Sport Today

by **John** » Thu, 03 May 2007 04:21:11

Look good from Mistral, SOS, and Starboard. Sean O. Mark Nelson, and
Tiesda Y. are on top of a upcoming tidal bore of enthusiastic
reactions I'm getting from the surfing community. Can't talk
specifics about test boards per agreement with WS Mag. But, the
surfers smile at me more when I'm cruising around grabbing waves on
longboards rather than flashing by planing and jumping on traditional
wave boards. There are millions of surfers vs thousands of
windsurfers. Less fear/anger from them when they watch me sail into
many more waves than any surfer could in any given sesh and tell them
to take a few that technically were mine. Methinks their reactions,
locally, are becoming ever more curious. "How much, where do I
learn," pop up more often than ever b4.

BTW, overall first timers to wavesailing should consider using a
longboard, again I don't care whose, for they are way easier to get
thru the impact zone in lower windspeeds and surf sizes. Once the
tricks of the trade are learnt, one can go to short boards from
there. Basic wave sailing techniques tend to be the largest hurtles
for newbies.

Obviously, most of my LB wave sessions are on the Kona, but getting on
a LB is a good thing. Beware, don't be a wave hog, then the locals
will get jerky.

by **M. Gun** » Thu, 03 May 2007 12:07:48

Quote:

> Obviously, most of my LB wave sessions are on the Kona, but getting on
> a LB is a good thing.

John,
Have you gotten any time on the Kona Surf? If so, your impressions please.

mo
--
Team Coyote
http://www.teamcoyote.net

by **just lurkin** » Fri, 04 May 2007 00:08:15

Quote:

>> Obviously, most of my LB wave sessions are on the Kona, but getting on
>> a LB is a good thing.

>John,
>Have you gotten any time on the Kona Surf? If so, your impressions please.

>mo

Mo, there is a lot of discussion at the Exocet forums. it's pretty
unanimous that Kona/SUP is lots of fun, although I read one guy who
didn't dig it. I can't find that thread right now, but I think the guy
said he was a serious surfer, had tried the Kona, and it just didn't
work. I got the impression that most people would like a Kona for SUP
unless they were a serious surfer.

Warren, otoh, is a bigtime fan of the Kona for SUP, but he sells them
and tends to be very outspoken in his promotions, you know, so I have
to take him with a huge grain of salt.

by **M. Gun** » Fri, 04 May 2007 00:51:19

Quote:

>> John,
>> Have you gotten any time on the Kona Surf? If so, your impressions please.

>> mo

> Mo, there is a lot of discussion at the Exocet forums. it's pretty
> unanimous that Kona/SUP is lots of fun

I've been reading some on the Exocet forums but was wondering specifically
about the Kona Surf which is the smallest (currently) in the line. John I
seems to have a lot of experience with the boards. Maybe he's spent some
time on the Surf???

mo
--
Team Coyote
http://www.teamcoyote.net

by **wind.s** » Fri, 04 May 2007 07:07:56

Quote:

>I've been reading some on the Exocet forums but was wondering specifically
>about the Kona Surf which is the smallest (currently) in the line. John I
>seems to have a lot of experience with the boards. Maybe he's spent some
>time on the Surf???

>mo

Oops, I failed to notice you were asking about the Surf model, 'sorry.

by **John** » Fri, 04 May 2007 10:32:15

Quote:

> >I've been reading some on the Exocet forums but was wondering specifically
> >about the Kona Surf which is the smallest (currently) in the line. John I
> >seems to have a lot of experience with the boards. Maybe he's spent some
> >time on the Surf???

> >mo

> Oops, I failed to notice you were asking about the Surf model, 'sorry.

For the most part, I've sailed the Kona Style. It sails great, SUP
well in very little wind, grabs waves well with a sail when SUP
boarding is tougher anyway. I've not had very much luck getting on
the Kona Style in glassy wave riding with a paddle. Seems there's
always just enough wind to do the sailing thing. Of course, I've
programmed myself for years to go to the beach after some winds start
blowing, and buckle down to work when sailing is out of the question.

I've only sailed the Kona Surf lit up in open ocean conditions with
very small surf. With ASA construction to keep the cost and weight
down, it is a dangerous thing for me to be on. I like to go fast and
jump high. In lighter wind, with a 6.8 or so, I can only imagine it
sloggs well and surfs waves slightly better than the Style.

Meanwhile, I've sailed all types of wind/wave combo's with the Style.
Strong winds, sideon to sideoff, light winds with big waves, etc.
Without the dagger, it surfs better provided the wind is 8-9 mph or
better. With the dagger, I can punch thru largish waves in as little
as 5 mph winds. One will get thrown back and washed. It's all part of
the game. For most folks, in most areas, I believe the Style is a
better board for the versatility aspect, and it surfs waves very well.

The Kona Surf is smaller, the same width as my Exo-Wave 105. Yes it
is longer and has a dagger, but it is too small for me in FL to use
compared to the Style. Too small to teach on, maybe too wavey to
blast around on a lake or offshore estuary day. Unless one lives in a
high wind venue and needs extra upwind/downwind abilities to reach an
untenable break, or weighs well under 165 #'s, I don't see the use of
it. Yet, the whole time I revel in the performance of the Style,
Steve says he can't keep the Surf in stock. Reminds me of an old
saying, "A man convinced against his will, remains unconvinced
still." So, no matter how many ravings and clinical anecdotes I come
up with, people will still be drawn to the idea(l) implied by the term
"surf." Did I mention it is smaller? Maybe that's the hook?

by **M. Gun** » Fri, 04 May 2007 12:21:24

Quote:

> For the most part, I've sailed the Kona Style....

> The Kona Surf is smaller, the same width as my Exo-Wave 105. Yes it
> is longer and has a dagger, but it is too small for me in FL to use
> compared to the Style. Too small to teach on, maybe too wavey to
> blast around on a lake or offshore estuary day. Unless one lives in a
> high wind venue and needs extra upwind/downwind abilities to reach an
> untenable break, or weighs well under 165 #'s, I don't see the use of
> it. Yet, the whole time I revel in the performance of the Style,
> Steve says he can't keep the Surf in stock. Reminds me of an old
> saying, "A man convinced against his will, remains unconvinced
> still." So, no matter how many ravings and clinical anecdotes I come
> up with, people will still be drawn to the idea(l) implied by the term
> "surf." Did I mention it is smaller? Maybe that's the hook?

Thanks John. I appreciate your input.
I'm closer to 120# and smaller seems more logical to me. SUP isn't my goal,
just light wind fooling around with smaller sails, not necessarily planing,
but with upwind capability. Wide boards (my experience) require larger sails
to enjoy light wind whereas the new-style longboards seem to offer old-style
fun in subplaning conditions. Just wondering how rockered out the Surf is.
Time will tell...the board should be on its way to my local shop this week.
Thanks again.

mo
--
Team Coyote
http://www.teamcoyote.net

by **John** » Fri, 04 May 2007 21:46:12

Quote:

> > For the most part, I've sailed the Kona Style....

> > The Kona Surf is smaller, the same width as my Exo-Wave 105. Yes it
> > is longer and has a dagger, but it is too small for me in FL to use
> > compared to the Style. Too small to teach on, maybe too wavey to
> > blast around on a lake or offshore estuary day. Unless one lives in a
> > high wind venue and needs extra upwind/downwind abilities to reach an
> > untenable break, or weighs well under 165 #'s, I don't see the use of
> > it. Yet, the whole time I revel in the performance of the Style,
> > Steve says he can't keep the Surf in stock. Reminds me of an old
> > saying, "A man convinced against his will, remains unconvinced
> > still." So, no matter how many ravings and clinical anecdotes I come
> > up with, people will still be drawn to the idea(l) implied by the term
> > "surf." Did I mention it is smaller? Maybe that's the hook?

> Thanks John. I appreciate your input.
> I'm closer to 120# and smaller seems more logical to me. SUP isn't my goal,
> just light wind fooling around with smaller sails, not necessarily planing,
> but with upwind capability. Wide boards (my experience) require larger sails
> to enjoy light wind whereas the new-style longboards seem to offer old-style
> fun in subplaning conditions. Just wondering how rockered out the Surf is.
> Time will tell...the board should be on its way to my local shop this week.
> Thanks again.

> mo
> --
> Team Coyotehttp://www.teamcoyote.net- Hide quoted text -

> - Show quoted text -

mo, you would be the perfect candidate for a Kona Surf. Use the
dagger only when challenged by the very lightest of breezes.
Something really funny happens when the dagger is out and one is
edging along very critically near the break when wavesailing. The
gasket collapses and the double edge of the slot adds to the gripping
power of the board just when it is needed most. :~) Then when
turning on the top of the wave, the gasket reaffirms its role. Pretty
trippy to feel it, hard to describe on a forum.

Long boards in the waves are great fun.

by **Steve Prett** » Sat, 05 May 2007 04:42:38

I always thought I had to dump a bunch of money into wave gear to start in
waves, are you telling me to just take my old Phoenix out in the waves and
give it a go?

Quote:

>> at

>> > For the most part, I've sailed the Kona Style....

>> > The Kona Surf is smaller, the same width as my Exo-Wave 105. Yes it
>> > is longer and has a dagger, but it is too small for me in FL to use
>> > compared to the Style. Too small to teach on, maybe too wavey to
>> > blast around on a lake or offshore estuary day. Unless one lives in a
>> > high wind venue and needs extra upwind/downwind abilities to reach an
>> > untenable break, or weighs well under 165 #'s, I don't see the use of
>> > it. Yet, the whole time I revel in the performance of the Style,
>> > Steve says he can't keep the Surf in stock. Reminds me of an old
>> > saying, "A man convinced against his will, remains unconvinced
>> > still." So, no matter how many ravings and clinical anecdotes I come
>> > up with, people will still be drawn to the idea(l) implied by the term
>> > "surf." Did I mention it is smaller? Maybe that's the hook?

>> Thanks John. I appreciate your input.
>> I'm closer to 120# and smaller seems more logical to me. SUP isn't my
>> goal,
>> just light wind fooling around with smaller sails, not necessarily
>> planing,
>> but with upwind capability. Wide boards (my experience) require larger
>> sails
>> to enjoy light wind whereas the new-style longboards seem to offer
>> old-style
>> fun in subplaning conditions. Just wondering how rockered out the Surf
>> is.
>> Time will tell...the board should be on its way to my local shop this
>> week.
>> Thanks again.

>> mo
>> --
>> Team Coyotehttp://www.teamcoyote.net- Hide quoted text -

>> - Show quoted text -

> mo, you would be the perfect candidate for a Kona Surf. Use the
> dagger only when challenged by the very lightest of breezes.
> Something really funny happens when the dagger is out and one is
> edging along very critically near the break when wavesailing. The
> gasket collapses and the double edge of the slot adds to the gripping
> power of the board just when it is needed most. :~) Then when
> turning on the top of the wave, the gasket reaffirms its role. Pretty
> trippy to feel it, hard to describe on a forum.

> Long boards in the waves are great fun.

by **John** » Sat, 05 May 2007 08:30:56

Quote:

> I always thought I had to dump a bunch of money into wave gear to start in
> waves, are you telling me to just take my old Phoenix out in the waves and
> give it a go?

> >> at

> >> > For the most part, I've sailed the Kona Style....

> >> > The Kona Surf is smaller, the same width as my Exo-Wave 105. Yes it
> >> > is longer and has a dagger, but it is too small for me in FL to use
> >> > compared to the Style. Too small to teach on, maybe too wavey to
> >> > blast around on a lake or offshore estuary day. Unless one lives in a
> >> > high wind venue and needs extra upwind/downwind abilities to reach an
> >> > untenable break, or weighs well under 165 #'s, I don't see the use of
> >> > it. Yet, the whole time I revel in the performance of the Style,
> >> > Steve says he can't keep the Surf in stock. Reminds me of an old
> >> > saying, "A man convinced against his will, remains unconvinced
> >> > still." So, no matter how many ravings and clinical anecdotes I come
> >> > up with, people will still be drawn to the idea(l) implied by the term
> >> > "surf." Did I mention it is smaller? Maybe that's the hook?

> >> Thanks John. I appreciate your input.
> >> I'm closer to 120# and smaller seems more logical to me. SUP isn't my
> >> goal,
> >> just light wind fooling around with smaller sails, not necessarily
> >> planing,
> >> but with upwind capability. Wide boards (my experience) require larger
> >> sails
> >> to enjoy light wind whereas the new-style longboards seem to offer
> >> old-style
> >> fun in subplaning conditions. Just wondering how rockered out the Surf
> >> is.
> >> Time will tell...the board should be on its way to my local shop this
> >> week.
> >> Thanks again.

> >> mo
> >> --
> >> Team Coyotehttp://www.teamcoyote.net-Hide quoted text -

> >> - Show quoted text -

> > mo, you would be the perfect candidate for a Kona Surf. Use the
> > dagger only when challenged by the very lightest of breezes.
> > Something really funny happens when the dagger is out and one is
> > edging along very critically near the break when wavesailing. The
> > gasket collapses and the double edge of the slot adds to the gripping
> > power of the board just when it is needed most. :~) Then when
> > turning on the top of the wave, the gasket reaffirms its role. Pretty
> > trippy to feel it, hard to describe on a forum.

> > Long boards in the waves are great fun.- Hide quoted text -

> - Show quoted text -

Yup, use a sail with rod battens and a wave mast. You've got one of
the best "old" longboards ever made go to it. :~)

Sport Today

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards

New SUP convertables and other longboards