sboardcrazy said...
Ive got a friend who a Kona might suit..hes recreational getting back into it & liked the standup paddle board as a sailboard at the demo day but wouldnt the Kona be similar but better in 20kts? The stand up you cant get footstraps for..?
I havent ever seen a Kona? Where do you get them & what are their specs?
The Kona One (K1) is a windsurfer first and can be used as a SUP but not seriously as it's narrower. Might be better at SUP'ing in lakes than the ocean as it wouldn't be as stable because of this. It does have a removeable centreboard which can be left down for better stability and might make up for the lack of width in SUP mode for lake use.
I don't think there would be too many sailable SUPs that can keep up with a K1 in 20+ knots! This thing does fly and is very controllable! I've heard this board has been clocked at 30-32 knots. Sheesh, this board could have entered Weymouth in the early '80s!
If your friend is an ex-windsurfer and is leaning towards windsurfing more than SUP'ing I'd recommend a K1. I've removed the daggerboard as I use the board's length to help me point upwind, I'm now treating it like a very long freeride board. In lighter winds it's like sailing longboards of old, same turns and old school freestyle is easy. In stronger winds it gets up on the plane fast for its size, nowhere as quickly as a freeride or slalom I've been told. But it's far from dog slow. It *is* a hoot to ride, I reckon you'd even enjoy it Sue!
Here's more details on the board (or just Google "Kona One" for lots of pics);
http://www.kona-windsurfing.com/products/konaone.asp
