Hi guys,
I had my first go at SUP at Christmas up in Noosa on the river. Had a great time, I wish I'd take a note of the size of the board I was given from the hire shop, because it really seemed to suit me. Spent a happy 90 minutes going up and down the river with my daughter, felt very stable which as a beginner was all I was looking for. I went for my 2nd go this morning at Balmoral after hiring a board from the Boatshed, and could hardly stand up on the board! Spent most of my time underwater then clambering back on the board. I guess there is a difference between river and sea SUPing, but it was very calm this morning so I couldn't put it down to that. The board I was using this morning was I think this: www.redbacksurfaustralia.com/index.php/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/flypage_images.tpl.html

A redback x-trainer 10'3. I'm 6'2 and 100kg, can anyone advise whether this should suit me or not, and what sort of specification of board I should be looking for if I was buying? I'm just looking for a nice big stable board that I can cruise along on.

Wondering if something like this is a good option: http://biclife.com.au/surfboards/stand-up-paddle-boards/11-6--ace-tec-wind-sup.aspx

Many thanks

Mike

Hi Mike,
I am around your size/weight and have been Sup surfing for a while now. I started on a Hobie 10'4"x29" board that tuned out to be a great board to learn on as well as being really good in the surf. I have found that shape and width seem to have the greatest impact on useability for the beginner along with volume.

Since that first board, I have added an 11'6, 10' and 2x 9'6 boards (yes it is addictive!).

The 11'6 board I have is a cheap one but at around 270 liters will float me and my 2 girls easily. I did find this felt a bit more tippy than the Hobie but only because it was so bouyant... i.e I was sitting up high on the water rather than in the water. The 11'6 is a great cruiser, especially if you want to throw the kids on but is a handful in all but small surf.

I have introduced a number of my friends to sup and they have all taken to the 10'4 Hobie really easily. For this reason, I always suggest the first time supper looks to a board somewhere in the 10'6 range (so the board is not too huge) and just for extra comfort, a width of 30"+. As for shape, a board with a long parallel outline and rounded nose appears to be most friendly both in stability and "paddlability".

I am always reluctant to recommend brand names but will agree that you get what you pay for. Take a look at the range offered at The Surfboard Warehouse as I have purchased 2 boards from them and the price and service is spot on.

I'm not familiar with the Bic board you linked but I would personally not get a board set up for windsurfing if I only wanted to Sup??

Good luck with your search!! Try and demo more boards before you buy.... I was really lucky that the first board recommended was a perfect fit for me.....

Paul

Hey Paul,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write that response. I will try to get hold of the Hobie or something similar, it's great at this stage just to get a rough idea of what has worked for other people of a similar build.

Thanks again

Mike

Mike at your weight - similar to mine - I would suggest a board between 180 - 200 litres, 31 - 33 inches wide and between 10 and 11 feet long. Depending on what you want to do, (flat water only flat water/surf), and your budget; there are a lot of boards to choose from. Maybe try a few more, even get a lesson, don't get talked into too big or heavy board, 11'6 is getting up ther for a beginner. My wife and I got a couple of NSP boards about 18 months ago, hers was just too big and heavy for her and mine was a dog to use in the surf. We replaced them within 3 months with a couple of Naish Manas. Sometimes a little extra spent at a reputable shop can save you money in the long run.

If you've got any balance or surfing ability at at all, don't go over 10'6". Any board from the second hand section will probably do the job. Start with at least 31' wide and be prepared for the difference between moving water and flat water . Have fun.

Thanks guys, really appreciate the advice, I'll report back with what I end up going for and how it goes :o)