Hi,

I've got a Starboard Pocket Rocket (2013 model; 8'5x30"; 130l). I am a bit worried wether this is the right board for me (186cm, 74kg, feeling comfortable with my 8'0 Malibu surfboard and wave sailing; due to shoulder issues I changed from the Mailibu to SUP). Unfortunately, I have only limited number of days in the waves with the SUP, i.e about one week in Klitmoller/North Sea and maybe a couple of week-ends. The SUP is basically an alternative to wave sailing when the wind is to weak.

Last week, I had three sessions in 1-2ft waves with some wind chop. The first session was super frustrating, because I was falling constantly. The second and third session the next days was already better and real fun, but it was so tiring for my legs that I had to stop after about 90 minutes. If I had the possibility to get in the water more often, I'd be convinced that this board is the right toy for me. However, I'm a bit worried that next year I will have to start from scratch again. That's why I'm wondering, whether I should sell it and get a board which is more stable (larger and longer) and thus less tiring or whether I should stick with it?

Another thing that I found a bit disappointing: I expected that the board would be able to catch the waves earlier.

What do you think? Would an allround SUP (e.g. 9'-10') a better choice?

Thanks!

Before you give up on the board I would decide on what style of surfing is the most fun for you. If you have small junky waves and want get in and make a few quick turns before the wave goes flat/closes out/you're on the sand: I vote for giving the pocket rocket a chance. You know how to surf, you just have to make some adjustments since you are now on a sup. I am sure there is advice all over the forums on how to take off on a short sup. Once you are pointed in the right direction it will come together pretty quickly. It also is helpful to spend some time paddling flat water on your surf sup, especially when it is windy.

If you have good footwork/have small lined up surf or just want to get in early and cruise down the line; trade the pocket rocket in on a performance longboard sup. Maybe 9'6" or 10' x 29-30" around the same volume as your PR. It will paddle faster and get into a passing boatwake. It will be more fun to cruise around on flat water. On the downside you need footwork and good technique to get in a few quick turns on a short interval wave.

You are right Colas a bigger board will always be easier in chop. I also get that everyone's board balance and learning curves are different. And it is different if you are going to put the board in a shed and only haul it out once a year for a trip to the sea. However, Ursblank only weighs 74kg. It seems to me that an 8'6" x30" x 130ltrs pocket rocket will be about the same stability for his size as the 8'11"x30"x 145 you learned on at 100kg. The PR has a lot of width forward and at 8'6" it is long enough that one does not have to worry about fore and aft balance. If he is willing to paddle some on flat water when he is not at the ocean I think it is totally doable.

Ursblank, did you have fun on the PR? Were you tired, but psyched about riding a sup when you got out of the water? If so, hold onto the PR and put in some time on flat water or in chop when it isn't blowing hard enough to windsurf. The next time you go to the ocean your leg strength and feel for board balance will be improved.

If when you got out of the water you thought "this sport is way too much work," get a bigger board. You need to be having fun. Perhaps you could try/demo a bigger board before you sell the PR?

Just use it as much as possible the PR is actually very stable .May be you just need to change your foot positioning from parallel to semi surf stance keeping your feet away from the rails.

ursblank said..
@Colas: I definately underestimated how difficult it is to handle wind chop. Without the chop, I managed to catch some waves and everything was a lot easier. However, it was still tiring for my legs. Probably I am just physically unfit.

It is more of a training, just like any new activity your body must learn by itself, you must get your "sea legs". The more you practice, the less you spend energy.

You need both "theoretical" work (reading advice): bending the knees, keeping the feet closer to the string, looking far ahead on the horizon, be proactive, use the paddle leverage in the water, use the head like the kayakers, etc, etc, ... but also practice time on the water for your body to memorize the unconscious reflexes.

And extra volume (for your weight) with a relatively narrow board is not a good combo, as it will promote a "cork effect" (or standing on a barrel). A wider board, even with less volume, will be easier.

My thoughts.

i sup in uk North Sea. Similar weight experience in water etc.
I started on a 10'6 x30 x 160lt.
Moved to a 10x30 135lt, bought additional 9'2x29x120lt.

yes pocket rocket will be fine on the right day.
If you want more waves and an easy option, but still as much fun go performance long board. Better glide, catch waves easy, can style it ??
why make life hard if finances permit.
Thats if you like long board style boards of course.

ursblank said..

colas said..

ursblank said..
@Colas: I definately underestimated how difficult it is to handle wind chop. Without the chop, I managed to catch some waves and everything was a lot easier. However, it was still tiring for my legs. Probably I am just physically unfit.

It is more of a training, just like any new activity your body must learn by itself, you must get your "sea legs". The more you practice, the less you spend energy.

You need both "theoretical" work (reading advice): bending the knees, keeping the feet closer to the string, looking far ahead on the horizon, be proactive, use the paddle leverage in the water, use the head like the kayakers, etc, etc, ... but also practice time on the water for your body to memorize the unconscious reflexes.

And extra volume (for your weight) with a relatively narrow board is not a good combo, as it will promote a "cork effect" (or standing on a barrel). A wider board, even with less volume, will be easier.

By "cork effect" you mean the board is moving more due to lack of inertia, right? 130l vs 74kg gives a ratio of 1.76. What would be a more suitable volume/width combination for me?

PS: I did the theoretical work. There are tons of very helpful threads in this forum, especially from you Colas. Thanks for that!

I weigh 68 kegs. With your windsurfing background you should have no issues.

There is lots of info out there regarding stances, paddling technique ( keep it in the water at all times et cetera).

Go out as much as you can!

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

PRACTICE..PRACTICE..PRACTICE!

Cheers

ursblank said..
By "cork effect" you mean the board is moving more due to lack of inertia, right? 130l vs 74kg gives a ratio of 1.76.

No it is being too high on the water, on a too narrow board, kind of standing on a barrel. And the chop will have more leverage on the board to move it.

Volume helps widening the sweet spot, especially fore/aft: that is the zone where you can move your feet without the board sinking tail or nose.

I would go wider, especially since you are tall (well taller than me). Geometrically, you at 186cm on a 30" wide board would be like me at 167cm on a 27" board.

Wider in the tail will also help balance, especially when resting on your heels, and be more adapted to small/medium waves. You do not need to get too much down in volume, I would stay above 110 liters though.

Heavy boards are stabler, but the difference is much less noticeable than width. And light boards are much more pleasant in smaller waves.