Hello all!
I live in TN where there are not any shops or opportunities to test boards. So hoping for some help/recommendations on my (possible) board replacement.
I am 5’9” 160 lb
Current board:
Bark Destroyer 14’ x 28” x 7.36” / 285 L
What I use it for:
Distance on lakes. Want to go fast and enjoy downwinding on gusty days. Maybe do some river racing (like chattajack) but that would be less frequent.
Thoughts on current board:
Only 14’ I’ve ever tried. Feels maybe overly stable for me at the expense of speed and fun. I prefer a challenge! But if the shape, width, tail, volume help with down-winding then so be it!
Thanks for any suggestions!
I started on SUP for surfing, now living away from the ocean. I’ve tried a few BARK boards a long time ago and I don’t remember model names. I have owned a couple of infinity waveskis and surfboards. All of them have been excellent, my favorite is a custom made waveski. I think the racing models SUPs are the whiplash and blackfish, which comes in a very narrow 22" wide model with a rounded nose that is good for paddling through ocean waves. For me it was challenging but a blast within an hour or two of getting a feel for the board. I was tempted to buy one before my move for lake paddling. These are pretty expensive boards and I don’t think I would consider buying without trying it out, which for you would mean a trip to west coast.
About same for me. Started with Sup surf. But only getting to the coast a couple times per year, was looking for a way to make the most of those trips. Found big lakes have wind current and several miles upwind then downwind can be better than I initially expected. Now trying to make sure I have the best board characteristics to make the most of this, too!! Trip to the west coast would be great but not available at the moment.
Seems to be the case. They’ve started charging $10/mo. to ask community questions…
$10/month - that’s a drag. Maybe there’s some useful info in this Larry Cain article
I’m similar height & weight and have BARK Appleby 12’6” and BARK Dominator 14’. I know what you mean about “overly stable”.