Hi everyone,
I have wanted to purchase a SUP for sometime after trying one out on holidays with the family and loved it - it was so much fun to quietly paddle and explore. I have held off getting one for sometime on account of not being very fit and being a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. I am 5ft and weigh 65kgs and 40yrs old. I mostly want to paddle on flat water - lakes, inlets and maybe venture into gentle surf at some stage. I also practice yoga and would like to have a go at doing some on a SUP board for a bit of fun. I have two young kids (6 & 8) who loved jumping on the end and paddling around too when we hired one. I went to three different supplies/stores today and got recommended three different products and varying/conflicting advice. Everyone seems to have a strong opinion on what is best for your body type.I don't mind spending up to $2000 for a package but don't want to regret a purchase if it isn't suited to me. I have my heart set on the Adventure Project Y 9'10 board which my local surf shop can order in - I think these are pretty new and the description seems like what I'm after. But not many people seem to have heard of them. I also like the look of them - and yes I know this has nothing to do with function so am being open minded! Unfortunately I can't find reviews on these and didn't get to pick one up to see how they felt to carry as they have to order them in. Another store said that a wide board wouldn't be that good for me because of my frame (smaller shoulder width) and I would find it uncomfortable to paddle - and suggested a Fanatic all round 9'6 board or Naish Alana, both runout stock on sale and another independent supplier for East Coast Boards recommended a wideboy 9"5 bamboo. All boards were about $1500 - the ECB is a package. The ECB was the lightest. On account of my height, getting the board on/off our Rav might prove tricky - hubby will most likely need to assist. Everyone was very helpful and seemed to know boards really well - but now I'm just confused. I would like a comfortable all rounder board that is easy to paddle and adapts to my needs and that my family can enjoy too. One experienced seller said the all rounder boards end up being not much good for anything as they aren't specific enough for individual needs. What does everyone think? Are there any short board riders out there who can share their experience on good SUP boards? Thanks so much.

Thanks for this info - will check out some inflatables this week, appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

colas said..
Hi,
I am quite heavy myself, but have 2 daughters that are about your size and weight.

First, it is true that you do not need a very wide board, 30" should suffice. But too wide a board is not a real problem, the added stability is comfortable.

You are right that the main issue for you will be the weight.

I would recommend an inflatable, around 10':
- they are bombproof, and some have handles in a lot of places, this makes putting it on the car much easier than a hard board that can be dinged by any contact with hard surfaces (car, pavement, street, ...). Having to be careful whil loading the board will be hell for you.
- they tend to be light (check the actual weight however, some brands can be twice heavier than others)
- they are much stabler than hard boards
- girls and kids love them because they are friendly, you are not afraid of being hurt like on a hard board (or damage it)
- modern inflatable boards are surprisingly efficient on the water
- they can be kept inflated all year round. No need to inflate and deflate on each session.

As for the specific brand, I would advise well-known ones for reliability (not necessarily the most expensive), and ones hot-welded rather than glued: you will save nearly 1,5kg in weight compared to glued ones, and they should be more reliable. I have only extensive experience with the Gong ones, but they are sold only in Europe. The 10' one for instance is 9,2kg.

The only drawback of inflatables if for performance wave surfing: for basic surfing they are OK but are not precise enough for sharp turns.

Also, the paddle is very important for you enjoyment. Avoid aluminum and heavy ones: take a good light fiber paddle.

Never really seen a wrong advice coming from Colas...so yep spot on
And if one day you want to upgrade to a non inflatable, you will always keep this one as they are very handy.

Try East Coast Surfboards (ECS at Berkeley Vale ) I have been very happy with their boards as friends also have been.
I am sure you could get a suitable light board, paddle etc for well under $2000.

Should go for a wide and stable friendly platform if you want to do some yoga on it, like these http://redpaddleco.com/nl/board/108-activ/ .

I own a red paddle myself next to a hard raceboard. The pump with it does a good job and the new carrying bag has wheels and with a set of stuff in case the board needs to be repaired. As said before the inflatables can have more without damaging, and with kids on it, I should go for an inflatable with an adjustable carbon/glass paddle like a Kialoa one (easy to maintain and no big adjustable knobs) Just what you want out of a board. Good luck with your choice.

Thanks for all your help everyone!