Demoed the Jimmy Lewis Striker 8'11" on the weekend. Was in terrible choppy onshore conditions. I weigh 100kg was hesitant to get on a sub 9 board, but, the Striker 8'11 was so stable and floated me well! Was surprised especially considering the conditions, if i was on my usual 9'6, my balance would have been tested!

The striker has a low rocker in the nose, and has a bit of a kick in the tail, took a bit of getting use to taking not to nose dive (taking a step back on to the tail kick), but after a couple of waves it was easy! This board is definitely designed for those smaller fun days/longboard waves. I think I would find it hard to manage on big days, as surfing the striker off the tail is very loose!

Once on a wave the striker was so much fun! Couldn't wipe the smile off my face! The striker nose rides so well! Especially for an 8'11" and me being 100kg, the nose had so much lift, it was easy to hang toes off the end!

This board would be killer at those long board point breaks like Crescent head, (Cronulla Sutherland Stand Up Paddle Inc, had a mates weekend away there two weeks ago, was thinking the whole time i was demoing the striker that I wish I had this board there!).

Can't wait to add this board to my quiver!

Good review on a great board that has heaps of performance, ideal board for Perth conditions and the most fun board I have ridden in a while

We have demo's available just south of Perth if anyone is interested?

One of the most fun small day boards I've surfed, very stable and light weight.

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WOK said...

Good review on a great board that has heaps of performance, ideal board for Perth conditions and the most fun board I have ridden in a while

We have demo's available just south of Perth if anyone is interested?

What's the glide on them like? Can you get on to the waves nice and early (before all the mals and shortboarders). Will it pick up the slow fat waves that are normally a struggle? I'm looking to get a nose rider around the 9' but don't want to trade off my ability to catch waves. Surfing a sup on a crowded point break is a pain unless you can get in early or take off wide. I hate hassling around in the pack on a sup. It's too dangerous if there are dickheads snaking in on you or paddling straight in front of you.

Yes it catch waves nice and early. Good gliding for such a small board.
The 8'11 Is 130 liters and very stable. Good nose rider.
I tried the 9'5 but is too much of a board for my 70 kilos! It felt very similar to the 8'11 just bigger... With 150 liters for sure good for bigger guys.. At 100 KG I would go more toward the 9'5 if you want to keep your feet dry.
I use it mostly in small and slower waves up to shoulder high but I have a friend from Margaret that rent it every time he come here and he use it in all sizes of waves! He just love it, I prefer the Kwad and the Mano in bigger surf.
Bye Jankie