Looking for some feedback on North Pacific Surfboards

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

I'm wanting to buy local this time around. Also, seems like the NP boards are heavier and more durable, which would be a good thing.

I had a SS Celeritas and liked it.

I had a 2011 North WAM and the turns weren't snappy enough....too drawn-out. I wanted something snappier

I had a 2012 & 2013 North WHIP and love them.

I'm looking for a purely Gorge board, I don't make it to the coast enough to warrant that type of board.

Seems like the Water Bug and Tuna would be the models that suit what I'm looking for......slashy/snappy.

Anyone have any insights?

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

I've only tried one once and it was a perfect Gorge board. I think it was the Tuna. Felt really damp but still snappy. I did notice heel dents but I think thats just a trade off you make. Besides, the heel dents become your heel dents and add to the custom feel I imagine. Felt a little heavy but I think that's a good thing for a Gorge board. I give them a thumbs up. My 2c.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1487 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Demo! Big Winds has the 2014 boards in the store available for demo.
Quads are loose and snappy.
Tri fins are more stable (better for strapless) and they carve great turns.
You can also go to NP (behind the NY City Sub shop and talk to Art.
If you order a custom board - just tell Art what you want the board and let him do the rest - he's a master shaper.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 799 Posts Opinionated

I just got a quad fin tuna from Art and it feels perfect to me.
The board flies upwind, but still surfs swell great on the way back downwind.

I would also suggest demoing a few of his shapes, then you can have him tweak the stock model into exactly what you want (if necessary).
It's hard to beat the feeling of having a custom board shaped just for you.

wallydog · Since 30 May 2012 229 Posts Stoked

I had Art make me a board last August. It is a Stealth Tuna with some changes for my personal preferences.
Incredible board. I use it from 6m to 12m and it has not failed to have me finish a session with out a smile.
If you demo one you will buy one. I think that yellow stealth tuna demo board at Big Winds was 10 for 10 after I signed up to buy after the try.
Thanks Art.

snowsurf · Since 08 Nov 2007 13 Posts Hood River

North Pacific makes the best boards for the Gorge hands down. The coolest thing is you can get exactly what you want and need. If you don't know what that is exactly, swing by Big Winds and talk with us. Everyone in the kite department there has tried a variety of different shapes (and owns a North Pacific as well if that says anything). We can get you dialed on what will work for you. We have three different shapes to demo right now, the Waterbug 5'6 (all around great performance for Gorge swell and small to medium waves), the Stealth Tuna 5'3 (easy turning but wide and stable) and the Catfish 5'6 (new shape this year, super quick and snappy). I would be happy to talk with anyone about these sweet, locally built boards any time. Hit me up Thursday through Monday at the shop.
Jason