Definition of slow?

Hi, I've just started riding about a year ago and bought myself a biolite Temet 138 w/ 03 Exos about 1/2 a year ago. I read in the discussions here that the Temet is a "slow" board. Can someone please tell me what exactly is "slow"? Aren't I traveling are the same speed at which the boat is tugging me? What am I suppose to feel compared to say a Parks? I see the chart that the Temet is slow and has no pop compare to the other Hyperlite boards. I know that I'm not getting air because of my technique, not the board, but would a 3 stage really make that much difference?

If you have to really grind down to get good speed on your cut, that means the board is slow.

If you have to work really hard to cut hard at the wake, the board is slow.

There are boards out there that even if you weren't putting much effort into it, you'll still get good speed.

As for 3-stage vs. continuous, it's all preference, but, a 3-stage will take you more up than out, whereas the continuous will take out more out than up. But, if you don't have your fundamentals down, it's not going to matter which type you have. Neither one will perform the way it's supposed to if proper technique isn't applied.

By the way, don't limit yourself to Hyperlite boards. They're good, yeah...but there are so many other good boards out there. If you're unhappy w/ the Temet, demo other Hyperlite boards, as well as other companies'. Check out the Blindside Blade, DoubleUP Nelson, Liquid Force Balance and CWB Absolute.

Thanks for reply Joe. So assuming you want to cut hard at the wake to get big air, wouldn't a faster board make it easier to accomplish that?

the TEMET is a fast board- compare the temet to a premier and you will see what I mean- and speed is not what will get you big air- it's loading the line and line tension that is the key-
don't go by what a chart says- ride them and see for yourself- I can tell you that as a beginner the TEMET is a MUCH BETTER choice than a Parks- not that the Parks is bad but it is certainly no beginner board- and also the continuous rocker will treat you better as a beginner than a 3 stage- hope that helps- good luck

Alex

What Joe said.

Derek, a faster board may have other characteristics that you may not like, e.g. less control, not as predictable. Unless you have already made up your mind whether or not you like a slow or fast board for your own reasons, I wouldn't worry about it. I don't like slow boards but if I liked a particularly slow board for other reasons, I could learn to get used to it.

when approaching the wake:

Speed = Distance
Line Tension = Height

Joe is accurate in describing the 'speed' of a board. I think that people sometimes mistake speed for responsiveness. When I took the center fin out of my Substance it seems like it almost flicked from edge to edge, making it super-responsive to the slightest edge pressure. Some people mistake that for the 'speed' of a board when it's actually the responsiveness. Although, taking the center fin out may create less drag in turn making a board faster into the wake.

I guess it would be easier to understand if they didn't say 'speed' but rather a measure of resistance, or lack there of.

Thane is right about the definition of speed.

To some people SPEED=how responsive the board is.
To other people SPEED=how fast they can come into the wake.

3-stage rocker slows a board down. Simple hydrodynamics. The abrupt angle creates resistance. Although some board (the Parks) over come this problem with huge fins and a sharp edge.
Continuous rocker boards glide through the water on edge a little easier.

Making a board more RESPONSIVE is easier said than done. You can change your fins or your riding style to fit the board better.

The variable in the Responsiveness equation is the rider's tendecies (riding style). Changes that work for one rider on a certain board, may not work for another rider on the same board.

Remember the more tension that you put on the rope at the time of impact with the wake, the more pop you will get. Newton's 3rd Law in full effect.