Hi folks,

I've been obsessively reading your forums for a few weeks now and I've finally decided to go for it and purchase a SUP!

I'm a surfer girl now for 6 years and just recently have started trying SUP on flat open ocean and slightly protected ocean. I've only been a few times, mostly on large soft top SUPs but I've also tried smaller 10ft SUPs and found them more manoeverable.

I've got my heart set on a Naish board, so I'm looking for help choosing from their lineup. (Thanks in advance!!!!) :)

I'm 5'6, approximately 130-135 lbs. I am comfortable surfing small and big waves, and generally haven't had many problems with balance on any SUPs I've tried.

I only have budget to purchase one board so I'd like to start with an intermediate board that I can grow into. I will be using it for both flat open ocean paddling as well as I'd like to be able to paddle it into knee or waist high waves.

Originally I was eyeing the Naish Alana 10'6 but after reading the forums quite a bit, it seems too big for surfing. So I'm now leaning towards the Naish Mana 9'5" as the width seems like it would be stable and not too long. My concerns are if it would either be too big or too small for me, or too wide? Would it be difficult to paddle on the open ocean?

Also, for paddles, I'm eyeing a Boardworks paddle that is the shorter wider shape.

Thanks in advance for your help and I really appreciate all the great posts and advice around here!!!!!

cmykink said..

Ah, sorry couple more quick notes. The Naish Mana I'm considering is a 2012 Mana AST (I hear this is the same as the GS)... is there any reason to get the 2014 or will this suit just fine? (there is a great deal on this board right now)

Also, from what I read, potentially I can swap out fins on this board between surfing and flat water paddling to get more out of one board? If so, what fin setup do you recommend for surfing small waves vs. flat open ocean?

The 9'5'' Mana would be perfect.. and concider the Naish Alana paddle.. It's awesome and a pretty good price.

The new 2014 9'5" Mana is a much better board than the old 9'5" Mana (still a great board).. It's now a new shape.

DJ

Skinny shaft.. Small blade.. Great paddle... Feels good to paddle with.

I've seen a few of the board works paddles break.. Bigger blade.. and don't feel so good to paddle with... IMO

The new Shape Mana's are very different.. Rocker shape.. Tail shape.. Nose shape.. and 1" wider.. I've heard they surf much better.. I'm thinking about getting the Alana version of the 9'5" for my daughter.. So I can use it..

DJ