I'm only looking at boards that are $999 or less...
Main Focus is board suggestions for Beginners, First Board...
So here's my suggestions for people looking for a great value board.
These boards are either high quality Aussie Made, or High Quality Production Boards from reputable brands....
These boards are all better options than "cheap - too good to be true Chinese rubbish!"
- No particular order...

If you just want to cruise around, this is a brilliant value board at $999.
14 Feet of fun. Rivers, small waves, distance paddling...
BUT - as you become a better paddler, you'll be able to slide along small waves, and even participate in quality Down Wind Runs. This board would be a keeper.
Instant fun for beginners, but as you become an experienced paddler, you'll still keep this board in your collection... It will be competitive on the social racing scene too.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~bnr9u/2011-Lowen-Dw-14-0.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

Here's value for you guys over in the West. A Starboard Whopper. Perfect beginners board, for a little cruising, and hitting the waves.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~b3g00/2010-Starboard-Whopper.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

A big 11 Foot Fanatic. Fun for the whole family. Good for sliding along on small waves. Can put a Windsurf rig on this one. Could also put a child up front...
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~b2psm/2011-Fanatic-Fly-11-0.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

10'2 Laguna Bay Red Rocket - This would be a great board. Mid North NSW Coast. But the owner gets around like a stray dog, and he should be able to deliver to QLD or Sydney on one of his trips. Great looking board too!
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~b6thf/2011-Laguna-Bay-Red-Rocket-10-2.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

14 Foot Lahui Kai - A great value river cruiser / Canal Cruiser / Bay Runner. $900 in Newcastle.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~besv6/Lahui-Kai-Orca-14-0.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

This is a great shape from Takayama. 11 feet of fun! Great family board, and also great for sliding along small waves, whilst you learn. There's one for the same price in WA also. This one is QLD.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~b3bgr/Surftech-Takayama-Alii-11-11-0.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

2011 - 10'0 Starboard Whopper for $799. Can't go wrong... WA.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~bc0mc/2011-Starboard-Whopper-Slick-10-0.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

Another great family board, leaner board. 12'0. Don't be scared about the big boards. Great to learn on, easy to paddle, good glide... Perfect, as you develop your SUP balance. These are made by the Stonker Boys in Torquay. Great quality, good weight usually, and strong and durable.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~be8yl/2011-Core-Boardsports-Stonker-Drop-Knee-12-0.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

Some of you might think that 10'6+ is too big... But you will have instant fun on the big boards. You will lose $250 or less on resale.

This is a bargain at $930. Was $999.

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~bnr9u/2011-Lowen-Dw-14-0.aspx




A 9'6 Simon Anderson for $850. Excellent value for a competent surfer who is new to SUP, or even someone looking to come down from 10'6 or 10'0.

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~bz2bm/2011-Simon-Anderson-Simon-Anderson-96-9-6.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8unIVHqRVJaokXIVeBHmJUA

even this not so much for a beginer but its a bargain
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~bxrzm/2010-Dale-Chapman-Dc17-Australian-Made-Full-Carbon-Wrap-17-0.aspx?search=lT%2friExlz8uaSP7Gbmwj6g%3d%3d

Jarryd

Note above, Lacey's 14 footer is SOLD !! I was going to say, why was it still available... Nice looking board.