Completely open to suggestions.
I'm not going to win races, I'm 60! This is for my fitness only.
I want to paddle on the ocean, do downwinders and paddle on flatwater.
I'm 175cm tall (5'9") and 76kg. I paddle and surf almost every day, weather permitting, but as winter approaches want to join a training group.
I will do some races, but refer my first point.
I would appreciate your thoughts.
Cheers Sandsy.
14 x 29 DC/NSP Coco. 2nd Hand, shipped from Vic.
Edit:
At your height and weight and for the uses you describe you'd prob be OK with anything in the 26/27/28/29" width range. Looks like a few good options in NSW over on the buy & sell if you're up for saving a buck. Fanatic Falcon (there's at least one in the right size), DC/NSP, Starby Allstar or Ace, Naish Jav, just to name a few...
There's no such thing as an all-round board, I'm afraid. The design requirements of a flat water board are in several critical respects opposite those of a downwind board. If you are going to train with flat water guys then buy a flat water board that had mild DW capabilities (eg. SIC X14, the old Mistral M1). If you want it principally for casual ocean paddling and DW then buy a DW board and accept that you will always be off the pace with it training with your new friends in flat water. If you try to find a compromise board it just won't be particularly good at anything. Best option is to spend the money you'd spend buying one new board on two secondhand boards - one for flat water and one for DW and choppy ocean work. Good luck!
Second the M-14... worth a test paddle. Goes like a dog in flat water but is very stable.
You are a lot closer to its best weight than me... but as i have gotten lighter this season (and better!) this board has performed more and more...
and broadman is right, it does surf well too...
Something 28 wide why waste time n effort balancing on something narrow in the rough ocean at 60 yrs old. New naish jav or 2014 starby Allstar are two good all round boards quick on flat and love a down wind at 28 wide.
I have just bought a Starboard Race 27" wide. Super impressed with flatwater speed and stability in the bumps. Gone from having a Starboard Sprint for flatwater and a Glide for rougher weather to a single board. Highly recommend a trial!
The best value 14 foot all rounder I have seen lately is the ECS Stealth. It comes only in carbon construction 26 and 28 wide. They are perfect on the flat and downwind really well. heaps of really good paddlers are transitioning to ECS. Give Ryan a call at ECS Boards or call the guys at www.suplakemacquarie.com.au if you want further advice.