Looks like I'm about 6 weeks away from getting the flow! I don't want this year to go any quicker but I kind of do at the same time
So I am now conflicted. I SUP regularly but I also like to lift heavy things so I've progressively put on weight to the point where my 8'7 flow is borderline enjoyable to take out. I also have the 8'9 flash which I still seem to handle ok. I'm 6'4 and 100kg.
I enjoy both for different reasons in different conditions.
Up to shoulder/head high I love the flow. I love the speed it carries and the ease of turning off the top and bottom.
Shoulder high and up ( I don't really surf over head and a half) when it's more powerful the flash is fun. I love the feeling of having it on a rail and the more flowing feeling of the turns. I'm also consistently surprised in the drops I make on it, where I certainly would have nose dived on the flow. On smaller days the flash is a bit meh.
I think I'll keep the flash for now it's pretty manageable. But I'm going to move on the flow, as much as I love it's just become a bit of a pain in the butt.
So the question is, placid, or the new flow? At the moment I'm leaning towards the 8'7 placid for a bit of extra stability and from what Ive read it sounds like the fun Im after. Info on the new flow is still a little thin on the ground.
Has anyone tried the 9"8 flow? Just sold my 10 x 34 whopper to get something more performance based and deciding between the flow and placid. I am 6"4 105kg and like riding 9"5-10"5 boards so I have that extra glide to sit out back and take off early. I also have the 8"4 hypernut which is awesome but it leaves me sitting/fighting for waves with the surfers which defeats one of the reasons I love SUPs. but any advice between the 9"8 flow vs 9"7 placid would be appreciated.
I have noticed a lot of people on here ride a lot of short boards. My current favourite board is my starboard widepoint 10"5x32 but I see guys On here my size riding 8"7 and 8"10 boards
I Also agree with big z, I think what you are looking for is width change rather than huge volume ,when i was 100 kgs i use to ride the 8,10 flow with 130 litres ,it was a wide board from nose to tail and i did have difficult turning it at times ,I'm now 93 kgs and my 9,1 acid seems big for me now ,I would say the 9,1 placid would be big enough for you if you feel you need the volume and width ,creek found it a little big for him at 104 kgs ,
the flows how ever do paddle a little faster ,have you though of a large speed ...you will have the nose width to give you the stability and will still keep a medium width ..for the speed you seek .I know what you mean by going too small and having to sit near the surfers ,if i ride my 7,6 raptor hover ..i would have to sit with them ,but on my 8,7 placid i am out the back picking off the big ones ,and on my 9,1 acid I am way out the back ..I'm guessing you sold the 10, to go smaller ..maybe a 9,4 creek would be a good choice too ...in going narrower you will get a faster board and the buzz you seek ,34 is really wide and they do feel like whoppers ...
if its really tinny i just am on my 9,11 140 litre insane ,it is 29,5 wide how ever and does challenger me ...but the speed it has over rides all doubts that narrower board have more speed .chosing a board is tough ...thats why we all have so many ,.
don't worry what everyone else is riding ,its what you fell comfortable on and catching waves that counts ,
if you've been SUPing for a while you would of developed extra skill ...and a 135-145 litre 9,0 -9,5 should be in your ball game
So for a beginner guy on the heavier side 6'1" around 103 kg is the the Flow at 9'4" a good choice or would you folks recommend a different board? Riding waves from knee to shoulder height tops .
Thank you
HI DSUP .
i was 98 kgs when i went in the waves seriously ,and i used a 130 litre flow .131 LITRES ..was a bit tippy at first ,but in the end i found it too big ,ha go figure ,well i just got better thats all ..
but the 9,4 has 159 litre and that will float you pretty good and its 33 wide ,so no problem there for stability ,are you new to SUP or new to wave surfing SUP .?
but if you have been suping for a while you should adapt pretty quick .if it is your first SUP you could go to next one up .
I am 6"4 105kg and ordered the 9"4. Mainly cause I want to maintain glide and the ability to get in early and beat the surfers rather then complete with them.
Patiently waiting for a call from Surffx to say the shipment is in. It should be this week or early next week.
I can't wait