Hi Guys...been lurking the forums for about a week and was after a bit of advice on my first SUP....I am about 105kg's and would be mainly using it for flatwater paddling in the bay and the occasional run out down the coast if its to small to ride my short board...I was looking at the 11'6 Kalama the Oxbow 11'0 and the Starboard 12'6. The guy at SHQ gave the Kalamas big wraps but wasn't as keen on the Oxbows...any where know the best place to buy as well....thanks for taking the time.

If you want to meet me at SHQ one day I can join you demo'ing a few boards.

DJ

Tux said...

Hi Guys...been lurking the forums for about a week and was after a bit of advice on my first SUP....I am about 105kg's and would be mainly using it for flatwater paddling in the bay and the occasional run out down the coast if its to small to ride my short board...I was looking at the 11'6 Kalama the Oxbow 11'0 and the Starboard 12'6. The guy at SHQ gave the Kalamas big wraps but wasn't as keen on the Oxbows...any where know the best place to buy as well....thanks for taking the time.

Hey tux thats an evil looking avater pic I am the same weight as you and have the 11 6" kalama this is a great board and think it would be perfect for you, the rails chip easily i just put tape on them and my paddle to help soften the damage, a great board go get yourself one

I have recently started and at 125kg am a heavyweight. I have just got a Walden 10'10 and i love it. I have tried the kalama and I liked it but it was a little bit less stable than the Walden and the grip hurt my feet on long paddles (my feet looked like I had been attacked by a waffle iron). The walden is on its upper limit for float with my weight but it does glide really well especially with my new Kialoa kole paddle. It also has the new hand hold which makes it easier to handle.

I love it and I feel about twice as fast with this set up than the standard Kalama 11'6 board and paddle (the Nexxxt paddle was a bit too small for me though).

I can't wait for tomorrow for a paddle up the river with me boy and Missus (in her new kayak)

Tux said...

Thanks for the quick response guys...I will let you know when I am heading down to SHQ DJ and see if you keen...I will have look at the Naish 11'6 as well hopefully, have they thinned down the rail profile on the new ones, I saw some of the last models and the rails were chunky to say the least!!

I rode a Naish demo 11-6 for 2 months while waiting for the 11-4 its a great stable board but very thick and awkward to carry... after this i got my 11-4 and its awesome, thinner lighter and so easy to carry + 3fins IMO its not worth getting the 11-6 the 11-4 is perfect im also 105kg and its just right. I caught my first waves last weekend and it was the best im hooked as ever now bring on tomorrow! My only gripe is my deck grip started peeling off I was sliding all over my board but didnt want to come in as i was catching my first waves having a ball ive just siliconed it back down hoping it stays on for good. Sam @ windsurfnsnow.com.au sorted me out.