Boardworks 12'6" Eradicator Carbon Race SUP Review
The first time I rode the Boardworks Eradicator Carbon Race SUP was on 4/5/2014 at the Shark Bite Challenge paddle race in Dunedin, FL. I registered for the 8 mile Elite course & was a little anxious as distance racing is not my forte & because I’d never been on the board I was about race.
When I met Mike Tavares, Boardworks Team Manager, at the race site on Honeymoon Island, I pulled the Eradicator out of the bag & thought “well if I don’t place top 3, at least I’m going to look good paddling!” This board is stunning with it’s black carbon finish contrasted with a light gray ¾ length deck pad & white Boardworks Surf logo on the rails, a fierce luche libre with cross-paddles logo at the nose, & clean shape with sharp lines – it looks seriously intimidating.
I walked her down to the beach & was surprised at how light she was considering the 279L of volume & 7” thick rails. Lightweight race boards are an important factor to me being a smaller woman for easy portability & transportation – she was a breeze to carry from the parking lot all the way down to the beach.
Upon entering the water there was a small, 2 foot swell to contend with coming towards the shore at an angle, but the Eradicator felt so stable I immediately stood up & charged through the breaking waves with ease feeling grounded & secure. I love the flat deck allowing seamless foot movement & change of stance. The nose pierced through each wave like a spear & any residual water washed right off the deck eliminating any pooling at my feet or added water weight. I was confident digging the rails in to steer & counterbalance against the side swell without fear of tripping over rails or toppling over. I began to practice different strokes, appreciating the slenderness of the board, making it easy to dig with power strokes & maintain postural alignment. I found my favorite feature when I made my first pivot turn, walking back to the wide tail & effortlessly lifting & whipping the nose around – this baby turns on a dime!
When it came to the race start I had no problem in the turbulent water surrounding me. The first leg was downwind with a side swell directing up from the tail, so I couldn’t see it coming but was saved time & time again with the sheer stability of the Eradicator as other paddlers were falling left & right around me. The width of the tail enabled me to catch little bumps & each buoy turn felt solid - even into the swell. I really appreciated the speed I attained with each stroke, & the ability of the board to hold its glide, especially as I began to fatigue around mile six with headwind. Riding a wave to the finish line was surely my favorite part as the Eradicator’s shape is way fun & easy to maneuver. My personal time was excellent & I was impressed with my performance on a board I was unfamiliar with – her easy turns, glide, & stability made for a successful 4th place finish & enjoyable 8 miler!
- Jessica Cichra, Boardworks Team Rider, Wave of Wellness, Orlando, FL
Eradicator Carolina Cup