Hi all,
I am considering doing some down winders this summer in Perth. I have a Fanatic Allwave 9'6 2013 but don't think it would be much good for DW. I would like to down wind in the ocean off port beach say to cottesloe. Do people do this run? And what sort of board would I need, I weigh about 80 kg, any advice would be much appreciated

That run is one of the more popular runs in Perth. The benefit of paddling out in the lee of North Mole in conjunction with the wind and coast direction make it great fun. Normally people run through to Swanbourne which is about 8km.

In terms of boards too many to list, look at all the big brands such as Starboard, Fanatic, Naish, surftech etc. Depending on whether you plan on racing or just getting out and enjoying it could determine the width of your board. Narrower board say 25/26" wide board will be quicker, only if you can stay on it. So something around the 27/28" could be the go depending on your skill level.

In terms of length a 14 is probably your best bet and you will find that is what the majority of people in Perth are riding.

Drop into your local shop and have a chat to them and check out a few boards and they will be able to point you in the right direction, show you a few boards and more than likely get you on some boards to demo.

would definitely agree with what has been said, i started off with a 17 foot glide which is a great board but only when the conditions are pretty good, i'm now going to sell it and buy a 14 footer as it will be better suited for most of the conditions i downwind in, it's better to go wider when your learning as you will have alot more fun and a little less swim time, i would probably look at picking up a 2nd hand board because its less money to get into it and less loss if you dont like it, try and stick with the name brands as they are tried and tested designs, just head down to your local store and have a chat, try some boards if you can, whatever you do just have fun

Jarryd

Thanks guys, great advice. I was looking at some boards 11 to 12' in length , like the Starboard cruiser. I won't be racing , just having fun. Do you think I could still have fun DW on something like this or would it be crap. I just thought a cruiser would be more versatile as I could surf it as well.Although I already have a surfing SUP

I did my first Dr crossing four years ago on a 11'2 x 30 Starboard Blend. Can it be done? Yes. Is it as much fun as a dedicated race/dw board? No way.

I still surf my 12'6 in waist to shoulder high waves sometimes. When the waves are knee high surfing the big race boards is a lot of fun.

Cool, time to start shopping, thanks for the tips. When is the next Dr crossing ? Now that I've declared I'm not going to race!! Doing the run with a heap of crew would be a hoot.
Thanks again

IMO you should be concidering a 14.. or a 12'6'' as an absolute minimum..

Boards like the 12'6'' Naish Jav or 12'6'' Starboard Allstar.. or new 12'6'' Fanatic or new NSP DC boards.. All these would be great for what you want.

DJ

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skipd said...
Cool, time to start shopping, thanks for the tips. When is the next Dr crossing ? Now that I've declared I'm not going to race!! Doing the run with a heap of crew would be a hoot.
Thanks again

The Dr is in early-mid January, but an even better race is The King of The Cut in early December. Dawesville Cut to Singleton, straight down wind run and at the historically windiest time of year. Stay tuned for some big announcements for this race soon.

Coolio, just have to warm to missus up to the idea of me buying another SUP , a race one. Today's moot was met by maybe we should go on a holiday, looks like I'll have to be a bit more cunning. I live in Bassendean and like supping up the swan here, when I don't feel like driving to the beach, would be much nicer on a race SUP. I'm excited, just love this sport, a perfect fit for my summer windsurfing. I have taken my 4 yo son out on the river which was really nice. Hopefully I'll c u at the Cut event.

Hi Skip
I'd concur with Cam and DJ. For Perth downwinding you need at least a 12'6. You get more run out of a 14' board and it is kinder on the body, but at 80kg you could get away with a 12'6. Try a few boards out, all the local shops have demos to use.

Downwinding is great in Perth, you have your own wave and it is a fun way to stay in shape. Check out www.facebook.com/StandUpPaddleWA for details for local downwinders.

Thanks Bud, I'm looking forward to trying it out.