I have just started going on a few paddles with hire boards (trying to hire as many different sorts as possible before making a purchase), but it will be impossible to trial everything.
I would like to get the opinion of the experienced members as to their choice for the best entry level board brand? I have been looking at packages under $900.
Is there much difference between different brands of with similar size/shape boards?
Should inflatable/soft tops be an option? (I like the look of an inflatable SUP with an optional kayak seat for versatility)
A bit about me, I am 5' 10" 75kg, will SUP on flat water 99% of the time, can't surf to save myself (no balance) however would like to try on small waves later with some SUP experience under my belt.
Thanks for your opinions
Can I suggest if your aiming at under $900 just take a look at some used boards of the better brands.
what would be your list of the 'better' brands?
At the moment I have no clue what may be an expensive but bad brand, or a cheap and great brand. (if they exist)
You are getting good advice here.
Since you are 99% going to be paddling flatwater, I'd suggest that you try to get as long a board as you can carry and store. Longer boards are generally more fun for paddling distance. You might find a secondhand Starboard 12-6 Cruiser for 900 which would do you well. It's nice and stable and when you do decide to try small waves it will cope fine.
It's best for your first board to get a really beat up but serviceable secondhand board from one of the upmarket manufacturers if you can - it will take a thrashing in those first few months and if it is well dinged before you get it you can always blame the rail chips on the previous owner!
It's easy to know which are the top brands - just google them and look at their prices...
But if you have to go new, DJ is right, the 11ft or even 11-6 NSP are great value. I've got an ex-demo beat up 11 ft NSP that I use for lending to family and friends. It cost me next to nothing when I bought it from a rental place at the end of the season, and is as tough as old boots, so I don't mind when the kids ram it up the beach or play SUP joust with it...An old Jimmy Lewis 11 ft all-rounder would do as well.
Inflatable boards are useful, safe, and fun (I have an ULI, which I've even surfed on double-overhead waves). They paddle distance reasonably well, if you can pump them up enough -it's in the surf where they show their weaknesses most. But the ones worth having are pretty expensive - about the same price new as an ordinary hard board, really. Some of the cheaper brands are just not stiff enough, and despite being full of air they are still heavy - again, about the same as an ordinary board (or in some cases heavier).
Hope this helps.
Thanks for all the tips guys, very much appreciated!!
I'm still looking for those "cheap as chips" beat up but good brand boards...
They seem a bit rare at the moment. The cheapest "decent"? 11' board in Qld on the forum at the moment is still over $900..
I'll keep an eye out.
I started out on a 7S SUP, 9'8" and I am a similar weight/size to you.
Yes, the big cruisers are easy to learn on, but dont discount a shorter board if there is plenty of width, for stability. It also has the option for customised fin set up INCLUDING slot for a big single fin, which is most important for flat water cruising.
This model as been dropped from the 7S range, which is a pity because it is a very good, stable 'hybrid' board for the flat water and small surf.
For a fuller description, go to...http://standuppaddlesurf.com.au/content/view/72/64/
9'8" x 29" 3/4 x 4 1/4"
Pow!
