G'day everyone I am fairly new to the world of SUP but am really keen to get going in the sport, living in Adelaide I have a choice of plenty of flat water to paddle on but also with the small waves on the mid coast to play with as well. I have had a go on a couple of boards and I am 100% confident that its for me. I am around the 95 kg mark and 5 10 a solid little nugget of a bloke and I am looking for a board that I can surf (have a 9 4 Wayne Deane longboard that I use) and that I can paddle on flat water about 50-50 on each. I am looking at buying new and have the funds ready to go. I have done a fair bit of research and have a few ideas but I thought I would send it out to the brains trust to see if I can learn from the knowledge, trials and tribulations of everyone on here. What board would be best for under $1200 and what about $1200 to $2000? Just as a comparison Any help would be great! Cheers AJ

Welcome.. Try and demo the new Naish 10'6".5 if you can and in the AST construction it's a very good price for such a great board.. If you want cheap check out the NSP's but if you can pay a little more check out the Starboard, Coreban, Fanatic and Naish boards.. and make sure you get a good paddle.. DJ

I should also recommend checking out PSH, LSD and WOW.. So many good boards out there now.. Boards like the PSH Hull Paddler are another good do it all board at a bargain price.. Your local SUP shops should be able to recommend some and give some good advise.. Surftech are another good brand. DJ

GDay AJ I agree with Calbs re. the Mana 10', at your weight and with a mal riding background the transition should be seamless. Most of the crew on the Mid are very friendly and there are a range of boards that most guys happily swap around. Also agree with Jarryd about the demoing and second hand. Most surfers who takeup the sport get hooked and are looking for their next board within a short timeframe. Initially balance is the biggest issue, but once that's sorted you'll be looking for the next board. My wallet's on life support Happy to help with demo's, have a few different boards, just PM for a hook-up at the mid. As it happens I ride a Wayne Dean mal also

Good news, Pick up my 10' Naish mana this week!! To say I am pumped is an understatement!!