Thinking about taking up this sport so it is all new to me except as a spectator on my longboard. I am an experienced surfer and windsurfer who weighs 67kgs. Would spent most of my time on Port Phillip Bay initially to relieve boredom when there is no wind (or swell) and to keep fit. Would gradually get into the surf more with time. Plan to demo some boards on the Bay but hard to do this down the coast. Any opinions on the board below would be appreciated.
Length: 9'6"
Width: 29 1/2"
Thickness: 4 1/2"
Volume: 150ltr
The 9'6" McTavish SUP is a perfect all-rounder, suited to beginners under 90KG, and intermediate/ advanced riders under 110KG. The 9'6" has a fuller 'fish' style template, with a bit more width in the nose and tail, and fuller rails. This give maximum buoyancy and control while paddling, but doesn't compromise on performance when you get going. The double flyer tail design brings the template in where your feet pivot the board, for easy rail to rail surfing. Best suited to waves from 2 to 6-8 ft. The Quad + centre box fin set-up gives maximum versatility, and practical features like the centre carry handle and EVA foam deck make this an easy SUP to live with.
Howzit Waggles 56? I just copied and pasted a reply I did for Tyelino and the 10ft McTav. I've had a McTavish 9'6" for around a year and have been very happy with it. I am around the 100 Kg mark and 185 cm so I'm more like front rower than fly half but have found it a very versatile board. I've done a lot of flatwater paddling on it and it has amazing glide for a board that size. My one warning is that they (10 ft included) are by all accounts at the tippier end of the scale. My first venture into the surf was a nightmare as I had set up as a Quad with these tiny 120mm FCS side fins. At my size I had a great deal of trouble standing on it let alone surf it. It was a pretty bumpy day and about three different types of swell running. I bit the bullet and bought a Fluidrive 9" centre fin. Tried it in the same conditions and the problem was solved. I now run it as five fin setup as the side fins are next to negligible as far as stability is concerned. The result is a very maneuverable board that is great from anything 2ft up to at least 6ft. I haven't taken it out in anything larger as I don't need to prove anything to anyone at 53 years old. I think fin selection is probably the most important thing if you are going to purchase the McTav. It all depends on if you want to compete or surf the board to your capabilities. It is really quite stable on flat water like the Bay and at your weight you should really motor along. The most major concern is that the handle is not very well placed and tends to have a little more weight in the nose. It surfs really well and dependent on your ability and fin configuration can rip bags. I have waxed up closer to the nose as you can go for a wander through flat sections rather than cutback. Hope this helps,Cheers Leroy.
I too am looking at 9'6" McTavish. I have owned an 11ft board for almost 6 months and do alot of my riding in surf to about 3ft. I am about 85kgs, but I'm yet to demo one. From what I hear they appear to be areasonable board at a reasonable price.
Yeah Im 80kg and have rode 1 and loved it and if i did'nt have so many other boards i would have grabbed 1, $1000 bucks for 1 on ebay too def a good buy..
Hey Waggles,
I downsized to the 9'6 McTav late last year from my Bic Jungle 10'10. I am 5'8 and 70kg and I have loved every minute of it. I especially love it's responsiveness in the surf, having learnt in flat on the Bic, i can say that it was an easy progression to the McTav, having gotten used to it on the first few goes. However It is tougher on those less than perfect days to stay afloat when going thru the chop and wind as it is a bit tippy but it is definitely worth it. This board turns on a dime and is way lighter than my previous board, so as a woman that was a huge plus as it means its much easier to get in and out of the water and onto the car. As has been mentioned the handle placement is not ideal, but this has been fixed in the new models, and is easily enough handled by holding the legrope and handle simultaneously to balance it out. Overall i have found it a great board, having tried about 4 boards before buying, all i can say is demo as much as you can and see what you like.
Enjoy!
I own both a 9'6'' Mctavish and a Coreban 9'0'' Fusion in the Pure construction:
They both have the same amount of volume, but the Coreban paddles better, is more stable and is a way better board for surfing imo.
I bought the Coreban since I wasn't happy with the characteristics of the McT.
here's a vid I made a few weeks ago, riding the Coreban
