Hola! I'm still new enough to SUPing that i count my experience in weeks... 13 if you're interested!
I've currently got a 2013 Starboard Avanti which is perfect for paddling around Narrabeen Lakes with the family.

But two weeks ago i did my first 5km time trial. Or perhaps that should be, i paddled 5km for the first time - and i did it in a time trial. Achieved my three goals as well: Don't die. Don't fall in. Do it in under an hour: 42.08!

Now i'm hooked.

Now I wanna try down winding.

I rented an NSP DC14 from JPP for that TT but found it a bit tippy. I've trialled a few other boards at a few open days just out of interest. The one that struck me as being head and shoulders above the rest (Insert obligatory height joke, i'm 6'9") was the Naish Glide 14. I happened to paddle the GX for a bit and it felt 'right'. My budget is more around the GS level though - the extra 3kgs is of no impact to me at my size, plus i think the GS construction might be a bit more Nine-Year-Old-Son proof.

Does anybody else have any thoughts on possible options?

Another thought. I'm (realistically) a couple of months off of purchasing said board - going through some old posts regarding the Glide, it appeared that the 2014 models started appearing in the middle of 2013 - now this could mean some potential savings on a 'current' board, but it could also mean that something better is only three months away. This is probably the curse of all new things though ? something better is always just around the corner. Having said that, has anybody heard any rumours about 2015 models yet?


Many thanks in advance

Tod

Hey Tod,

Stoked you're stoked on the Glide, it is a huge seller for Naish and the GS numbers are nearly equal with the GX. There are plenty of rumors about on the 2015 range, all of which I am going to denie, but one thing I will let you in on is the Glide 14 GS (being a new shape this yea) should still be in the range. Most brands will keep a design in the range at least 2 if not 3 years as the molding is way too expensive to change the boards every year. As they are very strong, you may find some people upgrading in the next few months and boards will be in great condition.

All the best with it, might see you at the Time Trial Sunday if you're there.

Ride safe,

JB

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Todzilla said..

it appeared that the 2014 models started appearing in the middle of 2013 - now this could mean some potential savings on a 'current' board, but it could also mean that something better is only three months away. This is probably the curse of all new things though ? something better is always just around the corner. Having said that, has anybody heard any rumours about 2015 models yet?


Many thanks in advance

Tod

I've heard that they might have slightly different graphics..

I have the new 14' Glide in the GS construction.. and it's awesome..

i have paddled a number of JPP TTs on the GX and now a 8.5 km Harrys paddle on the GS - the GX is better, quicker, and feels lighter to paddle. I was 50/50 and sunday convinced me the GX is the go

But as for 2nd hand there havent been any yet......so when there are stand in line I've been waiting longer

Hi tod,
After asking these good folks on the Breeze about downwind boards a couple of months ago i purchased a 2014 Naish Glide GS for downwinding and couldnt be happier, yes it's a little heavy to get off the car, but that it's only downside IMHO .its super stable , turns great off the tail , and its nose shape cuts thru chop nicely without getting hooked in cross swell or wind. If you could afford it , maybe the GX but the GS construction is nearly bombproof and as DJ has said previously , a little but of weight downwinding is not such a bad thing.
I don't think you will regret buying a Glide.

Cheers

Dude....that is an awesome video! Im totally inspired. Thanks for posting.

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DavidJohn said..

Todzilla said.. it appeared that the 2014 models started appearing in the middle of 2013 - now this could mean some potential savings on a 'current' board, but it could also mean that something better is only three months away. This is probably the curse of all new things though ? something better is always just around the corner. Having said that, has anybody heard any rumours about 2015 models yet? Many thanks in advance Tod

I've heard that they might have slightly different graphics.. I have the new 14' Glide in the GS construction.. and it's awesome..

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DavidJohn said..

Todzilla said.. it appeared that the 2014 models started appearing in the middle of 2013 - now this could mean some potential savings on a 'current' board, but it could also mean that something better is only three months away. This is probably the curse of all new things though ? something better is always just around the corner. Having said that, has anybody heard any rumours about 2015 models yet? Many thanks in advance Tod

I've heard that they might have slightly different graphics.. I have the new 14' Glide in the GS construction.. and it's awesome..

Select to expand quote

DavidJohn said..

Todzilla said.. it appeared that the 2014 models started appearing in the middle of 2013 - now this could mean some potential savings on a 'current' board, but it could also mean that something better is only three months away. This is probably the curse of all new things though ? something better is always just around the corner. Having said that, has anybody heard any rumours about 2015 models yet? Many thanks in advance Tod

I've heard that they might have slightly different graphics.. I have the new 14' Glide in the GS construction.. and it's awesome..

The Rookie is now looking at a Glide GS parked in his garage! Thanks for all the advice folks, see you out on the water...

With a glide,and an odysseus,you only need a Mana to complete the set.

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Todzilla said..

The Rookie is now looking at a Glide GS parked in his garage! Thanks for all the advice folks, see you out on the water...

Congrats..

Don't joke Waxer, my 9-year-old is convinced it's his turn next and has put in an order for an 8'10" Mana - cheeky sod, no idea where he gets it from...

Go on ,get it for him ,he could do worse things with his spare time.I think one of the best things I did for myself was to learn to surf ,and that was more years ago than I care to remember.My school work unfortunately took a nose dive,but I remember the feeling of the first wave I caught.Hooked ever since

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waxer said..

With a glide,and an odysseus,you only need a Mana to complete the set.

Get the GX! Its only money......such a good board especially in carbon :)