Hey all, Seeking some advice as getting confused/spoiled for choice and trying to be realistic about my progression. Looking at downsizing from my Naish Mana 10' (my first SUP) for something a little livelier (and let's be honest - 4 years out of a board is justification for something new & shiny, and I'm a little in love with Sunova!).

The below is what I'm considering - I'm 6'2" at 100kgs, a decent flat-water paddler but only just starting to get back into the groove of riding waves on a SUP having prone surfed when younger. The Mana does the job just fine, but (again, being honest...) I just would like to get something new & reinvigorating, and have even got the go-ahead from my better half.

Query I'd have is this - I do spend a bit of time on flat water paddling & cruising with my better half, as well as waves when I get the opportunity, and want something that will be reasonable at both. It's a trade-off, I know. Catch is that I need to keep it to 10 foot or less due to storage constraints...

All the Sunova's (from reports) seem to have a general 'tippiness' due to fine rails, but can anyone provide info on which of the below would best suit those parameters and my general situation?

If I'm being honest with myself, I'd imagine the Flow and the Speeed might be a bit of a handful for me - I don't want to be spending most of energy trying to stay upright and they seem to be more performance-oriented than I need (or would ever fully utilise!)

Very keen on all reviews of the Steeze as a 'one board quiver' but can't seem to find a demo anywhere near me in Brissy or on the Gold Coast. SurfFX have a great variety of Sunova in demo but I'm told the Steeze would be a special order. Any advice would be appreciated!!

Sunova Steeze 10' x 31" x 4 1/2" at 150L

Sunova Creek 9'4" x 32" x 4 9/16" at 147.9L

Sunova Speeed 9'5" x 31 1/16" x 4 7/8" at 160.3L

Sunova Speeed 9'2" x 30 1/4" x 4 3/4" at 145.9L

Sunova Flow 9'6" x 33" x 4 11/16" at 159.1L

Sunova Skate 9'2" x 32" x 4 1/2" at 148L

Sunova Shroom 8'7" x 33 3/8" x 3 7/16" at 142.2L

Sunova Shroom 8'11" x 34 5/8" x 3 9/16" at 159.5L

I'd buy a 9'6" Steeze and just go have fun with it.

Demo's can be handy when you are right on the limit as to what you can stand on or if it can float you, but at this size there is really no need to Demo. Just go out and have fun on it. You'll get used to it quickly.

I'd run a 9-10" single fin if used in flat water and as a 2+1 fin set up in the waves (7/8" in the centre, medium sides)

Honestly don't overthink it. I've made that mistake many times.

Good luck!

PS. In Sunova i've had 2 Speeds, a Creek, a Skate and a Surf Longboard. The longboard is the only one i've kept.

Don't forget the Soul, mate has a 9'5 and loves it for softer mellow waves.

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SunnyBouy said..
Don't forget the Soul, mate has a 9'5 and loves it for softer mellow waves.

Can't see the Soul on the Sunova site - might've been discontinued?

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Hoppo3228 said..
I'd buy a 9'6" Steeze and just go have fun with it.

Demo's can be handy when you are right on the limit as to what you can stand on or if it can float you, but at this size there is really no need to Demo. Just go out and have fun on it. You'll get used to it quickly.

I'd run a 9-10" single fin if used in flat water and as a 2+1 fin set up in the waves (7/8" in the centre, medium sides)

Honestly don't overthink it. I've made that mistake many times.

Good luck!

PS. In Sunova i've had 2 Speeds, a Creek, a Skate and a Surf Longboard. The longboard is the only one i've kept.

Thanks Hoppo - good advice. Too much over-thinking on my behalf for sure. Appreciate the advice & input

I would go the Steeze or a lonboard. These are boards that will teach you how to move and trim. They are also boards to keep. I have had many boards over the years and only recently got a 10 footer. It is go to board now. Good luck.

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johndg said..
I would go the Steeze or a lonboard. These are boards that will teach you how to move and trim. They are also boards to keep. I have had many boards over the years and only recently got a 10 footer. It is go to board now. Good luck.

Excellent. Thanks John. Finances are always a consideration, so as much as I'd love a new board or 2 every season, reality is a board needs to last me at least 3-4 years, else I'll end up sleeping on the couch if I come home with a newie! The Steeze sounds like it could be a goer - and it seems the 9'6 is same width and only 6L less volume than the 10'...maybe I can get away with that! With the fuller nose and that 'secondary' stability I think it should be doable. Cheers for the advice

Just watch Creek's video review on the 9'6" Steeze...I think I'm sold. Not sure if the YouTube link will work (), but fantastic vid - thanks Rick Now if only I ever get to that level of skill...

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/My-Sunova-9-5-Steeze-Review?page=1

How's it going 808.
Mate - don't forget the Style too.
I've got the 10'6 Style and it's a freaked' beast. Absolute performance Longboard and you could get away with a bit of cruisin with the
missus on the flat stuff easy.
You're about the same height and weight as me and I find it continues to impress. In small ankle slappers and beyond.
Its like a 10'6 performance mal for SUP.
AND - I noticed there's one for sale on the Breeze this arvo.
Rock solid, wicked board - definitely worth lookin' at.
Bring on the Longboard revolution!!!!

The Steeze would be sick too man... good luck and let us know how ya go!!!

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MangoDingo said..
How's it going 808.
Mate - don't forget the Style too.
I've got the 10'6 Style and it's a freaked' beast. Absolute performance Longboard and you could get away with a bit of cruisin with the
missus on the flat stuff easy.
You're about the same height and weight as me and I find it continues to impress. In small ankle slappers and beyond.
Its like a 10'6 performance mal for SUP.
AND - I noticed there's one for sale on the Breeze this arvo.
Rock solid, wicked board - definitely worth lookin' at.
Bring on the Longboard revolution!!!!

The Steeze would be sick too man... good luck and let us know how ya go!!!

Thanks mate - would love to, unfortunately 10' is absolute max length I can go to (storage issue in an apartment) but thanks for the input & feedback. Will deffo update once I pull the trigger

Fair enough man - in that case , go the Steeze - from all accounts they are really good boards and as Hoppo said don't over think it. Get it and get amongst it - you won't go wrong on a Steeze bro.

Hi 808

Lots of boards, so long answer.

It sounds like you are possibly going to flat-water paddle more than surf, if that is the case, you should gear more towards a good paddler, that also surf well.

Your 10 Mana is a great board for both.
I loved paddling and surfing my 10' Mana, so I know it well.

My suggestions for you are:
10' Steeze
9'7 Creek

Explanations below

9'6 Flow - has a lot of rail curve, has quite a lot of yaw, so not the ideal flat-water paddler... easy surfer for intermediate. Super Stable

9'5 Speeed - nose pushes a bit of water when paddling flat-water, but paddles straight. the 9'5 may be a good solution since it is stable, surfs well. The longer the Speeed, the more you have to move around on the board to turn.

9'2 Skate- great paddler, stable, surfs awesome.... but is best in low power waves with flatter faces. Steep waves are difficult because of low nose kick.

Shroom- A quiver board that is super fun, but in a narrow range of wave conditions. Under 4' and soft are best.
The sizes you mention are HUGE.... the 8'7 was really big for me at 108 kg

If you want to keep a similar type of board to your Mana, I would go with the 10' Steeze.
It will be lighter, snappier and more durable, so a very nice upgrade IMO

Reason for 10' Steeze over the 9'6:
I paddled my 9'6 quite a lot in Florida, but as you saw in my review of the 9'6,
I was surprised when it wasn't the floaty big board I was expecting....
and a bit tippier than you might be looking for in surf, so the extra length and volume of the 10'er might be appreciated.

The Steeze is a low rocker board with straightish rails, so it moves well when paddling and easy speed on low power waves.
As you saw in the video, I feel a center fin over 5.75" made it sticky for me... but others like the bigger fins.
The Steeze is definitely a "longboard" style ride, especially at the 10' size
A good choice that I think you will be very happy with if you want to stay with the "longboard" feel

If you really want easy stability and easy performance, with very good paddling characteristics,
I'd suggest:
the 9'7 x 33" Creek at 160 liters.
Super stable and will handle any surf conditions.... and is very easy to surf in a more "shortboard" style
My 9'4 Creek is noticeably more stable than my 9'6 Steeze.... and others who I have swapped back and forth with feel the same.
The 9'7 at 33" will be rock solid
One thing I have found with the Creek, is that in low power waves, a bigger Creek works better, and will still rip in good surf.

Smaller Creeks are super high performing contest winners, at the Pro level.....
9'7 x 33" Creek is fine for most anyone under 115 kg

Go see John, Guy or Mike at SurfFX and demo the biggest Creek they have, to get a feel for stability, paddle-ability and overall feel.
Tell them Creek sent you

PS
As SunnyBuoy suggested, the 9'5 Soul is also worth considering... some are still available at dealers around OZ
and I am sure you can order one from Surf FX
It is a good paddler, pretty good stability and surfs really well.
Here's a vid of me surfing the 9'5 SOUL last week... with biggish sidebites (5.25") and a very small center fin (3.5")
I chose it that day because I wanted a board to connect the outside with the inside, but still be more shortboard style surfing.

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supthecreek said..
Hi 808

Lots of boards, so long answer.

It sounds like you are possibly going to flat-water paddle more than surf, if that is the case, you should gear more towards a good paddler, that also surf well.

Your 10 Mana is a great board for both.
I loved paddling and surfing my 10' Mana, so I know it well.

My suggestions for you are:
10' Steeze
9'7 Creek

Explanations below

9'6 Flow - has a lot of rail curve, has quite a lot of yaw, so not the ideal flat-water paddler... easy surfer for intermediate. Super Stable

9'5 Speeed - nose pushes a bit of water when paddling flat-water, but paddles straight. the 9'5 may be a good solution since it is stable, surfs well. The longer the Speeed, the more you have to move around on the board to turn.

9'2 Skate- great paddler, stable, surfs awesome.... but is best in low power waves with flatter faces. Steep waves are difficult because of low nose kick.

Shroom- A quiver board that is super fun, but in a narrow range of wave conditions. Under 4' and soft are best.
The sizes you mention are HUGE.... the 8'7 was really big for me at 108 kg

If you want to keep a similar type of board to your Mana, I would go with the 10' Steeze.
It will be lighter, snappier and more durable, so a very nice upgrade IMO

Reason for 10' Steeze over the 9'6:
I paddled my 9'6 quite a lot in Florida, but as you saw in my review of the 9'6,
I was surprised when it wasn't the floaty big board I was expecting....
and a bit tippier than you might be looking for in surf, so the extra length and volume of the 10'er might be appreciated.

The Steeze is a low rocker board with straightish rails, so it moves well when paddling and easy speed on low power waves.
As you saw in the video, I feel a center fin over 5.75" made it sticky for me... but others like the bigger fins.
The Steeze is definitely a "longboard" style ride, especially at the 10' size
A good choice that I think you will be very happy with if you want to stay with the "longboard" feel

If you really want easy stability and easy performance, with very good paddling characteristics,
I'd suggest:
the 9'7 x 33" Creek at 160 liters.
Super stable and will handle any surf conditions.... and is very easy to surf in a more "shortboard" style
My 9'4 Creek is noticeably more stable than my 9'6 Steeze.... and others who I have swapped back and forth with feel the same.
The 9'7 at 33" will be rock solid
One thing I have found with the Creek, is that in low power waves, a bigger Creek works better, and will still rip in good surf.

Smaller Creeks are super high performing contest winners, at the Pro level.....
9'7 x 33" Creek is fine for most anyone under 115 kg

Go see John, Guy or Mike at SurfFX and demo the biggest Creek they have, to get a feel for stability, paddle-ability and overall feel.
Tell them Creek sent you

PS
As SunnyBuoy suggested, the 9'5 Soul is also worth considering... some are still available at dealers around OZ
and I am sure you can order one from Surf FX
It is a good paddler, pretty good stability and surfs really well.
Here's a vid of me surfing the 9'5 SOUL last week... with biggish sidebites (5.25") and a very small center fin (3.5")
I chose it that day because I wanted a board to connect the outside with the inside, but still be more shortboard style surfing.

Wow...thank you Rick. Exactly the info I was hoping for. SurfFX have a 9'4 Creek in demo so I'll book that in for a demo, though I'm thinking the 10' Steeze might be the go - reading what I have (and watching a ridiculous amount of videos!) about your design in the Creek, I probably would not use a lot of the features you had built in (Speeed tail etc.), and I do love more of a cruisy longboard feel so I do believe I'll be ordering a 10' Steeze. Oh, and I'll definitely drop your name!!! Thanks very much for such a detailed & thoughtful response. Have a great Sunday

Hey 808-Obsession not to try and change your mind but I would reconsider the 9'7 Creek as Rick suggests. I think you will find the almost 2 inches of width on the 9'7 Creek more stable. The Creek is a combo of boards and one of the nice features of the Speed tail is how incredibly straight it paddles. I'm guessing the channels keep it paddling straight. Unlike the Speed it turns from the middle so even if you never turn off the tail it will surf great for you and if you choose to advance, the Speed tail gives you something special. It's not a longboard nor surf like one but you can get up on the nose of the Creek too. 160 liters of volume is hefty for you as I am 6'2 and 112 liters and find the board incredibly stable. I'm age challenged too. Also the Steeze tail gets narrow and the front back stability can be tricky. The tail will sink. All of the Sunova's have some tippyness to them but I find that the Creek has a "secondary stability" as water creeps up on the rails. Really the only downside I see for you is the Creek won't be a fast paddler because of the performance rocker but you won't even notice the rocker on flat water. SuptheCreek has a couple of stability comparison videos. He doesn't have the Steeze in a comparison video but his flat water Steeze video helps in comparing. The Steeze is a board that is in my future because of the longboard qualities but I believe for most that like some stability and performance the Creek is the board.

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castawaycove said..
Hey 808-Obsession not to try and change your mind but I would reconsider the 9'7 Creek as Rick suggests. I think you will find the almost 2 inches of width on the 9'7 Creek more stable. The Creek is a combo of boards and one of the nice features of the Speed tail is how incredibly straight it paddles. I'm guessing the channels keep it paddling straight. Unlike the Speed it turns from the middle so even if you never turn off the tail it will surf great for you and if you choose to advance, the Speed tail gives you something special. It's not a longboard nor surf like one but you can get up on the nose of the Creek too. 160 liters of volume is hefty for you as I am 6'2 and 112 liters and find the board incredibly stable. I'm age challenged too. Also the Steeze tail gets narrow and the front back stability can be tricky. The tail will sink. All of the Sunova's have some tippyness to them but I find that the Creek has a "secondary stability" as water creeps up on the rails. Really the only downside I see for you is the Creek won't be a fast paddler because of the performance rocker but you won't even notice the rocker on flat water. SuptheCreek has a couple of stability comparison videos. He doesn't have the Steeze in a comparison video but his flat water Steeze video helps in comparing. The Steeze is a board that is in my future because of the longboard qualities but I believe for most that like some stability and performance the Creek is the board.

Okay, thanks castaway - I'll demo the 9'4 Creek before making a final decision. Appreciate the input. I just was trying to rationalise the high-performance tools Rick had built into the Creek, and was thinking I'd never use most of it as I'm not a great surfer, but if a 9'7 Creek makes for a decent all rounder maybe I should reconsider. I can deal with a slightly slower flat-water paddle speed due to the rocker

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808-Obsession said..
Hey all, Seeking some advice as getting confused/spoiled for choice and trying to be realistic about my progression. Looking at downsizing from my Naish Mana 10' (my first SUP) for something a little livelier (and let's be honest - 4 years out of a board is justification for something new & shiny, and I'm a little in love with Sunova!).

The below is what I'm considering - I'm 6'2" at 100kgs, a decent flat-water paddler but only just starting to get back into the groove of riding waves on a SUP having prone surfed when younger. The Mana does the job just fine, but (again, being honest...) I just would like to get something new & reinvigorating, and have even got the go-ahead from my better half.

Query I'd have is this - I do spend a bit of time on flat water paddling & cruising with my better half, as well as waves when I get the opportunity, and want something that will be reasonable at both. It's a trade-off, I know. Catch is that I need to keep it to 10 foot or less due to storage constraints...

All the Sunova's (from reports) seem to have a general 'tippiness' due to fine rails, but can anyone provide info on which of the below would best suit those parameters and my general situation?

If I'm being honest with myself, I'd imagine the Flow and the Speeed might be a bit of a handful for me - I don't want to be spending most of energy trying to stay upright and they seem to be more performance-oriented than I need (or would ever fully utilise!)

Very keen on all reviews of the Steeze as a 'one board quiver' but can't seem to find a demo anywhere near me in Brissy or on the Gold Coast. SurfFX have a great variety of Sunova in demo but I'm told the Steeze would be a special order. Any advice would be appreciated!!

Sunova Steeze 10' x 31" x 4 1/2" at 150L

Sunova Creek 9'4" x 32" x 4 9/16" at 147.9L

Sunova Speeed 9'5" x 31 1/16" x 4 7/8" at 160.3L

Sunova Speeed 9'2" x 30 1/4" x 4 3/4" at 145.9L

Sunova Flow 9'6" x 33" x 4 11/16" at 159.1L

Sunova Skate 9'2" x 32" x 4 1/2" at 148L

Sunova Shroom 8'7" x 33 3/8" x 3 7/16" at 142.2L

Sunova Shroom 8'11" x 34 5/8" x 3 9/16" at 159.5L

love my 8/11 shroom so much fun and surfs soo good

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kev7 said..

808-Obsession said..
Hey all, Seeking some advice as getting confused/spoiled for choice and trying to be realistic about my progression. Looking at downsizing from my Naish Mana 10' (my first SUP) for something a little livelier (and let's be honest - 4 years out of a board is justification for something new & shiny, and I'm a little in love with Sunova!).

The below is what I'm considering - I'm 6'2" at 100kgs, a decent flat-water paddler but only just starting to get back into the groove of riding waves on a SUP having prone surfed when younger. The Mana does the job just fine, but (again, being honest...) I just would like to get something new & reinvigorating, and have even got the go-ahead from my better half.

Query I'd have is this - I do spend a bit of time on flat water paddling & cruising with my better half, as well as waves when I get the opportunity, and want something that will be reasonable at both. It's a trade-off, I know. Catch is that I need to keep it to 10 foot or less due to storage constraints...

All the Sunova's (from reports) seem to have a general 'tippiness' due to fine rails, but can anyone provide info on which of the below would best suit those parameters and my general situation?

If I'm being honest with myself, I'd imagine the Flow and the Speeed might be a bit of a handful for me - I don't want to be spending most of energy trying to stay upright and they seem to be more performance-oriented than I need (or would ever fully utilise!)

Very keen on all reviews of the Steeze as a 'one board quiver' but can't seem to find a demo anywhere near me in Brissy or on the Gold Coast. SurfFX have a great variety of Sunova in demo but I'm told the Steeze would be a special order. Any advice would be appreciated!!

Sunova Steeze 10' x 31" x 4 1/2" at 150L

Sunova Creek 9'4" x 32" x 4 9/16" at 147.9L

Sunova Speeed 9'5" x 31 1/16" x 4 7/8" at 160.3L

Sunova Speeed 9'2" x 30 1/4" x 4 3/4" at 145.9L

Sunova Flow 9'6" x 33" x 4 11/16" at 159.1L

Sunova Skate 9'2" x 32" x 4 1/2" at 148L

Sunova Shroom 8'7" x 33 3/8" x 3 7/16" at 142.2L

Sunova Shroom 8'11" x 34 5/8" x 3 9/16" at 159.5L

love my 8/11 shroom so much fun and surfs soo good

Hi Kev,
Thanks for that. Can I assume it's not the quickest board around at 34" wide? I think it'd be a very interesting & fun board to have as a specific-condition SUP but as my only board might it be a little restrictive?

the beauty of a long board is you can go narrower without trading too much stability. 34" is damn wide imo on a Creek. I hover around 110kg and my sunova surf longboard is 28.5 wide. A longboard shape with a longboard rocker will paddle straight and faster than anything with a curved outline. Then when you want to surf it...step back and let rip.

As I said before I've had 2 speeds and a custom creek and moved them all on. I found the speeds too stiff on softer waves (as you couldn't get right back to get it to turn), although on bigger steeper stuff they were fine as you could get right back. You do need to be a back foot surfer to get them going IMO...

My Creek (9" x 30.5 x129L) turned from the middle which helped in smaller stuff but I didn't find the tail rocker suited the waves I ride most of the time - (fat points). On a shallow reef or beachy it worked. I can see why rick designed it the way he did/ why he likes it so much - as 95% of the waves he surfs are beach breaks...But for the majority of Sup waves I surf here in Vicco it didn't make me go wow.

I'm trying out a ECS wideboy carbon (8'10" x 31" x 135L) now as my everyday fishy type of surf sup / small wave ripper... One surf in and pretty happy so far.

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Hoppo3228 said..
the beauty of a long board is you can go narrower without trading too much stability. 34" is damn wide imo on a Creek. I hover around 110kg and my sunova surf longboard is 28.5 wide. A longboard shape with a longboard rocker will paddle straight and faster than anything with a curved outline. Then when you want to surf it...step back and let rip.

As I said before I've have 2 speeds and a custom creek and moved them all on. I found the speeds too stiff on softer waves (as you couldn't get right back to get it to turn), although on bigger steeper stuff they were fine as you could get right back. You do need to be a back foot surfer to get them going IMO...

My Creek (9" x 30.5 x129L) turned from the middle which helped in smaller stuff but I didn't find the tail rocker suited the waves I ride most of the time - (fat points). On a shallow reef or beachy it worked. I can see why rick designed it the way he did/ why he likes it so much - as 95% of the waves he surfs are beach breaks...But for the majority of Sup waves I surf here in Vicco it didn't make me go wow.

I'm trying out a ECS wideboy carbon (8'10" x 31" x 135L) now as my everyday fishy type of surf sup / small wave ripper... One surf in and pretty happy so far.

note: The 9'7 Creek is 33" wide, not 34"

Hi Hoppo
My consistent suggestion has always been:
If you want a Creek for fat waves, getone size biggerthan you think you should.
Quote from my post above
"One thing I have found with the Creek, is that in low power waves, a bigger Creek works better, and will still rip in good surf."

You ordered acustom Creekthat wasone inch narrowerand7 liters lessthan the stock 9'1

I understand that your young and your balance is great
but honestly, I can't see that size working at all in low power waves, for a guy at 110 kg....
simply too little surface area to carry good speed

I weigh 103 kg now and my stock Creek 9'1 x 31 @ 136 does NOT work for me in fat waves.
However:
My 9'4 Creek isamazingin crap surf....
because of the added width and surface area to allow glide and carry good speed for snappy turns.
and the 32" width is perfect in bigger juice (see "Creek gettin' some love" vid)

Less is not always more

Hoppo, your current board: 8'10 x31"at135liters has you"pretty happy so far"
wider and more volume.....

I am stoked you like your new board and I'd love to see some vids of you ripping on it!

Hey Rick,

All fair points mate. I have been trying to push the boundary on smaller boards as they potentially perform so much better whilst on a wave... probably to my detriment. I'm sure if I bought a 9'4" creek compared to the custom one I'd probably still have it and be happy on it. Oh well, you live and learn...

That's mostly why I went bigger on this ECS board than what many were suggesting on this post. (not the crew suggesting to buy a Acid though incl yourself.)

For me, the ECS @135L - the deck is underwater just, and as stable as a rock after 1 surf.

The plan ideally is that I'll keep getting my weight down so it becomes an oversized small wave board for me, not one on the limit.

Gonna buy a waterproof camera shortly so pics/clips will be an option!

Sorry for the hijack 808!

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Hoppo3228 said..
Hey Rick,

All fair points mate. I have been trying to push the boundary on smaller boards as they potentially perform so much better whilst on a wave... probably to my detriment. I'm sure if I bought a 9'4" creek compared to the custom one I'd probably still have it and be happy on it. Oh well, you live and learn...

That's mostly why I went bigger on this ECS board than what many were suggesting on this post. (not the crew suggesting to buy a Acid though incl yourself.)

For me, the ECS @135L - the deck is underwater just, and as stable as a rock after 1 surf.

The plan ideally is that I'll keep getting my weight down so it becomes an oversized small wave board for me, not one on the limit.

Gonna buy a waterproof camera shortly so pics/clips will be an option!

Sorry for the hijack 808!

All good, Hoppo - always happy for multiple perspectives. Thanks for the detailed info

I didn't see a acid on that list ?
it has a fair bit of rocker but does paddle pretty good in the bigger sizes ...

So you are currently riding a 10 mana at 33 and 190 litres ,they have a fairly flat rocker so do paddle quite good .

i would take what you like about the mana and match it with one of those suggested ,the narrower boards are faster to paddle .and the length ,I would also pick the steeze.being 10 foot.and narrow tail .

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Tardy said..
I didn't see a acid on that list ?
it has a fair bit of rocker but does paddle pretty good in the bigger sizes ...

So you are currently riding a 10 mana at 33 and 190 litres ,they have a fairly flat rocker so do paddle quite good .

i would take what you like about the mana and match it with one of those suggested ,the narrower boards are faster to paddle .and the length ,I would also pick the steeze.being 10 foot.and narrow tail .

Hi Tardy,

Hadn't considered the Acid, no - I think with the 9'4 (biggest) coming in at 136L and with the shape & very curved rails, it would be right at my limit stability/ability wise. In a perfect world where money was no object I'd have one of all the Sunovas, but that Trust Fund relative hasn't appeared out of the ether yet!! Thanks for the suggestion though - I'll demo a 9'4 Creek, and then decide whether I go the 10' Steeze or the 9'7 Creek. Thanks again.

It was kinda a joke ...but your on the right track ,I had a go on the creeks ..with the extra nose width they are very stable ,and they surf good ..i had a demo on the 9.4 .just paddling around in lagoons and stuff ,then had the 8.10 in serious stuff ...I think you are going up in the world getting either ,creek or steeze.happy demo .we need picture of smiles on ya face.

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Tardy said..
It was kinda a joke ...but your on the right track ,I had a go on the creeks ..with the extra nose width they are very stable ,and they surf good ..i had a demo on the 9.4 .just paddling around in lagoons and stuff ,then had the 8.10 in serious stuff ...I think you are going up in the world getting either ,creek or steeze.happy demo .we need picture of smiles on ya face.

There'll be smiles, a thousand miles wide

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Tardy said..
It was kinda a joke ...but your on the right track ,I had a go on the creeks ..with the extra nose width they are very stable ,and they surf good ..i had a demo on the 9.4 .just paddling around in lagoons and stuff ,then had the 8.10 in serious stuff ...I think you are going up in the world getting either ,creek or steeze.happy demo .we need picture of smiles on ya face.

Light only just dawned on my marble head that you're 'Black Acid' Tardy! Hope you love it - looks absolutely schmick!

Hi 808,

i just aquired a few Sunova boards and traded some Starboards.

The starboard I was mostly surfing on and progressing nicely with was a 166lt Whopper 9.5 Carbon. I improved faster on this board than any others I had tried in beginner mode.

So, now I have 8.10 Speeed, 8.10 Flow, 9.2 Speeed and 9.4 Creek.

9.4 Creek at 148lt was an easy step down. Felt at ease within 2 surfs. Just as easy as Whopper now (6 sessions)
9.2 Speeed at 145lt wasn't hard but narrower width was noticeable. Was surfing it in 3 sessions though.
8.10 Flow felt good on waves straight away, but a little more effort standing around waiting.
8.10 Speeed same but a little easier than Flow in choppier seas.

My current thought is to continue to ride the 9.4 Creek and 9.2 Speeed until I improve further (I've set a 3 month target) then spend more time on the two 8.10's. The 8.10's feel ok now but just 1 step too soon for me.

I'm 6ft and 90kg.

Hope this recent experience is some benefit to you.

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TaoJones said..
Hi 808,

i just aquired a few Sunova boards and traded some Starboards.

The starboard I was mostly surfing on and progressing nicely with was a 166lt Whopper 9.5 Carbon. I improved faster on this board than any others I had tried in beginner mode.

So, now I have 8.10 Speeed, 8.10 Flow, 9.2 Speeed and 9.4 Creek.

9.4 Creek at 148lt was an easy step down. Felt at ease within 2 surfs. Just as easy as Whopper now (6 sessions)
9.2 Speeed at 145lt wasn't hard but narrower width was noticeable. Was surfing it in 3 sessions though.
8.10 Flow felt good on waves straight away, but a little more effort standing around waiting.
8.10 Speeed same but a little easier than Flow in choppier seas.

My current thought is to continue to ride the 9.4 Creek and 9.2 Speeed until I improve further (I've set a 3 month target) then spend more time on the two 8.10's. The 8.10's feel ok now but just 1 step too soon for me.

I'm 6ft and 90kg.

Hope this recent experience is some benefit to you.

Excellent feedback, thanks Tao! Do you find the 9'2 Speeed to be a quicker paddler than the 9'4 Creek, or does the scoop nose 'push' the water at lower speed?

I don't really notice much difference in the ocean. Speeed paddles straighter on flat water.

i think the scoop nose on both the 9.2 and 8.10 Speeeds clear the water nicely. I never feel that either push water.

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TaoJones said..
I don't really notice much difference in the ocean. Speeed paddles straighter on flat water.

i think the scoop nose on both the 9.2 and 8.10 Speeeds clear the water nicely. I never feel that either push water.

Okay, thanks for that. Have a good one

So...after a ridiculous amount of deliberation, I ended up going with a 9'5" Speeed, based on various factors and heaps of advice. Maiden voyage tomorrow, and I cannot frigging wait!!! Thanks to all for the input & help. Will put some shots up after first paddle tomorrow morning