ditch the girlfriend,

save 50%

Thats the only problem with bein over here. Not enough second hand gear around due to the small population.
Most of us with our first bigger/learner boards tend to hold on to em for friends/family to learn on and for those glassy days with no swell when we just go for a paddle and our wave boards dont have the glide.
You could try the 2 dealers up here in Gero, ( Rick at Sail west and Tim at G spot, both in the phonebook) I know they both have some second hand gear and are both genuine guys.
Long way to come I know but it could be worth a go.
W

Buy two $500 paddles.

Grab two old Windsurfer hulls.

Muck around for about a month getting your skills down (these boards will test you!!)

Once your hooked the the rest is history and you'll be ready to buy the right board.

They may seem expensive initially (often because it is another toy to try and fit in the grage) but once your hooked its all about getting the right board, not the price.

It worked for me!

AA

It can be done - I got into my first rig for less than $1000 here in WA based on some realistic pricing. There's seems to be a lot of older unloved stuff on the For Sale section of the forum that hasn't moved in months - perhaps an offer might viewed favourably. Some people say that this approach is a mistake, because you grow out of it in three months. But I disagree - if you don't pay too much in the first place you can turn it over easy for a $100 bucks cheaper (helping to get learner prices down) and move on. And I love my aircraft carrier - its been a perfect first board for me.

In addition, I only have the $50 aluminium/plastic paddle made by Finn but I've got to like it as its very good for a learner surfer - being a bit heavier gives you something to balance against. And heavier means that it gives you more of that upper body work out that SUP is so great for, another positive in my view. At $50, it is huge value for money - giving me plenty of time to shop around for just the right megabuck paddle, while being indestructible.

Patience is the virtue - as is an acceptance of some the older technology that might be not be the latest and greatest flavour of the month. Its all good.

Hi Prepare
Check out Kiakaha paddles made in QLD. They are the best priced carbon/kevlar paddles around. I was in the same predicament as you a year ago.Jodie and Woogie were great I was able to get a paddle freighted to me $350 all up (don't know if the prices are the same now).

I am selling my Starboard 11'2 with a board cover for $1200, to upgrade to a 10'5. Check out my Ad in the buy and sell- only put it in start of the week and had 3 calls already! Great beginner/all round board.

Cheers

Gooch

A starter board and paddle package should be around $1550 for a nsp 10'6" and gsi paddle it will get you out there to have a bit of fun in the sun........ well that is what it costs in Noosa.....

J

Try Flick in Torquay. Best deals I reckon on a rig-board and paddle. Chinese but who cares most of the stuff coming on the market under brands is produced in Thailand. Gets you on the water for about the price range you have quoted. I don't work for them. Their paddles are good. Werner copies but lasted longer than Surftech. After all that would prefer to support my locals. Is Costco going to sell SUPs? Just what we need more Chinese junk[}:)][}:)][}:)]