So first of all, thanks for all the previous advice on a longboard sup. Have purchased and been riding a 10 x 30 Smik Stylelord, definitely a lot more hard work balance wise than I anticipated, especially in windy and choppy water, but when conditions are good, its great to ride, and even been attempting to get to the nose! I'm 5'10, 44yrs and about 90kegs. Not from a surfing background but been Suping on and off for a number of years, so would say I'm an intermediate rider in regards to balance, paddling etc but more the beginner side in regards to surfing moves and techniques.
So I'm wanting to add a second board - something with more stability for when conditions are not as good, or when Im wanting to try a different style of riding than the longboard sup.
I use to have a 2014/15 Starboard Widepoint which I learnt on, super stable but a bit like a tank to turn on. I have had a 8 foot 31.5 width Hypernut, never really got the feel for this board especially take offs.
A lack of stock in the market means I pretty much have 2 options at the moment. I was thinking an 8'10 Smik Hipster as thought that would give me the stability but with more performance - however they are all out of stock here where I live.
So I can get a 2022 8.7 32inch Starboard Wedge limited (143L) - I'm thinking will have great stability but worried it will feel more like a tank like my old widepoint or has the design and technology changed in this board to make it more easy to turn etc
The other option is the 2020 V2 Smik Hipster 8.6 (134L) - Which I hear are super fun and fast and helps improve turning etc... but my major concern would be I don't want to be out there using up all my energy to balance....
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts - a shame I cant demo these boards either.....
Tried both Wedge8.7 and Hipster8.6 and the Wedge is the more stable one without being an tank like the old widepoint. The Hipster8.6 is faster on a wave and more lively but not that stable for its size. Its really an serious size doen from the Wedge 8.7
I have the Hypernut7.10 as well and it is a LOT more stable then the Hipster8.6. In small/slow waves and confused water with lots of chop the Hypernut is imo a killer. As soon as the faces are shoulderhigh or higher and the waves pack a bit of speed you get more performance out of ther Hipster, but due its rounded deck it wears you out faster.NB, I live in the netherlands where we have seldom proper waves, but try spend every holiday in better condittions like France, Cornwall-UK, Ireland, Portugal Canary Islands etc to get some proper ridingStats: Im a 188x100kg and my quiver is right now:Starboard Longboard 10x29x123l
Hypernut7.10x31.5x133l
Hipster8.3
Spitfire8.6 , brand new and hopefully this weekend the maidenvoyage
Custom 8.2x30x120l
2 older 14ft raceboards :)
Thanks for the awesome feedback Jeroensurf..... everyone comments on how stable the Smik Twins are so it gives for a good insight into the stability vs the Wedge. I do have a hypernut 8 still, after hearing you good experience with it in chop I might need to get out on it again. I'm after stability so I think I will need to either look at the Wedge or jump up to a 8'10 when some come back in stock?
I have the 10"2 Carbon wedge 9"2 Carbon wedge and use to own the 8"7 wedge. I also have the 10"0 stylelord, 9"3 SMIK hipster and 8"10 hipster and 8"4 hypernut. I am 41 years old 96kg.
I sold the 8"7 wedge as the hipster is a way better Board , I use the 9"3 x 33 for choppy and windy days and the 8"10 is my high performance board.
in my honest opinion smik are the best boards on the market with the hipster twin being the best of the best, fast , stable and super responsive
Thanks SydneySup81... what an awesome collection of boards you have... thanks for the feedback... I never thought to go up to a 9'3 with the 33 width... Im guessing with the responsiveness of the Smik a 33 prob feels just as responsive as the 8'7 Wedge?
Ripping it in those photos....
When on my 8"10 I put the Center fin closer to the tail and when on the 9"3 it's closer to the nose, that gives the 9"3 a similar feel as the 8"10. Obviously the 9"3 has a little more length, volume and glide for early entry. Looking at your stats I would recommend thr 8"10 over the 8"6. I am 6"3 tall so getting on the tail of thr 9"3 is easy so depending on your footwork and what you want to board to do it would be between the 8"10 for performance or the 9"3 for the stability, keeping in mind the 8"10 is 32 wide and very stable.
Thanks SydneySup81. Awesome feedback, I'm sold. Just also watched the review that came out today on supboardermag about how awesome the 8'10 is. I think I will get a new 8'10 then wait for a second hand 9'3 to come on market, then have the stylelord to complete the set!
I think there's a good chance that if you got a less stable shortboard SUP, you'd adapt to it and your longboard would then feel solid in anything. Then you'd have a nimble shortboard for calmer days and a longboard for anything else. It's wild how dropping volume makes your old boards feel like tankers.
I'll second Sydneysup on the 8'10" Smik Hipster twin. I sold my 8'7" Wedge for it and am stoked with the board.The wedge was good but the Hipster was better from stability, paddling in and catching waves, late drops and responsiveness and manouvreability. My mate got the 9'3" Hipster, both are V3, and he says the same thing. It's taking my surfing out of the beginner stage and it's defs a keeper. Got the full carbon job so it's really light. Big thumbs up
Cheers Backbeach for the feedback. Stock in NZ is completely out of the 8'10 and 9'.... so decided will get a custom board made from Smik... same dimensions but going change the design and colour.. will take same time so pretty excited to get into it later this year. Will still try to look for a second had 9'3 if one comes up.
