I've only had my 9'5 Sunova Speeed for a couple of weeks and the big thing I have had to change is using my back foot. It really forces you to get your foot back. This has changed my surfing totally as I tended to stand forward on the board which is just a bad habit to get into.Like Supthecreek I'm 68 and can't wait to get it into shoulder height waves and throw it around a bit. Love it.

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supthecreek said..
Total Fanboy streetwalker here.
I took up streetwalking for Fanatic then Naish, Starboard and Hobie because there was so little information for big boys, who wanted some performance. I just wanted to share what I found out after buying them and using them, so sue me.

Now I PIMP for Sunova, but I don't have to pay any more, cuz they like me
Probably cuz I'm a top rider, in the prime of life. (68 yo - 104 kg)


So..... Sunovas are very well built.... but I have always cautioned everyone to be gentle with the bottom of the boards.
Deck and rails = tough as nails
Bottom is thinner, less protected... on purpose.

The thinner bottom is designed to absorb the chatter from chop.
Super smooth ride, but tender...
and you will poke a hole in the bottom, if you drop it on rocks.
I did that ONCE... and learned.

so STC.....do you strongly recommend NOT dropping it on rocks? If so, I may need to change the reason I got mine

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Smash1 said..

supthecreek said..
Total Fanboy streetwalker here.
I took up streetwalking for Fanatic then Naish, Starboard and Hobie because there was so little information for big boys, who wanted some performance. I just wanted to share what I found out after buying them and using them, so sue me.

Now I PIMP for Sunova, but I don't have to pay any more, cuz they like me
Probably cuz I'm a top rider, in the prime of life. (68 yo - 104 kg)


So..... Sunovas are very well built.... but I have always cautioned everyone to be gentle with the bottom of the boards.
Deck and rails = tough as nails
Bottom is thinner, less protected... on purpose.

The thinner bottom is designed to absorb the chatter from chop.
Super smooth ride, but tender...
and you will poke a hole in the bottom, if you drop it on rocks.
I did that ONCE... and learned.

so STC.....do you strongly recommend NOT dropping it on rocks? If so, I may need to change the reason I got mine

He might have to change to Rockmagnet two

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rockmagnet said..

Smash1 said..

supthecreek said..
Total Fanboy streetwalker here.
I took up streetwalking for Fanatic then Naish, Starboard and Hobie because there was so little information for big boys, who wanted some performance. I just wanted to share what I found out after buying them and using them, so sue me.

Now I PIMP for Sunova, but I don't have to pay any more, cuz they like me
Probably cuz I'm a top rider, in the prime of life. (68 yo - 104 kg)


So..... Sunovas are very well built.... but I have always cautioned everyone to be gentle with the bottom of the boards.
Deck and rails = tough as nails
Bottom is thinner, less protected... on purpose.

The thinner bottom is designed to absorb the chatter from chop.
Super smooth ride, but tender...
and you will poke a hole in the bottom, if you drop it on rocks.
I did that ONCE... and learned.

so STC.....do you strongly recommend NOT dropping it on rocks? If so, I may need to change the reason I got mine

He might have to change to Rockmagnet two

I certainly look forward to shredding the SUPs at your guys ages

I'm a fanbouy, having found Sunova through forums like this and a great Guy over here in the U.K. It became clear it's the Brand and Guys that build and sell them and the design that sold it for me.
Ive been surfing my 8'10 speeed pretty much every day since November, in all sorts of conditions (OH to crappy mush, to flat glassy nothing's) and in all that time it's performed extremely well and looks as good now as when I bought it.
Ok, I do look after my gear, regularly wash in fresh water and dry it every time I've ridden it, but still I've yet to find more than the one mark on the rail I did with the paddle when I barrelled off a 4ft crabby left and I went right..

I'd lie to be sponsored too, if the guys are reading this

i am pretty careless generally with my boards, but i will take better care with my acid--the effect of the softer bottom is, in fact, noticeable, certainly compared to the rigid feel of my fanatic ltd

wouldnt want to put a big epoxy/glass ding repair on the bottom of the acid as it might lose that sweet smooth feel

you heads'ed me up, creek.........again

call is for 4-5 ft clean sunday in NJ--that says acid! hope the dream comes true

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Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..
I get my first ever Sunova late tonight - 8'10" Acid. I've had most of the other top brands. I will let you know my views

Well, I just took it down to Balmoral Beach to give it a first test run/paddle in flat water with a strong breeze blowing. At 185cm tall and 100kgs, I thought that it might be a bit of a struggle when I looked at it floating in the water. I just jumped straight on and paddled away. I was really impressed with its stability and ease to paddle. Can't wait to get it in the surf.
Its an amazing looking board, superb finish and super light.

Had its first quick session in the surf this morning at Manly. Lumpy, bumpy and windy.......but wanted to at least see how it (and I) handled this mess. Had to prone paddle her out.....but once I got out there I was amazed that I could actually stand on her and paddle around. Caught a few waves and..................wow! It felt like a 5' surf board. As Bert says "whatever ever you can do on a short board, you can do on an Acid".
Looking forward to some perfect conditions to truly put her through her paces

Awesome posts..Just ordered my Acid..Was a toss up between the 8'4 and the 8'7 but I'm 93kgs so went with the safer option as I'm sure this will be my go-to whip of choice over my Speeed and Minion and I want to be able to ride it in all conditions. Super pumped.Should be here late next week
Chur

Hey Supmaori. How do you find the Minion compared to the Speeed. Is one superfluous because of the other or is there still a place for both?
Cheers from the BOP. 5' and clean for a change!

Hey 913..The minion is still a great board and I kept it in the quiver to have a sub 8ft ride...Plus my girl loves to paddle it as well. It surfs the mush soft waves well and also bigger waves with a bit of power.. However I find the Speeed just a little more refined in the tail and rails and imo offers a little more performance because it has less volume and width. Because of its length paddles better than the minion and that's important bas my favorite break is a 3km paddle.
Good to have in my quiver but looking forward to some Acid.

So SUPmaori went for the 8'7 Acid?...reckon that is a good choice for a bit of comfort on top of killer wave performance. I rode my 7'4 Minion again yesterday after 8 months and fell in love with it again in small mushy swell. You can get so many extra turns out of it. I am super stoked with my Acid 8'10 120L and Minion 7'4 104L quiver as covers all conditions and give totally different rides.

I just bought the 8'10 Acid. I am 95 kg and chicken. I took the 9'1" Acid for a paddle and it felt quite stable, but in the interests of catching waves on my surf trip I went for the 8'10. Hope I don't regret it. Can't wait to try it. We have some swell coming but on-shore wind too...

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Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..
I get my first ever Sunova late tonight - 8'10" Acid. I've had most of the other top brands. I will let you know my views

Well, I just took it down to Balmoral Beach to give it a first test run/paddle in flat water with a strong breeze blowing. At 185cm tall and 100kgs, I thought that it might be a bit of a struggle when I looked at it floating in the water. I just jumped straight on and paddled away. I was really impressed with its stability and ease to paddle. Can't wait to get it in the surf.
Its an amazing looking board, superb finish and super light.

Had its first quick session in the surf this morning at Manly. Lumpy, bumpy and windy.......but wanted to at least see how it (and I) handled this mess. Had to prone paddle her out.....but once I got out there I was amazed that I could actually stand on her and paddle around. Caught a few waves and..................wow! It felt like a 5' surf board. As Bert says "whatever ever you can do on a short board, you can do on an Acid".
Looking forward to some perfect conditions to truly put her through her paces

Took her out for an extended wave session this arvo - WOW. I have always wondered what STC has been smoking when he posts his Sunova rants and raves.... now I know and I like the taste!!
Bring it on. This board rocks.

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Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..
I get my first ever Sunova late tonight - 8'10" Acid. I've had most of the other top brands. I will let you know my views

Well, I just took it down to Balmoral Beach to give it a first test run/paddle in flat water with a strong breeze blowing. At 185cm tall and 100kgs, I thought that it might be a bit of a struggle when I looked at it floating in the water. I just jumped straight on and paddled away. I was really impressed with its stability and ease to paddle. Can't wait to get it in the surf.
Its an amazing looking board, superb finish and super light.

Had its first quick session in the surf this morning at Manly. Lumpy, bumpy and windy.......but wanted to at least see how it (and I) handled this mess. Had to prone paddle her out.....but once I got out there I was amazed that I could actually stand on her and paddle around. Caught a few waves and..................wow! It felt like a 5' surf board. As Bert says "whatever ever you can do on a short board, you can do on an Acid".
Looking forward to some perfect conditions to truly put her through her paces

Took her out for an extended wave session this arvo - WOW. I have always wondered what STC has been smoking when he posts his Sunova rants and raves.... now I know and I like the taste!!
Bring it on. This board rocks.

Great to hear! At 115L and your 100 kg, did you find the stability OK? I could not get out on mine today. Hopefully tomorrow.

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cantSUPenough said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..
I get my first ever Sunova late tonight - 8'10" Acid. I've had most of the other top brands. I will let you know my views

Well, I just took it down to Balmoral Beach to give it a first test run/paddle in flat water with a strong breeze blowing. At 185cm tall and 100kgs, I thought that it might be a bit of a struggle when I looked at it floating in the water. I just jumped straight on and paddled away. I was really impressed with its stability and ease to paddle. Can't wait to get it in the surf.
Its an amazing looking board, superb finish and super light.

Had its first quick session in the surf this morning at Manly. Lumpy, bumpy and windy.......but wanted to at least see how it (and I) handled this mess. Had to prone paddle her out.....but once I got out there I was amazed that I could actually stand on her and paddle around. Caught a few waves and..................wow! It felt like a 5' surf board. As Bert says "whatever ever you can do on a short board, you can do on an Acid".
Looking forward to some perfect conditions to truly put her through her paces

Took her out for an extended wave session this arvo - WOW. I have always wondered what STC has been smoking when he posts his Sunova rants and raves.... now I know and I like the taste!!
Bring it on. This board rocks.

Great to hear! At 115L and your 100 kg, did you find the stability OK? I could not get out on mine today. Hopefully tomorrow.

Not a problem. Requires a bit more focus, but I've been surprised that I have been able to handle it. It helped taking it out for a couple of runs on flat water to get the feel and find the sweet spot for the feet

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Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..
I get my first ever Sunova late tonight - 8'10" Acid. I've had most of the other top brands. I will let you know my views

Well, I just took it down to Balmoral Beach to give it a first test run/paddle in flat water with a strong breeze blowing. At 185cm tall and 100kgs, I thought that it might be a bit of a struggle when I looked at it floating in the water. I just jumped straight on and paddled away. I was really impressed with its stability and ease to paddle. Can't wait to get it in the surf.
Its an amazing looking board, superb finish and super light.

Had its first quick session in the surf this morning at Manly. Lumpy, bumpy and windy.......but wanted to at least see how it (and I) handled this mess. Had to prone paddle her out.....but once I got out there I was amazed that I could actually stand on her and paddle around. Caught a few waves and..................wow! It felt like a 5' surf board. As Bert says "whatever ever you can do on a short board, you can do on an Acid".
Looking forward to some perfect conditions to truly put her through her paces

Took her out for an extended wave session this arvo - WOW. I have always wondered what STC has been smoking when he posts his Sunova rants and raves.... now I know and I like the taste!!
Bring it on. This board rocks.

Smoking balsa is dangerous

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Gboots said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..

Smash1 said..
I get my first ever Sunova late tonight - 8'10" Acid. I've had most of the other top brands. I will let you know my views

Well, I just took it down to Balmoral Beach to give it a first test run/paddle in flat water with a strong breeze blowing. At 185cm tall and 100kgs, I thought that it might be a bit of a struggle when I looked at it floating in the water. I just jumped straight on and paddled away. I was really impressed with its stability and ease to paddle. Can't wait to get it in the surf.
Its an amazing looking board, superb finish and super light.

Had its first quick session in the surf this morning at Manly. Lumpy, bumpy and windy.......but wanted to at least see how it (and I) handled this mess. Had to prone paddle her out.....but once I got out there I was amazed that I could actually stand on her and paddle around. Caught a few waves and..................wow! It felt like a 5' surf board. As Bert says "whatever ever you can do on a short board, you can do on an Acid".
Looking forward to some perfect conditions to truly put her through her paces

Took her out for an extended wave session this arvo - WOW. I have always wondered what STC has been smoking when he posts his Sunova rants and raves.... now I know and I like the taste!!
Bring it on. This board rocks.

Smoking balsa is dangerous

Only if you inhale,-)

Picked up another crack, this time on the rail. Just not seeing the durable construction quality you guys are talking about. I like the shape still, but the construction is so fragile I cant see buying another one.

Latest Update - took the Acid out at Manly this morning in near perfect glassy 2-3' conditions. Also took her out late arvo yesterday at Manly in 2-3' very bumpy/messy conditions (a bit more challenging).
This board totally rocks and I am still amazed at my 101kgs that I can actually stand on her.
This is the only board I have prone paddled and it glides very easily indeed.
On the waves, big and small, it just rips with short surfboard performance.
That's all folks

I am very happy with my Acid (just 3 sessions). I can't believe how well it surfs without having to jam your foot over the fins. 8'10 was a bit small for me (95 kg) in the very lumpy big left (but the ride was incredible) so I tried a 9'1 and it was perfect (bit less fun on the wave). But in smoother conditions the 8'10 felt great - would like to try the 8'7...

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Supmaori said..
Hey 913..The minion is still a great board and I kept it in the quiver to have a sub 8ft ride...Plus my girl loves to paddle it as well. It surfs the mush soft waves well and also bigger waves with a bit of power.. However I find the Speeed just a little more refined in the tail and rails and imo offers a little more performance because it has less volume and width. Because of its length paddles better than the minion and that's important bas my favorite break is a 3km paddle.
Good to have in my quiver but looking forward to some Acid.

So happy to see I'm not the only sup tragic that can't step completely away from my minion. Still my favourite board. And my kid's favourite sup.

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Brenno said..

Supmaori said..
Hey 913..The minion is still a great board and I kept it in the quiver to have a sub 8ft ride...Plus my girl loves to paddle it as well. It surfs the mush soft waves well and also bigger waves with a bit of power.. However I find the Speeed just a little more refined in the tail and rails and imo offers a little more performance because it has less volume and width. Because of its length paddles better than the minion and that's important bas my favorite break is a 3km paddle.
Good to have in my quiver but looking forward to some Acid.

So happy to see I'm not the only sup tragic that can't step completely away from my minion. Still my favourite board. And my kid's favourite sup.

I rode my 7'4 Minion again for the first time in 8 months and fell in love with it again! I have been on my Acid 8'10 as not had glassy conditions the whole 8 months. It rips in small beach breaks and you can squeeze twice the number of turns out of a wave on the Minion than any other board I've had. I was toying about selling the Minion as wasn't using it but that session bought me back to my senses!

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cantSUPenough said..
I am very happy with my Acid (just 3 sessions). I can't believe how well it surfs without having to jam your foot over the fins. 8'10 was a bit small for me (95 kg) in the very lumpy big left (but the ride was incredible) so I tried a 9'1 and it was perfect (bit less fun on the wave). But in smoother conditions the 8'10 felt great - would like to try the 8'7...

I'd need to shed a few kilos before the 8'7" would stand a chance:-)

Thought I would chime in here as it worth a mention, I have had numerous Yellow boards and changed these quicker than my underpants, yeah they are great designs and there R&D budget to get them right is huge however I consider these disposables and changed them every season and just took the financial loss on the chin... I used this forum extensively because I am a research NUTTER and ended up having DEEP build me my own Minion we called the Stretch it was 8'4'' rather than the sub 8'.. The Deep quality is second to none...period... As for Sunova.... I have had the 8'10 speed and I also have the Style and have it finned up with a set of Jackson Close (Thruster Setup) and this for my sunshine coast open beach long paddles and never know what I am going to find when I rock up at the beach is my now my goto board.

As far as quality is concerned - Yellow boards - wouldn't touch another one in a pink fit (maybe demo one every now and then but I will never invest again)

Deep - for my custom boards without hesitation I would invest again

Sunova - Off the rack these things are the ducks nuts. I treat my boards with little respect (on and off roof racks, thrown into the garage when I am in a rush to get somewhere else, 2 kids that jump up and down on it at the beach) I am well impressed and would purchase another

hope that helps

D

P.S. if your on the gold coast why don't you just go to surffx and demo one?

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exiled said..
I have an 8-8 Speeed.

In terms of refinement of shape, it is amazing. Most fun SUP I have ever surfed and its making me consider selling all of my other boards cause they don't get used any more.

Construction wise, I give it a meh.

Better than my old boardworks C4 Subvector, better than the old PSH wood veneer boards, better than old school first run Naish boards, not nearly as durable as my 2012 and 2014 AST starboards have been. I rode my 2012 widepoint for 4 years without ever needing a repair. That was bulletproof board, and maybe a little magical. My Sunova is just okay.

Ive had to fix this board three times in 6 months, All damage to the bottom including a fin box repair. top has also picked up cosmetic shatters from from paddle strikes, no repair necessary. I replaced the tail pad for one I liked better (pure personal preference), but when I had the tail of it was clear that a lot of the fiberglass under the deck never wetted out completely, which maybe explains why it gets significant foot wells.

Maybe its lemon, but one is a small sample size and I'm rough on boards and paddles, so I ain't mad or anything. I buy boards and expect that I will have to repair them. I'm just saying if I could get a Speeed that was as durable as the Starboard I bought 5 years ago was, I would be thrilled.

It needs to be noted that I voiced my concerns to a US rep, who passed that concern on to Tino, who in turn has offered to replace the board.

I don't think you can reasonably complain about the level of customer service they offer. They do bend over backwards to take care of their customers.

Well as I posted up there ^^ I've been out on my Speeed 8'10 pretty much every day since Nov when I bought it. We've had some stonking surf conditions on my local break and seem to have caught them right every time I've been out. Local lads say it's been the best winter in 15 years, so I'm lucky indeed.

I've now pretty much mastered the Speeed, in my local breaks. Understanding where and when lumps appear is crucial to my location, and the Speeed has enabled me to tail spin quickly to catch a close lump, paddle like a looney and catch them. The board is excellent for ripping up some speed and surfing off the tail, bottom turns linked top/front and backside now flow easily, but it has been a learning curve for me. But, I've had the time to learn.

Quality and construction wise the board still looks new, although saying that I have a funny lacquer rub that's either from a whack with my paddle or I've tumbled and caught it on a lump of shingle. It hasn't gone through the topcoat, but it's noticeable as a sort of lacquer rub/craze but as said it's not gone through the topcoat.

I'm still amazed by the quality, surfing as often as I've been doing I expected some dings and paddle whacks at least, but only the one so far.

Being impressed with the Brand I'm buying a Flow 8'10 next week, and looking forward to falling off that with grace..

I don't doubt these boards are great....both guys I paddle with surf them and like them loads.

I was on the the verge of buying one but in the UK the price is daft ....Surf SUPs shouldn't cost this much....so I am opting for a lesser known brand which is still producing the goods.

The above doesn't just apply to Sunova, same with other premium brands. Naish is crazy money for boards that don't really offer any fantastic construction differences....at least Sunova offer something lighter and strong at same time.

I wish we had had more local shapers that made SUPs.....maybe in 50 years time!

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SunovaBouy said..
I have a funny lacquer rub

If you use a board bag, it could be some sand in the bag that... sand the board, acting as sandpaper between the bag and the board.

I've had my 8'10' speed out for 3 surfs now. The waves were small, no more than hip-height and some smaller, and I'm 72kg plus turning 70 at year's end. I'm still new to SUPs but a long-time mal rider. This Speeed rocks! Initially I was too far back when paddling for waves, but an adjustment forward [too far I thought] brought a world of difference. I caught waves later and steeper. The nose comes up, stomp the tail, turn and it just flies. I am stoked. I can't wait for a decent surf...At my age that means not more than shoulder height. I don't bounce anymore. The Speeed still feels twitchy paddling out, but as long as I keep moving it's not a drama. And everyone loves the look!

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CaptainJimbo said..
I've had my 8'10' speed out for 3 surfs now. The waves were small, no more than hip-height and some smaller, and I'm 72kg plus turning 70 at year's end. I'm still new to SUPs but a long-time mal rider. This Speeed rocks! Initially I was too far back when paddling for waves, but an adjustment forward [too far I thought] brought a world of difference. I caught waves later and steeper. The nose comes up, stomp the tail, turn and it just flies. I am stoked. I can't wait for a decent surf...At my age that means not more than shoulder height. I don't bounce anymore. The Speeed still feels twitchy paddling out, but as long as I keep moving it's not a drama. And everyone loves the look!

Great news, Captain. I have the 8'10 and love it. The more you surf em the less twitchy they get although we've just had a summer here in South East Queensland with very few glassy mornings, so a little bump has been the norm. I got mine a while back after Sup the Creek's rave reviews. I reckon Sunova should send him $20 for every Speeed they sell. (And maybe Acids now too). I think (hope) he's planning a review of his new-ish Flow. Looking forward to that.... I feel like one of those crazy Apple fans waiting for the next i-phone to be released.