Hey there

I recently went out for my first SUP paddle and have now caught the sup bug. I was initially looking for a cheap 'no-name' board online but steered well away after reading up on here :)

I'm looking for one board to do it all. Specifically one i can get around in on the main sydney harbour & middle harbour bays. Would need enough buoyancy/stability to handle a bit of chop but not a canoe in the surf.

I probably won't do a lot of flat water stuff, but would still like something with a bit of glide/length/speed and that paddles straight.

BTW - I live in Sydney and am 5"11' and 85kg. Have better general balance than most from a skateboarding, kayaking & windsurfing background but no idea on surfing and/or what to look for in a board.

I have demo'd, in flat water:
- 10'6.5" Naish NALU
- 11'2" SUP Love Adventurer

Both felt good and from reputation, I was expecting the Naish to blow me away, but the suplove held its own - esp when I popped my young son on.

I hear SUPLOVE is a decent'ish brand but their isn't much info/talk about the brand on here...

Is the Naish really worth the extra $"s and is it likely to be a better board for me longer term and esp as I get into the surf ?

Are there any other boards I really should try ?

Thanks
Mk

Hard to think of a board that could do everything. Kind of like a jack of all trades, master of none. Almost like trying to pick one golf club to play a round with.
Probably why most of us end up with a garage full of the things

rager said...
Hard to think of a board that could do everything. Kind of like a jack of all trades, master of none. Almost like trying to pick one golf club to play a round with.
Probably why most of us end up with a garage full of the things

6 Iron

I think you're better off with the SupLove.

The 10'6".5 in not a board for paddling with kids on.

If you want to do that with a Naish board the 10'10" Nalu would be a better option.

DJ

The suploves are well made and pretty tough - heavy though, but very sound and good value.

I have a JP 10.2 fusion that is a nice paddler and a fantastic surfer - super light - well made and very stable. My missus has a JP 9.9 wide that paddles very well for a sub 10.0 board - lighter again - even more stable and surfs unreal ! I think JP also do a 10.9 wide - that would be hard to beat if you really needed that extra length. If you shop around you can get a good deal on the JPs - I reckon they are better value than a Naish.

Thanks everyone - really appreciate the advice and will check out those recommendations :)

Just picked up a 2nd hand starboard blend from windsurfnsnow - thanks again for the advice guys and lets just say... I'M EXCITED :)