I am looking at buying a board for use in the river, up until now I have been using my 79l Kombat and its generally not really big enough (fine in the ocean).
What volume would you all recommend for a general purpose speed/slalom board. I dont think I can stretch to more than one so need something that will be good on the lighter days. I will probably look at getting something other than wave fins for the smaller board which might help that.
I have seen a few Isonics in the 80 - 90 - 100 range and am not sure which one I should consider. Of course there is the CA slaloms which would probably be excellent but again I dont know what size I should consider.
I am 80 Kg and on the 79l cant seem to get better than 32 knots.
I dont want to start a fight here - so everyone play nice
I had the same dilemma recently, and went for an iSonic 94 (I weigh 86 kg). It's just big enough for light days, I can uphaul my 6.8 with water up to my knees.
The 94 would be fine for you, or even the 86 might be just big enough.
If you're used to the Kombat then you'll hate the 101, it's significantly wider than the 94. The 94 is more a traditional gun shape, the 101 is more a modern wide style shape.
You're welcome to give my 94 a go if you like, just let me know beforehand.
I sailed the futura 122 a while back and it was sweet with the 7.6.Planing in 12+ knots. 111 was good but needed quite a bit more wind.Patrick has gone well on his 93/ 122 combo. Nice compromise. Straps can be set inbound or out. Would be less full on than a slalom.
If you are serious go the isonic or the JP slalom (had a good sail on one of Elmo's)but go at least 100litres.
Claude goes well on his 101 in a huge range of conditions (but then again Claude would go well on a door).
My JP84L slalom II will carry a 6.6 but is much better suited to a 5.8 and 18+ knots.
You will need to get a suitable sail to go with whatever you choose to get the best out of it. For a range of river conditions something about 6.5 and cammed.
Firebob of FNQ raves about his CA sl58 in both ocean and river. He got 36+ when he was over here with a 6.8 loft blade. Try and sail a few boards before you commit.
Thanks guys - sounds like something around 90l and a new cammed sail is the go. Currently my biggest sail is 5.8 (although I do have an old NP 6.2 that I havent used for a couple of years).
All good advice but Hardpole 32Knots on the river is not bad. Bigger kit will probably be slower.
If you are looking for speed follow Slowboat around at Melville for a while. Water state and angle is the biggest influence on speed, as those guys who have done 42+ at Sandy Point on wave gear will attest to.
Well I took the plunge and bought a 2006 Starboard Sonic 95 from the buy and sell on seabreeze (thanks Julien). Now all I need to know is what fin I should be looking at. It has the original drake fin with it but I know if I want to use it at Hardies Im going to need a weedy.
Still got some change from the Kevin.
now lets all hope for some wind !
Hope the Sonic goes well for you Hardpole.
In case anyone else reads this thread I suggest you should not be put off the Isonic 105/101. I have the 105 and love it. It planes in light winds and flies in stronger winds. I have been thrilled with it so if you have the option of one I would strongly recommend at least trying it. I can sail it al day long (and do
)
In strong winds I am just getting to grips with a sonic W52...... that seems to be another great board, I just have not been out on it so much to really comment.
