Santa dropped Eski a beaut: 8'0 x 30.5 118L Hipster Twin carbon rail / wood. Purchased from S.U.S.S Nth Freo. $1650 (not affiliated - just a punter).
Rail taped, finned and christened this morning in calf-side choppers.

Relevant rider details: 180cm 78kgs very average SUP.

I was a bit dubious about the size being a large step down for me dropping 10" length and 1.5" width and 25L volume. Was a few new board kooky moments (typical for me in any case).

Got a couple of little ones and turns effortlessly. Keen to get it going in better conditions.

Merry SMIK-mas everyone!











Cheers Eski

Nice one Eski.

no wave is save .

Ha ha Tardy
Most of the waves i manage to scramble onto are left relatively unscathed, unlike the SUP jockey attempting to ride 'em.

PS i bet you check behind the tyres diligently now
PPS lucky you weren't running 35"s that paddle would have been splinters of kevlar and carbon

Cheers
Esk

LOL.Maybe
I'll run a board over next time ..i learnt my lesson .
I like the light weight of the SMIKS .nice price at $1650
I had a go on the 8,0 ,was a bit small for me ..but a loose little mother

Ha ha - funny you mention the board speed hump - i have notched up one of those to experience - repositioning the 4wd on the beach for a better view of the surf action - ouch $150 repair and a new fin box later...

Re: the SMIK, no mine is the economy version carbon rail and is slightly heavier - there wasn't much in it - i did the scale of justice - carbon in one hand and carbon rail in the other - kept the $370 difference in my pocket.

Here on the south coast of WA we get the 'odd breeze' so a touch more weight (few hundred grams) wasn't an issue for me.

Agreed on the 8'0 i was scared and spent about half an hour comparing and picking up the 8'6 x 31.5 134L back and forth. Dimensionally, there wasn't loads in it but there was a fair bit of extra
Volume in and around the shoulder and nose vis-a-vis that i did not think i required.
I would have been instantly happy on the 8'6 but have an 8'10 skate, so a bit of variety in the quiver with the 8'0.
Now all i need is a 9-10 footer - probably splurge on the carbon, unless any manufacturers are looking for a motivated advocate with poor to average SUP skills to sponsor

Cheers
Eski

lol ,glad I'm not the only one running stuff over ...**** of a feeling .

yes i too have checked the 8,0 & 8.6 .couldn't ride the 8,0 to well
and the 8,6 @135 litre jump from the 118 seemed to much .17 litres is a big jump .

125-127 L is perfect for me (being 97 kgs), may have to look at a custom down the track
but love the twin concept .And scotty rides them so good ,I'm over your way in a couple of weeks ..chasing wind

Select to expand quote

Tardy said..
lol ,glad I'm not the only one running stuff over ...**** of a feeling .

yes i too have checked the 8,0 & 8.6 .couldn't ride the 8,0 to well
and the 8,6 @135 litre jump from the 118 seemed to much .17 litres is a big jump .

125-127 L is perfect for me (being 97 kgs), may have to look at a custom down the track
but love the twin concept .And scotty rides them so good ,I'm over your way in a couple of weeks ..chasing wind

Mr Tardy
Scotty is doing an 8'3 x 31 at 124L stock on the shelf in carbon - would have been my ideal but wasn't on the shelf at my local shop 400kms away.

This week coming is looking relatively calm on the windfront down my way = likely howling Doctor up on the west coast???

Cheers
Eski

might have to pop into the freo branch in 2 weeks , need a twin for the quiver ,

Ha ha they had 2 units of the 8'3 x 31 in the warehouse (not the shop) - might be worth an advanced call to Stu to unwrap those weapons and repatriate one east...

Or if you are travelling through Albany you're welcome to another crack at the 8'0 - subject to being gentle and sucking in some of those 97kegs

nah ...i know my limits now ...but thanks for the offer ...enjoy your new board

Ok first decent session on the 8'0 hipster in nice hip to head size wallish waves. This board is a big step down for me.
I had the usual adjustment issues (i.e. in the drink) when standing still especially. Paddles well, gets on easy and bugger me does it turn and feel great on take off and once on a wave - you think - the hipster goes there (no cool beards or top knots in sight).
Far from dialled, but i've got the new board stoke!

Cheers
Eski

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Scotty could have you a custom hand delivered before that sunova arrives




Tardy said..
lol ,glad I'm not the only one running stuff over ...**** of a feeling .

yes i too have checked the 8,0 & 8.6 .couldn't ride the 8,0 to well
and the 8,6 @135 litre jump from the 118 seemed to much .17 litres is a big jump .

125-127 L is perfect for me (being 97 kgs), may have to look at a custom down the track
but love the twin concept .And scotty rides them so good ,I'm over your way in a couple of weeks ..chasing wind

Select to expand quote

Tardy said..
lol ,glad I'm not the only one running stuff over ...**** of a feeling .

yes i too have checked the 8,0 & 8.6 .couldn't ride the 8,0 to well
and the 8,6 @135 litre jump from the 118 seemed to much .17 litres is a big jump .

125-127 L is perfect for me (being 97 kgs), may have to look at a custom down the track
but love the twin concept .And scotty rides them so good ,I'm over your way in a couple of weeks ..chasing wind

I'm about same weight and on the 7'10 x 29.5x 108 and love it it's a weapon

Any tips for spending a bit more time standing up as opposed to in the drink for me slugga?
Cheers
Eski

Select to expand quote

slugga said..

Tardy said..
lol ,glad I'm not the only one running stuff over ...**** of a feeling .

yes i too have checked the 8,0 & 8.6 .couldn't ride the 8,0 to well
and the 8,6 @135 litre jump from the 118 seemed to much .17 litres is a big jump .

125-127 L is perfect for me (being 97 kgs), may have to look at a custom down the track
but love the twin concept .And scotty rides them so good ,I'm over your way in a couple of weeks ..chasing wind

I'm about same weight and on the 7'10 x 29.5x 108 and love it it's a weapon

I have an 8x29 custom board that I
"love"
but I only ride it in small,clean conditions, otherwise i'm Falling off way too much (78kg,intermediate,57yo)

For an all-rounder board used in most conditions, measurements should read: 7'10"x29.5x108x expert