I live in Melbourne - been kiting about 6 years - its lots of fun.
Looking for a new sport for more water time... more fitness.
Thinking about a fast kayak or Naish Glide or equivalent....
I dont see too many of them in the bay around Mordialloc-Port Melbourne
Is there much of a scene here in Melbourne?
Cheers
oh yeah is it fun? downwinder?
cruising?
can I ride small waves with a 12 Glide?

Hi Hawaii,

There are several great things about SUP....

Fitness aspect - I find it far more enjoyable than a run or a bike ride... do you want or need good abs !!?? Get on a SUP daily !!

Time on water - yes it will skyrocket, you can SUP around Melbourne & the coasts on pretty much anyday of the year. Even when windy, you can find a sheltered spot.

Even in Melbourne's winter, you won't be in the water too much, so the cold water is not a big issue (in my opinion). For flat water paddles, thermal gear, or "skins" are more the go, once you know you're not going to fall in !!

Yes, you can surf a 12 Glide, or a 14 Glide.

Hook up with the King of SUP Melbourne, DJ, and he can take you for a spin on the glides. I'm sure DJ will be on here soon. DJ's always on the look out for the next downwind day!

Simon
(in Torquay)

Cat bay waist high for 3 hours this afternoon, The only SUP amongst 10 Longboards. Hooting all the way to the beach.
Is it fun, no way IT's AWESOME
Cheers Scott
p.s the surf will be terrible here tomorrow you lot better surf elsewhere.
Get a 14 Glide can't get off my new thing.

hawaii, can you currently surf?

If so don't underestimate how much you will want to go surfing once you start. I was like you and thought I would only want to paddle flat water for fitness at first (I had been surfing for 20 years) but once I got into the waves that all I wanted to do. I then wanted a shorter (10ft) board for surfing. I now take this everywhere as it is still OK to paddle in flat water when it is too windy to surf (I don't kite) - still good fitness.. My 2 cents is that you should consider a board that will have more surf performance as you may enjoy it more. I would suggest borrowing someones and trying it first. I didn't do enough of this when I started.

Have fun.

Shane