needed a break.

The 8'10 Flow is super stable for me, zero issues, I can even ride it in full winter wetsuit.

I rode the 9'2 Speeed all last winter, with no problems.

They are very different boards, so it depends what kind of surfing you prefer.
If you like the 9'5 Speeed than you should be very happy with the 9'2.

If you want snappier turns and want to go more vertical, then the 8'10 Flow will be a better choice.

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supthecreek said..
At 107 Kg I was able to ride the 8'7 Flow, but just barely. After 1/2 hour I needed a break.

The 8'10 Flow is super stable for me, zero issues, I can even ride it in full winter wetsuit.

I rode the 9'2 Speeed all last winter, with no problems.

They are very different boards, so it depends what kind of surfing you prefer.
If you like the 9'5 Speeed than you should be very happy with the 9'2.

If you want snappier turns and want to go more vertical, then the 8'10 Flow will be a better choice.

Thanks heaps, sounds like the two duze flows are worlds apart.

Ideally I would like them both today was a good speed day, all last week would of been perfect for a flow . Generally when there is swell I want to be snappy and have some fun racing the sections.

The flow style board is the one I will end up with its just sizing. But rhe 8'10 sounds like it is the choice.

I ride a 9,2 speed I love it I also have the 8,10 speed but get tired after a few waves and I will pop in if a lot of water moving around. My specs are 100 kg. After many years and numerous boards I have found the 140 litre a real sweet spot volume...

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Toomanyboards said..
I ride a 9,2 speed I love it I also have the 8,10 speed but get tired after a few waves and I will pop in if a lot of water moving around. My specs are 100 kg. After many years and numerous boards I have found the 140 litre a real sweet spot volume...

What sort of waves do you ride the speed in? It was a pretty nice board to ride but the style of board not sure would suit me all the time. The longer drawn out rail turns where fun when I could get down the back it turned quite well. Does the 9'2 need trimming much with some footwork?

Ride beach breaks up to 5 foot max. After I got used to the board I have put a little nubster fin in middle so it turns on a dime and tail slides at times I only use that fin when under 3 foot keep the bigger fin in middle on bigger days. Trimming as far as I understand it it holds its line real well I can even get up the front longboard style. I do pump it at times on fatter sections or trying to get round a section but the speed usually does this by itself like autopilot.

PS Have u looked at the sunova creek model? Got the unreal tail and channels of the speed

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Toomanyboards said..
PS Have u looked at the sunova creek model? Got the unreal tail and channels of the speed

I have looked but only online. My local does not have any models in stock. I was reading up on the 9'1

hey .i surf reef breaks .the flow is very versatile .making it a good allrounder .it is quite good in smaller surf .
but have had my 130 in some big surf ,no problem there either ,the 8'7 can be a killer on the ankles at times ,
for us big guys .but i still love it to shred .
it sounds like you don't want to go to small ,but like a tight turning board .the 8.10 flow is probably a safe bet.
this is me on the 130 .
i find it easy on this board .it carries nice speed through smaller waves ,it is a great catcher of waves..i have both ,so yeah I'm a spoilt brat.
i have never ridden a speed, i thought it was too narrow for me ,if i was going to go for another board it would be the 9,1 acid or 9,0 flash .
but happy at the mo .

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Tardy said..
hey .i surf reef breaks .the flow is very versatile .making it a good allrounder .it is quite good in smaller surf .
but have had my 130 in some big surf ,no problem there either ,the 8'7 can be a killer on the ankles at times ,
for us big guys .but i still love it to shred .
it sounds like you don't want to go to small ,but like a tight turning board .the 8.10 flow is probably a safe bet.
this is me on the 130 .
i find it easy on this board .it carries nice speed through smaller waves ,it is a great catcher of waves..i have both ,so yeah I'm a spoilt brat.
i have never ridden a speed, i thought it was too narrow for me ,if i was going to go for another board it would be the 9,1 acid or 9,0 flash .
but happy at the mo .

Cool pic! Looks like a good wave. Cant say we get too many days like that.

Yea exactly I dont want to go too small as i want to retain some comfort..but want to step down from my 9'2 evoke carbon so stable but a bit of work on some waves. I think the 8'10 sounds like the go. The dealer said he will give me a demo if I'm 100% ready to commit and I don't want to stuff him around by cracking open a new board.

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Nugdam said..

Toomanyboards said..
PS Have u looked at the sunova creek model? Got the unreal tail and channels of the speed

I have looked but only online. My local does not have any models in stock. I was reading up on the 9'1

hi mate Ive been looking at flow recently too downsizing from a 10.2 JP fusion also have a 10.6 Nalu to flow 8'10 or 9'2 just for added comfort and stability Im around 85kg 6ft id think you couldnt go wrong with your choice just comes down to demo and comfort i guess the creek has lower volume then the flow so maybe the 9'1 creek is the alternative to the 8'10 flow your looking at

Flow
8'10 x 31 1/8" 131L
9'2 x 32 3/8" 140L

Creek
8'10" x 30 1/4" x 4 3/8" 125.3L
9'1" x 31 1/8" x 4 1/2" 136.3L

If you are thinking 9'2 Flow:
I will say, there is a world of difference when talking 9'2 Flow.
At 8'10 the Flow is a performance board ... but IMO when you cross the line to the 9'2 it becomes a great intermediate board.
I had to hold back on frontside turns on the 9'2, but can easily lay down the 8'10 into a hard turn.
The 9'2 is super stable, picks up waves easily, turns easily from the middle and is fast.
It just doesn't go on rail as easy as the smaller Flows... so not as high performance.
That makes the 9'2 Flow, the perfect choice for an intermediate who is looking to go shorter.

I wish I could comment on the 9'1 Creek, but I haven't gotten mine yet.
I am guessing the stability will be similar to the 8'10 Flow.....
But I have paddled the 8'10 Creek... it is not as stable as the 8'10 Flow.
My 9'4 Creek is super stable, but each size down is a fairly big step.
The 9'1 should be perfect for me right now., but I'm getting smaller.... 8'10 by summer????

I'm going to repost my "Stability Test" video here, because it shows direct comps to the 8'10 Flow, 9'2 Speeed, 9'2 Skate, 9'4 Creek, 9'4 Acid.
They may seem like dissimilar sizes..... but the results may surprise you.
I strapped on my "Kook Hat Cam" and just said what came out.
No plan.... just an honest evaluation of every board's stability.... and anything else that came out.

This is a great test by creek .
it just shows you how stable the 8.10 flow is over bigger boards of higher literage ..
I've been out in 15 knot on shore winds and still can stay up .and surf ,crap waves ..I got desperate one day.

I reckon it's a great board for guys 90- 100 .kg 105 if your a creek .( pro surfer)

it has quite a wide area where you stand and the tail is wide too ,so that gives it the stability .
if your looking to surf small to medium size waves you will appreciate the width In the tail .
its pretty fast too.I think Rick has a soft spot for this board too ,as he sure has a massive wave count on it .

I'm glad I found the 130 flow.

Maybe worth also considering the 9' flash. I ended up choosing the flash over the flow as I felt the Flow lacked a bit of speed on the face making it hard to race sections, but the flow turned so nicely especially on the backhand. The flash has all the good attributes of the flow but is super fast. I've gone for the 8'9 flash which is about the same stability as the 8'7 flow, so fo you the 9' flash should be about the same stability as the 8'9 flow.

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supthecreek said..
If you are thinking 9'2 Flow:
I will say, there is a world of difference when talking 9'2 Flow.
At 8'10 the Flow is a performance board ... but IMO when you cross the line to the 9'2 it becomes a great intermediate board.
I had to hold back on frontside turns on the 9'2, but can easily lay down the 8'10 into a hard turn.
The 9'2 is super stable, picks up waves easily, turns easily from the middle and is fast.
It just doesn't go on rail as easy as the smaller Flows... so not as high performance.
That makes the 9'2 Flow, the perfect choice for an intermediate who is looking to go shorter.

I wish I could comment on the 9'1 Creek, but I haven't gotten mine yet.
I am guessing the stability will be similar to the 8'10 Flow.....
But I have paddled the 8'10 Creek... it is not as stable as the 8'10 Flow.
My 9'4 Creek is super stable, but each size down is a fairly big step.
The 9'1 should be perfect for me right now., but I'm getting smaller.... 8'10 by summer????

I'm going to repost my "Stability Test" video here, because it shows direct comps to the 8'10 Flow, 9'2 Speeed, 9'2 Skate, 9'4 Creek, 9'4 Acid.
They may seem like dissimilar sizes..... but the results may surprise you.
I strapped on my "Kook Hat Cam" and just said what came out.
No plan.... just an honest evaluation of every board's stability.... and anything else that came out.

great video Supcreek sounds like your super impressed with the 9.4 CREEK interesting how stable it is and performance compared to the smaller boards, great work designing it mate I'll be watching out for your review of the 9.1 cant wait to demo these boards

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mbuzz said..
Maybe worth also considering the 9' flash. I ended up choosing the flash over the flow as I felt the Flow lacked a bit of speed on the face making it hard to race sections, but the flow turned so nicely especially on the backhand. The flash has all the good attributes of the flow but is super fast. I've gone for the 8'9 flash which is about the same stability as the 8'7 flow, so fo you the 9' flash should be about the same stability as the 8'9 flow.

too true 9,0 flash looks the part., 8,10 creek . will be in between the two flows 8,7, 8,10 it has 125.3 litres .. ,with a bit more speed with the speed tail....you think it would be easy to pick a SUP......one of each is the only way to go

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Tardy said..

mbuzz said..
Maybe worth also considering the 9' flash. I ended up choosing the flash over the flow as I felt the Flow lacked a bit of speed on the face making it hard to race sections, but the flow turned so nicely especially on the backhand. The flash has all the good attributes of the flow but is super fast. I've gone for the 8'9 flash which is about the same stability as the 8'7 flow, so fo you the 9' flash should be about the same stability as the 8'9 flow.

too true 9,0 flash looks the part., 8,10 creek . will be in between the two flows 8,7, 8,10 it has 125.3 litres .. ,with a bit more speed with the speed tail....you think it would be easy to pick a SUP......one of each is the only way to go

Its never easy and so many variable conditions. A speed and a flow would be a good combo thats for sure.

I've got a sore ankle today after balancing on the 8'7.... jeezus haha

sound like its not for you ,i still have a sheet of a time on mine too ..
hey nugdam....check out buy and sell....there is a custom green creek 9.0 on there for a bargain price ...its been thinned out ,perfect .

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Tardy said..
sound like its not for you ,i still have a sheet of a time on mine too ..
hey nugdam....check out buy and sell....there is a custom green creek 9.0 on there for a bargain price ...its been thinned out ,perfect .

Its a nice looking board hey! I saw it before. Still in contimplating mode... the worst kind!

..IT SUXS ha..we are scared of making the wrong choice ...but i think you are narrowing it down ...

pick one .then pick your size ,

FLOW,SPEED,FLASH ,ACID ,CREEK ,..You can paddle a 120 litre board but not well so jump up a bit .125 -135 litre.
i find with my 8'7 its hard standing waiting for the waves ,so i sit down ,save energy ,keep your nose pointed out to sea ,
stops the side rocking as ..the 8'7 is getting narrower .
i like boards 30.25 to 31. wide its better for my weight .97 kgs .have you demod. the 8,10 flow yet .you can still cut loose on the 130 flow .

enjoy the search .

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Tardy said..

enjoy the search .

I plan to.....

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Tardy said..
..IT SUXS ha..we are scared of making the wrong choice ...but i think you are narrowing it down ...

pick one .then pick your size ,

FLOW,SPEED,FLASH ,ACID ,CREEK ,..You can paddle a 120 litre board but not well so jump up a bit .125 -135 litre.
i find with my 8'7 its hard standing waiting for the waves ,so i sit down ,save energy ,keep your nose pointed out to sea ,
stops the side rocking as ..the 8'7 is getting narrower .
i like boards 30.25 to 31. wide its better for my weight .97 kgs .have you demod. the 8,10 flow yet .you can still cut loose on the 130 flow .

enjoy the search .

I agree with you 100%. I can demo a 8'10 if I'm ready to lay money down if I love it. Because it will be a brand new board

Which I will be doing either this weekend or next. I think then after tax time I will look at a 9'2 speed for the days when the waves are lazy.

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Nozza said..

Tardy said..

enjoy the search .

I plan to.....

hows your leg ..do you need me to use the search ..while your off the water ..i wish .


sounds like a good plan nugman

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Tardy said..

hows your leg ..do you need me to use the search ..while your off the water ..i wish .

Leg annoying. A bit painful to start with, wound has been weeping disgusting looking fluid.
Went in to get the dressing changed, an early return to the water not looking likely.
Book me the boat ticket and I'll bring it over..........

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Nozza said..

Tardy said..

hows your leg ..do you need me to use the search ..while your off the water ..i wish .

Leg annoying. A bit painful to start with, wound has been weeping disgusting looking fluid.
Went in to get the dressing changed, an early return to the water not looking likely.
Book me the boat ticket and I'll bring it over..........

And better book one for Helmy too....

deck cargo ...?? or captain quarters .?

I have an 8'7 Flow and an 8'10 Speeed, good combo IMO. (80kg)
I really like the flow, it's a neat little wave hunter with some float to get you over bumpy faces. I take it out in knee mush to head high clean, it's harder to get moving if there's a rip so you do have to paddle quick and efficiently to get it to catch waves.
I wouldn't go down to and 8'7 if I were you, if you are looking for a bit more balance and float then the 8'10 Flow would fit perfectly.
Obviously all this depends on your confidence, ability, and where you surf but the common link to all those it they're great boards to get to know and learn new stuff on..
Enjoy the journey.

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SunnyBouy said..
I have an 8'7 Flow and an 8'10 Speeed, good combo IMO. (80kg)
I really like the flow, it's a neat little wave hunter with some float to get you over bumpy faces. I take it out in knee mush to head high clean, it's harder to get moving if there's a rip so you do have to paddle quick and efficiently to get it to catch waves.
I wouldn't go down to and 8'7 if I were you, if you are looking for a bit more balance and float then the 8'10 Flow would fit perfectly.
Obviously all this depends on your confidence, ability, and where you surf but the common link to all those it they're great boards to get to know and learn new stuff on..
Enjoy the journey.

Thanks for the input mate. Sounds like you have the perfect combo. They make bloody nice boards.