The DC 9.4 is pure performance for the bigger unit.
The bottom shape has a big single concave that flows in to a flatter section and then back into deep double concave.
The deck is slightly domed and there is reasonable nose rocker that makes it easy to get over the white wash.
When I first paddled the DC out through the wite wash at OG I knew it was a weapon. You could tell from the way it paddled that this was somethng special.
The wind was offshore, the swell about shoulder high on the sets so time to rip it up.
The board was really loose under foot not twitchy from side to side but it did take all the skill I had in the wind to stay upright.
I must have fallen off at least 30 times, but i knew if I kept trying I would dial this baby in.
A wave appeared I sprang to my feet and paddled for all I was worth, spray breaking of the end of each paddle stroke this was going to be the one I was going to make.
The board raced down the face, I push hard on a forehand bottom turn and spun myself off the back of the wave.
Wow what happened, I soon realised that i did not need to use force with this board. Gentle pressure was all that was needed to get big manouvers.
I finished of the 1 hr session with some nice cut backs and started to get it all dialed in.
On the Saturday morning it was off to Damiens for a solid session. The wave faces were from 4 - 6ft some up to 8 ft.
I headed out and Rich Bartles (Session SB) took the pics you see here.
The wind was again 25 - 35 kns offshore and it was hard to get down the face so you had to sit under the lip and take off late.
Often the wave would drop huge sections but the DC had the speed to simply pump around them with ease.
The DC allowed me to get it up on a rail with ease, spray ripping over the back of the wave with each turn.
The harder I pushed the board the better it performed.
I wound the DC with a few pumps down the line then headed for the lip it was time to smash it.
This is a session that will last in my mind forever.
This board allowed me to take my surfing to another level.
Good Points
The board is superlight.
It responds to the lightest touch.
The quality of the build is excellent.
It really suites power surfing.
The deck grip supplied was excellent
It loves big fast waves 3 -8 ft faces.
Makes late drops with ease
Suites short board thruster set up Sunny G's all round is perfect for performance
Things To Consider
The light weight of board allows you to throw it around but it also means it is subject to easier damage.
I found the board difficult at my weight 105kg to paddle into fatter waves.
This board for me is a clean small surf or big winter wave board.
Would I buy one?
In a heart beat!
Dale has left a demo board with me in Ocean Grove so if yu would like to try this awesome board out, PM me and I will organise a time.
It will take your surfing to a whole new level.
phill
How versatile is this board here is Kristi my 13 yr old 45kg daughter surfing it with no issues.
Phill
Kristiana,
My 13yr old daughter also used the DC 9.4 for the Mambo Meribula to Pambula river mouth downwinder laughs, so i guess it can be a downwind board for the smaller crew.
Phill
