Got the new Naish 8.3 X32 LE today will have to see how it goes tomorrow

HAHA Classic!! Surfed it yet???

Matty

No 5.45 tomorrow

Markyb

Just been looking at that exact board on the website but struggling to find out how much nose rocker it has and after a expensive mail order mistake with a JP Wide Body I just wanted to make sure it had plenty

any chance of a side profile shot ????

Oh and what the weight come out at ???

Phil

Lots more rocker than JP

Not sure of weight sorry

THANKS Mark, she looks sweet :-)

Looks awesome.

The weight should be 8.4kg

DJ

Looking forward to hear how it goes.

Had a go on it this morning
Top board so stable and lose on the wave
Best board I have used
Need to get quad fins for it
2 thumbs up

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Markyb said..

Had a go on it this morning
Top board so stable and lose on the wave
Best board I have used
Need to get quad fins for it
2 thumbs up

Naish know how to produce great surfing SUP's

MarkyB, what sort of conditions did you have it out in? what "level" Sup'er are you, weight etc. I'm trying to figure if this is my next board, I was looking at the new Mana 8'5" but now im thinking this?

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KiwiSupGreg said...
MarkyB, what sort of conditions did you have it out in? what "level" Sup'er are you, weight etc. I'm trying to figure if this is my next board, I was looking at the new Mana 8'5" but now im thinking this?

I am about 85kgs been supping for about 3 years
I was very messy this morning about 2 foot
I was going to buy the 8.5 mana I would go the 8.3 X32 after riding both, the X32 is just as stable but way more performance
For the extra $200 well worth it
Normally after one surf on any board I am not very happy with a board but with both the 8.5 mana and the X32 I felt very at home on them both.
I think the X32 will be able to take me further as I get better

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Markyb said..

Had a go on it this morning
Top board so stable and lose on the wave
Best board I have used
Need to get quad fins for it
2 thumbs up

Mark, ordered one this morning, arriving in Brisi Monday :-)

Thanks for the pics, really helped

Phil

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Rossall said...

Markyb said..

Had a go on it this morning
Top board so stable and lose on the wave
Best board I have used
Need to get quad fins for it
2 thumbs up

Mark, ordered one this morning, arriving in Brisi Monday :-)

Thanks for the pics, really helped

Phil

No worries what size did you get

Naish 8'8 and 9'1 Hokua X32 Review:

Rider: 117kg

Location: Palm Beach, NSW
Wave size/conditions: 2foot slop???. Slight onshore winds ??? steep take off into a shoulder high wall, into a deep trough fattening the wave into a shallow shorie???

Overall:
Incredibly loose boards all round. Surfing more off the front foot, slightly touching the back to engage rail in a turn. Never felt anything like it. No doubt a big mans performance/competition short board. Advanced riders only.

8???8:
As soon as I took pressure of the front foot and transitioned to the back, the rail engaged and threw the tail out. Bucket potential: EXTREME!! Board held it???s speed through fat sections whilst maintaining maneuverability.

While it felt alittle sketchy to begin with, adapting to the glide and directional stability of the board, I still managed to catch waves where I normally would, and negotiating late take-offs with ease. Paddling onto a wave was similar to the JP 8'8 Widebody.

9???1:
NO DIFFERENCE ???PADDABILITY??? BETWEEN 8???8 AND 9???1!!!!

Stability wise, the 9???1 felt more comfortable whilst out the back. The board performed similar to the 8???8. Again, incredibly loose for a board it???s size, especially at 151L.

To choose between the 8???8 or 9???1 personally is a hard decision. From a comfort level, the 9???1 is the obvious choice, however as a step up, which is what the these boards are and what I actually need, I will get more out the 8???8 in the long run???

Now, the $2399 question: How do they compare to other boards of similar volume???

The Hokua X32 LE are definitely unlike anything I???ve surfed. In saying that, they are for advanced riders, essentially a Hokua for those who aren???t Kai Lenny or Beau Nixon.

In comparison to the Fanatic All-Wave (9???1), these boards are a step up, hands down. In the conditions that were surfed this morning, the All-Wave wouldn???t have made the transition through the fat sections without paddle assistance. However I wouldn???t have surfed the All-Wave in what was offered. Usual board of choice would be the 10???6 Nalu. I use the All-Wave in 4-8ft beachies. My other board of choice is the Fanatic 9???3 Pro-Wave, again this board is only used in decent surf, ie. 6-8ft reefs with fast walls.

So where do the Hokua x32 LE fit in? These guys are definitely small wave shredders for sure, but I do want to get them into some size to get an accurate and opinion. New boards are always strange at first, however as I get used to it, I should get a better understanding of how it performs. Potentially, the 8???8 is a new comp board given it???s performance this morning, taking the place of the 10???6 Nalu. THIS IS A BIG CALL!! The board was almost too loose for my liking, however it was set with stock fins. In the morning, I???ll surf it with quads which should stiffen them up, allowing a better understanding of how the rails and tail engages.

Whether they are the board for you only you will know depending on what you want to get out of it. You could end up preferring a Fanatic All-Wave or Starboard Widepoint for the particular essences you want.

All in all, sick boards no doubt!! Probably will be making an addition to the garage.

As allways, DEMO, DEMO, DEMO!

Mark ordered the 8'3"

Seeing that Matty has already spoken about the 8'8" and 9'1", I'll give a little on the 8'3" and 7'10". Though I did ride both the 8'8" and 9'1" also and must say for large volume boards, these boards shred!

Right, now I've been doing some paddling of late, and am stoked to have weighed myself yesterday to find I'm at an awesome 90kgs on the dot! for how long?? who knows.

Same conditions as Matt above. 90kg x 6'2". Disclaimer - Ride and work for Naish Australia.

7'10" Naish Hokua X32 LE. This board is so much fun. so much like it's little brother the 7'6" Hokua LE, this board is explosive in the pocket, turns on a dime but now the added stability to make it a pleasure to paddle. Much like the 7'6" the 7'10" does hold back a little on the take offs, but this is to be expected on a board that short (i.e. later take offs). The biggest thing that amazed me was the 32" factor!! where was it????? This goes for all the boards, but especially in the 7'10", I expected the length to width ratio to really be noticable, which it wasn't. And at the risk of bagging one of my favourite boards, you can feel the width on the Mana 8'5" more than you can on the 7'10" (and the 8'3" for that matter) which is crazy. Directional paddling stability was excellent, and yawing was minimal which was my next concern. I really look forward to ripping this puppy out in more of a low tide condition where it's super looseness and tight arcs can be properly explored. Definitely ride as a Quad IMO.

8'3" Naish Hokua X32 LE. WOW!! This board is amazing. The characteristics of this boards ride are so similar to the Hokua LE 8'3" it's incredible. After riding the 7'10" for about 20 minutes, I thought I had found the ultimate board intil I got onto the 8'3". The added paddling power for the crappy conditions was very welcome, in fact, paddling power far above expectation of a 9+" board. Connecting sections with ease was a delight. But the real fun was in the turns, this thing is loose as a goose and ready to please. Again, i can't beleive how well the 32" works on this puppy, PArticularly on my back hand, transitioning from reo's to cutbacks without changing my stance was easy! Paddling out was a breeze with easy wall climbing, and heaps of stability. Board didn't feel like 130 ltrs, but then again it did. Similar to the Hokua LE's volume distribution is spot on. Highly recommend riding this board if your 80-100kg (pending experience). I preferred as a quad also on this.

As Matt mentioned above, these are performance boards. The rockers are that of the Hokua LE (or similar), so these are not like a Carbon/Kevlar version of the Mana, or any other high volume, high tech construction wide board with a fish/flat type rocker, the X32 is actual short board performance X32.

As always, Demo Demo Demo where you can.

Hopefully Matt with be filming this morning and we'll put up some video soon.

Ride safe,

JB

**** you guys....i wonder if they are in NZ yet!..cant wait to see some video..

the surf was way too fun this morning for Matty to film, he had to surf the 8'8". Got to really get into the 8'3" myself this morning, man that thing rips!

JB

Hey JB, does Windgu or Sam have Demo models for these? Keen as!

JB, how does the 8'3 compare to the Mana 8'5?

Cheers
Chris

Had another surf on the 8.3 this morning heap of fun so lose this board just keeps getting better

MarkyB I was admiring your board being unwrapped just before I took the Mana 8'5" demo out for a spin in sloppy onshore 1 to 2 foot slop chop. Coming off a Hobie 7'11" I couldn't believe how stable the Mana was. The conditions tried to buck me off but that board was as stable as. I'm only 65kg but was really impressed the stability and turning ability. From what you are saying the LE has the performance of a shorter board. Giddy up!

I have been answering quite a few PMSG's about the Mana 8'5" vs the New X32 8'3". So I thought I'd briefly try to compare.

The Mana 8'5" (when comparing it to the X32 8'3") has a much flatter rocker and nose lift probably comparable with most small wide board currently on the market. This board is designed to get intermediate and even good beginner riders into beach break conditions on an easy to ride stable and predictable platform. The Mana 8'5" absolutely rips in it's catagory for sure. Great paddling directional stability and everthing else you have read from me in the reviews.

The Hokua X32 LE 8'3" is a beast!!! This this is a fully blown shortboard built for the manly man ! When comparing it to the Mana 8'5" the first thing that comes up to me is the liveliness of this board. It does not feel like 131 ltrs. Directional paddling stability (remember, when compared to the Mana 8'5") is not as good, but by no means uncomfortable, it's what I would expect from a 8'3" under my weight and probably similar or even better than the 8'3" Hokua LE. But where the games changes is on the wave, this thing is so loose and responsive it would probably out surf most of the performance std width short board SUP on the market today. Easy to catch waves like the Mana, but then it comes a live. I quoted Matty Boi from Wind Surf n SNow yesterday saying "this board is like nothing I have ever ridden before" then he called me 15 times before raiding my house to steal the 8'8" (which he still has, please if you see it let me know). The boards behave and perform like a shortboard. The 32" which is what makes everyone think for a second, is nearly unnoticeable, in fact in some of the turns I got yesterday, I would say that I would have felt the width on the Mana more or even the Mana would not have been able to make that turn - Very Impressive. The down side, Beginner or intermediate riders may find these boards too loose and unpredictable without the skill to be able to ride a shorter more concentrated rocker line. There is more rocker in these bad boys than a lot of STD width "performance" SUP's out there.

All up the Mana definitely has a place for someone wanted a easy secure ride on waves that are of the more beach break and gentle nature, the X32 is for a bigger guy who want explosive power and drive with unmatched speed through transition and looseness like a short board.

If I get the chance I'll try do a back to back Video on Wed or Thursday when the van gets back.

As for availability and Demo. I have nearly sold out of every size (I expect to today), and the next shipment (due to us being southern hemisphere) is not until Feb. Some of the stores went big on their first order and might put a board or two into demo, but given the demand, may prefer to sell them. From the store I have heard from Ocean Addicts and Surf FX in QLD will have at least one in demo and if Matt gets away with robbing the bank last night, WSS will have Matty's board that he may lend you if you're nice to him. Me I have one of everything and am a big lover of the beer economy and easily persuaded to go for a early surf most mornings in gods country.

I hope this helps many of you. By no means is the Mana superseded, it's important to look at the intended use of the board before comparing. The X32 is not for beginner of intermediates to learn to rides waves better, it is for accomplished wave SUP'rs to step it up a notch.

Ride safe,

JB

Like JB, I can be persuaded by beer.... I think the going rate is a 6'er per wave?

This board (8'8) is unlike anything I have ever surfed. It's stable in chop and slices through it on the wave. While being incredibly loose, it can be pushed hard through bottom turns and still not slide out while having incredible drive. I've actually been thrown off by how quick it climbs back up the face.. certainly was not expected.

As JB said, these are certainly high performance boards. In surfboard terms, these bad boys are designed and meant for peeps with an equivalent skill level of surfing a 5'8-6'2 shortboards. Definitely high performance and not for someone learning how to surf sup.

Here are matty's rule of thumb when it comes to board selection:

Nalu's, Flys, SB Blends and Drive, JP Allrounders/Fusions - Beginner SUPing/SUP Surfing/classic allrounder... If you are learning to SUP and learning to surf sup, these are the perfect boards for it..... Mal/Mini-Mal equivalent in surfboard terms

All-Waves, SB Wide Points, Mana's, Fusions, Surf Wide Body, 9'5/9'10 Hokua - Intermediate/Advanced SUP Surfing - Next progression in SUP Surfing for the rider who wants more performance but still learning the cutback and how to determine what to do in which part of the wave. Here, you're putting more pressure on the paddle in turns as well as starting to throw down on the rail.... Mini-mal, egg, fish and larger shortboards (6'6/6'8+) in shortboarding terms.

Hokua LE, Pro-Wave, JP Surf, SB Pro - Advance/Expert/Professional level boards for those who are very experience SUP Surfing in the waves and want to push themselves even further. These boards are for those who have been SUP Surfing for years and know what feels right under their feet. They know how to handle these boards in larger surf (4-6ft+). In most cases, these boards are used to compliment a quiver.

Of course, this is to be used a general guide only and there are exceptions to what is stated above. Everyone is different, has a different background and want different things out of a board. As always, DEMO DEMO DEMO!!!

The Advanced/expert section is a rough area on where the Hokua LE X32 fits in. Those who surf and have experience in the surf, but want to push themselves even further... these boards are certainly a step up and not intended for SUPers who have only just started to enter the surf on their SUP. Straight up, you wont have the ability to control these boards. The tail slides out as soon as you take a drop and if you cant control it/expect it you'll be having a bad day. But that is what makes this board so much fun to surf! even though it does that, when you control it and push it, the board produces so much drive it whips back into the pocket allowing you to throw it around and destroy lips.

I've had another couple of surfs on the 8'8 in small, crappy, onshore poop.... similar conditions to the morning of day 2 at the Aussie titles but a touch bigger. It is still amazing me how hard I can push this beast and the drive I get. I've never been this excited to surf a board since my old Candy Whopper back in 2008.... So stoked!!!

Hope this essay helps...

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Markyb said..

Lots more rocker than JP

Does it really need all that nose rocker?
Could have been 3 inches shorter with same stability!
Still, nice looking board.

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Homeally said..

Like JB, I can be persuaded by beer.... I think the going rate is a 6'er per wave?

This board (8'8) is unlike anything I have ever surfed. It's stable in chop and slices through it on the wave. While being incredibly loose, it can be pushed hard through bottom turns and still not slide out while having incredible drive. I've actually been thrown off by how quick it climbs back up the face.. certainly was not expected.

As JB said, these are certainly high performance boards. In surfboard terms, these bad boys are designed and meant for peeps with an equivalent skill level of surfing a 5'8-6'2 shortboards. Definitely high performance and not for someone learning how to surf sup.

Here are matty's rule of thumb when it comes to board selection:

Nalu's, Flys, SB Blends and Drive, JP Allrounders/Fusions - Beginner SUPing/SUP Surfing/classic allrounder... If you are learning to SUP and learning to surf sup, these are the perfect boards for it..... Mal/Mini-Mal equivalent in surfboard terms

All-Waves, SB Wide Points, Mana's, Fusions, Surf Wide Body, 9'5/9'10 Hokua - Intermediate/Advanced SUP Surfing - Next progression in SUP Surfing for the rider who wants more performance but still learning the cutback and how to determine what to do in which part of the wave. Here, you're putting more pressure on the paddle in turns as well as starting to throw down on the rail.... Mini-mal, egg, fish and larger shortboards (6'6/6'8+) in shortboarding terms.

Hokua LE, Pro-Wave, JP Surf, SB Pro - Advance/Expert/Professional level boards for those who are very experience SUP Surfing in the waves and want to push themselves even further. These boards are for those who have been SUP Surfing for years and know what feels right under their feet. They know how to handle these boards in larger surf (4-6ft+). In most cases, these boards are used to compliment a quiver.

Of course, this is to be used a general guide only and there are exceptions to what is stated above. Everyone is different, has a different background and want different things out of a board. As always, DEMO DEMO DEMO!!!

The Advanced/expert section is a rough area on where the Hokua LE X32 fits in. Those who surf and have experience in the surf, but want to push themselves even further... these boards are certainly a step up and not intended for SUPers who have only just started to enter the surf on their SUP. Straight up, you wont have the ability to control these boards. The tail slides out as soon as you take a drop and if you cant control it/expect it you'll be having a bad day. But that is what makes this board so much fun to surf! even though it does that, when you control it and push it, the board produces so much drive it whips back into the pocket allowing you to throw it around and destroy lips.

I've had another couple of surfs on the 8'8 in small, crappy, onshore poop.... similar conditions to the morning of day 2 at the Aussie titles but a touch bigger. It is still amazing me how hard I can push this beast and the drive I get. I've never been this excited to surf a board since my old Candy Whopper back in 2008.... So stoked!!!

Hope this essay helps...

Keep enjoying it...love to read/see stoke!!!! THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!!!

Interesting reviews. I currently ride the JP 8.2 wide body which is great but I do find it quite skatey and skittish on above 3-4' good point surf. I find the JP pro surf 8.10 too long and flat for average surf and the 8.6 I just sink. I'm 80 kg. The 8.3 X 32 Naish might be the ticket, but does anybody else think that looks like a hell of a lot of rocker in the photo? How would that go? From the accounts above the board does seem to work though.

If anybody is hankering for a demo we have one in 8'3"

Hi Dexy

would different fins improve your Ride?