Has anyone around the 75kg mark tested both these boards in the 8ft-9ft range models (including 8'3" Hokua) to compare stability and surfability?
Both brands look like they surf well so stability,paddle speed and yaw is probably what id like to hear more about. Any info appreciated.Cheers.

I reckon they'd be both about the same. [stability,speed and yaw]

DJ

I,m with you TOJOE ,I would love to see some of these boards lined up ,for a photo shoot ,3 boards I,m interested in particular.
The starboard carbon ,JP wide body and Naish Hokua they seem to be the most popular at the moment in the 8ft to 10 ft range which will be my 1st step down from a 10,6.

I also would love to see in some of the surfing clips the top suppers paddling out on these boards, you get to see plenty of surfing but no one struggling to get out through white water.

Agreed Redfez Id be curious to see a pro guy similar weight to myself padding a small board in some breaking surf too.I had a flatwater paddle on a 7"7" starby 90 litres and it was hard to say how difficult it would be in the surf it actually yawed less than i thought because it was half sunken but it was hard to say how stable it would be in surf with lots of water moving.Im having trouble finding a demo day anywhere where I can demo in some small waves so might just have to. These boards arent cheap so Im a bit hesitant to buy new without good feedback or a demo.

Whoops I meant "might just have to rely on feedback to buy if i cant demo"

I am 5'10 and 75kgand recently have ridden the following:

7'10 x 31.5 Air Born
8 x 28 Pro
8'5 x 29 Pro
9 x 29 Pro
9x 30 Converse

All have been in carbon except for the converse which was a soft top (the ASAP) which surfed surprisingly well, although completely different to the other boards in terms of shape and performance. The converse surfs a lot more like along board and is quite stiff compared to the others which are more short board oriented. Which if you are looking for a board in the 8-9ft range I would imagine you are looking for more of a short board.

The least stable of them all was the 8 x 28 even though it is the same literage as the 7'10, but at 31.5 wide is very stable even though there is water going over the deck.

The 8'5 and 9'0 are very similar boards in terms of feel, however I found that the 9'0 tracks straighter and feels like it sits higher in the water.

The last Naish I rode was last years 9'6 Hokua and haven't managed to get on anything under the 9ft range as they are hard to come by in Perth due to our conditions not being overly suited to boards this size.

Hope this helps with a bit info on the Starbys.

Cheers mate just out of interest how did the 9'6" surf? I have always been a shortboard surfer who has only been on a SUP for nearly 2 years and I see a lot of good things in the Hokuas like the tail lift combined with the flyer which looks like they would combine for good release in the tail.I paddled a 9'5" Hokua at a flatwater demo day in some super windy conditions and it was really stable.

tojoe the 9'6 is too big for your size. im 95kg and while it is fun and stable the tail is too big for performance surfing for me..... it really needs to be stood on.

Yes mate agreed its about the same size as the board Im looking to move down from now. Im way too comfortable with the stability but am struggling with turning it properly.The Hokua looks a bit more rockery though thats why i thought id ask.

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TOJOE said..

Yes mate agreed its about the same size as the board Im looking to move down from now. Im way too comfortable with the stability but am struggling with turning it properly.The Hokua looks a bit more rockery though thats why i thought id ask.

The 9'0 rides really nice and is still pretty stable, but at under 4" thick it's got a nice rail and rocker, it tracks really well into the wave too. I like it :)

I have a 9 and 8' 5" 2013 Hokua and I have very average skills at 76kg plus not that young - these SUPs are an excellent quiver for me.

I have been SUPping for a little over 2 yrs and have found these boards the best wave performers for my requirements. Only negative is I have had Jimmy Lewis boards and they would beat most in construction and durability so I am very protective of my Hokuas

Cheers guys thats great feedback.Warwick does the 8'5" paddle and ride much differently than the 9'0"? Is there a lot of difference between the two?

Hi TOJOE

I am 76kg with no real natural skills and can stand on the 8'5" in good conditions and on the 9' in any SUPable conditions while waiting for a wave. Both boards are excellent however the 8'5" is way better on a wave at our weight but the 9' would not disappoint you.

If only getting one board I would have the 9' with quad fins as it covers a bigger range of conditions and the more you ride it the more you get out of it. Both boards paddle well, catch waves easy and are very stable for their sizes.

TOJOE

You may find this review on the 8' 5" Hokua helpful it also makes comment on the 9'

www.standuppaddling.it/content/view/1519/

Thanks mate much appreciated!