Downwinder board for XL size Downwinding beginner

Currently on the disabled list with an arm injury and plenty of unexpected time on my hands, I've been thinking about getting into Downwinding this year to make the most of my available water time so, starting to do the research.

I'm 6'4" 220 lbs (100k), 230 lbs in Winter wetsuit intermediate level SUP surfer w/ limited skills and questionable and inconsistent balance and technique who rides mostly shorter 8'2" - 9'5" x 32" boards.

Conditions are small to big ocean, big winds w/ confused and choppy cold water so I'm seeking Stability over Speed. As durable of a construction as possible to deal with rocky shoreline.

So far the short list of DW boards in no particular order is:

1) SIC F-14 ( 30" wide)

2) 2014 Naish Glide 14'

I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

Check out this vidéo, what 'an incredibly easy glide and stability!!!
The blue one, watch the blue one ;-)

at "only' 100kg you'd do well on either board...but for the conditions you describe and your mention of balance issues (which can't be that bad if you are surfing sub-9s) I would lean toward the 30" SIC for some extra stability, extra rocker and rough-water pedigree (the blue one in that vid looks magic). Have been on a couple of SICs and there is definitely some secret sauce in the recipe.

The Glide is a also great board, a bit more all-round versatile and would be the better choice if you were mixing some flat water time into your paddling.

Thanks for all of the great replies and the vids are very helpful!

Was thinking that any sup narrower than 30" would have been out of the question for me.....but clearly the Surf sup rules for stability don't necessarily apply with a downwind or race shape.

Could that be due to the fact that with the general plan shape of a 14' long board the width is carried farther out towards either end of the board (over a longer distance than a surf sup) or, is it just because on a DW/race board you are constantly paddling and moving forward?

Either way, it's nice to be able to "pump the brakes" on a purchase, realize there's a few more options available out there. Unfortunately where I live, demos are few and far between on boards.

There's more to stability than just width. IMO get a DW board that's inherently stable and not too wide. The stability for when it rough and wild out there, the narrowness for speed on flats (and glides too).

For example a Jimmy Lewis M14 is 28 wide but surprisingly stable. I think the feeling of stability comes from a shape that gives you no surprises. It's OK on speed too.

The Jimmy Lewis M14 fits your requirement for a stable board in confused (cold!) chop, is durable without being too heavy and the price is right. It's a fantastic board to progress on downwinds. It's easy and stable and moves right along with the bumps if you are just putzing. Give it some extra well-timed oumpf and it does take off into warp speed on a bump. It's gentle nature makes it a great platform for learning to move around on it and launching it into glides. I've had mine for 6 months and I'm still progressing. The M14 can be fun in surf too. Very surfy feel to it. When it's really honking it's very competitive with my buddy's SIC Bullet. In lighter conditions the Bullet has the advantage to take off on smaller bumps.

Speaking of widths and stability: the SIC Bullet is plenty stable once gliding at 27.25", slightly less primary stability but very predictable. But I'm guessing your comment on price eliminates this one too.

Re: M14 and Bullet 14...Hmm...I know both those boards well and I wouldn't describe them as boards for DW newbies, especially tall ones. I'd be looking for something in the 29-30" wide bracket, like the Dart (which I know well), the Angulo Shaka (ditto), the 2014 Naish Glide (which I don't), SIC F14 (ditto) or maybe the WoW GSR (much better people to advise you on that here), or NSP DC 14 (ditto).

Bic have just announced a 14 x 28 C-TEC tracer that looks great too. Bic Australia say it will be around by September for $2299 aus. It is being discussed on this forum.www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/New-14-Carbon-BIC-Tracer/

Well, better late than never.... i just got my SIC F14 yesterday. I went fron the store to the water because the wind was blowing about 16-18mph. But there was WAY too much boat chop to make it fun. So i drove up to another spot i knew would be less windy, but fun. It's a small river that empties into a small lake, which then empties into Lake Michigan through a channel.

Initial impression when i first stood on the board... it's not a stable as i thought it would be for a 30" board, but i am NOT disappointed in it. I think a fin change will help. The stock fin is quite small in my opinion for a 14er. The board tracks ok, but not nearly as well as my 404 Zeedonk Green Label.

With the wind that was blowing, i immediately took on the 1+ mile paddle into the 16ish mph wind. The F14 obviously "slaps" the waves when headed up wind, which is a bit different for me, coming from the piercing nose of my 404.
One thing i immediately noticed, is how quickly and easily i can turn the board.
I went out into the channel and found that the wind had let up, but there were some 2-3' rollers coming in the channel.
I was a bit unstable and nervous because the water is on 52 degrees due to an east wind, which wiped off the warm water. I turned around and began to paddle back in with the waves at my back. While i won't say i got any "good" rides, i did get a feel for how the board will work when i do get to downwind with it. It seems to catch a glide VERY EASILY.
I can't wait to get out there in some better conditions with it.

I also think EVERY board should come with the same style handle that the SIC boards do.