Wind SUP recommendations

[longboarder63]

OK, I am looking for a good windsurfing SUP.   Top of the list is the Starboard 12'6", and also in the running is a Kona One.  Looking for good upwind capability in light to moderate air, generally stable and user friendly for all around sailing/SUP; no need to carve flying jibes, no need for air time and no wave riding.  Use on flat water, double as an SUP. What do you think?  A 6.5 to 7.5?

[jdmotes]

 Check out the Exocet WindSup here: http://exocet-original.com/wind-sup118.php
It's available from Aerotech, North America in Daytona Beach Fl and they will ship it to you... My friend (Chuck) has the Exocet Exo 9'6 that he windsurfs and swears it jumps up on a plane like a dedicated sailboard. Plus: it's super-fun in the surf (but you don't care to do that, right?)...     Paddle on,     JD

[spookini]

I would second the windSUP.  Never ridden it, but it's been discussed on iwindsurf.com forums quite a bit.  Consensus is that it tops of the true 'crossover' boards, in terms of a SUP board that will plane.

You could get an originial Kona, but it's be a compromise in terms of SUP'ing.

The one other board you might want to check out is the RRD wassup (windsurfer-as-sup).  Also said to plane, though not as well as the windSUP...

[Surfer44]

I have a Starboard Silver Blend 11'2" and with an 8.5 M Ezzy Infinity sail, Im lucky to hit 15MPH. It's a fun board but NOT the fastest planer around BUT it is 11'2" and 27 lbs.

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

I have a Kona One, which I have sailed and paddled. It's a wonderful windsurfer, one of the best longboards you can buy. I've barely sailed anything else for the last five years. I can't tell you how much I love that board. As an all-around windsurfer, I can't think of anything that can beat it.

It isn't a great paddleboard, unfortunately. I would regard it as a fine paddleboard to have fun with but not one that you can do serious paddling on. It's got too much rocker so you stand really high. I think an Exocet designed hybrid board might be a better choice if you want to do more SUPing than windsurfing. I haven't sailed one, but the company has a great sense of how to shape a longboard.

If you want to windsurf a lot and SUP a little, get the Kona.

Did I mention how much I love that board? I used to blog about my windsurfing until I realized I wasn't very good (at windsurfing, not writing) and I did a Kona vs. SUP writeup:

http://hudsonwindsurfer.blogspot.com/2009/05/longboard-vs-standup-paddleboard.html

-Ian

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

Now that my paddling has improved some I look at those paddling shots and wince. BTW, the first shot was taken at Peekskill Landing in Peekskill on the Hudson. The Second shot is Kingston Beach, also on the Hudson. The windsurfing shot is the Saint Johns River in Jacksonville.

I can post more, if you're not sick of them.

[longboarder63]

Thanks for the input.  I will check out the Exocet.  I was originally thinking that if I want to windsurf, get a sailboard, and if I want to SUP, get a paddleboard.   After all, a compromise is a compromise.  Many of the comments I saw on the Starboard 12'6" started my reconsideration of that idea, particularly since I am planning on using it in light air.  But maybe the thing to do is get the Kona for windsurfing.  Otherwise, take out a paddleboard.

[Hamakua]

Check out the Amundson 11'6".  I've never paddled or sailed it but it has been recommended to me by several people.

[Philn]

I've paddled the Amundson 11'3, and it is a great board for paddling and messing around in sloppy waves.  Surfs like a longboard.  I've only sailed it once.  It planed, but I wouldn't choose it for planing conditions.  I think it would be fun for sub planing conditions though.

[wilanz]

I've paddled the Amundson 11'3, and it is a great board for paddling and messing around in sloppy waves.  Surfs like a longboard.  I've only sailed it once.  It planed, but I wouldn't choose it for planing conditions.  I think it would be fun for sub planing conditions though.

I found a 2008 - 11'3 Admunson Aquaglide with a mast track.  No handle.   Setting a 6.0 all the way forward this board goes up on plane nicely.  I like it centered for wave sailing.  It's a fixer upper that I'm converting from a soft top to a regular board.  A couple more weeks of TLC and it should be ready.

Here are some pics.  So far I just added a new deck pad and patched the holes.

https://picasaweb.google.com/109355816621000054465/Aquaglide113

Best all around windsurf, sup, wave sup, wave sail board I have tried yet.

[AlexFun]

Eoxcet has on the 2013 website a new 10' Windsup (besides the 11'8").
I'm very excited about this board , since that seems to be the perfect allrounder that's also not to long for storing and transport issuses (unlike the 11'8").
My dream come true? Let's see. Due to the german distributor the board will not be available before late autumn.
Alex
P.S.: Anyone interested in a RRD Wassup 10' for sale as of September, located in germany?

[JimK]

If you "Really" need a CB I'd go with the Exocet but The best sailable SUP (tested by a TON of our rental customers) Is the Fanatic Fly 11'6 Paddles well sails GREAT too best upwind SUP I've seen

JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com