I'm after recommendations for a beginner downwind board ( open ocean ), read so much but it's confusing. As a surfer, prone paddler, sailor, I have a bit of an idea what goes on out there & whats required, waterline length is the go. I was thinking nothing under 14' but with length comes narrowness hence instability, some also seem to have fuller yacht type bow which I think would make them a handful in cross chop? Planing or displacement hulls? Nothing like a planing hull out to sea on a yacht in 20 knots+ under spinnaker.......quick. I like the look of the SIC boards. These boards don't come cheap nor do any of them. As I am not likely to be changing boards every 6 months I would get something that I could persevere with even if it was a bit hard at the beginning.
IMO you can't go wrong with a 14' Naish Glide.. Old shape or new shape.. Carbon or AST.. The brand new AST 14' Glide is a bargain price and will probably be my next board.
Also concider the 14' WOW (walk on water) board with the planing hull shape.. also the 14' Starboard Coast Runner/Open Ocean or even Surf Race.
SIC boards are proven to work well but are expensive and hard to get.. One other board worth checking out is the new Coreban Dart.. I think there's a new 14' PSH board due soon that should be good.
I recommend a surfing/planing hull design unless your main goal is to get from point A to point B as fast as possable.. (then flat water race boards work well) But IMO that's not what DW'ing is all about.
Maybe you've seen my latest DW vid.. Here's a new shorter version .. Tried to make a new DW vid yesterday (in absolute awesome conditions) but I found GoPro's don't record for very long with a flat battery.. 
DJ
If you are looking for pure DW then just get the SIC 14 and if you want to save a little money get the AST cheaper version!! these boards are now in Aus so just look for your closest SUP shop that stocks them and check them out. Other wise the Naish Glide is still a good DW board also boards like the ocean in the starboard range.
Cheers Jacko
the new sic14 bullet looks amazing. different to the demo sic 14 that was getting around. a bit lower front rocker, a bit narrower and a nicely shaped spiral double concave through the middle giving the board a fantastic platform
i've had a few boards in my time, but the 17'4 bullet has been a keeper. i expect the carbon version 14' sic i'm ordering will be more of the same from sic brand- great glide, fast, stability and always reliable in the ocean
Thx guys, you've confirmed what I had in mind. The Naish seems best value but the sic is a good looking board. The Jimmy Lewis looks like it would handle the chop well. Will keep shopping for the best value.
Cheers Woody.
Best Value - a 2nd hand Naish 14. (not the Jav though, not for beginners)
Otherwise, go the SIC 14. Fixed fin isn't even all that expensive, brand new, Production version.
Don't overlook the WoW board, it's been a DW game changer for me
www.seabreeze.com.au/
I am no expert. Just bought the 14ft SIC Bullet timber from Ocean Addicts, yes I paid for this board, and have no ties to them, just a happy customer. Took it for a run down the coast today, side onshore wind @10knts and 1ft swell, tiny. Paddles well [iam @95kg] only went for one swim when I was looking backwards. Picks up little bumps well cant wait for better conditions. Love the handle, so easy to pick it up and control its direction in the wind, and the paddle loops lets you have one hand free. 
