I am at an intermediate level and I still sail on a BIC Core 293 board because of its stability and the retractable dagger board, which allows me to better tackle the upwind and the prevailing sub-planing conditions.. Actually I came back to this type of " beginners" boards out of dissatisfaction with the true shortboards ( I sold a Taboo Rocket after using it for one season)

I was recently reading some dithyrambs about the Kona 1( how wonderful it is etc, etc) and I was wondering what should I expect from it in terms of performance as compared to my Bic 293. I am not into racing or speeding and I am not a performance buff. Just leisurely sailing in moderate winds.

1.Does the Kona 1 have a V-shaped displacement type of hull , like the original longboards or a flat bottom like the regular shortboards?

2. Would a displacement type of hull be more wind-effective than a flat bottom, i.e. require less wind-power (=smaller sails) in subplaning conditions?.

3. How about its planing capability?

Thanks

Francone