Hi.... trying to decide between Smik StyleLord 10 x 30 and Starboard longboard 10 x 29. Unfortunately can't demo either.

I'm 44, 90kg and an intermediate surfer.... have q Starboard Widepoint 8'10 and Hypernut 8. Had gone to surfing a longboard, 10 foot Walden and enjoy the longboard style of surfing.

However, a back injury and need for a fusion means I can no longer pop up, so need to get back to SUP.... only just seen to my surprise that there were these longboard style of boards.

I've heard good things about Smik but always had Starboards... wondering if the 29 width might be q bit narrow for me....

Any advice most appreciated.

I can't talk for the Starboards but can recommend a style lord (I have a few in different sizes). Great board and construction, highly reactive on the wave.
I wouldn't say 29 width was too narrow for your weight and age. Depending on balance you may find it tricky to start but the 10ft boards bring a lot of stability (I'm 105kg and ride a 26.5 revolution and have a 27inch style lord).
Another board to look at would be the Sunova revolution. But if I could have one board I'd go a style lord.

Hi mate, you won't go wrong with either board, it's more of a case of finding one these days's. I was looking a Starboard a few months ago and none where on the ground. So when a Naish Nalu 10x29 became available at my L.B.S, I jumped in.





I was a little worried about the 29 inch width, I am around 6'3 95 kg's but have found the board to be fantastic. It's stable enough, sure I will take a dive every now and then. It only becomes a issue when the wind is up and water is moving everywhere.

The narrow width comes into its own when riding a wave, well worth the extra effort waiting out the back.

Go with the 29 mate, you will be very happy.

Steve.

I've got the Starboard 10 x 29 and love it as a super versatile all rounder. Actually paddles flat water really nicely as well as surfing. Really couldn't go wrong with either though IMO. Nice thing with Smik is that Scotty will do a super high quality custom for you, makes it extra special IMO. Good review here - well at least a preview. Not sure if it's still a thing but you could get a free two week subscription to SupBoarder Pro and watch the full test. The Starboard won the test for what thats worth.

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JonathanC said..
I've got the Starboard 10 x 29 and love it as a super versatile all rounder. Actually paddles flat water really nicely as well as surfing. Really couldn't go wrong with either though IMO. Nice thing with Smik is that Scotty will do a super high quality custom for you, makes it extra special IMO. Good review here - well at least a preview. Not sure if it's still a thing but you could get a free two week subscription to SupBoarder Pro and watch the full test. The Starboard won the test for what thats worth.

Hi Johnathon... thanks for that, subscribed and watched. Do you find nose riding ok on your Starboard? I see they say on clip Starboard noseriding more suited to expert riders? Is that you experience too?

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daveTron said..
wondering if the 29 width might be q bit narrow for me....

Do not focus only on the main width. Widths at the nose and tail will add a lot of stability, and can more than compensate a narrower max width.

96kg and haven't tried the Smik but love my Starboard 10x29 Longboard. I tried the infinity longboard that was lighter but more tipy and critical in position, I owned a Jimmy Lewis black Blue, nice noserider but way less versitable as the Starboard.
The Starby is quick tro paddle, rides okay from the middle, turns well from the tail and I can noseride it, so that isn't to shabby either :)

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Jeroensurf said..
96kg and haven't tried the Smik but love my Starboard 10x29 Longboard. I tried the infinity longboard that was lighter but more tipy and critical in position, I owned a Jimmy Lewis black Blue, nice noserider but way less versitable as the Starboard.
The Starby is quick tro paddle, rides okay from the middle, turns well from the tail and I can noseride it, so that isn't to shabby either :)

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply. Jeroensurf cheers for that, I heard great things about Nose riding through JL BnB... but impossible to find here in NZ so great to know at your similar weight you find the starboard a great board.

The B&B is great in noseriding on smaller slower waves, and that is it. I think that the Starboard is overall a way better board and everybody I put on it seems to love it too, even my wife! loves it. I have the Starlite construction and thr Jimmy was lighter but the Starlite do hold up well and the carbon was for me just too much money.
I do have a crush for Smik and bought 5 weeks ago a Hipste8.3r and Spitrfire8.6 because I couldn't choose between the two , but I have no plans to change the Starboard Longboard for a Smik.

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Jeroensurf said..
The B&B is great in noseriding on smaller slower waves, and that is it. I think that the Starboard is overall a way better board and everybody I put on it seems to love it too, even my wife! loves it. I have the Starlite construction and thr Jimmy was lighter but the Starlite do hold up well and the carbon was for me just too much money.
I do have a crush for Smik and bought 5 weeks ago a Hipste8.3r and Spitrfire8.6 because I couldn't choose between the two , but I have no plans to change the Starboard Longboard for a Smik.

Thats awesome to hear.... I plan to get the Starboard Longboard and then replace my 2015 8'10 Widepoint with the Smik Hipster V2.... Cheers again for your insight.