I need some collective input on the next board purchase.
We've decided to sell one of our original Naish 11'6s. Back from the days when there was only the 11'6 in the range!
I'm covered for flat water with a 14 Glide, and have enjoyed the 11'6 for learning how to get into the waves, but need something less barge-like.
We bought our daughter a Mana 9'5 a few years ago , (2011 - 9???5??? x 31??? x 4 ?????, 190L), and I find that my 95kg is really a bit much to be able to comfortably get going. Admittedly, I probably haven't had nearly enough time on it to make a decisive judgement.
So the question is, which board would be better as a strictly surf oriented board. The Nalu 10'6 or the Mana 10? I've seen there is a lot of love for the current Nalu 10'6 on the forum, particular in terms of its classic longboard feel. The conditions we usually get are often on the smaller end of the scale, so I'm leaning towards the Nalu, but would like some input if anyone can give any info on the boards.
Both great boards and both will work well for you at your weight.. btw I'm also 95kg and I have the 10'6'' and 9'5'' Mana.
You will be surprised how well the 10'6'' is.. It's fast and has great glide but has a long board feel.. [a good thing]
If you get a 10' Mana go for the new 2014 version.. It is 6'' shorter but 3'' wider.. and has a more short board feel.
So IMO the Nalu will performance surf better.. but the Mana will be easier to surf and be more stable.
DJ
Thanks David, your input always valued.
I'm surprised that the Nalu has the performance edge? Maybe I shouldn't be given the width of the Mana.
I guess manoeuvrability is the thing I'm looking for, something lacking on the old 11'6. Which one would you prefer in smaller surf?
For me it's more about the fun rather than the performance surfing because I'm not a great surfer so I would go with the new 10' Mana.. I would say that the Mana is a bit more maneuverable.. If you are out and the wind picks up and it gets a bit choppy you'll be glad you got the wider board.. 
DJ
Useful thread this one....the 10 6 was top of my list but had niggling doubts about the width of the board in chop - think I have just had it answered. Now to find a longboard style SUP around the same length but wider!
I have had the 11.4 Nalu and just dropped to the 10.6 and man what a great choice, The 10.6 for me is the go to board in the range. I liked the 11.4 as I could throw one of the rug rats on the front and paddle the river but decided that a little performance is the surf was the reason for the down size. I also have a 8.5 mana the new 2014 model. Floats well surfs exceptionly well. But I still warm to the 10.6 over a mana
Select to expand quoteSlab said..
Useful thread this one....the 10 6 was top of my list but had niggling doubts about the width of the board in chop - think I have just had it answered. Now to find a longboard style SUP around the same length but wider!
How heavy are you?.. Anyone under 95kg will not find the 10'6" Nalu tippy at all.. even in chop.
DJ
Select to expand quoteDavidJohn said..Slab said..
Useful thread this one....the 10 6 was top of my list but had niggling doubts about the width of the board in chop - think I have just had it answered. Now to find a longboard style SUP around the same length but wider!
How heavy are you?.. Anyone under 95kg will not find the 10'6" Nalu tippy at all.. even in chop.
DJ
I'm 90kg but need to add an extra 5mm wetsuit to that. I guess the template of the 10 6 being longboard in shape will obviously help a lot with the 30 inches wide. My three SUPs are 32 and 31.5 wide with my smallest being a 8ft 6 X 31 wide mini longboard type shape...similar to a 8ft 6 allwave. The latter has good volume but very much noticeably tippier width way compared to the other two..although fine on a calm day. That's my only experience with a 30 wide SUP but if I get a longboard shape I don't want to be fighting it in chop as my plan is to be able to paddle it from peak to peak on a very long beach.
Hey Slab... I ride Allwaves as you know, mainly because I had issues with boards once they dropped to 30" wide.
I was pleasantly surprised by how stable the 10'6 is. The thicker rail with recessed deck does a lot to keep some float out on the rails.
The Mana is turns quicker and is VERY stable, but does not share the "Longboard" characteristics of the Nalu. It just depends what you want most. Either will suit you fine.
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..
Hey Slab... I ride Allwaves as you know, mainly because I had issues with boards once they dropped to 30" wide.
I was pleasantly surprised by how stable the 10'6 is. The thicker rail with recessed deck does a lot to keep some float out on the rails.
The Mana is turns quicker and is VERY stable, but does not share the "Longboard" characteristics of the Nalu. It just depends what you want most. Either will suit you fine.
OOPs - think I have jumped someone else's thread a bit here - sorry!! I'm jut interested n the Nalu (longboard style only) - Kicktick is after either or.
Creek - yup - if you say stable then I'll know you what sort of stability I'm after......
So it seems the consensus is I "need" both :) A short board and a longboard.
I'm very comfortable on the 27 odd inch wide 14" Glide I have, so the tippy side of things isnt such an issue, but may be for the wife if it is going to be her everyday flatwater paddler.
I might see if I can get a day on my travels to demo them both. I can see what is going to happen here though - now just need to find a way to justify both.
DJ said...."If you get a 10' Mana go for the new 2014 version.. It is 6'' shorter but 3'' wider"
What does this mean? 
I think he means, the difference between the NAlu 10'6" and the Mana 10',
i.e.
- Mana 10' x 33"
- Nalu 10'6" x 30"
JB
I started on a NSP 10'6 and have recently bought the Mana 9'5 GS (140L 31'x 4), Im 80 kgs or there abouts.
The Mana is way more surf oriented, the NSP is entry level all rounder.
The width of the Mana provides good stability, however being a much shorter board you need to work a bit harder to get on waves.
That said, once on a wave she rides great, as per the video you've seen above.
As you've said, your weight makes it hard to get going on shorter boards, so the 10" or 10'6 would be the go.
