A little background on my paddling experience for perspective. I’ve been seriously paddling for a year after 25 years of surfing and a few years of prone paddle boarding. When the waves are good I’m still inclined to prone surf as the spots I frequent are not SUP friendly but have really gotten into all aspects of SUP. Lately Andy and I have had some down winders that I have to say is as much fun as I’ve ever had on the water. Monday’s Natural Bridges to Private’s run had 20 to 30 yard glides…stoked and grinning ear to ear!!

When I first started looking at race boards I was concerned that everything was designed for flat water conditions.  I’ve only done a few races but mostly I’ve encountered fairly rough water or “real” conditions and I didn’t feel that those boards really performed as they should unless it’s fairly flat (or only are optimum for the top paddlers). It’s like modern surfboards, everyone wants to ride the same board that Kelly Slater rides but it doesn’t mean that it’s good for their surfing. So Andy and I worked with Ed to design a really light 14’ (only 20 lbs with deck pad and fin) with a bit more rocker to handle the chop and excel in the downwind legs. Well the results are impressive, it’s fast and everyone that has been on it loves it. We’re making another one right now that’s a bit wider and has a touch more volume, first one is 28.5 and the new one is 29.5 (I believe). Ed convinced me that he can make a board a bit wider and stable but just as fast so you’re energy goes into efficient paddling, not just trying to stay on the board while putting the hammer down. Andy has all options covered, there’s a flatter version 12’6” and added rocker 12’6” also but for myself I appreciate the added rocker and performance of the new Tiger.