Hi,

I have been riding a Fanatic Pro wave 8'6 x 28 3/4 (about 115L) for 2 years now, can surf pretty much everything except past double overhead when I don't want to get flogged inside! The board feels pretty stable to me, I'm 5'11, about 78Kg, I take it in choppy conditions up to 15 knots without too much stability issues (definitely a challenge with the chop but manageable).All up happy with the board but find the rails way too boxy for my liking, especially when riding sucky waves, and would like to step down to a "radical" board (closer to a shortboard feel), this one feels big.
I have been thinking about the starboard 8.0 x 28 pro as a replacement, what do you guys think? Also is it a good all rounder or more a "good wave" board?

I was also thinking of getting a 2 boards quiver to cover all bases :
8.0 x 28 pro for good / biggish days
7'10 x 30 airborne for crappy / small days

Any advice on the choices based on my ability etc would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers

I would try to stay away from Windsurfing / Kitesurfing shapers then. As you find out, they design boards that can be very efficient in contests, but do not have the feel of rails and rocker designed by long time surf shapers.

Try to demo some brands having surf shapers, to experience the difference.

Disclaimer: I am a Gong ambassador, so I mostly know the Gong line well, for your weight this would mean the Curve 7'6" www.gong-galaxy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=6348 (The Fatal line requires to learn ShortSUP paddling techniques, the Cloud line is for crappy waves). You can also see the other sizes: www.gongsup.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=6251 etc...
But other surfing brands may be quite good too...

Thanks mate,
Are your boards available in Aus?
I kinda like the shorter dessign and would mind having a go on one if possible?
Cheers

Since you have been feeling real comfortable on the Prowave - have a look at the Sunova Acid range - perhaps an 8'2". The rails are parabolic (designed by Bert Burger) - but are in no way "boxy" as you feel the prowave is - which I think you'll find with many other brands also.

I think stepping down to an 8'0 x 28" Starboard Pro is a great choice!! In all truth tho, I think you could go to the 7'7 at your weight. The new 2015 7'7 has 95L!!! I am the same weight as you (sometime heavier and other times a hair lighter not to mention at times suited in a 3/2) and I ride the 2014 8'0 on the East Coast of Florida where glassy days are a rarity...it is 96L. If you are going to have a two board quiver I think you are looking in the right direction. I have spent a bunch of time on the 8'8 Airborn and have access to a 7'10...need to put some time on it. I like the 8'8 for no work sessions. My 8'0 is work but getting easier every time out. Soon to be my all around board. I am trying to figure my second board now...something for the really crappy days......got my eyes on a few different Starby's...let the demo'N begin!!

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bzhpunishers said..
Are your boards available in Aus?

Oops, no.... from your nickname I thought you were from the French Brittany region...

But if you are in OZ, I would seriously consider one of your local shapers (Deep, DTM, ...)

The Atlantis BamBam looks like the one closer to Gong ShortSUPs (less than 7'), but these are not what you are looking for in your post, I guess: their (the Gong "Fatal" line, and I guess the BamBam) feeling is more of a compact "pinball ball", and you seem to seek a very carving, "surfy" feel. You should look for low volume rails, domed decks (if the volume is not in the rails, it should be somewhere), and a rocker designed by a shaper having a long surfing experience.

I do not say other boards are bad! Just that since you are after a specific feeling, you should avoid Fanatics, Starboards, etc... although they are excellent boards in their own way.

Well I am! Expat in oz for about 14 years... Cool might check the local shapers, see what I can find! Cheers

Feel free to take one of our new PVC / Carbon VexProfusions for a spin. We have a few demos so no dramas. The Sunova boards also look pretty similar to what your wanting. Always good to try before you buy when possible.