Gidday all
Just thought I'd share my thoughts on the NSP Puma as the 2016 versions of these are coming down in price (at least In Auckland) and there might be a few other weekend warriors out there looking to pull the trigger on a new board who are interested.
Ive been paddling a 2011 12.6 29 glide that I started on second hand three years ago and an 810 Speeed. Haven't paddled any other race or Downwind boards, so can't compare to those.
I picked up the Puma as I was looking for a faster all round board a bit more optimised for choppy seas and the potential for some down winding (I never really get to do it, but always like to dream). The Glide has served me well, but I've had a building case of new board envy for a while now. And hell, I've always liked the look of NSP boards and it seemed like Travis Grant was a pretty cool guy from that classic M2O shot and the video of his visit to NZ from a year or so ago. Not a great reason for buying a board, but anyway (and no, I didn't demo). And finally, the price finally dropped below what I could justify and no other new board came close on that front, so I went for it.
First paddle was my usual run from St Helliers to Browns Island in the Waitemata harbour. I had the springy on as I figured I'd be swimming on the new board after dropping a couple of inches in width. The first km or so felt tippy even in the flat water of the bay.I read someone described these boards with their more rounded bottom as not unstable, but not stable either - and that's how it felt for me at first. I defiantly had time to check out the secondary stability, which was impressive as I came back from some fairly steep angles. Being able to lock the feet against the small rails was also confidence inspiring.
comming out of the bay I hit a bit of small chop from the front quarter with a light breeze. It still felt tippy but I was getting the hang of it. I got out the 4km to Browns island with no worries and still dry (apart from a bad case of sweats in the wettie) Normally at this point I feel like I've had a good run and am happy to turn around, but with the Puma there was plenty of gas in the tank so I pointed the nose into the wind and chop and headed for new water towards Muzic point.
With the nose into the wind I was pleased to see the benefits of modern SUP design as paddling into and over the chop with the high volume nose was vastly easier than the massive rocker on my Glide. Very quickly I was standing (easily) off Muzic point looking towards Waiheke island and the Corramandel - suddenly they seemed much closer and new possibilities for longer paddles and adventure were openening up....
But that would have to wait. Instead I cruised home, sadly the wind wasn't offering enough to pick up any runs but I got back to the beach dry and confident enough in the new board that I wouldn't need to bother with the wettie again.
I've had two more paddles since then and stayed dry. The board is feeling a lot more stable underfoot and the initial feel of primary tippyness is gone. It got a good test on the recent run paddling into a narrow bridge outlet against a swift outgoing tide, but with a good following chop. I.e super difficult conditions - and not helped by my nervousness that I'd fall off the board and get it smacked against the bridge pylons. Anyway, I got though OK in conditions that would have challenged the Glide.
Speedwise, I'm not sure what to make of it. I was hoping I might be able to get close to a sustained 9 or 10kph in flat water - but having reread Downwinder's posts on his success with the Low Pressure I realise I was totally dreaming! I'd need to be far more dedicated to achieve those speeds. My best so far is 10km at an average of 7.5km per hour in mixed conditions - some chop, some flat, some with the tide and some against. I have no idea if that is any good or not, and I'd say my stroke is far from ideal for a longer board. (I'm only a weekend warrior with one hour of technique training behind me - so don't blame the board!). Anyway, the main effect seems to be that I can paddle further at a better sustained speed than I could have on the Glide - could be I'm more motivated with the new board tho.
overall - so far so good. I'm enjoying my new toy. Love the look. Weight is ok. Handle is great. The bulky nose doesn't seem to catch the wind as I was afraid it would...and best of all I'm starting to plan those longer paddles. My dream of a long weekend trip around Waiheke suddenly seems a bit more plausible...
cheers HB
