Long time lurker, first time poster... Have really enjoyed and learned a lot from this community and was hoping to get some board advice.

I am 6' 2.5" and between 85-90kg, looking for a one quiver board that would be primarily used as a coastline cruiser, fitness style board. I don't intend to race, nor would I be doing that much downwinding or surf...maybe catch the occasional freighter wave.

id like something in the 14' variety with good tracking and stability (want to stay dry). I'm a fair weather paddler but even with that there is often a light breeze, sound style light chop, and occasional boat traffic. I might also occasionally take it to a calm lake for some flat water.

am I crazy to think that there is a single board that could do it all? I don't want to race it but also don't want an all around lunker.
looking at other's comments, it sounds like the blackfish, evo 2.0, naish glide, or perhaps the sidewinder might all be good candidates. Am I heading in the right direction or are there other boards or categories I should consider?

for size, is 14x27 or 28 going to work or too much volume in these models?

thanks so much!
chris

Thanks, the Sunova looks intriguing and similar positioning to the One Evo 2.0. Looks like Okeanos might also be worth throwing in the mix...all available to buy but limited test opportunity given my location and Covid restrictions. Hmmm

What about the new Infinity enticket, has anyone come across this board. Looks interesting for the price point!
www.supboardermag.com/2020/07/09/infinity-sup-all-new-e-ticket-touring/

I have owned a Naish Glide and currently have a Sidewinder, and both would be perfect for what you want to do however the Glide is closer to what you want. It is heavier but much more stable and it's rocker line is much flatter so you get plenty of speed on the water. If you can get the GTW construction it will save you some weight and it looks better if you are looking for a second hand model not sure if their new ones co e in that option anymore.

SIC 14ft RS - flattish rocker, reasonably light, excellent second stability allowing me to go 1in narrower @26in than Naish @28in, demoed both.
I am just an occasional paddler so stability is important but still want the best speed I can do.

I thought I would quickly unpack a 14 x 28 Evo 2.0 in Elite construction which is full molded PVC carbon sandwich and the weight came in at 11.1kg or 24lbs.

Not bad considering this board is also as strong as anything on the market if not stronger!!

Gboots said..
Have been following this topic with interest .
I have been considering getting a non surf sup now for a few months . With the banks getting way busy since covid crap started it has become very hard to have a stress free session at the local. I have a nearby river mouth which I surf when conditions allow (rare) but am considering a different option . I have a 12 foot venom which I periodically use at that spot . Nice board but a bit heavy to manage out of water . I am only 60kg dry. With the EVO 2.0, will the 12'6 catch bumps easier in river surf in comparison to the Venom ? Also how much do the the EVO's weigh for a 12'6 or a 14 ? Would I need a 14 at 60kg ? I am not interested in racing ....just catching bumps and runners and then paddling back and repeating

Not many 12'6 Evo's around anymore as that whole class really died away. At 60 kg a 14ft board is still fine and for just catching small running waves the 14 will do this better than a 12'6 anyway.

We still make a few custom 12'6 boards so this could be a option if you really wanted to go the 12'6 way then we it to suit exactly but even angle who is 60kg prefers the 14 these days.
If its

Just for fun I would look at something about 26 wide as well as that should be nice and easy and pick up the smallest bumps.

I have an infinity blackfish 25 inch, I use it all the time, small waves at the points and rivers, flat water creeks and down winders. It's such a versatile fun board. It truely does all things, as an all rounder, with wave riding it limitation (14 ft all water race board) but still a blast. Have ridden up to 4/5 ft, but just hot dogging it.
For me it turns rubbish conditions into fun/water time and great for fitness. Last week, I was at south west rocks camping, getting runners in the bay ( 1-3 ft small waves sometimes breaking) for 300-600 meters,
super fun. Nothing else on the day would have been a blast for 3-4 hrs on the water, to week to surf, or surf sup. Maybe a foil if thats your thing ?!
If the waves are fun, I'll surf or sup my infinity 8'5 blur, or windsurf, but for the rest it's the blackfish.
It's so light, well made and boom proof, same with my wave board.
Another great all rounder but cruising and wave biased I'd look at would be a 10 ft sunova/smik/infinity long boards, or a SIC bullet, more downwinder/general paddle board plus better on small waves, than the blackfish.

The only downside is a 14 ft board is putting on the roof racks, not chucking it in the troopy. I need a board bag for it, for my camping surf trips, and tie down locks if I'm using another craft to enjoy the ocean/surf. But easy walk to the beach, so no drama really.


E

+1 for the 2020 SIC RS SF for stability and ease of paddle. Handles cross chop and head and side wind unbelieveably well. Literally, boat wakes that used to tip me off, now I ignore ( not an exaggeration). It is THE most stable of all my boards including a 10x34" Whopper.
One thing though . I bought the 28" and probably should have bought the 26", as the 26 is marginally lighter and slightly faster , but way more stable than my other race roards. The 28 was overkill. Love paddling it , better than any of my other boards. The 28 weighs 12.8kg, the 26" weighs 12.3 kg ( actual).
NOTE: The finish on the SIC is extremely delicate. The board looked 2 years old after 2 days. I have 4year old boards that look less knocked around. I believe it is actually very tough , considering the construction, but the finish is delicate.

If you can get hold of a 2018/2019 Glide it would be a good score. People just dont seem to part with them, which is a good sign.