Picked this up yesterday had my first go today , wow fast board very tippy for my weight but hopefully ill get used to it. Definately not a down wind board , I done a bridge to bridge run 8ks and my best time for this is usually around 58 minutes this morning i done it in 55 min.
Nice work, 3 minutes is a massive difference over that distance. What are you going to use in the ocean? My best is 59:30 for the bridge to bridge on a fanatic 14 27.5.
or your skinny
or your skinny
or your skinny I guess if its a mild day with not much side wash I may be able to cope in the ocean. Time wil tell Any way no doubt its very fast , went well at training thismorning.
Definitely a down wind board, just need to get used to it. The new 2013 model will be even better with the flatter cockpit all the way back. I have down winded the 25 in 30knts in the river which is perfectly lined up with no problems.
Pretty sure if you check the nationals results, probally top 4 out of 5 were on ace 25 in full downwind conditions. You can do it fellas, your not giving youself credit. It takes a bit of practice but give it 3 months and you will have it. They are great downwind boards.
My ace tips are:
1/ Don't move back until you have paddled and are up and on a runner, keep you feet inbetween the handles generally, not behind the straps. Dont move back until the wave has picked you up! The board is way more stable when the whole waterline is engaged.
2/ Move back quickly once you feel the wave or chop pick you up, this lifts the nose. You dont have to move to far, one step is generally enough.
3/ Avoid completely burying the nose, a little slap is ok but a big boof will slow you down.
4/ Keep the hull flat, flat is fast and balanced.
5/ Let it find its way, dont try and steer it too had, let it find its own track.
6/ Use your paddle, its a great walking stick to balance off.
7/ Avoid leaning in on a rail, the board will track off one side then roll over, keep it flat and with the chop and wave direction.
8/ Look for the wave after and paddle into the back of the wave and the trough will form, with you in it.
I am 88kg and 42 years old, if I can do it, anyone can..... Just practice and practice. Its worth the rewards.
Had it out in the surf zone , and cuaght some runners out the back with a strong Northerly , in the right conditions i think you culd down wind this boardI moved the fin tight forward in the box and this seemed to help with stability , or maybee i was just imagining it did , anyway didnt fall off that much.
I just have my fin in the middle of the box, i tried some different fins but like the stock fin the best. How quick was it? They pick up every little bump.
