Is there such a thing as a light, very stable and robust board?
For flat water SUP (bay, creek etc.).
No intention of trying to surf with SUP.
Budget: < $1000
2nd hand OK.

60kg
170cm tall
Weedy arms, clumsy @ times.

Went to local Hobie place.
They suggested their new range 10" (about 30' wide, I think, 170L-ish volume)
BUT $1600 is too steep for me to get into SUP!

Looking at SUP for enjoyment, exercise.

Would be great if could put 30kg 9 year old on the front sometimes, but not if that means a huge board I struggle to carry.

Thankyou!

get a second hand race board if only for flat water. at ur size u can go 12'6 or 14 if u want to flat water race. there are some cheap nsp second hand boards, starboard, naish, fanatic for a grand..

check for sale on seabreeze. have fun.

Hi Ozwrangler,

The new NSP Elements 10'2" is 32" wide for big stability, is no heavier thanh any other decent board and is $995 brand new with deck grip and fin. Too easy! Go see your local SUP store that sells NSP and take a look.

Bloody great value if you are'nt racing or surfing.

DM

Thanks for suggestions.

Saw some SUPer's out near spit @ Huskisson and am rethinking the "not to surf at all" part . Looks fun, easy to get to and waves not too big.

Tried a couple of boards on Jervis Bay (South Coast NSW).
Mainly flat, with some very small waves near Moona Moona Creek:

1. Husband's "Mongoboard" mongoboards.com/
He's got the 10'6" X30 X 5 dark wooden board on webpage.
Good price @ $1250 for package: board, deck pad, leash, bag, carbon fibre paddle.
BUT really hard for me to handle in/out of water and on/off car (weight, size).
i.e. nearly dropped more than once.
No idea about quality, other than it looks pretty .
Pretty useless if I can't carry it properly.
He falls off alot trying it in surf (is kiteboarder, not surfer).
I wouldn't want to try in surf as don't want to be whacked with such a big/heavy board.
Managed to hit myself with it falling off in the bay, in relatively flat conditions (!), and that was bad enough.

2. Big Laird 12" (I think) soft top, old 2nd hand.
Fine on bay with very small waves (near Moona Moona creek)
Bit heavy to handle, but otherwise seemed OK.

Any suggestions for lightest, easy to carry boards? i.e. < 11kg?

Any thoughts on the SOFT tops?
Better or worse for lightness and durability?

Something like www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cronulla/surfing/sunjam-soft-sup-package/1018010692 ?

or (bamboo type?) www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/riverwood/surfing/sup-bamboo-stand-up-paddle-board-top-quality-cabon-paddle/1013255381

Realistically, its a big deterrent if it's a struggle getting into the water and either me or board consistently getting damaged.
Hoping paddling will help build some better upper body strength, but still need something manageable to start with.

Thanks for all the help.
Great forum.

Darren is right check out the NSP sup's if you now want to do a bit of flat water and waves, they have a the Element range that sells for $995 and are great value and there are plenty of NSP dealer around.

If you want to spend over a $1000 it opens up quite a few more boards as well, you could also ring around a heap of shops in Aus and see what they have and recommend in new and 2nd hand. If you want something easy to carry try and get a board with a ledge carry handle which will make it heaps easier.

Jacko

Found a couple of 2nd hand boards, paddles:

1. SUP ATX ar1 10"6'X 31 1/2
$699 + $100 for new carbon paddle (or $200 for adjustable version)

2. Bic Ace Tec 10"6' X 31
$650 with free alu paddle
Alu paddle would be good for kids to use, while I could buy something better, separately.

Any thoughts, from more experienced people?
Adjustable vs fixed carbon paddles?

Thanks