I've paddle boarded a handful of times and ready to buy my first board. At some point in the future, I'd like to get into racing on lakes and still water. I will not be SUPing in the ocean or on crazy chop.
I have an opportunity to pick up a Lahui Kai 14' racing board for $500 USD, but not sure what model and can't do enough research. It appears to be an Orca 14, but there are no markings on the side. The seller is a second owner and has little knowledge of what they got.
Questions:
1) Can you help identify this board? Is this a decent board for a beginner?
2) Is this board worth $500 USD (includes leash & paddle)?
Ugh ... can't post pictures or links because I'm new. Send me a DM??
UPDATE: the pictures seem to be visible in my profile. I also can't figure out how to edit the original post -- apologies to the mods in advance! I feel like i'm working with sticks and rocks here ....
I'm no expert, but it looks like a pretty good buy to me (although google says Mariner Sails in Texas (?) seem to have 'em on sale, new, for $799 . Have owned that brand (different model, also a 14fter) and it was good construction. I just paddled around an estuary and caught tiny little runners.
There's a comment in this thread from the bloke who started the brand here in Oz...
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Lahui-Kai-14-
And some info here, even though much of it references the 12'6 version...
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/2010-Lahui-Kai-126-hollow-moulded-model?page=1&groupID=7840163
Hopefully someone with more expertise will chip in soon. 
PS. Here're your pics...
Select to expand quoteWoopers said..
I'm no expert, but it looks like a good buy to me. Have owned that brand (different model 14fter) and it was good construction. Paid a fair bit more than you for it, in similarly good second hand condition. I figure you can make your money back if you decide to resell. I just paddled around an estuary and caught tiny little runners.
Hopefully someone with more expertise will chip in soon.
Thanks for posting the pictures. This is a 14' board. Which did you have ?
Select to expand quoteFlatLaker said..Woopers said..
I'm no expert, but it looks like a good buy to me. Have owned that brand (different model 14fter) and it was good construction. Paid a fair bit more than you for it, in similarly good second hand condition. I figure you can make your money back if you decide to resell. I just paddled around an estuary and caught tiny little runners.
Hopefully someone with more expertise will chip in soon.
Thanks for posting the pictures. This is a 14' board. Which did you have ?
I think it was one of the older Mantas (14ft) with the square tail. Only had it a short time as I'm mainly into SUP surfing and am happiest on a longboard style board that can cover a little distance (in a cruisy fashion) but is better in waves.
(PS.. In case you missed it, I edited my earlier reply to include a bit more Lahui Kai info from a past thread or two. Cheers!)
Select to expand quoteWoopers said..FlatLaker said..Woopers said..
I'm no expert, but it looks like a good buy to me. Have owned that brand (different model 14fter) and it was good construction. Paid a fair bit more than you for it, in similarly good second hand condition. I figure you can make your money back if you decide to resell. I just paddled around an estuary and caught tiny little runners.
Hopefully someone with more expertise will chip in soon.
Thanks for posting the pictures. This is a 14' board. Which did you have ?
I think it was one of the older Mantas (14ft) with the square tail. Only had it a short time as I'm mainly into SUP surfing and am happiest on a longboard style board that can cover a little distance (in a cruisy fashion) but is better in waves.
(PS.. In case you missed it, I edited my earlier reply to include a bit more Lahui Kai info from a past thread or two. Cheers!)
Most appreciated! I'm about 90% confident it's the Orca 14'. When I see it, I'll check if it has double barrel, which the Orcas had. If i pick it up I'll take pics & provide feedback. It's hard, this is a 10+ year old board with no details from Lahui Kai.
