Hi everyone.
Let me just start out by saying I was turned on to this forum because it’s my goal to build an SUP board eventually (soon hopefully), I’ve been lurking for awhile and have already learned a great deal. I feel privileged to be a part of a forum with so many veteran builders to learn from.
I learned about SUP watching a TV show about Laird Hamilton (yeah, I know) and was intrigued by the large board he was paddling around on while standing. I had never seen this before, and I knew instantly it was for me. I live on the gulf coast of Florida and the conditions here are perfect for SUPing. But I had to find one first…
I went to my local surf shop, Lenny’s in St.Pete Beach and asked about this new stand-up-paddle-thing. “What’s it called?” I asked Lenny. “Stand up paddle board.” He replied…Sounds appropriate! Anyway, he goes on to tell me that he’ll be getting his first SUP in a few weeks. “Awesome!” I shrieked. He then went on to tell me prices started at $1500 for the board and another $300 for a good paddle. OUCH. Well that puts a damper on things. Since I am not able to afford it, but I am itching to get out there and do it, I’ve got to be creative…That’s when a light bulb went off in my head.
I had an old 11’ windsurfing board at home that my brother and I got for free. The sail was junk so we trashed it, hoping to find a decent used one down the road…But the board was in good condition, why not use it for an SUP? I immediately went home and got to work on the board, removing the old foot straps and mast holder, or whatever you call it.
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The board is a Fanatic Viper “Furnace” 340. It’s 11’ 4" long, 26 1/2" wide at it’s widest spot, and 5" thick at it’s thickest spot. It tapers off on each end, with a rocker in the front only. Also included is a 26" keel.
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Then I had to craft a paddle. My first one was made with a cheap plastic raft paddle and some PVC. It lasted two sessions before I decided to make a new one out of an aluminum/plastic paddle and a fiberglass rake handle. I learned about the rake handle here :).
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The first one (right) cost under $10 to make. The second was $20. I already had the rake
On the first trial run I went to a shallow inland area, which ended up being too shallow for the keel. I did very well heading out with the wind, but I could not turn back into it. I ended up paddling back on my stomach. I stayed closer to land and stayed parallel to the shore and did great. The next run I went to an inter coastal waterway and launched off a pier in calm water. I was able to use the keel and it seemed to help the stability a bit. A large boat passed by creating a large wake, and I was able to turn into it and ride it out. As I turned back, the opposite wake had bounced off the sea wall and was headed straight for me, and by the time I realized it I was promptly knocked off the board and almost lost my flip flops and sunglasses. The third run (with new paddle) which was yesterday, I launched right off the beach, but the conditions were choppy and I really had a hard time staying on the board. I still had a great time and I’m sore as I’m typing this.
So far I’m very happy with the results. I’m having fun and spent very little cash, but I do want to build an appropriate SUP eventually when I have the money. Until then, is there any way I can improve the windsurf board? I’m thinking of sanding down the deck and applying some of that roll-on grip stuff or “Hula Dek”. And forgive me if this is a dumb question, but how does fin adjustment effect the boards’ performance? And is the keel helping or hurting?
Thanks.