I need some advice please, I am coming down from a 12.0ft x 32" 205litres Big Easy Starboard that I was very happy with although a little large. I have tried the Starboard 10.5 x 30 160litre drive and love the way it surf's however, I just fall off it way too much in the surf getting into position. Great on the wave, but terrible getting their my balance on the water is crap! lol. I have decided I think, too go for the 11.4 x 30 Nalu 180 litres or the big 231litre 11.6 Nalu. Can you experienced paddlers and especially surfers give me advice. I will be surfing this thing in all conditions from 1ft **** to 10ft reef break as it will be the only SUP I have. I am 175cms very solid at 108kgs surfed all my life, have racing ski paddle experience and am frothing at every opportunity to SUP! 43yrs old. Please give me your own expereinces and thoughts, I'm desperate! Regards, Andrew
In all honesty if you are considering an 11.4 or 11.6 naish you would be better saving your money and staying on what you've got. They are both good boards but not really a dramatic drop in size or increase in performance. If you like the way the starboard drive surfs but find it tippy then the obvious choice in my eyes would be a starboard 10.5 x 32 wide point. Surfs every bit as well as the drive but is wayyyyyyy more stable and a real treat to surf and paddle in all conditions. I think it's about 180 litres and the volume is in all the right places, making it a very very stable and predictable board and allowing it to really rip in bigger and more serious surf.
Thanks for that advice I will try and get a go on a wide point wich I hadn't considered, I forgot to mention my Starboard was stolen and thought I might get a smaller one.
I Had an Hour on the widepoint last month when the demo van was getting round in small surf, for my 6'2" 100kg frame was very stable and great to surf, and with the pointy nose it seemed to punch through the white wash well
You should still try that 11'4" x 30" Naish because IMO it is a big step down from that big 12' x 32" Starboard.. It's so much thiner and lighter and has much more surfboard type rails.. Maybe even give the 10' Mana a try.
I had a go on the Nalu 11.4ft and found it perfect, both stable when paddling and very responsive on a wave. It is the board that I have been trying to find, so I bought it!
