hello all. Yet another newbie here. I'm in information overload. I learned to paddle on a friends very old ark kam islander 2 years ago. She's moved away and it's time to buy my own. I'm a heavy paddler weighing 220 pounds. I also have a friend who would like to ride at 240 pounds. I "think" I've narrowed down my choices to a Starboard Avanti Starshot, a NSP All Rounder or a Imagine Recruit (2104). The Imagine is used but in excellent shape and under $800. The Starbaord and NSP are new. I have $1000 (or less ) to spend on my first board. Ive honestly read too much about boards from cobra vs China and width / liters / weight. I'm losing my mind. I'll be able to test the Starboard and the NSP but I may not be able to get the Imagine in the water. I will primarily paddle is ocean here in Fort Lauderdale. Not interested in riding waves yet and we don't get many anyway. I really like Dave Kalama but I know that isn't a reason to buy a board. The imagine will float 260 pound rider as will the NSP. The starboard will ride 240 pounds but it's the widest of the boards. I know everyone is going to have an opinion and I know everyone is gonna say get on the board first - which I will do next week. I'm super curious about the Imagine because it's a great price and in great shape - knowing this is my first board. Any advice is seriously appreciated. If I do any more research I may lose my mind -ha.

Don,t know the board but found this while looking for an other boardhttp://stokemagazine.blogspot.nl/2015/03/review-imagine-recruit-icon-11-sup.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+StokeMagazine+(Stoke+Magazine)But if you don,t play in the wavws and just do distances its imo better to look for a 2th hand touring/wide raceboard kindaboard.

Thank you so much for the article. That is the exact board. Much appreciated. Interesting article. Thanks for taking the time to reply.