Hi all,

New to the forum and to SUP. Long time user of Seabreeze for offshore fishing:)... I rode a bodyboard as a kid and now as a man of middle years looking to get into some flat water exploring and some small wave action around Phillip Island. I'm pretty short and weigh 60kg. I've only paddle boarded a few times but took to it pretty quick. I've got reasonable balance and strength. Seems that a lot of boards are designed to accomodate much more weight and I'm not sure about a board to start on? I hear "bigger better" for a beginner thrown about but is bigger better for someone who weighs 60kgs / thin build - low centre of gravity? I'd love to hear thoughts and advice. I'm looking at the Fly Fantatic 9" 6" or JP All round 10". Also pretty keen on the NAISH boards although they do seem designed for larger/heavier riders.

cheers

Hi Ewardo, I'm a similar weight 63kg ,with my boots on, and started on a Starboard 9'8" Element.
Stable, plenty of glide and surfs really well.

If you like Naish consider the
Mana 9.5 or Nalu 10'6.

Thanks for the replies. SRrat the Starboard looks good and reassuring to hear someone else has started on a board less than 10".

Gboots, I was under the impression the Mana 9.5 was more for larger riders? Def looking at the Nalu specifically the 10" LE version,

For your weight and height, you will not need a lot of volume and width for stability. Length, however, will be very useful for paddling speed, important for exploring on flat water and gliding into the waves, so you can have fun on meek waves with nobody on them.

I'd say that this means about 120-140 liters in volume, 29" / 30" in width, and at least 10' in length. A sleek longboard or gun/cruiser shape.

You do not need to get an expensive board as a first one. If you have no previous surfing experience with hard boards, you will probably ding it a lot, it would be a waste to start with an expensive one. But big brands will resell better, and if you are attracted to a brand or shape or graphics, go with it, it is part of the experience.

In the Naish range, the Nalu 10'6" may be the closest choice. A tad too much volume, but it will paddle better. In SUPing, more is better than less.
www.naishsurfing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2018SUP_Board_Spec_Sheet_Final.pdf
There are of course plenty of choice in other brands, too.

Cheers Colas,

Feel like I'm getting great insights. Pretty pumped to actually gat a board and have a paddle and a surf now... Will keep checking the second hand sales for something likely. Leaning towards the Naish Mana 9"5.

Ewardo I think 10'6 Nalu would be more suitable if you want a Naish.
I am 63kg and used that board once and found it super stable and not too wide. The 9'5 Mana I used once and found it a bit of a tanker for my dimensions.
A Starboard 9 Converse is also something to consider. 30 wide and around 135-140L

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SRrat said..
Hi Ewardo, I'm a similar weight 63kg ,with my boots on, and started on a Starboard 9'8" Element.
Stable, plenty of glide and surfs really well.

Loved the Starboard Element, traded in a moment of madness and wish I still had it.

Select to expand quote

rockmagnet said..

SRrat said..
Hi Ewardo, I'm a similar weight 63kg ,with my boots on, and started on a Starboard 9'8" Element.
Stable, plenty of glide and surfs really well.

Loved the Starboard Element, traded in a moment of madness and wish I still had it.

Have hung onto mine, wife paddles it on flat water, kids mess around on it and if mate

Select to expand quote

SRrat said..

rockmagnet said..

SRrat said..
Hi Ewardo, I'm a similar weight 63kg ,with my boots on, and started on a Starboard 9'8" Element.
Stable, plenty of glide and surfs really well.

Loved the Starboard Element, traded in a moment of madness and wish I still had it.

Have hung onto mine, wife paddles it on flat water, kids mess around on it and if mate

...and if a mate needs a board they surf it.

Thanks for the input all. Think I will start on a Nalu 10"6 - hope to pick up a second hand one. I'll be located at Phillip Island.

Pretty much sold on it as it seems like you can have fun on dribble sized waves which is where I will start.

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Ewardo said..
Thanks for the input all. Think I will start on a Nalu 10"6 - hope to pick up a second hand one. I'll be located at Phillip Island.

Pretty much sold on it as it seems like you can have fun on dribble sized waves which is where I will start.

Theres no waves at phillip island mate ! better go torquay !

there's also no waves at torquay, best to go bali.