Naish 7'8'' Hokua, first few sessions...

[Reid SUP'd]

Wow thats pretty impressive that she is riding that short a board, and picked it up so quick, I actually only have small paddle blades, im currently using the starboard fiberglass paddle with the orange blade and handle, compared to my other paddle, the werner nitro its about the same width but its not carried through the entire blade like the nitro,  I actually thought afer my session that a good remedy for helping the board glide better was to purchase a paddle with a larger blade on it, something like the spanker or a QB,  

when you say overpowering the board with the paddle do you mean bigger strokes?  i know on the shorter boards quicker/shorter style strokes work for me, as well as getting into the surf stance earlier, although yesterday I found myself walking closer to the nose of the board which did not workout

on the topic of the fins, i think maybe using the same size fins in the rear than are in the front might help to keep it tracking straight,  have you tried this board as a thruster with a larger middle fin, i wonder how it would feel with that type of setup?

[Dwight (DW)]

My paddle strokes are short and rapid fire.

I wouldn't change anything. Your paddle and fins are fine. It only takes a few sessions to dial the board in paddling.

Every step down in length I take I have to make the same adjustments to my paddling, all over again. Then it just magically seems easy again.

[tautologies]

I finally got to take out a 7"8 yesterday, board was actually not too much of a challenge to stand on,  the conditions were not the best for this type of board, was about 15 kt+ offshore winds and the waves were mushy and shoulder high

the board does lack the glide necessary to get in early on waves unless there steep, I only caught 2 waves on the inside but once your on the wave this board rocks!  its so light and maneuverable, its getting cold over here so i'm sure I will have more fun with this thing once I get to shed some neoprene but I think getting this board dialed in with a 5/4 will make it even more enjoyable and better for me when it gets warmer.

The obvious thing that I didnt like was the lack of glide and how easy the board yaws,  you really have to time your paddle strokes with this board

But again, it was my first session in not the optimal conditions for this board, if I wasnt trying it out I would have taken out my 9'8 or 8'6 on a day like yesterday

There is only room for improvement and I cant wait to get closer towards mastering and unlocking more of its potential, these little boards seem to fatigue you much faster than the longer ones!

yes I think what you're talking about is drawbacks short board bring with them...none of the shorter boards I've tried glide. The board really like a sharper better quality wave...though it'll definitely be able to take on sloppier waves..I've had it out quite a bit is a variety of waves...in the sloppy on shore..that said I can be on a ankle snapper and it still goes..

The yawing I think only happens in super slow conditions...just as it is too slow to go..

if you have a chance try it on a slightly cleaner wave..it certainly does not need super clean waves, but does perform better on cleaner waves. The advantage comes when you start moving the board on the wave...super agile. So far I love it.

Definitely going to try the fins DW was talking about..not because I feel it is needed, but it is good to try out different fins and testing until the real nice conditions come along.

[Reid SUP'd]

I agree, I def need more time out with it, and i can't wait, the board is sick!  Cant wait to try it in better conditions

[newton333]

hey does the 7'8 have the deck concave? or is that just up to the 8'5? thanks

[Dwight (DW)]

hey does the 7'8 have the deck concave? or is that just up to the 8'5? thanks

No deck concave. Only the 8'5 and 9'0 have it.

After reading Steve's blog post on the 9'0, I'd bet the 7'8 is more stable than the 8'5 by a lot.

[tautologies]

the board is so straight it almost looks like it has a negative rocker (except the nose).

[newton333]

interesting i went to a bigger paddle blade  when  i went smaller i find i can get a little more pull/speed when getting into waves. the yaw is not really a big deal u learn how to compensate pretty quick.