i have asked advise on a glide before and have read the recent 14ft x 29-30 post and it's all good information, BUT all of the users are basketball players over 100kg, lol.
I am 5'10 and 78kg and looking at a GTW 12'6 later this year but I noticed some of the comments on other posts saying the 14 rides chop better and that. 29 is a different board than a 30inch.
So why is a 29in a different board all together than a 30in and at my height and weight is a 14ft too much board, not different literally as the design is the same but how does 1inch make a difference, in a board that is 
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The 14x29 is literally a different board from the 14x30 Glide. It is a completely different shape, and they are designed for somewhat different purposes and aimed at different paddlers.
The 14x30 is a huge board. Probably far too much for someone your weight. You don't want to be trying to push around vast acres of foam you don't need out in the water. You'll find it frustrating and hard to control in wind.
By contrast, you'll probably like the 14x29 a lot. Try and get a demo.
I'm a similar weight to you and far prefer 14ft boards. There really is no reason to get a 12-6 unless you are too weak to carry or load a 14, or you are going to specialise in certain race formats that require 12-6 boards. Even most women would be better off on a 14 IMO, but 12-6 has become, for largely historical reasons, the "board size for girls", so it is this gender stereotyping I think that keeps 12-6s afloat. Girls buy 12-6s because girls buy 12-6s. And some of them can't carry 14s, or think they won't be able to.
Many of the paddlers on a forum like this are expert. To them a 29" board seems massively wide, so they'll often recommend a narrower board. But actually, for most people, especially in choppy conditions, 29" wide is faster and more comfortable.
But demo some boards for yourself. It is very hard to make recommendations for other people. Height and weight are only two factors in a very complex equation when matching person to board.
I had the opportunity to look at a 14x30 Glide GTW. It was a beautiful board though does look like it's designed with NBA and NFL players in mind. It is a very big board.
Dave at 78kg you definitely don't need the 14 x 30* Glide. The 14 x 30 isn't just a blown up 29...they are very (very) different shapes.
A 14 is probably a bit more versatile choice for around Melb and the bays than a 12'6, especially if you decide you want to go downwinding. At your weight in Naish boards you would be very comfortable on the 14 x 29 Glide. I'd also suggest you look at a 14 x 28 Javelin, you'd probably be comfortable on one of those too.
IMO you should definitely take a good look at the 14 x 28 NSP/DC and the 14 x 27 lahui kai, a couple of the 14' SICs as well. Prob worth you checking out the 14 x 27 and/or 14 x 28 Starboard Allstars. All those boards are surprisingly stable, they all feel different to each other. You're a long way from huge so there are a few options out there for you - especially in and around Melbourne. Demo/try as many as you can get your hands on.
(*the 14x30 Tern mentioned is mine...I've got almost 50kg on you and I have some balance issues. )
Hi Dave..I had a 11' glide ..for 3 month s then tried a 12 '
now have a 14 ' it's the size to have if your serious about going fast and DW ing etc..
they are so good . I kinda wish I hadn't mucked around with the smaller sizes ..but had fun ..doing it .I thought they where good at the time until I jumped on a 14'
I have the 2015 javelin 28' I'm
95 kgs..you will fly on the 28 javelin or the glide GTW 29'
make s long distance paddling a breeze , 
tardy
Thanks for the feedback guys and it sounds like I will have to try and get time on a few boards to see which one I prefer even though I prefer the Naish models at the moment.
I will demo more 12'6 boards and straight after try a 14 29 wide and feel the difference and see how they suit me even though chances are I won't do any DW any time soon, but you never know things change. The biggest problem is getting a good demo of different models and sizes in the one spot. i will demo the Naish models at Jacks boards but will need to go to KR, Zu, SHQ, Mordy's, to try NSP, Starboard, Sunova, Bark, and anything else worth looking at if they have a demo board at the time.
Best to think about it now and take my time looking around asking questions and buy much later this year so I don't need to sell the board after a few months.
