Having a hard time finding places to actually demo or rent boards I’m interested in buying. A dozen shops/retailers that say “demo” on their websites either don’t demo anymore or only have all-round boards.
I’d like a touring board that’s good for the occasional fun race in our area (near SLC in Utah), but that also has the volume and stability to carry a dog or small child…been researching and the following handful seem like good options.
Any experience with them, feedback, or other suggestions?
- Boardworks Raven
- Hobie Elite
- Focus Cali or Freedom
- Surftech Lahui Kai
- Bic ACE-TEC Wing (though that one seems much too heavy)
PS. I actually posted wanted ads on Craigslist and a local classified site to see if anyone owns one that would let me demo; no bites yet but fingers crossed. REALLY want to try before I buy…have only paddled all-rounds so far and got blown to a standstill in a windstorm yesterday.