I am 75 kilos and 5'8".
I currently own a One Evo2.0 14'x28". I have the extra width for my weight due to hip and knee replacements.
I am considering purchasing a One Edge 3.0 or something similar from another manufacturer in order to be a bit faster and more competitive on mainly large, flatwater waterways. Definitely includes some choppy conditions and wind affected conditions, so stability remains a priority. My choice of width in the One Edge Race 3.0 comes in 25.5" and 27.5" wide. I am considering the 25.5", but am concerned that is 2.5" narrower than my current Evo 2.0.
I am an Intermediate paddler, above average fitness, generally doing 11-12km, 2x per week.
I am now 4 months post total knee replacement surgery and would appreciate any advice/ insight feedback on determining width and litres for my weight/height and purpose.
Thankyou.

I know you're only 75 kgs but I'd recommend going with the wider option.. The difference in race speed will be small and the difference in stability when touring/training in not-so-good condition will be huge..

Also resale value will be better with the wider board and easier to move along when that time comes..

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DavidJohn said..
I know you're only 75 kgs but I'd recommend going with the wider option.. The difference in race speed will be small and the difference in stability when touring/training in not-so-good condition will be huge..

Also resale value will be better with the wider board and easier to move along when that time comes..

Thanks mate, that's a good way of looking at it. ??

Hi mate, as David said wider will be a little easier and perhaps a little slower. Narrower will be faster if you have the skill to balance the board whilst putting the power down.

I recently swapped from a 14x28 Starboard waterline to a Naish Maliko 14x26, I never fell off the Starboard and found it a great board for flat water. I wanted to paddle in bumpier water and hence the Maliko. I too was unsure about going down two inches in width, I find the board very stable on flat water at any paddle speed no problem. However in bumpy water anything above cruise speed is much more challenging.

So it depends on how competitive you want to be, but spending time getting back on your board if you fall in during a race won't be fast. If you put enough time in the narrower board will be "better" depending on your stability levels. If the wider board is too easy as David mentioned it will be an easier board to move on and go narrower once your hip and knees settle down. At 75 kg's either board will have plenty of float for you.

For reference I'am 6'3 and around 95 kg's.

Have a great new year.

Steve.

For me also being in the light weight division, it is as much a question of design and volume than width. At 77kg and 5'11, I have found that the sweet spot was with the following boards as the perfect balance of speed, handling and stability in cross chop and side winds.
In no specific order:
* Naish Maliko 14x26 all three versions but the 2020 is the best
* Sunova Torpedo 14x27 my current downwinding and all conditions board
* Bark Vapor 14x26 the carbon iteration is lighter and very, very stable

I do a lot of steep chop and as much downwinding as I can :-)
I found that there is some value having a lower volume board close to the water and easy to power through chop.

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drivethebus said..
Hi mate, as David said wider will be a little easier and perhaps a little slower. Narrower will be faster if you have the skill to balance the board whilst putting the power down.

I recently swapped from a 14x28 Starboard waterline to a Naish Maliko 14x26, I never fell off the Starboard and found it a great board for flat water. I wanted to paddle in bumpier water and hence the Maliko. I too was unsure about going down two inches in width, I find the board very stable on flat water at any paddle speed no problem. However in bumpy water anything above cruise speed is much more challenging.

So it depends on how competitive you want to be, but spending time getting back on your board if you fall in during a race won't be fast. If you put enough time in the narrower board will be "better" depending on your stability levels. If the wider board is too easy as David mentioned it will be an easier board to move on and go narrower once your hip and knees settle down. At 75 kg's either board will have plenty of float for you.

For reference I'am 6'3 and around 95 kg's.

Have a great new year.

Steve.

??

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LucBenac said..
For me also being in the light weight division, it is as much a question of design and volume than width. At 77kg and 5'11, I have found that the sweet spot was with the following boards as the perfect balance of speed, handling and stability in cross chop and side winds.
In no specific order:
* Naish Maliko 14x26 all three versions but the 2020 is the best
* Sunova Torpedo 14x27 my current downwinding and all conditions board
* Bark Vapor 14x26 the carbon iteration is lighter and very, very stable

I do a lot of steep chop and as much downwinding as I can :-)
I found that there is some value having a lower volume board close to the water and easy to power through chop.

??

I'm kinda close to your weight and height . I just moved down from a 25 wide race board to a 23.5 Allstar . (I use a 28' for DW.)
Really depends on what you mean by chop . I've made a point of going out in small chop to dial it in . I'm definitely getting there and love the board . If you're out there a lot you'll definitely get there . But if it's rough maybe not . I'm not going any narrower on my DW board .