Im amazed at how the su paddleboard industry has “grown up” so quickly. Its fantastic! I just think there need to be more comps and races for all age groups and abilities to move it into the main stream surf market!

Regards
Howard
Helford River Expeditions

I understand the shipping thing. To my dis-pleasure I am NOT in HI.

I am 175lbs with little fluctuation…165-180.

I would like to ride/try/own an 18′er but storage is not possible right now without building a special storage unit. My shed is too small to fit one.

I think the 14′ is the way to go. I live on the water w/dock so transporting the board would be minimal. A trip here and there for 30min. to check out other local spots or to drive back after a paddle and few road trips to events during the year.

I figure at my weight I will fly on a 14′.

How fragile are these types of boards? I understand you have to vent them and if done riding, needs to go in a bag(out of sun) but other than that not to bad?

Thanks for answering all my questions.

Be well and enjoy the day.

If you are over 200 lbs then the 14′ or longer is probably going to feel better for you.

Are you in Hawaii? If I sell the FW-14, it’ll be in Hawaii because it’s too much hassle to ship it.

Thanks for responding.

I think that I am more interested in the csn boards.

I will not be paddling without much gear or carrying anyone but myself.

That said-

When comparing a 12′6 CSN board to a 14′ CSN board by the same shaper…so they are almost the same

will there be much difference?

will it be noticable?

What about how far you can go on a paddle…would the 14′ increase the total distance due to more glide and better tracking…less effort…leaving more in the “gas” tank?

Is it worth the $ and the extra hassle for a 14′ or really doesn’t make sense to go bigger than 12′6 unless you are going up to 16′ or 18′?(for conditions described in earlier post- I understand on a DW run it would)

note – probably will be making a move on a board in late March early April…if your FW14 goes on the auction block keep me in mind before posting.THX.

Be well.

What would be the advantages/disadvantages of the Expedition vs a bark with a canoe stlye nose like this(assuming it was a 14′)?http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=5972.0

- I think this depends on what your goal and use for the board will be. I’ve tested and ridden both types of boards you mentioned. They are pretty different. The Expedition is more applicable to surf conditions and is an entirely different feel than the canoe style nose (csn). The csn tracks straighter and has more glide, especially in flat water conditions. The Expedition has screw inserts to attach handles and other things like a net, bungee, etc. You can fit a kid, dog, etc on the front easier. The csn is more for a single person bc the front area is pretty dome shaped.

Would one be better for distance than the other?

- I think in flat water conditions, the csn paddles straighter and glides farther then the Expedition. In wind and swell, the Expedition seems to have a better rocker outline and doesn’t have an issue with the bow steering. If you’re going on a long distance cruise, it’s easier to strap on gear to the Expedition than the csn.

Is 14′ too big not to have a rudder?

- This depends on you. Lots of people ride 14’s w/ no rudder. I personally like a rudder on anything that’s going to go on a downwind run. In flat water I don’t think it matters that much unless you’re making a lot of turns or going around buoys. The rudder on the Bark will add 3 lbs.

Can you compare how your FW14 would stack up to both types of Bark boards?

- So far that’s up in the air. I think the FW14 that I have doesn’t have enough volume for my weight. I told Mark that everything else about the board is perfect, other than the volume. The next version will be much thicker. These boards are so different that it’s hard to tell other than personal preference. I do like the rudder on the FW14. It’s very slick. When the wind is light and waves are small, it’s fun to surf the Expedition. I’ll also take the F-14 for conditions like that but the Expedition is more durable and actually surfs pretty good for a 14′ board. I took out the csn Bark 14 in similar conditions and had a great time on it last week. I’m much more scared of the csn and F-14 or FW14 getting damaged than I am with the Expedition. They are all used for different conditions and purposes.

Board will be used on East Coast – coastal waterways/sounds/bays and maybe open ocean.

- You’ll need to be more specific on this question.

Is one more stable than the other?

On flat water they are all stable. Actually, they are all pretty stable in general.

I assume the durability nod goes to the Surftech?

- Yes

Anything else you think might be be applicable.

- You should try and demo these boards to see what you prefer. Everyone has different preferences.

This spring I plan on buying a 14′er. I have read about other people saying they like the Expedition. So I have a few questions.

What would be the advantages/disadvantages of the Expedition vs a bark with a canoe stlye nose like this(assuming it was a 14′)?http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=5972.0

Would one be better for distance than the other?

Is 14′ too big not to have a rudder?

Can you compare how your FW14 would stack up to both types of Bark boards?

Board will be used on East Coast – coastal waterways/sounds/bays and maybe open ocean.

Is one more stable than the other?

I assume the durability nod goes to the Surftech?

Anything else you think might be be applicable.

Feel free to email answer if it’s easier.

I have checked out your review of the Expedition already. Just wanted to hear comparative thoughts.

Thanks and sorry for the monster post.