Karmen 8'4 vs 7,11

[TrasguSUP]

Hi guys! I,m a 49 paddler. 176 x 77 kg. I ha e a starboard wide point 9,5 153 lts I had also a starboard pro 8' 110 lts(2012) but I sold it because choppy days are common in my spot ( cantabria, spain)
I am looking for a short board easy and confortable. At the begining I was focussing on the 8,4 karmen...but someone told me to go for a 7,11....
Because I live in the center of spain I only go surfing one weekend per month and christmas, easter and summer holidays...
The rest of the year I train with a sup race so I,m fit enough.
I know that the 8,4 karmen is a safe bet...but maybe 7,11 it would be good and fun for me.

Thanks a lot!!!

[coolas]

I can say that the 7,11 would surely be good and fun for you... if you lived on the coast.

The Karmen 7'11" will be a bit stabler than your starboard pro 8', as it has wider nose and tail, but not by much as it has less max width (old starboards pro were wider in 2012 than now). So I think in chop you will find the Karmen 7'11" not a lot stabler than it.

If you were able to go out at least once a week, I'd say that you could quickly tame the Karmen 7'11". But I think you will have more fun with the 8'4".

The other option is to also train with the 7'11" at home on flat water, to learn more quickly to balance on it. But I would only advise it if you are already a surfer. If you already know to turn a small board, going to the Karmen 7'11' will immediately bring benefits as you could apply your surfing manoeuvers on it. But otherwise, a board that you feel unstable will slow your progression.

[TrasguSUP]

Thanks a lot! My old pro was 8,0 x28" 110 lts I have to make a decision. If I want only one surfboard to replace my 9,5...8,4 would be my choice, specially for winter days...
I performed well with my 8,0 glassy days but in choppy was different...
That the reason I doubt between 8'4 and 7'11...
I am looking for an easy turning board...with my 9,5 I need to much footwork

[coolas]

I am looking for an easy turning board...with my 9,5 I need to much footwork

No worry, the Karmen 8'4" will turn easily.
Your 9'5" is very wide, its huge stability fight you when you want to turn it.

The Karmen is designed to easily roll to enter the turn (to the point that it may feel unstable at first for its size), but once in the turn it kinds of find automatically the best trajectory, as in autopilot.

[TrasguSUP]

Ireally appreciate your answer coolas!!!
If I could I would like to test both sizes of karmen or at least one of them!

[TrasguSUP]

Sorry Coolas I' m still doubting....next week I will order my New Karmen...
my old starboard pro was 8' x 28" ...110 lts...not 29"
So the 7'11 karmen it will be more stable?
Thanks!!

[coolas]

Ah yes, the Karmen 7'11 will then be more stable, being will be wider everywhere than your board.