I have a mate looking at getting his 1st board. He is after a good allrounder for waves, flat water, and even taking the kids out for a paddle. I'd recommended him the starboard 11'2" but looking around 2nd hand, I also see an Oxbow 11' and a Naish 11'4". I've never paddled these other 2 so am interested to hear if others have paddled all of these boards and what their thoughts were.
Cheers,
Adam

I have been using the 11 nsp for approx 18 months for personal use and teaching on and cannot fault them. they are probably the most stable board around and they paddle well in the flat and surf pretty well. you can also comfortably take the dog or kid along for a paddle with you. the big bonus on the nsp is the price - should be able to pick one up for around $1550 new including paddle. Yes, there are better paddling boards and better surfing boards and better finished/quality boards but value for money they are hard to go past. You mentioned the starboard 11.2 - this is one amazing board and probably the best allrounder on the market IMO but obviously costs a lot more than an nsp. If you can get a starboard for a good price second hand you will never regret your purchase.

I tried the Mistral a couple of weeks ago in Queensland, helping a mate move his boat from Hervey Bay to Mackay, he has two Pacificos on board - horrible job coming from winter in Vic but you have to look after your mates! These photos are taken at Lady Musgrave Island which is fringed by a circular coral reef about 5k across - its about 32 nautical miles straight out to sea from 1770. Had a 5 foot reef shark cruise around us for a while - magic.








Anyway, the Pacificos were actually much better than I expected, they don't have much rocker and in flat water really move and glide well. Also track very straight. Lack of rocker would make them a handful in surf I'm guessing but for a family cruiser if you could get them at the right price a great board. These had had a pretty hard life with beginners using them and being hauled up and down onto the upper level of the boat, they had knocks and scrapes but only cosmetic, no real damage at all.

Don't know if it's relevant but they windsurf really well with the flatter rocker.

I've got an 11'2 Starboard, highly recommend it too.

I know it, just weighing up all options.