Managed to pick a 2008 model up second hand last week (thanks 4XL).
Thus far I have had it out around half a dozen times on flat water, and three times in the surf (first real wave caught on it today).
There are very few references to this board on the web. However, this quote on www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=3123.0 did sell me on it, particularly after I enjoyed the Whopper so much:
"We've taught hundreds and hundreds of people in our demos and lessons...
The best bang for the buck board for a 250 pounder on the planet is the Starboard "Big Easy" in TufSkin...
12' x 32"...handle and full deck pad...super durable...light for it's size...great glide and surf rocker......"
Certainly is a light and thin board for its size.
Anyway, I am really enjoying it thus far, both on the river and on the sea.
On the flat, it glides quite well, and is easy to push into a breeze.
Its as stable as, you could have a party on it. This gives great security. Which helps a beginner gumby like me in the surf, where its all so much harder. It is really easy to catch waves on, and the extra rocker means that it doesn't want nose dive - even in quite sucky small waves. It will be interesting to see how well it turns, once I get to that stage....
So, an ideal board I suspect for a beginner who's interested in both distance paddling and getting into the surf.
I'd be interested in anyone else's comments who has experienced it.
me 2 anyone ??? im 86 kg i want to do long paddles but i wold like to be able to wiggle it a bit too !
Looks remarkably similar to the Laird 12'1" x 31"... at least from photos off the web... makes you wonder what they started with...
Anyway, with that in mind, I might try the FCS 8.5 cutaway fin, as per www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=50855
