Hi all. This is my first post on this forum. I am down to two choices for my first SUP: a 9'2" or a 10' Waterborne Evoke. My intention is surfing Lennox Main Beach and Flat Rock, Ballina on smaller to 3-4' days (eventually). My stand up experience is with a McTavish Carver 8'1" longboard which I love and have surfed on and off for 10+ years in between riding kneeboards.

With the shark factor here I have made the decision to go to a SUP. I am 63Kg, and 67 years old with medium level fitness.

Any comments greatly appreciated. I actually took home the 9'2" today from the Surfboard Warehouse, Byron, but will wait on advice before taking out of the board-bag. It's brand new and could be exchanged. I would like to keep this board 2-3 years as am on limited income, so prefer not to change in a year or so, if possible.

I'd stick with the 9'2" if I were you. It's very stable and the length will be better for surfing and handling out of the water than the 10 footer.

Thanks for your advice. Storage and handling are indeed issues for me. Plus being a lightweight, my thought was there would be enough volume in the 9'2", and enough stability with the 32". Much appreciated.

Yes i agree keep the 9,2

Likewise I like being on a SUP. I am a lot less paranoid than I was on my surfboard with the shark factor.

Gardim, you'll be right with the float no worries. I have 2 mates who weigh round the 113kgs and they ride 9'2 carbons. I'm 88kgs and I ride the 7'11 no worries in the surf.
You'll be very happy with your purchase.

I reckon the 9.2 will be good. My wife was riding a 7'11 as a beginner and about 62kgs.

i had fun on the 7'11 too and I am 88kgs.

when it gets windy then I use my 9'6 fanatic prowave.

so hopefully you have the best in all conditions at 9'2.

have fun.

I am mid 40s , 65 kg, relatively new to SUP and have found the 7'11 floats me easily at 130L.
it probably depends more on the glide you are looking for . 10 foot will be super on flat water but less manageable out of water

Hey guys I'm high jacking this thread a little,

I'm going out to look at a used but apparently near new 9'2 evoke carbon tomorrow. I'm shopping for my first board and have only used rentals before.

I'm 6'1, 80kg and 38 years old and reasonably fit ... Not sure what's actually relevant here, I'm most likley going to ride flat water and small waves with a hope to actually surf it at some point but predominantly flat water. I'm looking to get into boarding mostly for fun and fitness.

Is this board likley to be an issue for a beginner, is it too small for predominantly flat water use? Anything else I should know.

Thanks in advance.

BB.
The 9'2 would suit your weight & height for surfing as a beginner and works well on flat water too.
The 10' would be too big in my opinion unless you want to carry kids on it as well but either one is a good entry board that surfs really well.
You can't go wrong with either.

Bamboo Evoke toughness? what should I expect from a cheap board?

Short background: Ive recently bought a 10'' Bamboo Evoke (like 8 weeks ago) and after a major delivery issue ( 2 boards sent due to the courier's - we dont know where it is" line) Ive kept the dinted one but with a good main fin box (the alternative was an un-dinted board with a loose fin box) - The SBW have been awesome to deal with - very impressive customer service,

I'm 92 kg and have only paddled the Bamboo E on flat water for fitness - maybe 3 times a week doing arounf 5 km each time but Im 'feeling and seeing' heel depresions already ?? I know I dont move me feet around like I would on the waves but Im only paddling on flat water - is this normal for a waterborne Evoke Bamboo to see heel dents with bugger all use?

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Lambie said..
Bamboo Evoke toughness? what should I expect from a cheap board?

Short background: Ive recently bought a 10'' Bamboo Evoke (like 8 weeks ago) and after a major delivery issue ( 2 boards sent due to the courier's - we dont know where it is" line) Ive kept the dinted one but with a good main fin box (the alternative was an un-dinted board with a loose fin box) - The SBW have been awesome to deal with - very impressive customer service,

I'm 92 kg and have only paddled the Bamboo E on flat water for fitness - maybe 3 times a week doing arounf 5 km each time but Im 'feeling and seeing' heel depresions already ?? I know I dont move me feet around like I would on the waves but Im only paddling on flat water - is this normal for a waterborne Evoke Bamboo to see heel dents with bugger all use?

Getting heel dents in most boards is common to a point, if you are just buying a CNC cut board with a layer of glass and a paper or thin layer of wood laminate then yes they will all dent its just how far is to far.
I would get a little worried if it is denting close to the handle as more than likely this will crack and the board can suck water.

The best boards to avoid heel dents are PVC wraped boards like Jimmy Lewis and us at ONE SUP do with our production Moulded line of boards as these are far more durable long term but foresure will cost more up front.

Just keep a eye on how deep the dents go and if you think its gone to far just take it back to where you got it and i am sure they will give you some good advice.

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Lambie said..
Bamboo Evoke toughness? what should I expect from a cheap board?

Short background: Ive recently bought a 10'' Bamboo Evoke (like 8 weeks ago) and after a major delivery issue ( 2 boards sent due to the courier's - we dont know where it is" line) Ive kept the dinted one but with a good main fin box (the alternative was an un-dinted board with a loose fin box) - The SBW have been awesome to deal with - very impressive customer service,

I'm 92 kg and have only paddled the Bamboo E on flat water for fitness - maybe 3 times a week doing arounf 5 km each time but Im 'feeling and seeing' heel depresions already ?? I know I dont move me feet around like I would on the waves but Im only paddling on flat water - is this normal for a waterborne Evoke Bamboo to see heel dents with bugger all use?

Lambie, as Paul said above they all eventually start to sag in the deck and especially watch around the handle as water can get in.
As per you're evoke mate just keep an eye on it. You are clocking up the k's on the board with use so some dings will have to be expected. I'm your weight and ride a 7'11. I've owned both a bamboo and carbon evokes and still have the carbon and it's my go to board. The bamboo I had handled my treatment no worries and I just upgraded to the carbon for the extra strength in the surf. I've upgraded that carbon (grey one) to the previous orange model and still going strong. Would love to go again to the current green but no spare $$ at the moment.
Good luck.