Brand new to the forum, looking to purchase my first board and could use some help. I’m test riding as many as possible but want to make sure I’m not overlooking any brands or models. I come from a triathlon background so I’ve been down the road of purchasing gear that I’ve “out grown” way too quickly as well as spending way too much for things I really don’t need. I want to be smart with my board purchase and find some middle ground. I’d like a 12’6” race board but don’t need or want carbon. I’d rather trade a few lbs for increased durability and lower cost. I'd def rather have the option of upgrading my paddle rather than getting a board at the upper end of my price range.

Here are a few I am interested in test riding… It can get pretty windy here so I would like something that can handle some chop if the winds pick up. Any input you could provide would be great to help me narrow down my decision. If there are some others you think I should consider I’d love to hear them.

Fanatic – I’ve test ridden the 12’ Ray, but again I can go narrower. I was thinking about the Falcon HRS 27.5 but it’s on the upper end of my price range which means less money to invest in a good paddle.

Boga Tsunami – local shop has one discounted since it’s a year-end model. I just don’t know too much about them as far as quality/durability. Not my favorite looking board but Price is great and would allow me to get a really nice paddle.

Focus Cali – Found these online. Their non-carbon model is priced well but again I don’t know too much about them and can’t seem to find many reviews. It would allow me to get a really nice paddle.

404 V3 non carbon – Other than the Javelins these are my favorite looking boards but I can’t find many reviews so I’m not sure on construction quality or durability. These are the lowest volume boards and at 4” thick I didn’t know if that would be an issue.

Volume… I’m 5’8”, 156lbs (71kg) and have good balance for a newer paddler. Is there a safe range I should stay in for a 12’6” board? Should I avoid boards with too much volume because I’m not a large guy?

Thanks for all your help and opinions!!!

Welcome..

What conditions.. open ocean with surf.. or river and lake type conditions..

Being an Aussie forum I'm guessing no one will know much about the last four boards mentioned because I've not seen any of them here..

I'm thinking a 12'6'' x 26-28'' wide should be good and I'd recommend the wider of the two.. even at your weight.

Select to expand quote

DavidJohn said..
Welcome..

What conditions.. open ocean with surf.. or river and lake type conditions..

Being an Aussie forum I'm guessing no one will know much about the last four boards mentioned because I've not seen any of them here..

I'm thinking a 12'6'' x 26-28'' wide should be good and I'd recommend the wider of the two.. even at your weight.

Thanks! Mainly river and lake. I’d say 10% open ocean. I figured I wouldn’t get too much info on the 404, Focus and Boga… I tried a search within the forum and not much came up… Just thought I’d take a shot at it. Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it!

I am 5'8" weigh 72 kgs and have paddled the Focus, the Fanatic, and the 404. DJ asks a very important question - where and under what conditions are you going to be paddling? Open ocean very different than FW.

I think anything under 28 would be "interesting" in either the ocean or serious chop. The 404 I paddled was 27" wide and not my favorite in chop or ocean.

I liked the Cali at 28" wide and it was stable in all conditions.

The Fanatic I paddled was for FW and I preferred it to the 404.

I would have liked to paddled a Fanatic all water, but not around.

I actually own an Exocet Marlin which is really stable in open ocean conditions, as well as the short period chop on bays and inlets that we see a lot of here. But it is slow compared with all of the boards you are considering!

Happy hunting and try 'em all to see what you like!