WHAT SIZE KUKU HOE BOARD SHOULD I GET?

If you are an experienced stand up paddler, then you already have a good idea what you are looking for in your next board. This size chart will help you know how far you can push your limits. If you have never done it, then it is important that you get a board matched to your weight, age and abilities. This is the primary advantage of a custom shaped board over a molded production board made in China. The other advantage is the superior quality of glass work, color and up to the minute design available by American experts. If you do not fit the profile of who a molded board was designed for than you may find the board too difficult to enjoy or much larger than you need. From my experience watching the many customers who have purchased my boards, I have seen first hand what size board it takes for them not to struggle with balancing. However, often a young proficient surfer would prefer to struggle for a short while at first so that he can have a higher performance board to ride after he has learned to paddle efficiently. Conversely, a less agro surfer or an average type guy just wants to have a fun easy board to paddle and surf on. Your responsibility in this decision process is to define where you fit, then you can choose a board that will match your profile.

 Generally, it is much easier to paddle in flat water than in the open ocean and if you are in the surf zone then the difficulty triples. Also, if you plan on just paddling in flat water then there is no disadvantage in getting a longer board then what is shown in the chart. A 12’ board paddles faster than an 11’ board.

In the surf, how ever, wave riding performance really decreases as the board becomes larger, so you want to try to get as small a board as you can, but one that will not actually hold you back because it is too difficult for you to balance on. The “model” or performance characteristics of the board (regular Kuku Hoe, Nose Rider, Carver or Quad fin) doesn’t matter much. What really matters is that the length, width and thickness match your requirements. The chart below has specific recommendations of board size in relation to a person’s athletic profile and weight. This can be a valuable tool for ordering a board when you do not have experience in this sport. You can see from this chart that no molded board offers the choice in size (or color design) that you can get from a custom board shaped just for you.

**There is a video of me on UTUBE discussing matching board size to the user.  If you want to see my ugly mug and a bit of our SUP section in the Infinity shop, go to: 

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x397qx_video-with-steve-boehne-owner-of-in_sport

KUKU HOE BOARD SIZE CHART (for surfing)