Hi guys

I've been paddling a 10'6 Nalu and am now looking at getting a race board. I weigh 77 kg.
My choice as it stands might be the 2015 Javelin in 12'6 x28. The wider width simply because I'm still new to SUP and might not enjoy a slimmer board. I can't really test boards where I live (Denmark).
I am primarily looking at it as a fitness tool, and might want to try downwinding at a point.
Does the 2015 version have disadvantages compared to the 2016 version?

Hi Monfils.
This was exactly my path a few years ago, albeit I graduated from a Nalu to a 2012 model Jav 12 6 x 28".
I would say either 2015 or 2016 Jav would be fine, and that after 6 months you'll be looking for 27 or 26" anyway, and maybe a downwind board in addition to a flat water board.
So buy whichever you can resell more easily.
I still have the Nalu (everyone should have one!), but I also have a 12'6", a 14' and a 16' downwind board.
Make space in the garage!

The Javelin would work well for DW though? Or would 14' be much better in regard to that?

Select to expand quote

Monfils525 said...
The Javelin would work well for DW though? Or would 14' be much better in regard to that?

I use a 2015 14x 28" Jav for downwinding and I really like it.. At your weight the 12'6" version would be almost as good.. From what I've heard there was a slight change in the Jav's from 2015 to 2016 and because they introduced a new DW spacific Jav ( the Maliko Jav ) they made the normal Jav slightly more flat water spacific.. They reduced the rocker slightly and made the tail slightly thicker.. So.. IMO if you have DWers in mind I'd be choosing the 2015 version.. I have a friend with the 12'6" version of my board and it's awesome.. If you're looking for better DW and open ocean performance I'd recomend taking the step up to the 14' board but the 12'6" will work fine..

That's what it is going to be!
Thanks guys!

Your doing the right thing and you will be glad in the end .

I would get the 26 wide version. The board is really stable. I weigh 73kg and have the 2015 14x26 GX version. Very happy with that board.

Just wanted to share with you guys after getting plenty of feedback.
Here it is!
LE 12'6 x 28.
Just had it out and there were about 16 knots cross in the fjord, so kind of tough, but downwind it glided nicely in the chop, and in flat water in the harbour, it was really fast.
I didn't use a pulse belt or GPS watch, but felt like I got my heart rate up higher than on the Nalu, probably because the speed and acceleration is kind of motivating.

The board also felt pretty much as stable as the 10'6 x 30 Nalu. I don't fall off that when paddling in reasonable conditions, and didn't fall from the Javelin either.

My first impression is very positive. It is definitely plenty faster than the Nalu. I am going to use GPS tracking next time around to get an exact idea of the difference.