Why aren't Exocet longboards the best selling boards?

[rswabsin]

The beauty of Exocet's longboard wave boards is that in subplaning conditions, they still glide nicely through the water - there's no shlogging here. With some skill and rail pressure, they sail nicely upwind underpowered even without a dagger board. Uphauling a big sail - no problem. Plus the duck tail really does work nicely in giving a shortboard feel and maneuverability when planning. Glad to see they brought them back but would have preferred their older single wave fin version.

[jingebritsen]

simplest terms that come to mind: maui culture comes from industry leaders.

some logistical objections that come up as to why not are way more easily overcome once one sails one of these boards. when that happens lots of folks get the motivation to figure out the logistics and such. sad when lots won't even try though.

[wernerhickey]

I have the 11 8 Exocet and the 11 5 on order to arrive in then next few weeks. I can be the only person out in the light winds on the 11 8 - picking up the gusts and on the plane a few minutes at a time, catching long swell over shallow areas; however, others sitting and waiting would not be "seen" dead on a board such as this.(despite my offers to try it) In other rhetoric, when any board is described as easy to use and fun - it will inevitably be said to be a good board before you move onto a more advanced board - why say this? Its like saying the only car that matters is an F1. It is worrying looking around and seeing the average age of windsurfers as many have said - if we want to keep this sport alive and vibrant we need people to sail easier boards casually and not made to feel "inadequate" if they are not going all the way and making it a life style.

[GURGLETROUSERS]

So true! What has happened at our real world beaches is that many of the older, sadder, generation of long standing windsurfers, who bought into the short board only lifestyle, have steadily been falling by the wayside. Now, I'm often the only one out in average conditions at our once heavily windsurfing populated venues.

To those who say why worry, it doesn't matter if you still enjoy it - it does matter! Drive and determination have to be generated, especially on dull cold winter days of average conditions, and the thought of yet again being the only one to make the effort, saps that will. As a local coastguard recently said, 'you were one of the first here, and are the last to leave.'

The obvious point is that I rely on my longboards at such times, which, to me, are an equally compelling addiction to short. As with sea kayaking, longboards are well suited to not needing to be part of a crowd, though it was pleasing on returning from a 'cruise' to still see the others zipping (or slogging) about in the bay. That is different to the culture of short-board life style.

The shortboarders who wer often skunked (and just talked) noticed this fact, but simply wouldn't consider using a longboard because they had 'moved up to the next level' as too many insist must happen.

So much for the insidious effect of image, and windsurfing mistakes!

[gregnw44]

Yes, these two posts ARE SO TRUE !!!

The ridiculous hype of the 90's... was when the industry (manufacturer's, media, competition planners, retailer's, etc.) started telling everyone that "longboards are for beginner's" !!!

This statement is hogwash... and I've been saying it loud to people since I first heard that crap!

If Robby or Bjorn go windsurfing in 2-12 knot wind (lots of 6-10 stuff) they're going on longboards. I'm not saying they want to go out in light wind... just that "if they do" they won't go on shortboards.

* The size board you sail on (length, vol, etc.) has to do with what wind speed you have, NOT what skill level you have!

Most places around the world have lighter wind. So if you're into windsurfing, get a bigger board and sail... and a roof rack so you can carry it easy... and go have fun. Or if you worry about image, get small stuff... and have fun sitting on the beach or slogging slow-motion.

On the other hand... if you live in a high wind place or only sail on high wind days (cause you have lots of them)... then, sail small sails and little boards.

Again, your board volume and sail size is determined by the prevailing wind speeds... NOT your skill level.

Greg

[jingebritsen]

yesterday was a prime example of the validity of long boards. i posted this on my fb and windsurf florida page.

after all that back and forth about where to sail today:

i ended sailing at playalinda in nearly ideal wave sailing conditions

used my 10'5" x-wave and a 5.8 sail.

wind was 25 degrees side off and 15-26, it shifted more N as the afternoon progressed.

waves were 12 feet on some of the larger peaks, most shoulders rolled along for a quarter mile or longer at about 6-8 feet.

low tide helped the waves have an extra push, so i ended up chicken jibing 3 times before getting out. once out, i stayed out.

once the sun came out, air temp improved to 64. a pleasant surprise after a bitterly cold morning.

the waves were uber glassy until the wind went more side shore.

[MalibuGuru]

Phil, we miss you here in Malibu. I may try the x-wave 129 when it becomes available in the spring.

We've had some pretty good days here this winter. One day my 5.0 was way too big and the surf mast high.

[antonputman]

[joethewindsufa]

locally in MTL i seem to be the ONLY one still riding longboards
there was a Phantom that was sold, but have no idea where that went

Sailboarder has a Kona One and I have seen one RRD longrider (that's it for the hybrids)
the rest are short boards of 135 liters and down
so far i have not seen a WindSup , but have seen about 2 or 3 people SUPping...

in today's world with RedBull, ecstasy and strong coffee, it seems it is all about speeding it up and getting the quick thrill

relax and take it easy of the golden days is gone

[gregnw44]