Hi,

First time posting long, time reading/studying posts.

I have convinced my much better half on how much better life would be for both of us if I was to purchase a SUP. Persistence beats resistance they say. Anyways, I'm looking at either the Nalu 10' 10 or the 11'. I'm 97kgs and live on the Mornington peninsula so I presume, rightly or wrongly, that the majority of the time i'll be cruising the bay. I was leaning towards the 10'10 initially as its max load fits in my weight range and have read that it's quite a good flat water paddler. Spoke to a guy in a shop and he suggested the 11 would be better as it is better in the surf, will hold my weight fine and is probably a bit more progressive. I think meaning that i'll be happier on it for a longer time.

Like most beginners I have a dream of just having one board for most situations. (I know this will change)

I was hoping for some experiences that might sway me either way. I think either one is going to be good but I guess I want one that i'll still love in a year or two.

If it helps, I'm reasonably fit, average surfer of an 8'2 mal and am lucky enough to be a shifter worker with a bit of time to get on the water.

Thanks for your help and sorry about the life history

Hi BennyOrbit,

I love the 1' Nalu, currently my fave board. The 11' is forgiving, and easy to paddle but still has performance to burn on a wave. Irode it every day whilst up north on waves from head high to waist high. I was demoing all the range that week but I always found myself wanting to get back on the 11'er, which I did

The 10'10" is a nice board too, however, it will leave you wanting more for surfing whereas the 11'er will allow you to grow. It requires a bit of old skool walking or cross stepping for perfect trim and nose riding, and a quick step back towards the tail pad will crank a nice turn turn back to the peak into the pocket. Biff off the foam ball, a quick step forward to trim for speed and repeat. Can't get enough of this!

The width of the Nalu 11, will make it easy for your significant other or yourself to paddle flat water and not be thrown off by the odd errant wave from a boat. If the budget will extend far enough, I'd definitely go the GT construction over the GS as the weight saving, premium fins and premium deck grip are worth it in my opinion.

Either board will be fine, as you suggest, but the 11 foot Nalu in 2015 shape is a real keeper.

DM

Awesome. Thanks so much for the assistance. I never really doubted the surfing ability but was more concerned with the flat water abilities of the board.

If you guys reckon it's the goods then I'm happy with that. Not too sure about yum yum yellow though, but guess it'll grow on me.

I'm going for a demo later in the week so hopefully that will reinforce what you guys have said.

Thanks again for the help.

Good choice of board, Benny. Hope to see you in one of DJ's vids sometime soon. Those fun little waves he often finds in your neck of the woods would be ideal for you as you get the feel of the Nalu. I've got the 10'6.5 and I love it in everything from flatwater to overhead surf. (Though I do like a nice channel to get out in when the waves are bigger... ) Enjoy. Dave.