WA
637 posts
... if it is difficult to choose the right kite to start with kitesurfing, then it looks nearly impossible to do it with sup....
I went through all the relevant posts, and brands, and sizes, and etc.... just to realize I am more confused then at the beginning....
The problem I find is that most beginner to intermediate boards are for 80+kg riders (volume 160 liter plus). Boards with less volume are usually advanced design not recommended for beginners.
I am a total beginner. 70kg, never surfed properly, but mainly ride waves with my kites. I would sup mainly on the ocean in windless / light wind days in Perth shores, and I don't intend to go for big waves... well not for a while at least. I found the psh hull paddler a great shape to get through the break, but way too heavy to my abused back, and the volume starts at 160l. The Fanatic fly HRS has been suggested as good all around, but it starts with 159l. Most experienced riders suggest to start with a second hand board, but most second hand models are either advanced or high volume with wide nose. I assume the board with a wide nose, especially with high volume, will bounce me off the break like a ping pong ball with my 70kg. I looked into the Mana 7 11(?), but such short boards are not recommended for beginners, and anything longer (Mana) would be high volume.
The closest candidate by weight, length, and volume was the fanatic all wave 8 10(?), but this was not quite optimal to a beginner when I asked the guy in the shop.
I would appreciate any help. Which of the older models I should consider as a second hand, those that are not too heavy? Is it worth for a beginner to buy a new board? And if yes, then which?
Cheers
WA
925 posts
Hi Andrash,
Drop into the store and grab a board to demo to find out for real rather than speculate.
DM
QLD
218 posts
Mate - borrow boards from mates or shops or wherever you can, and make your own judgements about what is the right size/shape/volume etc for your needs - you will get nothing from the opinions of others other than confusion. Pretty much every ounce of advice you will get on here is based on personal preference for a particular brand or size of board and that will not relate to your personal needs at all. Every single sup shop worth their salt will have boards for you to demo, so take advantage of that and get out there and try a heap.
QLD
127 posts
Yep, borrow, beg or hire several boards so YOU can get a feel for what is best. Although as you said you are a total beginner my suggestion would be to consider a long-ish board that you can develop your much needed skill set.
(I spent about 12 hours over several months on other peoples boards before choosing a 10' 6" x 29" (not sure of volume sorry, I'm 79kg). Also consider what your hours on the water over say 6 months will be which will give you a guide as to your learning curve!!
Good luck!!
frog
WA
637 posts
thanks for all advices... next few weeks I will check out all demo outlets... perhaps I will gain some basic skills by the end...
VIC
5124 posts
Don't sweat it too much. It's almost certain that the board you need as a newbie will not be the board you want when you're not.
Also, all the assumptions you make as a newbie will turn out to be wrong. So too will all the calculations and measurements and surveys you have conducted.
The best thing to do is buy one you like the colour and the price of. Preferably a popular brand that will be easy to sell when you want to change. Go paddling. Lots.
While paddling, read/learn/try everything you can then choose the second/third/fourth board based on your knowledge and experience.
You might find you like paddling but don't love it and will be happy pootling about on an allrounder. You might get to love waves so a shorter, wave specific board might suit you. Lots of people are going race boards of various types. 14' is the go for them but 12'6" is starting to make inroads. There's too much to choose between to lock yourself in too much on the first board.
