This could go 2 ways.
Looking at adding to the fleet, and I am stuck on what size to get. Spent the morning on a couple of different sizes and shapes. Really liked the JM 12 and 14 but still stuck on size. When I get the the boards I want to do the races but in all honesty is the 14 that much quicker than a 12'6?? Am I breaking it down too much and making it too hard? Can someone help me out here.
I'd buy both if I could...
Hey Cam,
The board you should choose should be that which fits your needs best. If you plan on doing longer races and downwinders, the 14 is the goods. If you are planning on shorter course racing like BOP style in and out of the surf, the 12'6" is the go.
You can race a 12'6" in a long race, but a 14ft is at a distinct disadvantage in short course racing. Usually in racing there are 12'6"and 14' divisions so you'll be competitive on either.
14's are definitely faster than 12'6" boards in a straight line and 16's and 17's are definitely faster than 14's.
Either way, racing is sweet and will improve your technique and fitness.
DM
Happy to see your post - I'm a noob to SUP and bought a SB Drive because of the "all round" factor but after taking on the lake and in the surf have learned it's OK but now I'm looking at something specific for downwind (after seeing some of the videos) and another for the surf. Also confused with 12'6" vs 14' and interested to see the comments.
DJ, by easier do you mean catches runners / wind swell better or is it something else?
Me and my brother have paddled identical boards in both sizes and a couple of different shapes and all sorts of conditions and agree with Darren. We are similer strength and longer is faster, I would say a fair bit faster in nearly all conditions. For example: I have a flat water 14 and some guys here have the identical 16ftversion. The 16 is without doubt a faster board. Also i have had identical 12'6 and 14 shapes and 14 was faster in downwind or flat everytime. 12'6 can be fun downwinding but not as fast, and needs alot more work to get runners. If everyone is racing 12'6 no point buying a 14 :) and visa versa.
I dont think speed is a huge factor, its such a slow sport! So buy a board depending on what type of racing or what division u want to race in.
i think most importantly if you only want one board and ever plan on doin bop race then 12'6 is usually the size used. If you want to only do long distance and down wind stuff i would go the 14. Youll prob get more waves easier and therefor have more fun. just my opinion anyway. everyone has their own as youll quickly find out. having said all this there are paddlers on your side of the country who will beat anyone on any board on a 12'6! Its probably piontless anyway cause one you get the bug youll end up hooked and have a collection of boards. i remember buying my first board and it can be very confusing. hope this helps anyway. good luck and have fun:)
The 14' is faster, period - downwind and flat provided you are comparing apples with apples. A light specialised flatwater 12'6 may be as quick as a heavier surfy downwind 14' design on flat water, but that's about it.
We've literally done hundreds of time trials and downwinds and there is no contest - the 14's are faster. When a guy on a 12'6 is faster than a guy on a 14' it's got everything to do with the paddler (sorry DJ....
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Personally I hate going slower, paddling as hard as I can, and seeing the guys slipping away because I'm are on a shorter board well knowing that I'd be back on the pace, if I go back to the 14's.
If you are interested in racing then I really battle to make an argument for buying a 12'6 over a 14', saying that you can just decide which class you want to race in.
It doesn't make sense to me. Surely you want to race with everyone in a race, if you split it into to classes then you are effectively only racing with half the field - and you actually never really know how you did because good and bad paddlers are mixed across the classes.
So unless you paddling purely for fitness and improving your own times (which means you are not racing) there is no reason for buying a slower 12'6.
You indicated you want to go and do the races. Racing means competing against other paddlers and for this you must have the fastest board, otherwise its meaningless.
Unless you are super serious about racing and winning (which typically means training harder and having better/newer boards than the competion) then go for versatility and something you can paddle confidently in the conditions you will paddle in. Any board you can stay upright on will be faster than one that you constantly have to climb back on. I have a 12'6 which I've raced in both flat water and ocean. I didn't place among the top paddlers, BUT I did have a blast. I've also had screaming downwinders and caught waves from the smallest ripples to waist high, and with a fin change, it took on renewed wave catching appeal. Also good for exploring and touring, it's not just a "one use" board. I'm sure the same can be said about 14' boards too, but for me versatility is the key to fun and more time on the water. Pick a board that you can paddle well and get out on it as much as possible.
Cam, earlier in the year I faced the same question. The difference is I had no intention, and still don't, of competing. There were lots of good responses from the Forum Faithfull. I ended up going with a Fanatic 12'6" x 30. I use it for all sorts of paddling, Leisure Touring, exercise training, ocean paddling, flatwater paddling. I don't want to go fast or beat people (in a race not over the head) and it suits me well. I do agree witth Jason too a 12'6" is very versatile. You also need to consider, storage, carrying it, transporting it etc etc.
If you want to race and go fast buy a 14' if you want to BOP buy a 12'6". Though you will see all sorts of people using all sorts of boards the main thing is to HAVE FUN and ENJOY the experience. IMHO. ET.
For me, every second counts to the point that I am considering purchasing one of those tear drop helmets that the cyclists wear at the velodrome. The sooner I can get to the BBQ sausages the better. Mind you, if shiresup is paddling downwind from the bbq and gets a whiff it's all over - no contest.
are we, a group of men, in a public forum now saying that size does matter??????????????? Oh the shame :(
