After what seemed like an age of indecision, I finally took the plunge and bought a new board. Fortunately my preferred board was in stock so it was pretty quick once I'd made the decision.
I finally settled on an 8'7 Sunova Placid. First impressions are incredible and the finish is spectacular when you see it in the flesh. The board looks and feels so short compared to my 10'5 Starboard Drive, and I was worried about stability and how I would cope with the significant drop in volume. As it turns out, I needn't have worried!
the weather here was rubbish today, a strong cross onshore wind and 6 inches of wind blown mess bouncing around the bay. Exactly the sort of conditions that make you fall off any board. Still, it would be rude not to have a paddle, so out I went.
the Placid is super stable, I don't think I got my hair wet for the first half hour, and the conditions were pretty terrible. I caught some small stuff pretty well and boy does this board like to turn off the tail. I can't wait to get it in some waves because from what I've experienced so far it is utterly amazing. I can't believe that I've waited this long to drop down to a performance shape, it really does feel revolutionary.
there are a couple of things I'll have to get used to. Paddling in a straight line is ok on one side, but less easy on My toe side. Equally take offs need careful coordinating as the board likes to spin round very quickly. This is great for turning onto waves, but will take a bit of recalibration.
Totally love the board and can't wait to see what it can really do with some juice.
