In this SUPboarder Pro video Im going to be talking about Market trend the for the good and the bad… and are they the best thing for you to improve your skill level and enjoy your choosing disaiplain?
An interesting video (as ever). I was probably ‘sold’ on one of these concepts when I started sup surfing (on a 9’5 naish) that pro shape performance boards is the way to go & i moved quickly to an 8’2 jp. Due to the local waves & maybe my ability, while I really enjoy being on a wave on the 8’2, i am now moving to a 10ft longboard so I can enjoy catching waves early, get longer rides & improve my technique with bigger & better foot movement. I am not sure whether it was the brands, online magazines… Read more »
Good to hear your progression and feedback with your boards over the years. I know SUPboarder has a very influential place in the market and looking back I hope that we have always highlighted the correct boards for the correct riders and never inflated brand trends more than it should’ve been. But I do remember getting fairly excited about a few trends for sure 🙂
I agree totally with you. My heart says one thing my head says another. I’ve found my happy place with my Loco guppy 9′ which provides me with a stable enough platform with which to progress – it may not be considered a ‘trendy’ offering by some, but it is well thought out and suits my location, needs and abilities. Another point I probably underestimated in the was my size and shape and the impact this had on my perception in terms of brands and products. Bigger/heavier rider is sometimes too broad a term when describing physiologies and when considering… Read more »
Thanks Paul, Glad you have found a great board for you. Yes what your heart and head says can be a very different thing.
rogermcintyre
2 years ago
Reuben, bang on, I would love to shred waves and be pushing the limits, however I just love a glassy 4 footer to chill out on. Maybe it’s an age thing (I’m 60 next week ) but maturity means peer pressure has no effect, I love being on the water, touring, grade 2 white water or mellow surf, it might be nice to feature something along those lines. Keep up the good work cheers Roger (why isn’t there a SUP emoji ???
Thanks Roger. Yeah we need to get a bit more easier going stuff on the site. Paddling in grade 1 or 2 is loads of fun and with the right safety gear safe too. Thanks for your comment and yes where is the SUP emoji 😉
John
2 years ago
Having had a few lessons in my local area, I kind of knew what board I wanted and came SO close to buying a stubby style board – I take your point about “marketing” broadly – and it was your review of another board that took me away from the stubby choice and to another board which I am happy with so thanks for your views as always ! Johnnie
Nice one John.. what board did you go for in the end?
Daniel Tatum
2 years ago
I don’t think this is a bad or misguided trend, but as I’m looking for my next paddle I am constantly surprised seeing smaller and smaller blade sizes. I’m still pretty new to all the gear but even earlier on I thought a ~95 sq. in. blade was fairly average and what most people would use (general purpose/touring). I’m now being made aware of sub 80 sq. in. blades. Being a smaller paddler this seems to actually be a good trend for me but just surprising. I know blade sizes vary widely based on discipline and size/strength of paddler, but… Read more »
numbat70
2 years ago
Love the honesty. I spent too many years buying Surf Boards that were just a little too small for me. Now that I SUP, I want to enjoy it. And I do 🙂
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An interesting video (as ever). I was probably ‘sold’ on one of these concepts when I started sup surfing (on a 9’5 naish) that pro shape performance boards is the way to go & i moved quickly to an 8’2 jp. Due to the local waves & maybe my ability, while I really enjoy being on a wave on the 8’2, i am now moving to a 10ft longboard so I can enjoy catching waves early, get longer rides & improve my technique with bigger & better foot movement. I am not sure whether it was the brands, online magazines… Read more »
Good to hear your progression and feedback with your boards over the years. I know SUPboarder has a very influential place in the market and looking back I hope that we have always highlighted the correct boards for the correct riders and never inflated brand trends more than it should’ve been. But I do remember getting fairly excited about a few trends for sure 🙂
I agree totally with you. My heart says one thing my head says another. I’ve found my happy place with my Loco guppy 9′ which provides me with a stable enough platform with which to progress – it may not be considered a ‘trendy’ offering by some, but it is well thought out and suits my location, needs and abilities. Another point I probably underestimated in the was my size and shape and the impact this had on my perception in terms of brands and products. Bigger/heavier rider is sometimes too broad a term when describing physiologies and when considering… Read more »
Thanks Paul, Glad you have found a great board for you. Yes what your heart and head says can be a very different thing.
Reuben, bang on, I would love to shred waves and be pushing the limits, however I just love a glassy 4 footer to chill out on. Maybe it’s an age thing (I’m 60 next week ) but maturity means peer pressure has no effect, I love being on the water, touring, grade 2 white water or mellow surf, it might be nice to feature something along those lines. Keep up the good work cheers Roger (why isn’t there a SUP emoji ???
Thanks Roger. Yeah we need to get a bit more easier going stuff on the site.
Paddling in grade 1 or 2 is loads of fun and with the right safety gear safe too.
Thanks for your comment and yes where is the SUP emoji 😉
Having had a few lessons in my local area, I kind of knew what board I wanted and came SO close to buying a stubby style board – I take your point about “marketing” broadly – and it was your review of another board that took me away from the stubby choice and to another board which I am happy with so thanks for your views as always ! Johnnie
Nice one John.. what board did you go for in the end?
I don’t think this is a bad or misguided trend, but as I’m looking for my next paddle I am constantly surprised seeing smaller and smaller blade sizes. I’m still pretty new to all the gear but even earlier on I thought a ~95 sq. in. blade was fairly average and what most people would use (general purpose/touring). I’m now being made aware of sub 80 sq. in. blades. Being a smaller paddler this seems to actually be a good trend for me but just surprising. I know blade sizes vary widely based on discipline and size/strength of paddler, but… Read more »
Love the honesty. I spent too many years buying Surf Boards that were just a little too small for me.
Now that I SUP, I want to enjoy it.
And I do 🙂