G'day all

I'm new to SUP and yet to purchase a board. I have the opportunity to test paddle a few boards but probably not the exact models I'm considering.

Could I get some advice on the correct size and style board for my intended use.

I am 5'9 and 68 kg and in the distant past (20 years ago) rode a short board.

I'm after a relaxed cruising style board for 1 to 1 1/2 m sized waves, but that also has good stability, flotation and glide for Stillwater paddling, and on the odd occasion my 12-year-old daughter will be coming along for a ride.

I'm thinking the Naish Nalu 11'6, but at 5 1/2 inches thick and me only 68 kg this board could be a bit boaty and a handful for my size.

My other choice at this stage would be the Naish Nalu 11'4. Then there is the wider shorter Mana range or Starboard whopper which possibly don't paddle as nicely.

Which do you think would be more comfortable on ?

Any info from those in the know would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance

Cheers Sav

Id also try the 10.5 drive and 11.3 blend starboards.. Im almost exactly you height and weight and i think youd find they are more then stable enough for you, they surf really well and they also are not to bad in flat water.. Have down plenty of downwinders on my 10.5 also not perfect but its definately a good alrounder for light weights..

Belly

Hi Savage, go the light weights! I'm a smidge shorter and lighter than you 5'8 and 67kg.

You need to try some boards out, where are you?

My thought - you need two boards. Justify it by letting your daughter come paddling with you, you will need two paddles, a shorter one for her (your surfing paddle!) and a longer one for you for flat water. Paddling with your kids is a great pleasure.

Flat water is so much more fun on a longer board, a 12'6 Starboard cruiser is perfect as a first board, it can take two people easily, has plenty of glide and actually surfs surprisingly well because it has quite a fine tail, also great for down-winders. The Pin is better on flat water but doesn't do surf ! I have a three year old 12'6 Cruiser that I'm planning on keeping till it ends up at the tip in a decade.

I've also got a 10'5, great all round board but to be honest if I can I always take my 8'5 surfing. The only time the 10'5 is better in surf IMO is when it's really choppy and it's just too hard for me to catch waves on the small board.

I had the 11'2 Starboard before the 10'5 and I think it is a better all rounder if you are just going one board. Like the 12'6 the 11'2 actually surfs really well if you like the longboard style.

In terms of Naish the 11'4 would be my preference as a one board solution but I'd be getting a 14' Glide and a wave board if I had the coin.

If you are in Melbourne let us know so you can try them.

I've got the Naish 11'6" and it's a great family board but a bit of a hazard in the surf imho. It will catch any wave at your size (about the same as me) but you'll feel like you're on train tracks. Haven't tried the 11'4" but I imagine it is quite similar to the Starboard Blend 11'2" that I also have. Again, a very good board for the occasional surf and for all round fun in the flat water, but as others have said, you will inevitably want a surf specific and a flat water/downwind specific board as well. Actually, I'm starting to suspect that 4 boards is essential for every SUP'er.

I thought I'd drag this thread up rather than start a new one.

I'm getting into SUP and am picking up a 10'0 Mana for my wife (105lb) and am trying to figure out what board to get for myself (220lbs). The boards will be used on lakes for cruising and taken to the east coast to surf. I'll do downwinders on my board.

I'm debating between the 11'4 or 11'6 naish. At my weight (220lbs) is the 11'4 going to be too tippy for me as a cruising/downwind board? Or is the 11'6 going to be too corky?

Thanks for any input!

Randal