Hi everyone, looking for some input for a new guy. I'm saving to buy a board and am interested in the Naish 11'4" and the C4 11'6". I am 6'1'' and weigh 86 Kgs, have surfed for years although very seldom in the last 5 years, mostly mals. I am looking for a board to paddle mostly in flat water but want to be able to surf when I can.
Would appreciate any comparison info from anyone.

Thanks Mac, I thought of maybe a shorter board but the kids want to come paddling with dad as well. I want something with a bit of volume but don't want to bob around like a cork when surfing.

Hi DJ, I'm in Melbourne, I've paddled the Naish 11'6" before and liked it but thought it might have a bit too much volume for me to be able to surf well. The C4 caught my eye on the weekend and looked to sit a little lower in the water but the guy paddling it was bigger than me.
Was hoping the 11'4" Naish might be the perfect fit.

Whats "IMO" ??

Hmm. OK thanks for the heads-up.
paddling on the Yarra looks great!
how do you handle the boat traffic?
i would like to give it a go sometime.

planesailing said...

Hmm. OK thanks for the heads-up.
paddling on the Yarra looks great!
how do you handle the boat traffic?
i would like to give it a go sometime.

At night there are no boats..well very few..and we always keep looking both ways for any boats coming (do you mean motor boats or rowing boats?)

During the day you get some boats but their wake is never a problem and we keep to the sides.. The right side..We've never had any problems.

Further up the Yarra (Studly Park etc) the only boats that we get is the odd row boat or kayaker.

DJ

if you get the chance try a starboard 11'2. I just sold my Naish 11'4 and got the s/b 11'2 and I am rapt !! The starboard in my opinion is a much better paddler in flat water and is so much smoother in the surf (have only had it in up to 2ft though). It also has a carry handle and is a tad lighter than the naish and has a full length deck grip. I honestly believe that you don't need to go any shorter than 11 ft it you want a good paddling board that is also a reasonable surfer for small to average days.

Hi Chris
I still haven't made a decision, though I am leaning towards the Naish. Not sure if I'll go with the 11'4'' or the 11'6''. Haven't tried the C4, Starboard 11'2" or the Kalama yet.

Mick

MickV you could try 11'0 Ron house it would be great for long paddles and good for surfing as well. These boards are not so floaty in the water more like a glass Surfboard. I have the 12'0 and love it for river and waves and have also tried the 11'0 I loaned for a week or so from a friend. Will get the 11'0 when I get permission . P.S you don't here much about these boards but are worth a look. Good luck
Dolla

Dolla said...

MickV you could try 11'0 Ron house it would be great for long paddles and good for surfing as well. These boards are not so floaty in the water more like a glass Surfboard. I have the 12'0 and love it for river and waves and have also tried the 11'0 I loaned for a week or so from a friend. Will get the 11'0 when I get permission . P.S you don't here much about these boards but are worth a look. Good luck
Dolla

Are you a team RON rider yet dolla Yeah,dolla rips on his 12 footer,but 11 foot
and under surf better IMHO

mac

DavidJohn said...

Hi Chris welcome to the forum.. Just wondering.. How heavy are you?. That seems to be the biggest factor in deciding what is the right board for you.

DJ

Thanks DavidJohn!

I'm 6'0 approx 81kg

Just bought a issue of "Standup Journal" (very beautiful Magazine, though a bit on the expensive side... )

Cheers!

Chris

I will keep you posted DJ. At this point, I've pretty much factored out the Kalama, since I am looking for a board that will surf well. Now it boils down to $$$ and which board I can get at a better price. I just wish there was an actual SUP community out here so that i could test it out before commiting to a purchase.

I post here once I make a choice. Thanks for all the feedback...

Cheers!

Chris
Atlantic Beach, NC, USA

Welcome to the Breeze Abraham..

11'6" Bongo Perkins??.. .. Is that Bonga's clown brother with the red nose?.. .. (kidding) .. Maybe it's really the 11'6" Southpoint Kalama..

IMO the right board for you comes down to what condition you intend to paddle in.

If mostly flat water with the odd waves I reckon go with the bigger 11'6" size boards.

If you intend to paddle mostly waves with the odd flat water the 11'2" and 11'4" should be great boards for you.

If paddling in only waves you may even want to go shorter.. Maybe 11", 10'6" or even 10'.

Let us know how you go.

DJ

DJ, you were correct in you assumption the last board I had out was indeed the South Point Kalama 11'6". I was looking for a board to be paddled/surfed about 50-50. I live in Portland, OR - US, which is landlocked, (about an hour + to the coast), but I spend almost every weekend + holidays down at the coast, and wanted something that would work well in both places. I paddled the Naish 11'4", and the Starboard 11'2" in flat water, on the Columbia River, this past weekend, and was impressed with both boards. In the end, I thought the Naish provided just a little more float for my large frame, and went with the 11'4" Naish. I have not had a chance to drag it own to the coast yet, but I was out paddling around the local rivers all day yesterday having an absolute blast Not only a gorgeous board but really sweet in the water as well. I spent a good 4 hours paddling both the Starboard and the Naish around and I would recomend either board to any begginer/intermediate paddler, looking for stability and some longboarding performace. Despite opting for the Naish I was really impressed with Starboards Startouch traction.

DJ, one other quick question. Have you had any problems with the deck cracking and denting easily on your Naish 11'4"? I noticed that was a common problem reported for the Naish boards on another SUP forum

Thanks DJ! I think Naish should send you a couple free boards as you have done a great job promoting, and detailing these boards in this forum. Happy paddling!

I got an Naish 11'4'' but also tried the 10'6'' and 11'6'' Naish. First of all I think its best to try as many boards as possible before you buy one, but personally I can recommend the 11'4''. It has served me well as a great all around board for me and my wife. I am 78 kg and the 11'4'' has plenty of access volume for me. I also liked that it has the thruster fin option and came with a pad and a bag.