Paddlesurfer Magazine (Australia)
Reviewer: Andrew Cassidy
Location: Pambula Beach
Conditions: Medium cross-offshore wind. Fast, chest high waves.
I’d only ridden this board once before in pretty ordinary, closing out waves but I could tell its potential. I was keen to give it another burn so when this demo board became free and I spotted it sitting on the beach - I jumped at the chance to jump on it.
Paddling out, I had flashbacks to the first time I rode it. It’s a bit rocky. I’m thinking the pulled in nose equates to this. Once you get the feel for it though, you can tame it somewhat.
Paddling isn’t his board’s strength ... surfing is. My first wave was a clean chest high screamer. It was really nice to be on a smaller board for this wave. I pumped it down the line to generate speed (I can’t do that on my 11 footer), made the section then threw it around into an arcing cutback (I can’t do that on my 11 footer either). A little reo on the close out and then some of those little bottom turn/floater combos as I rode the white water for a bit. Very nice.
I caught plenty of waves this session, many of them quite good for my ability (I’ve only been riding for 8 months). A few big re-entries into a steep drop, down the face, surprised me - I thought I’d definitely be diving for lobsters but the pulled in nose and just enough nose lift allowed me to avoid nose diving.
I fell a couple of times while standing out the back, for no apparent reason (you know those demoralising moments?) but its performance on the wave easily outweighed those embarrassments.
Overall: A bit tricky to balance on but awesome performance when you’re on a fast, steep wave.
Highs:
- Radical performer in performance waves
- Great looking board (planshape and graphics)
- Comes in CyberSUP.com green!
- One of the cheaper boards on the market
Glenn / Mike / Michelle (and the rest of the crew at PBD),
Just wanted to let you know what an awesome experience I had with the Oxbow Cruiser 11' board package I bought from you. After the very quick delivery of the board to the Deer Park YRC terminal this morning, I was extremely impressed with bubble-wrap packaging of board. It was well protected!
Upon opening bubble-wrap, I was blown away by the look of the board. The pictures on yours and bics website do not do it justice. And the back/ under-side is gorgeous. It's one of the most beautiful surfboards I've seen. And my wife loves the look too (very important!).
After installing the pad (easy), I went for a paddle in the flat waters of the Great South Bay, only my 2nd time ever on a SUP board. It was pure joy, what an amazing board. My 8 yr old son also joined me, with both of us on board and then him paddling solo. The Jungle adjustable paddle was just perfect for his paddling.
I've been an avid kayak surfer for 10 years now, yet always pined to surf but always struggled paddling out in the waves. Clearly, the rocker of the Oxbow Cruiser board will be great in the surf, my goal by the end of the week in our typical 2ft surf on Fire Island's south- facing beach. While I am not the first in my town with a SUP, I will be the first in the surf, and all my surf buddies are already lining up for a turn.
Today was just a super day for me, thank you so much for providing me with so much enjoyment, and I just cant wait to use the board and get more experience with it. More than happy to provide any direct quotes for your websites and references for your customers.
Cheers,
Jon W.
Fire Island, NY
Dear Glenn,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for your expertise, for your patience and your recommendations. I love my Oxbow 11'6. The board performs exactly as you said it would and is more beautiful than the photo's on your web site illustrate.
I paddled the Oxbow last weekend in Sterling Harbor in flat water and I was thrilled with it's performance. I then paddled out into the Peconic Bay with conditions I can only describe as powerboat wake slop. The Oxbow handled these conditions beautifully. I could not be more impressed.
It's has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you and Paddle Board Direct.
Best Regards,
Jim C.
Port Washington
