Ive read as much as I can find on the sunova speed, and have to say really impressed with what I have read.
I believe the true test of the stability of a board is when your in the surf and the water is moving around. Even on a nice glassy day the water can still be moving around. Being able to demo of course is the key, but ive only been able to go for a paddle on flat water with a slight chop on the 8 10. I hover around 78kg 57yo and average surfer, currently surfing the 10 6 laird.
I found paddling the 8 10 speed surprisingly comfortable in the conditions I had but am unable to demo the others as they just aren't available here.
So my question is hopefully to those who may have paddled all 3 when the water is moving around and out in the surf is there much difference to the stability of the 3 boards
I think this is 1 for STC (8'10 & 9'5) however my 2 cents is that yes, there certainly is a difference in stability between the 8'5 & 8'10 (the only 2 Speeeds I've spent a bit if time on) & with the extra width of the larger models, the same applies.
I weigh a little bit more than you 82 kg own the 8-10 where I live the water is always moving around as you say wish I had gone with the 8-8 at 124 lit it would have been just a bit better than the 8-10. You want these boards to sit low in the water it just kinda ads to the stability don't worry so much about the width you'll get used to it.
My experience:
At 100 kg plus full wetsuit, the 8'10 is reasonable, but not easy, in calm conditions and I fall a lot in rough conditions
I prefer taking out the 9'5 now that winter is coming.... but the 9'5 is almost too much for me.... the 9'2 would be better I think.... but honestly? The 9'5 surfs amazingly well for 31.5" and 160 liters.
As far as paddling.... the Speeed gets more stable as you pick up speed, the nose adds sooo much stability, when there is water pushing up on it.
Select to expand quoteKDog said..
I weigh a little bit more than you 82 kg own the 8-10 where I live the water is always moving around as you say wish I had gone with the 8-8 at 124 lit it would have been just a bit better than the 8-10. You want these boards to sit low in the water it just kinda ads to the stability don't worry so much about the width you'll get used to it.
I am the same weight and age and Kdogs comments apply to me swell
Thanks for your input. All very helpful. I did notice that as you paddle with a bit more effort the board did seem to be more stable.
Not being a radical surfer I am thinking that the 9 2 or 9 5 might be the go. probably the 9 2. I have failed before buying a board that I haven't tried, so the more opinions I can get the better. We just don't have the demos here. Thanks again
