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Fat Boat Fun
Michael Medler
07/09/19 #25172
The Big D dropping into Dick’s with his new V8 Pro.
Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about fat boats. I have been at this game for about 8 years. Over that time the average width of the surfskis in my garage has been steadily increasing. Last year I picked up a V8 Pro, adding yet another inch to that average. Now, I am a big heavy guy with questionable balance. Whitlock in his 17.7” Swordfish is probably more stable than me in my new 20” Epic barge. But I am here to tell ya… a lot folks in this group might have more fun in the big wind in fatter boats. You might not always keep up with some of the other folks in their skinny little race machines, but you might discover that there are about 100 more days a year that you are willing to play in the bay. I’m not talking to Brandon or Simon, but I see a lot of folks around here look like they might have more fun in fatter boats when the slight-caps turn into real whitecaps.
I first started paddling a Pro a few years ago in Hawaii. It kept me out of trouble even in the most “interesting” big water in Hilo. Last summer, I picked one up for playing in The Gorge here. However, what I really discovered was how much more fun our bay can be, especially in winter. In the Pro, I don’t worry much about falling in or remounting. Therefore, I wear less cloths, and I have also finally learned to relax and lay-down full rotational horse power in the waves, which turns out to be huge for catching and jumping around in the bumps.
I’m not going to lie to you. Anywhere there are two boats, there is probably a boat race going on. When some retiree flys past you in the newest 16” carbon-fiber Ferrari, a fat boat can suddenly feel like a scow. But if you can get over all that, you might figure out why Rybczyk is always smiling in the waves.
Duncan says you need a different boat for every 6” of wave height. I have noticed all the Barnacles switch around boats and rudders like they picking out hat for day. However, as a humble state employee, I can really understand how hard it is to justify even “just” two boats. Nevertheless, after years of trying to find the right all-around ski, I am having way more fun by having a race machine for Wednesday nights, and a way fatter boat that takes most the fear and stress out of surfing on the bay.
swellrider62
07/09/19 #25173
I agree with Mike. Over the years I have seen the bay go from small ankle biter waves to a tempest in minutes. And, I have paddled the bay on every water craft available.
I, for one, have gravitated to a 27“ wide stand up board specifically designed for down wind. At a length of 14', it is not the fastest water craft by any means. But, it is super fun in the bumps. When it starts to plane on a wave it becomes a maneuverable carving machine. If the wind suddenly jumps to 40+, I can paddle it with relative confidence and safety. It is very easy to remount and you can lay prone and ride it home if necessary. In addition, it is one of the best platforms for surf ski rescue. I'm standing and behind everyone, which means I can keep an eye on all of you.Emoji
Have fun, and be safe out there.
David Hooper
07/09/19 #25174
And on that note, anyone thinking of taking out their boats, fat or otherwise, for some play on the bay tomorrow morning? Looks potentially good 8ish. Just gotta be to work by 10.
Dave H.
David Hooper
07/09/19 #25175
Wow, ok, that forecast changed a lot from when I looked at it last earlier this afternoon, and the iKiteSurf Free forecast differs radically from the Plus forecast. The former shows a mild, but potentially fun, peak in winds (gusts ~20 mph) from 7-9 am tomorrow; the latter shows things really starting to rip at 8 or 9, with gusts to 30+, and likely continuing through noonish.
I started paying for the Plus forecast a couple month ago. I guess I'll see if it's worth it tomorrow.
Dave H.
Bob Putnam
07/11/19 #25197
Surfing is more fun than bracing. I used a v10 Sport in Maui last April. Had a hoot and was probably just as fast or faster than had I been in a narrower surfski. I have V8, V8 Pro and V10 Sports sitting Bellingham waiting for new owners. Rybzyck just joined Team V8. Also the new V10 G3 is more stable than all previous versions and surfs like a champ. Heather just picked one up too!
