TalleCreekSUP said..
Hi! I'm looking to surprise my husband with a SUP for his birthday. He's a newbie to SUP, but he's a lifelong surfer. He's 185cm/6ft and about 85kg. He'd mostly use it in flat water, but would want to take it in small-medium surf as well. He's mentioned in the past he'd like to buy an Australian made SUP, which I'm sure is a lot more expensive. Is it really worth paying the extra $$ for an Australian made board, or are the imported ones comparable in terms of quality? I'd really appreciate some recommendations. Thanks!
Welcome to the forum and great idea for a present! The Aussie boards already recommended are great boards and it all depends where you're located.
All the "big name" boards like naish, fanatic etc are all made in big factories in China and Thailand and have been for years so don't let that worry you.
I can't recommend the surfboard warehouse enough as a happy return customer.
It's an family started and owned company who takes pride in his designs and quality and they are made in the same factories as the big boys but sold over half the price cheaper.
I'm onto my 4th and 5th boards, still kept the third for the kids too but just kept upgrading and going smaller and now a different model.
I reckon you're hubby may get bored pretty quick with flat water if he's a surfer as it's awesome fun.
Definitely go something at 32" wide as that helps with stability. At 85kgs a 10' board will easily float him and it'd be great for flat water, but he'd probably want to downsize fairly soon if he gets into his surfing.
Take a look at the 9'6 halo or the 9'2 evoke. They are both great boards and I've been riding the evokes since the first model, up to last years orange one. The green is better again but I tried a different performance model, but would still love one too.
I'm 95kgs at 5'9 and ride the 7'11 evoke with 135kgs of float but that's just an example. I have 2 mates who are 113kgs surfing the 9'2 evokes and love them.
Great price and you can't go wrong. If you're on the sunny or Gold Coast go check them out in store.
They also stick by their products too if you have any dramas.
Good luck!!
ps. I just realised your probably down the goldie with your login. Go check them out, you won't regret it.
