Hi all,

First post after reading for the past year -

I'm after recommendations on a 12.6 board for BOP style training/having fun. I currently have a 12.6 NSP tourer (so not much love for the board on these forums) and have been paddling for around a year. Basically bought to learn and figured I couldnt break it. Its fine on calm water but tends to nose dive/track in surf which is where I do all my paddling.

I demo'd the 2013 12.6 Fanatic Falcon 27.5 wide in carbon and loved it (but I couldnt afford it and I was on narrabeen lake so not really a good guide to surf). I also tried the Ray, JP, and a 12.6 Naish (sorry cant remember which one).

I watched 2013 Paddle to Battle MS and saw Starboard, Fanatic, SIC, Naish being used. This is the style of paddling I like.

My budget will only extend to the HRS versions of all boards so am after peoples views on;
- how much better 2014 Fanatic is in surf compared to 2013
- SIC 12.6 Bullet (I noticed a new version on sic site - is it just cosmetic changes)
- Starboard and Naish options
- what size surf does a 14' become unusable for BOP

I'm 6'0 and 90kg but dont live in Sydney anymore so demo will prove difficult.

Thanks