im looking to purchase a couple of new boards for myself and my wife over the next few months but need some advice on the board for my wife. It will probably be 9-10ft with at least 30" width. The problem is she has a shoulder injury and struggles to lift our boards at the moment. I'm basically after info on the lightest boards out there. She likes the Naish Alana and the Fanatic Diamond but am concerned about the weight. Will be going to the sup shops soon but thought I'd see what info I could get here first. Thanks.
We got a fanatic fly air fit? a few months ago for my wife. Benefits are that you can dump air out and then fold it up and throw it in the boot of her SUV. She doesn't have to wrangle something on and off the roof. It's a fair wack lighter than our other board and a soft touch aside from the fin, good for carrying close to kids and cars etc. But your wife would have to be able to pump it up for that to be a benefit.
It's also got lots of handles (great for kids, handy) and tie downs at the front which we use for family trips, throw a water bottle and a dry bag under there and we can have a picnic.
On the water it's nice to paddle, pretty fast & smooth.
Downsides... it's not really worth trying to catch a wave on. It's a bit softer feeling on the water, bends ever so slightly around a wave passing under, even when pumped pretty stiff. Also the soft foam grip surface is just glued on and with a board you can fold, it's coming up/off on both sides already.
a carbon Jimmy Lewis Striker would be my pick... an 8'5 would be under/about 6kg, a 8'11 under/about 6.5kg...
The Jimmy Lewis boards look great. I think they will be on the list to demo if I can find who stocks them near me. They are actually on my list to check out for myself.
If you liv in Sydney, Demo's are easy... no luck in Vic though...
Dealer list: jimmylewisboards.com.au/blogs/news/jimmy-lewis-boards-now-available-at-these-stores
Hi Vaughn
Claimer:
I am an acknowledged Sunova slut, and proud of it.
When I 1st saw "the One" by Sunova, I was super stoked.... perfect size and weight!
I have the "ECO" version which weighs 9.9 kg (21.8 lbs) and is super affordable.
It is even lighter in the XXX construction, but I have not seen one, to weigh.
At 32" wide and 160 liters, it is very stable, it surfs great and paddles nicely as well.
I have been surfing this board a lot in our winter wetsuit weather.
I have a video up on the "board talk" side and am about to put up another one...
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/Surf-or-flat-water-Sunova-the-ONE-video-review?groupID=10070736
My names Rick and I live in Lennox head and I have 2 as new Jimmys for sale. Both boards are super light. Check my add on Seabreeze. Happy to meet you at Lake Ainsworth if you'd like to check them out.
Email me for moe details
