I am the proud new owner of a 14' x 26" Javelin LE (2014). Thought I would give it a go on some small waves. But when the waves had just a bit of size, the board would go right and I would go left... If I got it just right (keeping the nose out of the water and paddling exactly perpendicular to the wave direction) I could keep it going straight and it was fun. But it didn't seem to take much to have it squirm off to the right or left and seemingly try to go parallel to the wave...

I bought it for downwinding. Is that what I can expect in bay/ocean swell?

Or is it just technique?

It's a bit like asking how do you off-road a Lamborghini..

You wouldn't take a Lamborghini off a few jumps and wonder why there's not enough suspension travel..

It's a flat water race board that is perfect for downwinding but I'd be keeping it well away from any surf..

Once you've done a few downwinders you'll learn that these boards don't actually turn very well and unless you get way back on the tail they just want to go straight..

The odd time there's an unavoidable surf wave to deal with on a downwinder you need to be so so careful keeping it pointed straight in and instantly avoid tendency for the board to go left or right while keeping the nose high in the air..

It's very tricky stuff.. The best people make it look easy but one small mistake can result in a very damaged board..

So yes.. It's a technique thing.. I'll let you know when we have our next downwinder..

Fin placement can really change how a race board surfs.

Sometimes back, sometimes right up forward in the box.

Sometimes just the actual fin its self.

Takes time and effort to set up a board the doesn't really want to surf but usually there is a way

Select to expand quote

DavidJohn said..

It's a flat water race board that is perfect for downwinding but I'd be keeping it well away from any surf..

Thanks DJ - but even small waves?

I look forward to trying a downwind run.

Select to expand quote

laceys lanesaid..
Fin placement can really change how a race board surfs.

Sometimes back, sometimes right up forward in the box.

Sometimes just the actual fin its self.

Takes time and effort to set up a board the doesn't really want to surf but usually there is a way

Thanks Mr. Lane - I will experiment a little.

Right tool for the right job....

DJ , Google Lamborghini LM001

Here's some clips I took surfing the 14x29 glide GS a year or so back. The GS construction has held up really well to repeated abused like this, but my main worry with a carbon board would be cracking it.

Your post made me think of this vid.... Language warning on the soundtrack too for sensitive ears

Very carefully cantsupsenough...I have the 28 ' by 14 had mine in 3 foot reef break a few times ...as soon as you catch it ...run up the tail .
I don't make a habit of taking it out in anything over 1-2 foot ...to fragile ..and basically ,not made for surfing .

Select to expand quote

foamballer said..
Here's some clips I took surfing the 14x29 glide GS a year or so back. The GS construction has held up really well to repeated abused like this, but my main worry with a carbon board would be cracking it.

Great vids!

I don't think my LE would survive that punishment (from what I have heard). But to be honest I would be using one of my other boards if there were proper waves. I started by catching ripples but they grew in size - still small, but enough to affect how the board handled. But watching your footwork shows that you can man-handle it to turn and get in the right position.

Select to expand quote

nickmcd41 said..
Your post made me think of this vid.... Language warning on the soundtrack too for sensitive ears

I love that vid/music - but that's just me. But I would be on one of my other boards in those conditions.

Select to expand quote

Tardy said..
Very carefully cantsupsenough...I have the 28 ' by 14 had mine in 3 foot reef break a few times ...as soon as you catch it ...run up the tail . I don't make a habit of taking it out in anything over 1-2 foot ...to fragile ..and basically ,not made for surfing .

I'll have to try that (running up the tail). That was my second time on my board and I do not feel 100% confident on it yet. At 26" I felt like I was running out of board - it seemed to want to roll like a log. But there is plenty of length for sure!

I only do it to stir my mates up who surf .( small wave days )....you can catch it before it even looks like a wave ..
leaving them with they're mouths open
strictly a down the line gun board ..it just takes off like a rocket....you can easily out run the wave..
don't nose dive ..it hurts ...yeah up the back mate for the drop ..if its step ..a lot of walking ..up and down ...other wise ..

For sure it's do'able.. and can be great fun.. but this vid comes to mind when I think about light weight race boards being used in the surf..

very entertaining

Amazing stuff...

I think I saw this guy couple of weeks ago (had a one week's trip to that location). It was much smaller when I was there but seeing that live was pretty convincing:



Skills!

That guy on the bike is pretty impressive. Surprised he has skin on his knees or any gonads.

And the guy on the 12'6" is pretty handy - but mine is 14' so that makes all the difference

I take my M14 surfing all the time in small waves......just get back on the tail and turn then trim down the line. It's a pure DW board so a bit more rocker than a race board

Select to expand quote

cantSUPenough said..but mine is 14' so that makes all the difference

It's surprising how much difference the extra length and weight make. After a few sessions on the 14 footer, my 11'4 Nalu feels like the twin fin I used to ride as a kid. And then when I get on my 7'0 prone board I can hardly ride the thing.
The other big thing is how the waves are set up. Small waves peeling fast down the line aren't particularly satisfying because you haven't got much option but to line it up and go straight. The real fun is when you have an outside peak that is on the verge of breaking and stays that way all the way to the beach - you can carve around hunting the peak and laydown some pretty surprising turns with a lot of speed. Great downwinding practice as it keeps you focussed on where the steepest water is, shifting your weight around to connect sections, etc.