Jason Casuga Reviews F-ONE 12’6 Race Pro

Rider: Jason Casuga
Board: 12’6 x 26″ Race Pro 2015

Finding the right paddleboard that fits your needs can be a difficult task. The F-One Race Pro is my first race-specific full carbon SUP. I first started out racing with a 10’ 6” all-arounder then moved to a 12’ 6” fiberglass touring board. As soon as I got on that touring board, I thought I couldn’t go any faster. I upgraded paddles, changed fins, even watched videos to help improve my stroke. I felt I hit peak with my overall speed. Yes, I was placing in local events in the 5K races but I wanted to move up to the Elite level with the big boys/gals in the 10K and longer races but I knew I couldn’t do that with the current setup that I had.

Then came a chance that I got to try out the 2015 12’ 6” F-One Race Pro. With its full carbon construction and 26” width, it was lighter and narrower than my current touring board. The day I got it, I wasted no time getting into the water to test it out. I wear a GPS watch every time I paddle and turned it on to capture my times and mile splits. With everything else being equal, I immediately found an improvement to my overall speed and 1 mile splits. My paddle cadence become faster since the light weight makes it easier for me to pull the water. The glide is effortless and gives me a chance to recover between strokes without losing speed. The hull has a kind of hybrid displacement/planing design which helps with preventing the board from being pushed to the side caused by a side chop. Although it doesn’t have a displacement hull, keeping the board straight is no problem. I don’t have to switch sides often which is good during races to keep me moving forward.

 

The only 2 reservations about the board is its volume and color. At 240L, it’s quite large for me being 150 lbs. I’d like to have a smaller size to give me a lower center of gravity but the current design still keeps me stable even through some rough conditions or side chop. The black and white matte design is specific to the 2015 line. Although it’s a unique and really awesome design, it gets very hot in the Florida sun. Keep it safe by covering it up when exposed on the beach or on top of your car.

Overall, I’m amazed by the way this board rides. I have a higher confidence in races knowing that I can compete with the elites and one day, I hope to go even higher into the sport.

 

Past Season Race Results:

Clearwater Beach Classic – 7 mile – Oct 23 – 1st place
Race Around Palm Island – 11 mile – Oct 03 – 2nd place
Paddle at the Point – 6 mile – Sept 19 – 1st place
Sunshine SUP Series #2 – 6 mile – Aug 22 – 5th place
Sunshine SUP Series #1 – 6 mile – Jun 27 – 9th place
Sarasota SUP Championships – 3 mile – Jun 20 – 2nd place
Florida Cup – 3 mile – May 15 – 1st place
Blake Real Estate’s Paddle for Kids – 7 mile – May 02 – 1st place
Shark Bite Challenge – 4 mile – Apr 10 – 4th place

Learn more about the 12’6 Race Here!