Nugdam said..
So does anyone have a comparison of the 8'10 vs the 9'1? Does the little bit narrower width and narrower tail have much impact?

first... @ Tardy and Helmy, and everyone else who posts their thoughts on the Creek.
Thanks for the input, It is really helpful to read everyone's experience with their Creeks, it is a huge resource when someone asks me for a size recommendation. More information, is good information cuz I always strive to get them on the right board.

@Nuggy
I think that a bigger Creek is usually the right call.
The Creek speed pumps down the line from the middle, making it by far, my fastest board. IMO

Long reasoning, cuz all information is relative to individual rider.

At my age, I find there is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to going smaller.
Now that I am 70, I am experiencing more challenge in maintaining solid performance.
If I am "powered up" (meaning no speed loss )
I can stay smooth and carving.

If I have "dead spots" on a wave... too small a board will lose speed and I tend to get "old man wobble"
(picture an old man walking on ice.... whaaaaa......then regaining his footing)
On my 9'4, I rarely loose my footing
On my 9'1, I don't surf nearly as well in most conditions.
I am not convinced yet if it is size related... or volume related.... but I suspect it is size and "area on the water"

Stats:
Weight I am discussing = 106 kg (I'm down to 100 and dropping now, but these experiences were all at 106 kg)
I will put my weight to volume next to each board size ( 125 L divided by 106 kg = 1.18)
I can surf the 8'10 (1.18) without too much drama, but it lacks smooth carving in average waves
I can surf the 9'1 (1.28) easily, but it has "dead spots" that cause me to "old man wobble"
I can surf the 9'8 (1.4) very easily with smooth carve and solid speed carried through the turns.

Where it will get interesting, is when I get to 96 kg
Then I will be at the exact same w/v ratio on my 9'1 as I was on my 9'4 (1.4)

The difference will be overall width of the board.... with w/v ratios identical at 106 kg and 96 kg
9'4 = 32" wide
9'1 = 31" wide

I'll be the same guy riding, but lighter
so I am very interested to see if the narrower board carries speed though "dead spots", simply because I am lighter.

I am 100% sure, if you are younger.... you have absolutely no idea what the heck I am talking about
The weight to volume is more of a direct measure for you youngsters
But I suspect that the width (area on the water) plays a bigger role in my performance.

I actually find that my performance is MUCH better on my 9'4 x 32 than my smaller boards.
Speed is power, and my 9'4 "floats" over the water with ease, carrying speed from one turn to the next.

I was without my 9'4 for a few months and felt naked.
Got it back this week and it's like I have been reborn

Interesting to note:
Yesterday I wore a 5 mm wetsuit with booties (dive suit, all 5mm, no thinner panels or arms)
My 9'4 was just as easy as it is in summer, so more evidence that support width over volume.
AND.... I never feel 32" wide is slower or less capable on hollow waves.... it is my goto DOH wave board.

Bottom line?
as I have always said:
Get a Creek, one size bigger than you think you want
It surfs so easily that a bit bigger adds to performance, not detract from it.

pics of boards I discussed

supthecreek said..

Nugdam said..
So does anyone have a comparison of the 8'10 vs the 9'1? Does the little bit narrower width and narrower tail have much impact?

first... @ Tardy and Helmy, and everyone else who posts their thoughts on the Creek.
Thanks for the input, It is really helpful to read everyone's experience with their Creeks, it is a huge resource when someone asks me for a size recommendation. More information, is good information cuz I always strive to get them on the right board.

@Nuggy
I think that a bigger Creek is usually the right call.
The Creek speed pumps down the line from the middle, making it by far, my fastest board. IMO

Long reasoning, cuz all information is relative to individual rider.

At my age, I find there is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to going smaller.
Now that I am 70, I am experiencing more challenge in maintaining solid performance.
If I am "powered up" (meaning no speed loss )
I can stay smooth and carving.

If I have "dead spots" on a wave... too small a board will lose speed and I tend to get "old man wobble"
(picture an old man walking on ice.... whaaaaa......then regaining his footing)
On my 9'4, I rarely loose my footing
On my 9'1, I don't surf nearly as well in most conditions.
I am not convinced yet if it is size related... or volume related.... but I suspect it is size and "area on the water"

Stats:
Weight I am discussing = 106 kg (I'm down to 100 and dropping now, but these experiences were all at 106 kg)
I will put my weight to volume next to each board size ( 125 L divided by 106 kg = 1.18)
I can surf the 8'10 (1.18) without too much drama, but it lacks smooth carving in average waves
I can surf the 9'1 (1.28) easily, but it has "dead spots" that cause me to "old man wobble"
I can surf the 9'8 (1.4) very easily with smooth carve and solid speed carried through the turns.

Where it will get interesting, is when I get to 96 kg
Then I will be at the exact same w/v ratio on my 9'1 as I was on my 9'4 (1.4)

The difference will be overall width of the board.... with w/v ratios identical at 106 kg and 96 kg
9'4 = 32" wide
9'1 = 31" wide

I'll be the same guy riding, but lighter
so I am very interested to see if the narrower board carries speed though "dead spots", simply because I am lighter.

I am 100% sure, if you are younger.... you have absolutely no idea what the heck I am talking about
The weight to volume is more of a direct measure for you youngsters
But I suspect that the width (area on the water) plays a bigger role in my performance.

I actually find that my performance is MUCH better on my 9'4 x 32 than my smaller boards.
Speed is power, and my 9'4 "floats" over the water with ease, carrying speed from one turn to the next.

I was without my 9'4 for a few months and felt naked.
Got it back this week and it's like I have been reborn

Interesting to note:
Yesterday I wore a 5 mm wetsuit with booties (dive suit, all 5mm, no thinner panels or arms)
My 9'4 was just as easy as it is in summer, so more evidence that support width over volume.
AND.... I never feel 32" wide is slower or less capable on hollow waves.... it is my goto DOH wave board.

Bottom line?
as I have always said:
Get a Creek, one size bigger than you think you want
It surfs so easily that a bit bigger adds to performance, not detract from it.

pics of boards I discussed

Thankyou for your informative reply! How would you compare the 8'10 speeed if you threw it into the mix?

How does it compare to stability? Obviously the 9'1 creek will be more stable.

Turning ability? Would it be something I can throw around as easy as my 9'1 creek?

If I was to take it out on the glassy days but with smaller fatter swell. Do you think the speed with parallel rails will glide and get onto waves a bit easier/quicker? Surely it would be quicker on the wave being narrow comapred to the 9'1 creek.



Thank for any help!

supthecreek said..

Nugdam said..
So does anyone have a comparison of the 8'10 vs the 9'1? Does the little bit narrower width and narrower tail have much impact?

first... @ Tardy and Helmy, and everyone else who posts their thoughts on the Creek.
Thanks for the input, It is really helpful to read everyone's experience with their Creeks, it is a huge resource when someone asks me for a size recommendation. More information, is good information cuz I always strive to get them on the right board.

@Nuggy
I think that a bigger Creek is usually the right call.
The Creek speed pumps down the line from the middle, making it by far, my fastest board. IMO

Long reasoning, cuz all information is relative to individual rider.

At my age, I find there is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to going smaller.
Now that I am 70, I am experiencing more challenge in maintaining solid performance.
If I am "powered up" (meaning no speed loss )
I can stay smooth and carving.

If I have "dead spots" on a wave... too small a board will lose speed and I tend to get "old man wobble"
(picture an old man walking on ice.... whaaaaa......then regaining his footing)
On my 9'4, I rarely loose my footing
On my 9'1, I don't surf nearly as well in most conditions.
I am not convinced yet if it is size related... or volume related.... but I suspect it is size and "area on the water"

Stats:
Weight I am discussing = 106 kg (I'm down to 100 and dropping now, but these experiences were all at 106 kg)
I will put my weight to volume next to each board size ( 125 L divided by 106 kg = 1.18)
I can surf the 8'10 (1.18) without too much drama, but it lacks smooth carving in average waves
I can surf the 9'1 (1.28) easily, but it has "dead spots" that cause me to "old man wobble"
I can surf the 9'8 (1.4) very easily with smooth carve and solid speed carried through the turns.

Where it will get interesting, is when I get to 96 kg
Then I will be at the exact same w/v ratio on my 9'1 as I was on my 9'4 (1.4)

The difference will be overall width of the board.... with w/v ratios identical at 106 kg and 96 kg
9'4 = 32" wide
9'1 = 31" wide

I'll be the same guy riding, but lighter
so I am very interested to see if the narrower board carries speed though "dead spots", simply because I am lighter.

I am 100% sure, if you are younger.... you have absolutely no idea what the heck I am talking about
The weight to volume is more of a direct measure for you youngsters
But I suspect that the width (area on the water) plays a bigger role in my performance.

I actually find that my performance is MUCH better on my 9'4 x 32 than my smaller boards.
Speed is power, and my 9'4 "floats" over the water with ease, carrying speed from one turn to the next.

I was without my 9'4 for a few months and felt naked.
Got it back this week and it's like I have been reborn

Interesting to note:
Yesterday I wore a 5 mm wetsuit with booties (dive suit, all 5mm, no thinner panels or arms)
My 9'4 was just as easy as it is in summer, so more evidence that support width over volume.
AND.... I never feel 32" wide is slower or less capable on hollow waves.... it is my goto DOH wave board.

Bottom line?
as I have always said:
Get a Creek, one size bigger than you think you want
It surfs so easily that a bit bigger adds to performance, not detract from it.

pics of boards I discussed

supthecreek thanks for this update legend great comparisons of the boards.
i was looking for a 9'1 creek originally im 6ft 83-85kg but at the time there was no 9'1s to demo so ended up with the 8'10 great board
however for my intermediate skill level its also very challenging and would agree with your comments one size up then what you think is great advice and probably the way to go...its great having a smaller board but the constant moving out the back for stability isn't fun after a while its hard work hahahahaha.

Such a good thread - really diggin' the input from all.
We're heading in to the monsoon season up here in Darwin and I'm keen to get a new board that'll handle the cyclone swells.
My 10'6 Style is sweeet for clean, offshore waves during the Dry Season, but I want something that'll handle a bit of boogie when the cyclone swells start rolling through, like below:











So, I was thinking something short like an 8'6 JL Super Frank at around 140 litres that I can throw around - but now thinking maybe a 9'4 Creek (also around 140 litres - give or take) might be a better option for my 100 kegs. It will give me stability and still get that shortboard response. I dunno. Or a Smik Spitfire.
Struth! Nice problem to have though eh!

Ha! Good on ya Tards'!
I was thinking about the 9'1 but then I read Creekmeister''s sage advice and think the 9'4 step-up might be the way to go.
As you know, we almost never get good quality, long period ground swells making it in to Darwin.
It's (nearly) always the onshore, wind-blown burgers (as per the above pics), so maybe the 9'4 could be the preferred option with good stability and still get some turns in.

The Creek said...
"Bottom line?
...Get a Creek, one size bigger than you think you want
It surfs so easily that a bit bigger adds to performance, not detract from it."

I've been saving my hard-earned and now I'm about that |--| close to ordering the new stick.
Cripes! It's nearly Friday and I reckon I'll find some divine (liquid) guidance tomorrow night. The Triple Crown starts next Monday at Haleiwa and the World Title's up for grabs - can Julian bring it home to OZ?!?

All these are surely good omens for a new Creek (and a cyclone swell to give the bugger a good run on!).

YeeW!!!

Crusin ...on the 8.10

.i know I should of hit that lip .

Tardy said..



Crusin ...on the 8.10

.i know I should of hit that lip .

That's a great photo brus!!!!
yeah mate - I've always struggled with backhand snaps. Matty Wilko I ain't!!!!

I am 100 kg and love my 9'4 creek,real stable and amazing performance,wondered about the 9'1 when I bought it but am stoked on the 9'4,seems I have stopped looking for the magic board because I have found it all conditions,all good,love this board,it is a beauty,highly recommend,feels a lot smaller riding as it is easy to throw around and speed to burn,have ridden in all conditions and you can handle ankle slappers to double overhead,it's a gem

Tardy said..



Crusin ...on the 8.10

.i know I should of hit that lip .

Nice Tardy ...very nice

8,10 ..on a hot day ,

MangoDingo said..

ragga said..
I am 100 kg and love my 9'4 creek,real stable and amazing performance,wondered about the 9'1 when I bought it but am stoked on the 9'4,seems I have stopped looking for the magic board because I have found it all conditions,all good,love this board,it is a beauty,highly recommend,feels a lot smaller riding as it is easy to throw around and speed to burn,have ridden in all conditions and you can handle ankle slappers to double overhead,it's a gem

Cheers Ragga - good feedback mate. That's exactly what I was wondering - and what I want. Something I can throw around, is fast, and works in all conditions.
Siiicck!!!!

Hey Mango,

I've also had a 9.4 Creek, and an 8.10 Speeed and a 9.2 Speeed.

I reckon at 100kg and coming off a 10.6 Style you would absolutely love the 9.4 Creek. As Mr Creek says it will be chalk and cheese difference from your Style (ridden one of those too) and sounds to me like you are going to be beside yourself with the 9.4's performance and stability.

I am considering selling my Speeeds and Flow and replacing them with a 9.1 Creek (I'm 90kg though)

I say go for the 9.4. I don't think you'll regret it.

Tardy said..



8,10 ..on a hot day ,

Awesome shot!

Love old mate towing the board as well

Nugdam said..

Tardy said..



8,10 ..on a hot day ,

Awesome shot!

Love old mate towing the board as well

yeah those two tangled up taking the flash out of actionand had to take a leg rope off to get un stuck ,a big wave came and took Ti's JP
almost to the rocks ,HERES another of the day .

I'm around 95-98kegz and not a great surfer with infrequent sessions. I have the 9"1 creek and it rips took a bit to learn the board but glad I didn't go bigger..
i have just bought a surefire degenerate 8"5 at 135 lt ... wow took it out for first surf in absolute shocking conditions this is a keeper. Super stable, plenty of speed and drive, turns on a dime and took some big late drops I normally wouldn't have survived!!
Now have the perfect 2 board quiver .. 8"5 surefire and 9"1 creek anyone want a cheap 16 8"8 jp wide body ??

Mmm what next ??

That's the degenerate ... plenty of pics of the creek around...