WA
943 posts
http://www.tabou-boards.com/boards/2013/boards/coolrider
I wanted a do anything board, lightwind plodding, take the kids out, teach the kids, let fiends have a try, teach my wife, explore etc
I've been really happy with the Coolrider. At 80 wide it's plenty stable for a kids platform. 190L gives it enough float for me and a couple of small kids. The full EVA means it's very kid friendly.
I've used sails from 1.0 to 9.6.
The 9.6 was great in gusty light winter winds and I was surprised to pull a 24kt and feel completely in control compared to the Formula where I'd be starting to push the limits. I used the Tabou 38 fin for this.
It handles open water fine, I've had a few offshore outings off Dunsborough where you really need a centreboard to get back in. The deep double concaves give plenty of comfort. Used 7.5 and 6.4 for these outings. I use a Naish 29 chunky wave fin which is good in the shallows and weed.
It's also fun with a no-cam sail for old school freestyle.
The centreboard works well and is easy to adjust on the move. Fully retracts for planning conditions.
For holiday trips down south this board + a 102 FSW, 6.4, 5.6 sails,1 mast and boom and I've got a big range of conditions sorted.
For a do anything, family friendly board, this is a good option.
WA
943 posts
Took this board up to Geraldton last weekend, thought I might try it as a SUP as it is similar dimensions. Thought why paddle when you can sail and chucked a 6.4m on it. Wind picked up gradually and next thing you know I'm jumping shoulder high waves and riding them back in. Too windy for SUPs, not windy enough for a short board... hah, I was like a pig in .... Who'd have thought it, but it was heaps of fun.
This is one versatile board.
NSW
440 posts
How is the board standing up in the surf break. I had a small crack in the rail of my Sup after taking it out in shoulder high surf and falling in the break. I did put a mast protector on as well. So I longer WindSup it which is a pity. I take it all that flotation and a rig getting pushed around in the surf, puts a lot of load on a board when it won't sink like a true wave board.
