Went for a paddle on Saturday with my mate and his son on their new used boards, C4 11'6", NSP 11' longboard and my Starboard 11'2"

A few things:

- we cruised along in the lee of the cliffs enjoying the view and basically having an on-water stroll. As the more experienced paddler I could do little sprints and check stuff out and paddle about while the others cruised along. There was never an issue of anyone being held back or left behind. It's not like cycling or running or walking where you have to travel straight down a road or path. Each can travel at their own best speed and just adjust the direction to keep everyone together.

- the C4 has a couple of leash attachment points on either side of the middle of the board. You put a loop of cord through each one and you can slide your paddle in to use it as a handle to carry the board. Way easier to carry than a finger slot. Board makers should add these to all boards in addition to the finger slots.

- the NSP longboard is heaps narrower and thinner than a SUP but in flat water it was fine for my 80kg. The narrow width made paddling straight and fast really easy.

- the C4 is vastly different to my 11'2". Much wider in the tail and much thicker. Much more stable and easier to paddle straight (due to the 3 fins and more parallel rails). The C4 kills it on flat water but I think the Starboard would be much more nimble in the waves.

store.c4waterman.com/C4-Waterman-Stand-Up-Board-11-6-p/c4sub11-6.htm

www.newsurfproject.com/index.php?set_language=en&cccpage=long110

http://www.star-board-sup.com/2008/products/sup112.php

I agree with the paddle carry option that the C4 has - the ULI also has it, and it is way easier to carry than the naish handle. All sups should come standard with them.

I saw how you did that DJ, but carying the board using the paddle as a handle makes much more sense. I want to get a couple of plugholes for my Naish now so I can do the same thing. Where did you get it done?

I forgot about my deck pad. Don't think it's an option now for me - thanks for the advise though, when I get another board I'll definitely do it.