Just a bit of feedback from my experience on the Jimmy Lewis 7ft 10" Super Tech.
I weigh around 77 to 80 kilos. Usually 78 to 79 at this time. Age 57 years. Fairly fit. SUP surfing about 4 years. Ideal comfortable board, 8ft 3" Sunova Soul 110 litres.
First day: I got to stand up on it on flat water but was a bit wobbly so paddled on & it was Ok.
The surf was pumping big time & some waves were more than double over head not good for the first trial. Lol.
Nearly got washed onto rocks of the breakwall when heading out. I actually ended up standing in waist deep water on a weed covered rock before diving out & away from it. How the board missed getting damaged I don't know! Lol. Should have heard me swearing & cursing. Lol!
Finally made it out past the break on my knees.
But then just could not get standing long enough to get stable & catch a wave so returned my paddle to the car & got back out on the board & prone surfed it. Lol. Was fun.
Got onto waves very early & surfed it. Fell off a few times as wasn't totally used to the feel.
Was a bit disappointed that I couldn't stand up & paddle it. And thinking I maybe should have got a higher volume board.
Day2 in week2: Surf was small, full & not much chop on water. I was able to stand & paddle continuously. Fell often but was happy about the improvement. Caught only a few waves & couldn't tell if the board was a good performer.
Day3 in week3: Surf was very small but there was some chop at time from the wind & tide but fairly smooth condition in between.
Stayed up on the board for longer periods & didn't fall as often. Did a bit of stand still practices & caught heaps of knee high waves but obviously couldn't put the board through it's paces.
So at this stage very happy with the board & relieved that I can use it. It is definitely at my lowest volume limit for my capabilities but this is exactly what I wanted.
I was a little surprised when I read the board volume as being 90 litres? Instead of what I thought of being 94 litres as it says on the Jimmy Lewis site. Don't know why?
I have realised that I must get on the back pad if I want to make radical turns. Doesn't turn easy standing further forward.
Day4 in week4: Surf was pumping. Double overhead & off point break in perfect weather & light winds.
Unfortunately there was a continuous small side chop from the rocks that had me falling regularly enough to be unable to get into position to catch waves. Although some waves were just missed.
After 1 hour I called it the end of another session as the wind picked up a little & increased the chop having it come at me in two directions. If I had my 8ft 3" 110 Litre Sunova Soul I wouldn't have had a problem of balance whatsoever. Still have yet to put this board through its paces. Lol.
Day5 in week4: At beach break. Wind & chop picked up & fell off often. Was one of those days I didn't feel like trying. Caught one wave & slipped off the back of board & called it the end of a hopeless session. Lol.
Day6 in week5: At beach break. Light winds. Waist to shoulder high waves with occasional head high.
First couple of tries to stand up & fell off! Lol. Then tried again on knees with a few paddles to keep moving & stood up with feet close to surf stance but feet also close together. This seemed to be the easiest & best to stand up & get paddling.
Was able to stay up & paddle for over an hour & only fell off about 5 times. I didn't stop paddling to maintain easier balance.
Caught numerous waves & had nice down the line speed & getting on the back pad to turn sharp & hit the lip without the use of the paddle. I was stoked!
My testing was complete. The board will be a keeper in my quiver for those calm weather low chop days. Hopefully with head high waves.
Although hard work & continuous effort to balance. But great for fitness & confidence when getting back onto a more stable board.
I love its high performance, easy to paddle & catch waves & its strong & very light construction.
This board will last.
Thanks Jimmy Lewis!
Thanks Rob from Jimmy Lewis boards NSW Australia for the great deal on a nice near new 7ft 10" 90 litre Super Tech.!