Looking for some advice on a board.
Let me start by saying that my budget is tight.
I have a 11'6 Naish Nalu and paddle/surf roughly 5 days per week. I love the board.
I want to get a second board for my wife and sons (8,14) to go with me when possible.
I'd appreciate any input or recommendations on getting a decent cruiser for them that would also serve as a more nimble surfer for me when they aren't using it. Is this doable?
Both boys surf and the older boy wants to start SUP surfing.
In a perfect world I would get them a 10'6 Nalu (wife and kids are pretty small) and then get myself a 9'6 Hokua or something along those lines for myself. But there is no chance I can swing two new boards.
I still surf regular shortboards and longboards when the waves are bigger, but I'm increasingly reaching for the SUP for any and all conditions. I am 6 foot and don't see myself ever getting back below 200 pounds.
As I have no other reference, do you think I would feel a big difference surfing a 10'6 Nalu? What about a 10'6 or even 9'6 Paddle Surf Hawaii for the family and as a surfer for me? Any thoughts on the Manas?
I am kind of partial to Naish's due to the positive experience with the 11'6 and because the local vendor is a good guy with good prices.
The surf near my house ranges from good reefs to more crumbly but a lot of fun reef/point type set ups. I SUP surf often and feel that I could benefit from something smaller than my current aircraft carrier. Having said that, I don't necessarily need to get vertical and blast off the top of the wave. Long turns and a little tube time is enough for me.
Basically any purchase is going to be a big luxury so I want to get it right.
Thanks.
''do you think I would feel a big difference surfing a 10'6 Nalu?''
The difference is HUGE.. 
.. and I think it's your best choice.
I fully agree with DJ. I still have my original 2010 11'6 Nalu, but bought the 10'6 Nalu last year as additional sup surf board. I use the 10'6 for surfing and it's almost as stable as the 11'6 but much easier to catch waves and it feels less bulky in every way. On the 10'6 you are more in the water instead of on top of the "boat" 11'6. Nalu
One thing I would suggest: always keep the Nalu 11'6 it's the ultimate family toy and I it helped a lot of friends with the first SUP steps .
You weren't kidding DavidJohn.
Got to try my neighbor's 10'6 Nalu (new I think with a scooped out deck) this morning. Some swell, a bit bumpy but plenty to ride. That board is a lot of fun. It would take some getting used to because it really does have a different feel than the 11'6. And the turns. I think it would be a nice calm water paddler for my wife as well.
Kitemaster. Your advice is sound. I would never get rid of the 11'6. I've put so much mileage on it I'm not sure anyone would buy it anyway.
Still, it felt a little weird riding another board for the first time. Kinda like a betrayal. Hah hah.
Thanks for the feedback.
DavidJohn,
Any thoughts on a 9'5" Mana compared to a 10'6" Nalu in my search for a multi-use board - calm ocean SUP for my wife/kids and a surf SUP for me/older son?
Flying walrus,
My wife & I tested the 9'5" Mana for her as a flat water board.
She had been paddling my 10'6" Nalu
Even at her very basic level she was able to discern that the 10'6" Nalu was a better board for her - better glide, less yaw, more comfortable deck shape etc.
So we now have 2 10'6" Nalu's (amongst other Naish boards) - not a crime.
