I am a 55 year old intermediate Sup Surfer who began surfing 3 years ago. I am 6'2 250lbs but with an athletic build. I have progressed through the AllWave line. Started at 9'10 (190L) went down to the 9'0 (159L) but have settled on the 9'4 (174L). I have the 2016 Allwave and ride it as a quad. I enjoyed the 9'0 quite a bit but the 9'0 did not did not hold up for me when getting up on the nose paddling hard for a wave. The 9'4 holds up fine but a much more "clunkier" then the 9'0 on turns. I should add that overhead is about my limit! I'm going to keep both my 9'10 (flat water) and 9'4 but I am ready for more performance for sure! But as an older bigger surfer stability is very important to me! I have been scared away from most of the Sunova's. (except the Skate but I don't think it would be much of a performance upgrade from the Allwave). I Am mostly concerned about the liter drop and the issue I had with the 9'0. I know the nose of the Speed is full but I have been on the board and while stable it is tippy. Enter the 9'7 Creek. Fuller nose then other higher volume performance boards, diamond tail, decent width and the ability to turn mid board and off the tail. As the web site says "with stability tools".
So a couple of questions as I have only surfed the Allwave. Is the liter drop, performance rocker and overall performance of the board too much of a give? I am also some what concerned (and probably shouldn't be) of the performance of the Speed tail being a large adjustment. I find the Allwave tail skatey. My gut is the Creek will offer tons more drive but that will also be new! Particularly with the channels. I hope to demo the 9'7 before buying but any thoughts would be appreciated!
Hi Castaway,
I happen to have an 8'6 Allwave (136ltr) and have recently purchased a 9'1 Creek (also 136ltr) so I might be able to give you some comparisons from my end. I am a few years younger (and a couple of pounds lighter) but the comparison should be about right.
I ride the Allwave as a quad and I agree it has a somewhat skatey tail.... (but I like this). The creek is definitely more positive in the tail but I am still running the standard 105 fins. I think the Speed tail pulled in with channels helps tighten and give more drive for sure. I find the Creek surfs really well from the middle of the board as well and can really generate some speed on a clean steep face.
Given the literage of the 2 boards is the same, I was surprised to find the Creek seemed more buoyant than the Allwave so maybe have a think about whether the 9'4 might suit you a bit better than the 9'7? (and to keep the progression going...). Although it is close... if I had to pick which was the more stable board it would be the Allwave... the more rounded nose probably has a bit to do with that but also the deck shape of the Creek is different (more rounded?) so that might be affecting the feel for me too.
The Allwave also works better up on the nose (paddling, or toes over having a play) but this is to be expected with the increased surface area. I do find the creek paddles into waves very well so it is rare that you have to work up front to pick them up. The rocker does not work against you in this regard and the Creek takes the drop like an absolute champ.
See how you go with the demo but I reckon once you lay eyes on the Creek you will have a new best friend. It is definitely a different board to the Allwave but I am super stoked to have both in my quiver!!
