Hi,
I am really pondering about which board to choose. I have my eye on 2 good deals.
2017 Naish MALIKO 14'0" X26 CARBON ELITE
2016 Naish Javelin Maliko 12'6" X26 LE
Before I ask your input, I would like to tell you a little about what I am looking for and my considerations so far.
After having had 5 boards at the same time, I am trying to cut down and only have 1-2 boards (I do not paddle as often as before). I paddle open water - small choppy wind waves (no swells here). I am looking for an allround board for the 8-25K accational paddle or the the downwinder with 1-2 feet waves. Can I surf the 1-3 feet crappy wind waves we get here, it willl be a bonus and i might consider selling my Nalu.
I am split between a faster 14" and maybe a more allround 12'6". I want to be able to cover some distance but speed is not my main concern (I do not compete).. I want to have fun - and still be able to be faster than the sea kayaks we have here :-).. I am concerned that the Carbon moddel will be too fragile out of the water.
I am leaning towards the 12'6",, cheaper, more versatile, but I am concerned that it will be too slow and I cannot cover distance.. Then on the other hand a 12'6" might be better here with our wind waves which come close to each other.
My weight is 91kg.
I had the Jav Naish 14', 26 wide from 2012,, very round button shape, tipsy but fast. and quite sensitive to cross winds/waves.
I had the Jav Naish 14', 28"wide 2015- and it was great,, but I really felt the extra with,, slower and a little boring in these conditions - so I am going back to 26" wide.
Seriously? Not much love for 12,6 here ;-).. i am a little surprised that no one will back the 12,6 for non competition paddling (fun factor)
You are probably right though - that is also what my voice back in my head says regardless of me trying to convince it to take the 12,6...
eventhough, at several races here in Denmark Casper Steifath won over 14s on his 12,6.. probably a better motor and not so tough competition..