I am about to purchase my first SUP and i am getting mixed opinion on best size and shape of board to buy.I am mainly interested in riding waves but would still like to paddle when no swell for exercise.I am thinking 10 to 11,6 foot LAIRD either a soft top or a expoxy.Most people i speak to wish they had brought smaller boards.
I would appreciate any advice to help making the right choice.I wave sail and surf at present so was hoping to get away with smaller board.

short sups are crap for flatwater paddling - limited glide,,, you may as well be paddling ur waveboard...

saying this, from my personal experience;;;; the flatwater paddling novelty wears off v quickly when waves are on tap,,,

if your doing most of your suppin in perth, i wouldn't go smaller than 10.

Was out with greeny and gavo? 2 day on 10FT+ sups...... it was EMBARASSING how many waves we were taking from the longboard crew.

tHANKS WINDY MILLAR,How much does the guy with the smallest SUP in your group wieght and how long and wide is his board

If I started again I would get a PSH 10 6 wide AA or a 10 5 starboard due to their surfing ability and width.

how wide are these?

Lazarus said...

If I started again I would get a PSH 10 6 wide AA or a 10 5 starboard due to their surfing ability and width.

how wide are these?

Both very close to 30" wide I think.

DJ

Lazarus said...

If I started again I would get a PSH 10 6 wide AA or a 10 5 starboard due to their surfing ability and width.

how wide are these?

DJ is on it

wheels said...

thinks Laird board which is only 27' wide may not be stable enough

Agree with Lacey. Don't buy 27" wide for your first sup, unless you're prepared to spend a considerable amount of time falling off. The 10'5" rounded pin will be a little less stable than a 11' with a wider tail, but at 30" wide it's very stable & from most reports performs well in the surf (I'm 73kgs & own the 9'8", same width, very stable).

WINDY MILLER said...

short sups are crap for flatwater paddling - limited glide,,, you may as well be paddling ur waveboard...

saying this, from my personal experience;;;; the flatwater paddling novelty wears off v quickly when waves are on tap,,,

if your doing most of your suppin in perth, i wouldn't go smaller than 10.

Was out with greeny and gavo? 2 day on 10FT+ sups...... it was EMBARASSING how many waves we were taking from the longboard crew.

I smell wavehog (greeny)

just might add,myself, i wouldn't buy any board at any size unless it is at least 28.5 wide.although the psh 9 3 ripper is tempting and i think that is 28.25

wheels said...

I ve been at shops all day and on the net all night trying to make a decision and i have narrowed it down to the Starboard drive 10'5 or starboard 11'2 both 30" wide both $1600 new.

Should i get alloy paddle to start with or go straight to the carbon and whats the best trick to avoid bashing the rails with the paddle.

Thank you to every one for advice as i came close to buying a 27" Laird today and now know it would have been a big mistake.

I think it's better to get a cheaper board and an expensive paddle rather than an expensive board and a cheap paddle.. The difference in paddles is huge.

I've also found that there is far less rail bashing with these super light weight paddles because it's often the weight of the paddle that gives you less control over it.

If it was me I'd defiantly go for the bigger 11'2" Ultimate Blend even though the wave performance might not be quite as good.. You could do a down-winder on it and anything shorter would not work as well.. It will be easier to learn on and should have much better glide in flat water.

The Blend has been around for a while.. You may even pick up a second hand or demo model cheaper.

As far as paddles go I recommend either the Kialoa Shaka Pu'u or Methane.. or the Werner Spanker or Nitro.. They're not cheap but well worth it imo.

DJ

wheels said...

I ve been at shops all day and on the net all night trying to make a decision and i have narrowed it down to the Starboard drive 10'5 or starboard 11'2 both 30" wide both $1600 new.

Should i get alloy paddle to start with or go straight to the carbon and whats the best trick to avoid bashing the rails with the paddle.

Thank you to every one for advice as i came close to buying a 27" Laird today and now know it would have been a big mistake.

I think the 10-5 x 30 would be the pick.I remember jumping on the 27 wide Laird in my early days , I had full blown sewing machine legs Good point by DJ get the good paddle now it will make learning alot easier. I'm a quick blade fan for paddles but any of the paddles mentioned above are all good and you can't go wrong.

My choice is to go the smaller board is because you improve so fast and for your height and weight 10-5 x 30 is plenty to learn on , it's also lighter, easier to carry and store than a the 11-2.

I understand DJ's point (go bigger) but every person on this site has either sold there first board they learnt on or bought another shorter one. I haven't been at it a year yet and I'm on to my 4th board

Good luck and enjoy the ride.

Rob

10 '0 x28' jimmy lewis has the best of both worlds rips on the waves and is still a nice paddle in the flat. im 5' 10' 82 kg