First Impressions, my new Hobie "Colin McPhillips Long Board 9'0"

I got my new surf SUP board last week, check her out!  

Specs: 

Plenty of rocker.  Also, she's quite a fatty through the middle!  I think that's to keep some stability in the shape, while the nose & tail thin out considerably for performance.

Very pronounced V in the tail, especially compared to my Starboard Drive.  It's noticeable in the entire rear third of the board.  Nice concave on each side.  

I admit to knowing little about bottom shapes, but I think this means the board rips!  

  

The Hobie 3-in-1 handle.  The handle contours for grip,  though not as much as some others I've had the pleasure of carrying, i.e. Coreban & Naish.

  

It also features a metal bar so you can "keep it locked."  Very nice. 

Thirdly, the 2-Way venting system to let the core breathe.  

The mark of Hobie's construction technology, BCX.  It has a bamboo sheet sandwiched between several layers of fiberglass on either side.  Nothing revolutionary, but the bamboo wraps around the entire board including rails.  Most boards w/ wood only feature it on the deck and/or bottom.  

It feels tough & stiff, though only time will tell.  Weighed in a little over the advertised 18 lbs. (mine is 19.55), but I'm pretty happy with the board being under 20.  For sure, the board looks and feels QUALITY as should be expected from Hobie.  

Stock finnage.  Cheapy Futures sidebites & a Hobie 9" center fin, which is actually pretty nice looking.

No quad option, which suits me fine since I'm not exactly a shredder (yet).   

The surf has been crap, but I wanted to spend some quality time on my board before taking her to a surf spot anyway. So, I went out at Baker beach (SF, CA) in the usual gnarly conditions we get in the Bay - lots of swell, confused chop, 17-20 mph headwinds...  needless to say, I had my work cut out on such a small board!  

Still, the LB 9'0 is surprisingly stable.  I paddled .5 mile upwind to Eagle's Point, where waves occasionally break and the waters were super choppy.  I messed around there and fell a bunch, then paddled back to Baker and practiced a little near the shore break.  

I took the opportunity to use the CCK GoPro for the first time, and edit a little video of my adventure. The GoPro editing software is awesome & easy to use... very excited to start making more videos. 

My first vid is a testament to my humility ;)  I took out all the boring paddling and just left the good stuff. Enjoy!  

Can't wait to actually get her into some waves!