Hi gang , I have 8'10 Smik hipster which I love , looking at replacing my 10'5 heavy starboard widepoint with the Smik Hipster 10x32 longboard.
I was wondering if they can handle chop etc when distance paddling ( nose rocker) looking for a light but stable board to surf on smaller days and 2-3 hr distance paddles on flat days . I'm 59 , 178cm , 83kg , intermediate surfer/paddler
If you want long paddles say up to 10km the point break looks the goods by all accounts, I have a Lord Bonza 9.5 x 32 and a Hipster 9.2 x 33 and paddle and catch waves for 5-8km and getting to the break is 2km on its own. They handle chop really well but if the head wind really kicks up it is a slog going into the wind because of the rocker. They are light and really good for small to medium waves and I would say get one for sure on stability but if it's more for long paddles with occasional small waves maybe a longer board would suit?
12'6 Starboard Generation ? Obviously will do the distance and great for catching small waves.
The Generation is a great board but it certainly isn't light though .
Hi gang , I have 8'10 Smik hipster which I love , looking at replacing my 10'5 heavy starboard widepoint with the Smik Hipster 10x32 longboard.
I was wondering if they can handle chop etc when distance paddling ( nose rocker) looking for a light but stable board to surf on smaller days and 2-3 hr distance paddles on flat days . I'm 59 , 178cm , 83kg , intermediate surfer/paddler
Hi shumpy
Until you hear from 10' Smik longboard folks...
I know the Smik are really good boards and expect you'll get some solid feedback on the 10 x 30
I'll respond to Hoppo's suggestion.
Since you are looking for a board that will paddle pretty fair distance and also surf, that was the exact design criteria behind the Pointbreak.... to paddle to remote breaks and surf waves far from the crowd.
Being 12' x 32 it is quite stable in chop and was used on a 35 mile open ocean paddle called the Cape Cod Bay Challenge and did very well.
But it's real purpose is surfing.
It does not surf longboard style, but turns more like a shortboard, albeit a very big shortboard
It is not extremely light at 12' x 32" but good weight for that size at 12 kg
A short video in small bumpy conditions