2016 Fanatic Strike Review

Have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about paddling fast in flat water?
Then check out this board review from one of our shop riders Dyllan Constable. He takes a brief look at the 2016 Fanatic Strike and how it is helping him in his SUP journey.

The Strike is a Zero compromise long distance flat water racing machine. Developed for pure function and top average speeds, it’s the formula needed to win races.

All the top SUP companies have developed boards to perform in flat water conditions and Fanatic are right there leading the way with their unique design that just makes sense.

The Strike comes in two sizes,24″ x 14ft for the lighter and/or more experienced paddler and the 26.75″ x 14ft for the heavier paddler. Both boards have a very low rocker line from the nose to the tail giving them the most efficient entry and release of the water.They both have a deep cutting bow for piercing the water and rails that disperses the water. A lightly round bottom shape that flows into a wide. square tail giving the board more stability and allowing for a very easy and efficient pivot turn. They both have a flat deck, this allows for maximum water drainage and also allows you to use the entire deck for standing.

I’ve had the privilege to be able to ride this board three times a week for the last three months and it’s super satisfying when you feel in sync with your board and the water, when every stroke you make feels effortless and the board is just gliding smoothly at a constant speed.

Flat-water training has been invaluable to my progress in my progress in my SUP journey as it provides an opportunity to work on my technique, and when doing interval training the improvements to my fitness have gone from strength to strength.

One of the first things I feel for when I try a new board is how it responds in the recovery period of the paddle stroke, in other words what is the board doing when I’m not paddling. The Strike just keeps going. It has amazing glide that allows it to maintain its speed when your paddle is out of the water. When you take the next stroke it doesn’t feel like there’s a block of concrete on the end of you paddle, rather it gives you the confidence that you can paddle all day long.

If you like the idea of going fast on a stand up paddle board and are looking to improve your fitness and paddling technique then this is definitely a board you need to try!

Happy & safe paddling!!

Pictures by Jonesy.