We had 15 knots from the NE today, so Brad and I tried a downwinder with our race boards. We couldn't connect any swells. We needed more wind and swell. We ended up catching swell running toward the beach and surfing a little, then pulling out early. Getting out in a northeaster is super easy with these race boards. The nose punches through a wave like an ice pick.
I could see the benefit of a hybrid/fun board/race board in these conditions. I'd consider the Naish Glide, or JL to be this type of board. Something ideal for catching swell a little farther out, but still able to surf somewhat, and have tremendous nose scoop for handling wild windy conditions.
