Hello,
I'm new to SUP and can't wait to get a board, and am looking to get in at a budget, and I'm also finding 2nd hand gear scarce.
Whilst happily SUP shopping I found this on Ebay :

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-M8R8-EPOXY-Surfboards-1010-Standup-Paddle-Board_W0QQitemZ260269028959QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Sport_Surfing?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

What do you more experience sup folk think of these "no name" sort of boards? Its about the size Im looking for. And it's the right price. The ebay seller seems genuine and were helpful with questions. I want the board for mostly flat water paddling (with dog on board) and very small surf around the river mouths.
Any advice would be appreciated !!

Have a click around here:

http://www.vecsurfboards.com/home/home.html

and here

www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=vec+sup+paddle+board&meta=

$799 plus about $60 for delivery is pretty cheap. Add $200 for deck grip and a few hundred for a paddle. You can use wax if you want ... but it sucks.

I think NSP are the cheapest SUPS from stores at around $1500 including grip and a paddle.

Just remember, you tend to get what you pay for.

Hey, Thanks for the advice guys !!
I'm thinking the board could really suit me, beginner 65kg (add dog 24kg on the flat water) and it should float us no probs. And seeing how scarce 2nd hand sups are I should have no probs selling it in six months if I dont end up liking it.

I know I should support local retailers, but they are TWICE the price for something similar???
Looks like they will get to sell me a paddle and deck grip, unless anyone can tell me where these items are half price on the net!!!

I'm totally in agreement with DJ - hard to go past the NSP if you are looking at spending nearer $1000 to $2000. Very stable board for flatwater and small surf and light to carry and load. If you shop around you will be up for about $1500 complete with paddle. The other option if you wanna get into a higher end board that may last you a lot longer is to try to get hold of a s/h Naish or similar. Yeah it's hard to get s/h but maybe try roar industries for some advice on that. Good luck and welcome to the fray - it'll change your life !!

Yeah gotta agree with AA & JB on this one. Lost counts amount of people wanting to trade their cheap tanker in for something more refined and reliable but like JB said you get what you pay for....

Hey, Now you guys have really confused me! But luckily I know where your all coming from, Ive been into mountainbiking for so long now and wouldn't advise anyone to get a crap entry level MTB, even when they start out. Its all about enhancing the experience.

Ive almost been convinced on Naish 11 6 - or the NSP 11 as a cheap alternative.

What would be the difference on resale between these two boards?

Ive heard the Naish are really light, which is good for girly handling onto roof rack

No, Im not Planning on selling it down the track, I guess that just happens...?
I'm planning on enjoying the fab waterways we have here on the awesome Sunny Coast whilst getting a great cross training workout (sup will be my 2nd sport) and also a suntan! Im not a surfer, Im not keen on surf over 2 ft, it scares me ! So its flat water and river mouth or beach surf when conditions are real light on. Oh, yeah and the Border collie comes for a ride sometimes too.

Well said Scotty.

Courts

I'm only brand new to SUPS (approx 1 week), so I don't have a lot of experience or other boards to compare. But a few people here have recommended the 11' NSP and thats what I ended up buying too. I did a bit of research, read a few reviews, talked to my local surfshop owner and the NSP stood out as the best all round, beginner, do a bit of everything board for the price. My experience with the board has been very good. I'm about 88kg at 5'6", 43 years old with a longboard surfing background. The board is extremely stable in calm water. I can put my 9 y/o daughter on with me no problem. I can even add my 8 y/o son as well (but thats more challenging). That probably adds up to about 130kg all up. Despite its size the board is very light and easy to carry with the built in hand hold. I don't find it easy to paddle into the wind on it but that could be my inexperience. I also paid $1350 for it and traded in a surfboard which paid for a paddle & cover. I'm still learning in the surf but I have it on good authority that its a competent surfer in small waves. Hope that helps.

Cheers
Th0m0

Having said 2nd hand boards are scarce, just so happens a beautiful Naish 11 6 just popped up on ebay , JUST down the road from me, and the deal is DONE ! Great big bouyant learner board for less than half new price.
Im wrapped !
Now I just have to figure out paddle resizing!