I had this board on demo for a few days and took it out in different conditions. From howling onshore to sheet glass.
Im no expert rider, (have only been into SUP for a few months), but in that time have been on the water quite a bit and only ride waves.
I found the board a little hard to balance in the chop, but then when I caught a wave it rode nicer than the 9'8 I usually ride. It didnt pearl on the chop like the bigger board does.
On the glassy days it was quite stable, It padddled better than I expeted and I could get into waves nice and early. Once on a wave is where I really found the love for this board. It was easy to control and went where I wanted it to, I didnt feel the fear of falling off and landing back on it which happens often on the 9'8.
I was suprised that it was easier to get out through the surf too. I didnt get dragged back as far when a wave landed on me, and also on the close calls managed to get over the back and not sucked back over the falls.
To some up I would say..... you lose a little in ease of use but gain plenty in performace.
