jdhogg said...

Hi Guys.
This is another newbie question about what board to buy.
I'm 85kg and looking for a board to cruise bays and headlands with a kid on board sometimes and eventually get into the surf after I get the basics. A good allrounder basically.
(I do surf but not as much lately due to kids etc)
Anyways I like the look of the Naish 11'4" nalu ast and the price is around my budget mark but having researched it a bit on the web i have noticed a few remarks that the build quality for the ast models is on the weak side, even snapping on mediocre waves.
This has put me off a bit as I don't want to spend this much money only to have it trashed by the kids or myself.
Is there any merit to these comments?
if so, what are some other options for a good all rounder in that price range.
Cheers,
JD
ps. I like the look and description of the Simon Anderson water buffalo but i think that is out of my price range.

Welcome to the Breeze..

IMO.. There is no issues with the build quality of the Naish boards.. In fact I think they are one of the strongest and most durable boards on the market.

If there was any build quality issues that may arise the Naish guys are very quick to warranty their boards.

I also think the AST boards are extremely durable and I've never seen any problems with them.. and I've seen (and owned) quite a few..

The 11'4" Nalu would be a great choice but I think the 10' Mana might be even better.

Depending how big the kids are you might be better off with the big 10'5" Mana or 11'6" Nalu.

Where are you.. Can you demo any of these boards first?

DJ

Hi mate - I too have had and ridden quite a few naish boards and cannot fault the build or finish of the boards in any way and have never really heard of any real problems. And to be honest with you I have had AST boards from naish and reckon they are in many cases better than the full wood version because they are now lighter and cheaper and every bit as strong as the much more expensive wood/bamboo model.

Hi JD,

I have been researching these long boards too and must have come across the same articles, blogs and forum posts as you...

Cam...

Noah1 said...

Go wood or bamboo veneers they add strength....good luck

They also add at least $300 to the price and IMO no proven strength advantages.

This is what happened to my 2 month old Naish MANA 10' AST a couple of weeks ago.
my 55kg wife in 4 foot point break, she is not a surfer and was hanging to the out side of the main break to practice her paddling onto waves and her surf stance, had a couple of waves break and she bailed off but nothing too big, she said it was great fun.
after returning to shore with no problems, I walked down the beach to go for a paddle and was shocked with what i saw.(pictures below)
This board has paddled my 100kg 6'2" frame around in the same conditions with no problems.
after returning the board to my local shop, on the same day.
The shop contacted the Naish Distributors and sent Pictures.
Return comments where "NO WARRANTY" it has had wave impact "WHAT"
So if you buy a Naish MANA 10" make sure if you take it out of the lake that it's only very small waves




.Maybe lighter is not always better, i guess i am looking for a new board.
I am glad i paid the extra $ for a top Brand

I'd be pissed off for any manufacturer not warrantying it.