I have been reading reviews on this forum and need some advice.
I have been surfing for 30+ years, even competitively in the old days, still surf a lot in Central & South America (short board, SW Pacific Swells)). I am 5'10", 70 kg (155 lb) and new to SUP. I have done some research and narrowed it to 2014 Mana 9'5 or Nalu 10'6. I just demoed the Mana 9'5 on the flat (inter coastal canal). Although very windy, I found it stable and glides decently for training days. Moved up my stance and gliding improve. Now, could not take it out to the ocean because it was Victory at Sea.. 25+knots wind and very choppy. I feel that 10'6 Nalu would be too much and I might outgrow it fast once I get the feel for it in South Florida small, choppy surf. I also tried a Fanatic Allwave 8'10 and feel it to small and shaky !. Any advice..
I have both.. As much as I love the Nalu I think the new Mana is the right board for you to buy.. For mostly flat water with some surfing the Nalu would be better.
But if it's mostly surfing with a small amount of flat water the Mana is the best board IMO.
I, as a newbie to sup surfing rode the 2013 Mana 9-5 for about 8 months in small to medium shorebreak, found it easy to learn on. After a few months, found it hard to turn. Then, last Sept, bought a new 2013 Mana 8-10. I found it challenging to get my balance and spent more time in the water than standing on board, especially when choppy. After 5 months, I have now mastered the balance except when really choppy, am catching a lot of waves. Not doing cutbacks, yet, but having a lot of fun.
Questions:
Are the shapes on the 2014 8-10 and 9-5 the same as the 2013 models?
Does anyone out there know the real volume of the 2013 and 2014 models?
I, as a newbie to sup surfing rode the 2013 Mana 9-5 for about 8 months in small to medium shorebreak, found it easy to learn on. After a few months, found it hard to turn. Then, last Sept, bought a new 2013 Mana 8-10. I found it challenging to get my balance and spent more time in the water than standing on board, especially when choppy. After 5 months, I have now mastered the balance except when really choppy, am catching a lot of waves. Not doing cutbacks, yet, but having a lot of fun.
Questions:
Are the shapes on the 2014 8-10 and 9-5 the same as the 2013 models?
Does anyone out there know the real volume of the 2013 and 2014 models?
Pretty sure the 8'10" is the same but the 9'5" is very different from 2013 to 2014..
Thanks DJ & SoCal, I'm incline for the Mana. Looking at the 2014 specs, the 2014 Man? is listed at 163lL and tbe Nalu at 160L. Mostly in South Florida is small wind swell. I guess the Mana will provide more fun even for flat day.