Hi all,
I really enjoy my 14' Kaholo. At 6'2" I'd love to see the wider "Nui" version become available, but this will suffice. My girlfriend however is almost a foot shorter. She's exceptionally fit and has no problem powering the 14' model, but I'm thinking about making one for her and am considering the smaller model.
Her #1 consideration is stability. I'm guessing the shorter verion is a bit easier to power through the water, but that's really not a concern here. We're exploring, not racing.
I see the smaller version is essentially the same width. I don't foresee any opportunity to try out a 12'6" model any time soon.
Can someone speak to the relative stability of the shorter/longer versions? Any other considerations?
Thanks!
Patrick
I built the 12'6" hybrid version for my wife. We are both experienced kayakers but were new to SUP, and neither of us had any problems regarding stability. Never paddled the 14' so can't give a comparison. The biggest advantage regarding the shorter board is that it will be a bit lighter to carry. If you want a real answer regarding stability, call CLC and ask for Nicky Stimpson. She is a SUP guru who paddled the length of the Chesapeake Bay on a 14'. 
If you're in the Pac NW by chance, CLC usually has Kaholos available for test rides in a pool.
CLC also maintains a list of builders who are willing to let others check out their boats as sort of a distributed showroom - https://clcboats.com/builders_club/search/
Can you share any other details about the Nui? I'm just finishing a 14 and had forgotten I'd heard that name years ago - was it just a conceptual sketch?
If you want a wider board, I'm guessing you find the 14 tippy - true? I have terrible balance and am thinking of adding some kind of little outriggers for training wheels.
Uh...the test rides in a pool occur at the Port Townsend (Washington) Wooden Boat Festival in early September. Somehow left out that key detail.