Hi Everyone,

I got such a positive response last time so I though I'd get your opinions again!

This weekend I tried out the NSP 10'2x32" Element and found it very tippy. I couldn't stand up for more than a minute on it without toppling over the side. Now, this could be in part due to my inability to balance well. The conditions were a bit blowy so I will let that take some of the blame also! Either way, I found it hard to stand up and maintain my balance.

Having found the NSP a bit hard to balance on, it has been recommended that I try a Mana 10'5 due to the dramatic increase in width and the 251 litres of volume. All the reviews I have read (mostly on this site) seem to indicate that the 10'5 is like a log in the water, hard to turn and hard to get up speed on. The person I talked to reckons that if you're heavy like I am, then turning isn't an issue and that the Mana's in general are made to take into the waves. Another issue is that there is no one around Geelong/Torquay that has this board to demo, so I would have to buy it blindly in hopes that it is the right board for me. I wanted to try out the Mana 10'0 but was told that the NSP would be more stable due to its larger rails. Another board that I was looking into was the PSH 10'2, but was told that 1) no one stocks them in my area, 2) they are a cheaper build and 3) have a poor resale value. But from what I hvae read, they are very stable and great for surfing.

Does anyone own the Mana 10'5, or tried it out? How does is perform in the surf? Is it maneuverable if you have the weight? Lastly, how does it perform on flat water? Same questions for the PSH 10'2.

I am 6'4'', 115 kg, not a surfer but want to eventually take the SUP into the surf. And yes, I am fully aware of the dangers SUP's represent in the surf with other surfers being present and a novice behind the wheel so to speak. I grew up body boarding and body surfing, just not board surfing, so I have some experience with surf etiquette. I want to get into SUP for fitness and fun, and that means flat water paddling and surfing.

Dont get to disheartened if this is your first go in windy choppy conditions.
I do a few board sports and when I first took my Naish 10'6.5 x 30" into the surf, I was in the water more time than I was on the board.
The second time out I improved significantly and the learning curve was fast but on really rough days I would still fall off a bit in that first 6 month period.
The surf is a lot harder than flat water as there is more chop, waves and backwash.
If you go the big long, wide boards they will be harder in the surf to manoeuvre. Try the NSP again in smoother conditions I think it should be okay, you just have to go through a few hard early sessions.
If you can demo, hire or borrow a mates until you sort out the initial learning curve, it will change your perspective on how big a board you will initially buy and may save you some money in the long term buy not wanting to change boards after 6 months.