New to SUP boarding and buying my first board. Skate boarded when youger moderately fit and 88kg. Wanting a good allrounder 50% flat water and 50% surf. Looking at a fanatic allwave 9'5 or JP fusion 9'6. Any thoughts on the better option? Is the JP worth the extra few hundred? Should i go slightly smaller?

Starboard Element. Has a flatter rocker but still surfs very well . A good board for flat water and surfing. I've had one for two years and see no reason to change.

The FLY is a great choiCe based on my wife and my recent experiences. She has one in 9'6 Her first board and is loving it. Paddles well hasn't been in the surf yet but should be ok with the rocker it has. It has also got me into the sport, used hers then went out and bought my own board.

We are both lighter I am 71kg and found her board really stable. Have done a bit of surfing and lot of windsurfing though whch I am sure has helped.

Innerdragon said..
Is the ** worth the extra few hundred? Should i go slightly smaller?

You will grow up quickly out of your boards, so for your first board you want to minimize the cost: buy cheap something that will resell well.
Big name brands are expensive but resell well, so often a good solution is a second hand popular model. Or quality boards sold direct to keep the price down.

If you never surfed prone, I'd advise to stay in the 10'+ length, keeping in mind that the width is what will give you stability. 32"+ will be more fun.