Had my first go on Sunday and really enjoyed it. We started in still river water, i was able to step straight on and paddle away, when it came to turn for my first time i fell off, but overall i was pretty pleased i could do it straight away, my wife was also having her first go and was unbeleivable she couldnt fall in if she tried! Well after going about 2ks up and down the rivermouth over about 2hrs i thought i was ready for the surf. It was about 2ft onshore beachbreaks, it was so much harder than still water, i struggled a bit but kept trying ! I really enjoyed and so did my wife, so we are going to get one each soon. The one i used was a southpoint 11 6 x 28 7/8th wide i really liked this board and thought it was great, i did feel maybe it was a touch long for the surf but grat for flat water. So what do you guys suggest would be the best for me , begginner 100kg 6ft been surfing for 20yrs ??

Cheers for the advice dj... Do you think the 11 6 will still be good for the surf? i was thinking if i get the 11 6 for my lady and get the smaller one at a later date when i have enough coin for 2, i will have a smaller one for the surf and bigger one for flat water paddles. I know what you mean it was hard enough balancing on the big board in the surf, let alone a smaller one. Off for a 2 0r 3 hr paddle right now in the lakes.

I have the 11.6 Kalama and sometimes i think i will get a smaller board im 90Kg.But i have had it in all kinds of surf and it surfs great.Once you get the feel for it turns are no longer a problem and i excpecially like it in windy choppy conditions i can still maintain my balance.Its a good nose rider to.Personally i cant see the attraction in small sup boards.With a good size board you can cruise to different breaks easily go for a long paddle.I find it a good allrounder.Only down side to the kalama the board chips easily from the paddle when your learning.

looks great Damo at Goodtime can get them in I think
http://southpointepoxy.com/sp116paddle.html
there is a vid link on this page