Hi seeking some advice. I'm 63 yo weight fluctuates around 100kg, surf mostly around Westernport Bay vic. I rate myself as an intermediate surfer who surfs all year and alternate craft between SUP & Mal. My current SUP is a 10' trigger Bros, 160 Litres, 31" wide, fin setup as a quad. I have always found this board a bit tippy when the winds are a blowin and the side chop a runnin. Due to back and hip problems I am looking at a more stable board. I have been assured by a specialist I will eventually recover and be able to get back into the surf. In preparation for when this occurs I am going to treat myself to a new SUP. I have decided that a Sunova Speeed is the board for me however am unsure whether a 9'5 or a 9'2. I have read numerous posts, watched videos, been advised by a Sumova agent that a 9'2 would suit me and am still uncertain. Before you say it, I know, borrow a demo board which I will probably do however I am fairly certain that the local agent wouldn't have 9'5 and 9'2 demo boards.

Therefore I hope that some of the community members may be able to advise on pros and cons of going longer or shorter i.e. performance, stability, ability to catch waves catch, my weight etc.

Hi S4E, I'm 69, about 73kg and have owned a 8' 10" Speeed for about 6 months. In that time surf has been crap and I've had a couple of cataract ops so have only had about 5 surfs in fairly small waves, 2 to 4 foot. I'm a long time mal rider and I also still have my first sup, 9'5" and 31.5 wide. IMHO the Speeed is not as stable in chop and wind as I would like. I must admit that I need more time on it but, compared to my other sup, it is a lot " tippier". If I had my time over, or a lot more money, I'd go for something wider and more stable. I have no intention of smashing the lip or any radical moves, and the Speeed will be my go-to sup when it's clean and a bit bigger, but at the moment I'm selling other craft to finance a more stable surf-sup. [My original is more flat-water orientated, but handles benign waves easily.] Hope this helps.

Depending on your budget you can do a custom Speeed and chose your own length, width and volume.
l decided the standard width was a bit to narrow for me so got the width and volume I wanted.
Having said that, a custom Steeze would be on my next shopping list ?

Go 9'5.

I have a 9'5 Speeed and whilst i am 20kg heavier than you, i am also nearly half your age, which offsets the 20kg (so i like to believe).

If you can get back far enough, you will be able to turn it no problem.

I often tell people that this board makes me feel like i am ripping. I'm not, but i feel like i am. Even at 9'5.

This board will feel tippy at first but you will get used to it. I still fall off out the back.... but not as much as i did when i first got it.

Don't fall for the crap of going too small. This is supposed to be fun.

I also float around 100kg-105kg and originally bought the 9.2 Speeed, it was great in perfect conditions but as soon as their was a bit of chop and wind I found it tippy and was working hard each session to stay upright. I spotted a second hand 9.5" and bought it and sold the 9.2" I love it, I'm no longer struggling and having to be constantly on the move to stay afloat, pretty much my go to board now for all conditions. I'd say if your on 160Litres now go the 9.5, unless you are wanting the challenge of a smaller board.

I think 9'5" also ,I tried the 9' 2" great board in glass, but when it gets a little bumpy it just becomes hard work .

Hi Surf4Ever
If you struggled a bit on 10 x 31 at 169 Liters, and you have been off SUP for a while recovering from back & hip problems, I don't advise you getting either the 9'2 or 9'5 Speeed as neither will be as stable as what you ride now.

Sunova does have several great options for you:
"Speeed" 9'11 x 32 3/4 at 173 liters that should give you what you need to get back into SUP life with the Speeed performance.

The "One" 9'5 x 32 at 160 is quite stable and has more than enough float for you. I rode last winter in full wetsuit, and it is very easy for me. I am always amazed how well this board surfs, although it lacks the sweet tight carve of the Speeed

Your best option may be the Sunova "Creek" 9'7 x 32 7/8 at 160 liters.
Note:This is my model, designed for max performance and stability, so of course I love it
I have been riding my 9'4 all summer, in ALL conditions and am totally stoked on every aspect of this board. (69 YO, 110 kg)
Bottom line, you would get almost 2" extra width, 3" shorter, at the same volume you ride now.... and a ton of performance.

Hi All,
Well STC has certainly thrown a curve ball. I thought that the Speeed was meant to be a stable board due it's very straight rails. I value the communities opinions particularly as they have no vested interest in selling boards so please keep the discussion going.

I was originally thinking of a flow however was swayed towards the Speeed by my surfing buddy and various forums.

STC how does the creek compare to the flow?

Your best option may be the Sunova "Creek" 9'7 x 32 7/8 at 160 liters.

Hi Rick,
if you were to have a one board quiver, would you go the 'Steeze' or the 'Creek'. 64 years old, 180cm tall, 80kg, Getting close to intermediate but probably as good as it's going to get. Don't ride big waves just want to have fun.

regards
Greg

Head down to SHQ at Sandy and get a demo

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Surf4Ever said..
Hi All,
Well STC has certainly thrown a curve ball. I thought that the Speeed was meant to be a stable board due it's very straight rails. I value the communities opinions particularly as they have no vested interest in selling boards so please keep the discussion going.

I was originally thinking of a flow however was swayed towards the Speeed by my surfing buddy and various forums.

STC how does the creek compare to the flow?

My goal is to always give the best advice I can, so I frequently throw curve balls.

Size for size, the Speeed is narrower than other boards. That is why I got my 1st Sunova... I had never had a board under 30" wide and the 8'10 Speeed would be my 1st (and only) 29" board. The wide nose made it possible, so my infatuation with Sunova began.... but you wanted more stability than 10 x 31".... that's not going to happen on 9'5 x 31.5" at the same volume IMO.
I think you would find the 9'11 a better match, with a significant performance upgrade from your current ride.

The ONE is a more stable design overall and the Creek at 9'7 is much wider than your current ride, but it surfs MUCH smaller than it's size.

I am joined at the hip with Sunova and would be suspect in my answer here, so take for what value you get from this.

Flow vs Creek:
I vastly prefer my 9'4 Creek over my 8'10 Flow.... in back to back comps in the same sessions, the difference surprised me. I also owned a 9'2 Flow, and in that comparison there was no contest .... Creek is at another level entirely when compared size to size IMO...
just remember... I designed the Creek, so it was made to be exactly what I like.

Looking forward to hear how others like the Creek after they start hitting the line-ups.

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Yamba4 said..
Your best option may be the Sunova "Creek" 9'7 x 32 7/8 at 160 liters.

Hi Rick,
if you were to have a one board quiver, would you go the 'Steeze' or the 'Creek'. 64 years old, 180cm tall, 80kg, Getting close to intermediate but probably as good as it's going to get. Don't ride big waves just want to have fun.

regards
Greg

Hi Greg....
I'm in the US, so I have not seen a Steeze yet. Funny thing is, that type design was going to be my next suggestion for Sunova..... a fun shape that is easy on the body but rips. I am super stoked to try one for sure!

ahhhh.... the "One board quiver" question.
The Steeze might be a great one board quiver for you, but that will have to come from someone who has ridden it. If your waves are softer, this may be the best bet for you.
(For you, I think 8'10 in either model is the proper size. Both are 125 liters and both are 30" +-)

1 board quiver for me? Zero question about it. The Creek.
I ride my 9'4 in everything and it is always at home.

I'd prefer an 8'10 summer... and 9'4 winter
But if forced to chose just one: 9'4 Creek

jeeze, I just picked my own model...
Flame suit on!

Peace
Rick

Can I add to this by saying the Speeed isn't "that" stable.. STC is way more experienced than me and a lot of folks, and his thoughts are mine too.

I've got a Speeed 8'10 and about to buy an 8'5 and they're not particularly stable even in the bigger sizes.. the 8'10 doesn't like side on x chop or swirly mush if you are either hanging around out back and its a bit windy or you are coming off a wave and about to head back out over a rip or backwash.. You do have to be committed to paddling it hard through some of the foamy stuff I've found.. but I will say once you've dialled the commitment and paddle effort and stance the thing will fly through the gunk, you just can't hang around much in the froth. I've had an 8'5 on test for a few months and its excellent, but thats even tippier... and we're not talking about smaller Speeeds.. But smaller boards react differently and you're choice of the 9'5/9'2 maybe different, I can't tell you because I've never ridden one. But STC's options of other type boards maybe the answer, its certainly fun looking around. However, a challenge is good so consider that in your choices.

Whatever you buy, be nice to have a report of what you bought and how you're finding it.

"Your best option may be the Sunova "Creek" 9'7 x 32 7/8 at 160 liters."


Thanks Rick,
I think the Creek 9'4 or 9'1 would be good for me,
Great vid, good work!

cheers Greg

Hi All,
The response to my post has been overwhelming and has resulted in me reconsidering what board is suitable for me. Three boards have been suggested which I hadn't previously considered, The One, The Creek and the Steeze. As I stated in earlier posts I have hip and back issues and although the medico's have told me that I will get back into the water eventually, I wish to get a more stable board that won't exacerbate the hips and back.

My current board has served me well however there is a sweet spot on the deck for standing and if you move away from the spot it becomes tippy, particularly when the side chop is running. Running it as a quad gave more stability. I have attached a photo of the board to show it's outline. I believe straighter rails with a more of a square tail would be beneficial.

Hi,
Since my last post I have had a bad case of "analysis paralysis" looking at a number of reviews, forum posts, utube videos and also the new sunova site. Still haven't made up my mind and the decision is awaiting the deliveries of the Steeze and the creek to the land down under. Hopefully SHQ have ordered some and will have demo's

SUP The Creek earlier mentioned his new found love "The Creek and I found a video today of the board which u may enjoy.

Question primarily for SUP the Creek.

Hi Rick,
Thanks for your earlier advice. I tried a Speeed 9'2" on the weekend, Friday and Saturday still water paddle to get feet position, balance etc sorted out. Sunday I tried it in the surf at a break that likes westerly winds, unfortunately Northerly winds were blowing 25 km ave and max 30 km plus, therefore lots of side chop. Unfortunately these sort of conditions occurr often at this break during winter. Caught a few waves on the speeed and was impressed by its performance got the back foot back and the board performed. I did have stability problems as you suggested.

There is a good point though I now realize that I need a very stable board due to back and hip problems. I am looking at either the Skate 9'2" or the Creek 9'7" and have read lots of forum comments from you regarding both these boards. Unfortunately the local Sunova dealer isn't stocking the Skate any more and hasn't ordered any Creek boards for this summer. A mate of mine has an 8'10" Skate so I can at least have a demo on his board (planned for this weekend) however re the Creek demo is a no go until .

I'm wondering if you could provide a comparison of the 2 boards as you have both and list the pros and cons. This would assist me in my decision making.

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chucktheskiffie said..
Go 9'5.

I have a 9'5 Speeed and whilst i am 20kg heavier than you, i am also nearly half your age, which offsets the 20kg (so i like to believe).

If you can get back far enough, you will be able to turn it no problem.

I often tell people that this board makes me feel like i am ripping. I'm not, but i feel like i am. Even at 9'5.

This board will feel tippy at first but you will get used to it. I still fall off out the back.... but not as much as i did when i first got it.

Don't fall for the crap of going too small. This is supposed to be fun.

i agree with chuck - be realistic at least..dean

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Surf4Ever said..
Question primarily for SUP the Creek.

Hi Rick,
Thanks for your earlier advice. I tried a Speeed 9'2" on the weekend, Friday and Saturday still water paddle to get feet position, balance etc sorted out. Sunday I tried it in the surf at a break that likes westerly winds, unfortunately Northerly winds were blowing 25 km ave and max 30 km plus, therefore lots of side chop. Unfortunately these sort of conditions occurr often at this break during winter. Caught a few waves on the speeed and was impressed by its performance got the back foot back and the board performed. I did have stability problems as you suggested.

There is a good point though I now realize that I need a very stable board due to back and hip problems. I am looking at either the Skate 9'2" or the Creek 9'7" and have read lots of forum comments from you regarding both these boards. Unfortunately the local Sunova dealer isn't stocking the Skate any more and hasn't ordered any Creek boards for this summer. A mate of mine has an 8'10" Skate so I can at least have a demo on his board (planned for this weekend) however re the Creek demo is a no go until .

I'm wondering if you could provide a comparison of the 2 boards as you have both and list the pros and cons. This would assist me in my decision making.

Warning:
I give full answers.... and I am 100% affiliated with Sunova.

You asked about the 9'7 Creek and the 9'2 Skate and that your first concern is stability:

The 9'2 Skate is marginally more stable than the 9'4 Creek, but not enough to give it much advantage.
The 9'7 Creek is almost an inch wider and 12 liters more than the 9'2 Skate, so the 9'7 Creek will be noticeably more stable than the 9'2 Skate.

The quick and dirty:
The Creek is a full on performance board that will work better in most waves and conditions.
The Skate is a great mushy wave board, which will works great in soft, low power waves

More detailed:
====================================
The Skate:
is designed to be stable and easy to use in flat or weaker waves.

Pros:
Super stable
It "skate's" really well on waves with a sloping face.
Extremely quick rail to rail, for a wide tail board.
Super fast because of flatter rocker.
Paddles easily
Wide tail catches waves easily.

Cons:
It doesn't do well on steep or really juicy waves. Period.
Low nose rocker tends to stick the nose in, on steep drops and the wide tail tends to lose grip on steep walls.

IMO, the Skate is a "Quiver" board.... because it only works when the conditions are right.
When conditions are right, it is absolutely amazing.
When they are wrong, it simply can't handle it...... low nose kick, low rocker, wide tail.

Bottom line for me:
The Skate is my 2nd most used board, It is sooo much fun when the waves are right.
The Skate is the board I choose, when I have sloping wave faces and low power

======================================

The Creek:
is designed as a full on performance board, with stability.

Pros:
Stability tools built in.
A performance board, that is very easy to surf.
easily turned from the middle or tail.
good in any conditions.
It loves steep and juicy waves or marginal conditions.
Fast, super solid on turns and snappy
It has the Speeed tail.

Surfs much smaller than it's size. When in doubt.. buy the bigger size, it will surprise you.

Cons:
it's named after a big, old Yank

Bottom line for me:
The Creek is absolutely the board I would grab, if I could only take one

Thanks once again Rick. The Creek is the board for me, all i have to do is place an order with SHQ and wait months for their next container delivery or pay an additional $200 for a DHL fast delivery.

Surf4Eva, SHQ's container is due Dec1.

I hover between 107-110kg and have 2 Sunova's.

10'4" x 28.5 x 140L Custom Longboard
8'2" x 31.75 x 125L Skate XL

When it's glassy the longboard is a super easy paddle, but with chop it can be work - not crazy but it keeps me honest. I've just got the Skate and it really surprised me with such low litres, that it is sooo easy to stand on (although has zero glide).

It got me thinking about litres/ body weight. You only really need enough to just float you. I feel I could go down to 120L at my weight and not have the issue of floatation. The lower volume will help immensely in regards to having thinner rails for performance whilst on a wave. Pick your plan shape and length - then only get enough litres for your weight.

Maybe you buy a 9'4" Creek with 120L volume...you'll get the stability of that size of board, but 28L less volume than standard (which you don't need). Just an idea anyway.

I've also recently ordered a Custom Creek @ 9'0 x 30.75 x 130L which is due to arrive next month. Performance board for bigger / rougher conditions. Although now, knowing what I know after buying the Skate, I should have asked for 120L.

Day to day conditions, 1 board quiver, i'd buy a Steeze. Stable, glide, pulled tail for performance. You can't have everything in one board, but I feel that's a pretty schmick compromise.

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Hoppo3228 said..
Surf4Eva, SHQ's container is due Dec1.

I hover between 107-110kg and have 2 Sunova's.

10'4" x 28.5 x 140L Custom Longboard
8'2" x 31.75 x 125L Skate XL

When it's glassy the longboard is a super easy paddle, but with chop it can be work - not crazy but it keeps me honest. I've just got the Skate and it really surprised me with such low litres, that it is sooo easy to stand on (although has zero glide).

It got me thinking about litres/ body weight. You only really need enough to just float you. I feel I could go down to 120L at my weight and not have the issue of floatation. The lower volume will help immensely in regards to having thinner rails for performance whilst on a wave. Pick your plan shape and length - then only get enough litres for your weight.

Maybe you buy a 9'4" Creek with 120L volume...you'll get the stability of that size of board, but 28L less volume than standard (which you don't need). Just an idea anyway.

I've also recently ordered a Custom Creek @ 9'0 x 30.75 x 130L which is due to arrive next month. Performance board for bigger / rougher conditions. Although now, knowing what I know after buying the Skate, I should have asked for 120L.

Day to day conditions, 1 board quiver, i'd buy a Steeze. Stable, glide, pulled tail for performance. You can't have everything in one board, but I feel that's a pretty schmick compromise.

Thanks Hoppo3228,
I have spoken to Trent at SHQ who is one of the owners, no-go with the steeze or the creek. None have been ordered for the current delivery. I got the impression they are going to do a wait and see if there is any customer demand. IMO they can afford to do that as if customers really want one, they will pay the $200 DHL delivery and SHQ still get the commission.

I have had a few email conversations with Rick, and I am pretty hooked on the creek. Unsure about the color tint, the standard finish has grown on me awaiting a reply from Sunova re standard finish costing. Also unsure whether 9'4" or 9'7" the extra width good for my hips however extra litres could make it corky.

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my post however we have got well off the subjects original intent so we should consider this post closed.