Confused newbie - I'm 61 years old 105kg and 5'10. I surfed most of my life up until 10years ago when I blew a knee out and had to stop for a while. Spent the last 10 years kayak fishing and I'm a bit over it. I'm keen to get a SUP board which will be used for surfing and flat water cruising/fitness. I have done quite a bit of research and trialled a limited amount of boards owing to where I live - and my head is spinning. From what I can work out it seems I need something 31'' + for stability and 185litres + for flotation as a beginner paddler. I want something I can turn, trim and walk on knee to head high waves, but also tracks OK if I'm cruising the harbour or lake - I know the perfect board that doesn't exist I I have tried an Odysseus which I could paddle OK and some no name inflatables from the hire place. I was wondering whether the Nalu 11' or 11'4" would be good boards that I could work my way into. The Wopper and Avanti were 2 others I have had reccomended - not much choice around here - although the Avanti seems very wide. I liked the Odysseus, just not sure how it would surf. Any assistance gladly received - thanks.

I agree about the Odysseus.. I also have one and it's an awesome board.. and it's not just for heavier people..

You could also consider a bigger Fanatic Allwave? Super stable, and surf good too.

Not a dealer or shop owner, just a satisfied customer (and 100 kegs, my 9'6 Allwave floats me piece of piss, reckon I could also fit the grommie on in a year or 2 once he's old enough to sit up)

just get yourself a whopper.......

sharpie said..
just get yourself a whopper.......

Too many whoppers might be part of the problem thanks for all the advice. Have looked up the options suggested and arranged some demos with dealers in Auckland in a weeks time. One dealer has a special on a couple of JP Wide Bodies a 10" and a 10' 2", they are a package with JP paddle and leash. 2014 models he wants move on - minor shop dings that have been repaired. Anyone have an opinion on them? The price is pretty sharp.
Mean time its off to Taupo for the weekend and cruising the lake on hire SUPs. Need to get up t speed so I can back into some waves. Cheers.

LordKuz said..

CharlieF said..
Confused newbie - I'm 61 years old 105kg and 5'10. I surfed most of my life up until 10years ago when I blew a knee out and had to stop for a while. Spent the last 10 years kayak fishing and I'm a bit over it. I'm keen to get a SUP board which will be used for surfing and flat water cruising/fitness. I have done quite a bit of research and trialled a limited amount of boards owing to where I live - and my head is spinning. From what I can work out it seems I need something 31'' + for stability and 185litres + for flotation as a beginner paddler. I want something I can turn, trim and walk on knee to head high waves, but also tracks OK if I'm cruising the harbour or lake - I know the perfect board that doesn't exist I I have tried an Odysseus which I could paddle OK and some no name inflatables from the hire place. I was wondering whether the Nalu 11' or 11'4" would be good boards that I could work my way into. The Wopper and Avanti were 2 others I have had reccomended - not much choice around here - although the Avanti seems very wide. I liked the Odysseus, just not sure how it would surf. Any assistance gladly received - thanks.

I will say that the Odysseus certainly surfs okay, considering its size. Perhaps its more like "riding a wave" than surfing, but I suspect thats what you are after? As you have tried one, I think you can tell they are extremely stable - and are better priced than your other suggested options. The longer Nalus would be one step more towards a surfable board - but longboard style - and I personally have no experience with the other models, and only know what you probably have read. I bought an Odysseus last year when they first came out, and have it as a loaner for newbies or for times I want to get out in the bay and do some fishing or snorkeling. I have sold and traded a few boards since then - but the Odysseus wont be going anywhere. Recommended!

ive just done 2 years on a starboard whopper love the board hard to falt ,just get the whopper if ya have coin must have carbon fiber easer to carry etc.

glad youre having fun and have some buyers lined up for the nsp already. it might even be a keeper instead of the fishing kayak