Hi folks. I'm hoping to get some guidance from those with some experience. I'm looking to get a SUP to paddle on Port Phillip Bay for fitness, leisure and playing with the kids, but would also like to put a sail on for wind 5-15 knots. I don't think I'll get much chance to surf with it, but wouldn't mind try using it in the surf with a sail as a way to move into wave sailing. I'm 95 kg and an experienced windsurfer.
Can you suggest length, volume, width (obviously need a board with provision for a mast base). Thanks :-)
Something in 10'6-11' range, 30-32" wide could be the go to cover all those uses. You have a few choices, here's a couple of suggestions:
Starboard:
Several of the starboard range have mast base inserts (in some constructions only, for 2016 only the "AST electric" construction has it). At 95kg the 10'x 34 Whopper might work for you if you have surf/wave sailing aspirations. I have a Starboard Atlas that I enjoy mounting a sail rig onto from time to time (but I'm quite a bit heavier than you, unlikely you'll need a board that big). Starby also have a more specific "Windsup" range that offers tuttle boxes and centreboards.
Naish:
Check out the Nalu range, 10'6, 10'10 (this one windsurfs really well) , 11"0 or 11'4
Sunova,
Several in that brand's range have mast tracks, suggest look at 10'6 and up
Fanatic
Not sure if the Fly/Allround range still has a mast base plug in the HRS construction, Allwaves too but again, not sure if they still do the mast base plug in those but worth a look.
JP Australia
Fusion and Allround, models have mast base inserts, Fusion is more "surfy" .
Others might have different views, ask around, demo.
I would seriously consider the Sunova Speeed in the new 9'5" 160 liter. I have the 8'10", and while its strong suit is in the surf, I have found it to be a pleasure to paddle in flat water, reasonable for windsurfing in light winds, and awesome for wavesailing in light winds. Though it is smaller than the other suggestions, the straighter rail outline and wider nose make the Speeeds paddle and sail very reasonably for flat water. They are the only brand that I know of that uses a short (very short) actual mast track, rather than just a threaded insert, which I would expect to be way stronger. The main reason to consider it is that I found it to be far superior to any other SUP boards for wavesailing; it carves nicely off the bottom and off the top, carries speed well for an SUP, and has great control for floaters etc. If you do sail it in waves, don't put on too big a sail, I use a 5.3 even in 5 to 10 knot winds. Also, don't worry about needing to put on larger fins like you would on a windsurfer; the stock fins will get you up wind just fine, and work great on the wave. Bigger sails and fins are for planing, which SUP boards do not do well with sails.
Hmmm! This is very interesting info OBIJOHN considering I have a garage full of old windsurfing gear and a couple of Speeds!
I just cant fit it all in when we travel so using my favourite sup as a light wind Wave board sound like a bloody magic idea!
I like the idea of shredding waves again especially in 5- 10 knots!
Hi Windsurf 0709
I have recently put a Naish crossover rigg 4.5m2 on my Starboard 2015 Drive.
Upon removing the thruster side fins from the tail and relocating them in the fcs box's just past the mid section of the board my sup turned into a sailboard.
Sailing upwind ( pointing ability ) was very efficient, tacking was easy on the drive and I managed to find the sweet spot heading upwind ergonomically quite easily.
I was stoked on getting on the water again with a windsurf sail as sailboarding was a huge part of my youth on Port Phillip Bay and my first real boardriding addiction and fascination.
The 10'5 Drive is a great SUP and sailboard.
In the 2016 Starboard Electric construction with windsurf option my small business Jacksboards have a 2016 11'2x 30 Blend, The 2016 10'5 x 32 wide point , the 2016 Drive and the 2016 9'8 " Element. All of these boards are with my demo fleet and available as premium hire at Sorrento or Rye.
The Naish crossover Riggs are great value at $899 rRp for 5.5 and $849 RRP for 4.5. They come in a neat bag with a 3 piece mast, adjustable boom, sail, uni joint and up-haul rope.
Hire of our 4.5 crossover rigg can also be arranged.
As the no foot strap windsup options are the norm for 2016 having side fins just rear of the mid point is a great idea to assist upwind sailing direction.
At 95 kg's i would recommend a board in the plus 10'5 size range. A windsup and surfsup board under 10' is a big ask I believe.
Attaced is a pic of me on the Naish / Starboard 2015 Drive combo windsup At Sorrento a couple of weeks ago.
Colours even matched.
Happy boardriding
Jack