Long time kiter who happened to try SUP for the first time @ Kitestock last weekend, and was quite impressed.
Two boards trialled, Starboard & Coreban - only ones available to be demo'd. Am thinking it might be a good off season thing to do but need some advice about what would be a good beginner board please.
Need to improve my balance skills - am thinking 34' wide board but suggestions welcome....
Unless you're a big dude and you want to surf, 34" is too wide. How much do you weigh and what sort of water will you paddle in? Do you want to surf or downwind or race or just paddle for fitness?
HB most people usually start on a more stable board and then move on after a few months. You cannot go wrong starting with a Whopper, but personally even though you didn't like the 30 inch wide boards demoed I would start on something longer maybe like a 11'6 x 30 and second hand is always the go for your first one. Usually the bigger boards make a good keeper as well when you do move on for friends and family etc to have a go. Hope this helps.
thanks for the advice about length v width - tried a Starboard 10' x 30'' (Drive - I think) last weekend & was amazed at the improvement in balance issues in a week on the narrower board.
Also tried a 8.5'x32'' but that wasn't as comfortable.
Next question: Starboard v Coreban v [insert numerous names of boards here]....
I reckon you should be looking at boards around the 10'6-11' x 32" ish. There are plenty of good ones around, and a few not so good ones.
A secondary thought would be to consider a raceboard. If you're thinking of spending most of your time on flat water for fitness with the occasional small wave, a good option may be something like a 12'6" x 30.5 wood race board for only a couple hundred more than a general purpose board...... just sayin'.
I reckon you should be looking at boards around the 10'6-11' x 32" ish. There are plenty of good ones around, and a few not so good ones.
A secondary thought would be to consider a raceboard. If you're thinking of spending most of your time on flat water for fitness with the occasional small wave, a good option may be something like a 12'6" x 30.5 wood race board for only a couple hundred more than a general purpose board...... just sayin'.
