Just did my first BOP on the weekend over here in WA and loved it, it was super high intensity even without good swell so am keen to train and get stuck into it. I used a 14' x 27.5 Starboard Allstar which was pretty good cause you can stick your back foot right back for the buoy turns but I don't have any comparisons as that is my only board so I use it for downwind and flatwater at the moment.

I hear 12'6 is the standard for the state and nationals competitions, are there boards made specific for BOP like the downwind v flatwater boards and anyone care to recommend a board based on their experience at BOP events?

Th best board for Bop and the marathon is the FANATIC Falcon.
As an allrounder it has everything to offer in the one package.
And it works in all conditions.
Its not a flatwater board but what board is except PURE flatwater boards

There is plenty of evidence on how they go in all race conditions...
IMHO

Cheers Pete, have heard good things from the boys over here using the 14' for DW's, I will see if there are any demo 12'6's around to train for BOP

I think what is the best board will vary as much as the conditions.
On a clean glassy day with nice gentle waves a fast rockered slender model will be the winner.
When its messy, choppy and steeper waves with a shorter period you want more rocker and width is your friend.
We never get completely glassy days with waves so I keep my old trusty Starboard12.6x29.5 AST for the really mess and get an Allstar12.6x26.5 for the faster days.

There is one brand of board that has dominated the last 2 Aussie Titles in the open men BOP. Although the guys that paddled them would also be the biggest factor - "Its not the wand, its the wizard". Those guys obviously think they go well in BOP. They have also gone well in the Battle of the Paddle for the last few years.

Might be worth considering along with the Fanatic and a few others as well.

I have a 12'6x24.75 and 14x24.75 fanatic you can take for a spin anytime, if you a want to try the wider model I think Darren may have a demo.
Would definitely be worth demoing for a dw run as well!!
Cheers
Ben

The Fanatics feel great on downwind runs the couple of times I have demoed them , they don't have recessed decks either witch I like , not a big fan of canoe style boards. The lahui Kai"s also feel very nice although I haven't done a downwind on one yet. At this stage when I can afford it im going for a 14 Lahui and a Fanatic in the 12,6.

Cheers Ben will have a chat while waiting for the Doc to start!