Aloha. I have been looking for a sup to surf small waves around waist to head high. I was doing searches and came across the Fanatic Allwave. It looks like you guys are knowledgeable about the Allwave so I thought I would ask you guys. At first I was interested in the Naish 10' Mana but now my interest is in the Allwave. I was just hoping if you guys would help me with what length to choose, 9'6" or 9'10". I am 6'0" tall and weigh 110kgs. I already surf, but I am new to SUP. I am looking for a stable board that floats me well. Any feedback or opinions are appreciated. Thanks guys in advance.

Welcome to the Breeze Keau! I have the 9'2" and am 6 foot 100- 105 kg. There is a very little difference between the 9'6" and 9'2".. I'm 55 with a dodgy back but can surf in a mediocre way if I don't drink to much beer the night before.. If you can surf and have good balance you could go for an 8'10". They surf like a fish but because of their thickness can be difficult to cutback without a heavy backfoot and use of the paddle.. The 9'6" is in my opinion as good in most conditions as the 9'2" but a lot more stable in choppy conditions. In the end it comes down to experience and how hard you want to work. IMO you should go the 9'6". As a production board they are excellent. My next board however will be a custom now that I know what I want!! Good luck and have fun!! A fellow breezer called Sameh is an expert on Allwaves and many other boards and is around the same size as you. You might want to PM him as he has some good insights into the boards!! That's my 9'2" in the Avatar.

Cheers Leroy

Aloha Leroy. Thanks for the welcome and the information. At first I was thinking the 9'10" would be better for me then after doing a search and reading several post on this awesome forum I started leaning to the 9'6". To be honest I don't think I have the greatest balance, but with water time I hope to get better. That's why I wanted to get the 9'10" because I thought with the width and volume it would be real stable for me as I learn to sup. However, I was also wondering if the overall size of the 9'10" was to much for somebody at my weight. I was wondering if I was to light for the board because of the thickness of the rails and overall volume. I was reading that some guys way bigger then me were riding the 9'10" so I was wondering if someone my size would be able to bury the thick rails into the wave and be able to cutback and stuff when I surf. Since I live in Hawaii, I don't have the opportunity to see the board before I buy it. I read that the Allwave is really durable. Is it that much stronger then say the Naish and PSH boards? What is the High Resistance Skin (HRS) like? I'm just curious about the Allwave. I am actually in Brisbane right now and I fly home on Friday night. I almost went to the Gold Coast yesterday and was hoping to go to some shops that carry Fanatic to see the boards up close and in person but I didn't make it. Aloha.

Go the 9ft 6 - once you've had it out a good few times you will get used to it. If you go the big one everything will be easier stability wise but you'll wish you went smaller after some time on the board.

It is well made and strong but like any SUP - they are certainly not bombproof so you need to look after them.

I read somewhere that the rails are not painted like other boards so the rail don't have paint chips so no need to put any rail saver. Is that true? I'm sure as a beginner I will be banging the rail with my paddle like crazy. I'm really thinking the 9'6" would be better for me. Does anyone know roughly what the weight range is for the 9'6" vs the 9'10"? Thanks.

Keau - check this website - click on the 9ft 2 Allwave and scroll down and you will see some rider weights and some reviews. standuppaddleboarding.co.uk/

I put railsaver on all my SUPs regardless - I use helicopter tape - not any SUP specific railsaver tape. The helicopter tape is the best out there...easy to put on, stays on and is clear and tough as hell and costs less.

Hey Slab. I checked out the website and it had the reviews and their weights. Thanks. Helicopter tape is what I'm going to put on my rails. You're right, it is the best thing to protect the rails. Aloha.

Chopper tape is the go!

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Keau said...
Aloha Leroy. Thanks for the welcome and the information. At first I was thinking the 9'10" would be better for me then after doing a search and reading several post on this awesome forum I started leaning to the 9'6". To be honest I don't think I have the greatest balance, but with water time I hope to get better. That's why I wanted to get the 9'10" because I thought with the width and volume it would be real stable for me as I learn to sup. However, I was also wondering if the overall size of the 9'10" was to much for somebody at my weight. I was wondering if I was to light for the board because of the thickness of the rails and overall volume. I was reading that some guys way bigger then me were riding the 9'10" so I was wondering if someone my size would be able to bury the thick rails into the wave and be able to cutback and stuff when I surf. Since I live in Hawaii, I don't have the opportunity to see the board before I buy it. I read that the Allwave is really durable. Is it that much stronger then say the Naish and PSH boards? What is the High Resistance Skin (HRS) like? I'm just curious about the Allwave. I am actually in Brisbane right now and I fly home on Friday night. I almost went to the Gold Coast yesterday and was hoping to go to some shops that carry Fanatic to see the boards up close and in person but I didn't make it. Aloha.

Hey Keahu, I have the 9'10, I bought it as a transitional board coming off my 12 footer. I'm 6'2 and about 125kg and my balance isn't great, no real surfing background. It's a great board, very stable and works well for me when surf conditions are relatively calm and smooth but when wind and chop comes up (say 15knots or more) I still tend to reach for my 12' x 33 which is a bit more stable. At your size I'd say you're on the margin for the 9'6 or 9'10 but I suspect that if you went for the 9'10 you'd want the 9'6 fairly soon. The Allwaves float like a bigger board and lots of guys report going down a size after they've been on one for a little while. They're very popular and in relatively short supply so If you went conservative and bought the 9'10 first up you probably wouldn't have much trouble selling it or trading in for a smaller one a bit later.

All that said, maybe a good idea to ask around your local waters and see what big guys are riding where you live.

Howzit HumanCartoon. Thanks for your feedback. I still don't know which way to go, 9'6" or 9'10". Do I want stability or surfabilty? My balance is alright but not the best. That's why I'm leaning to the 9'10", but a lot of guys say I would want to drop down to the 9'6" as I progress.

I have been talking to some big guys who surf here in Hawaii and they suggest that I get a board from a local company here in Hawaii called Tropical Blends or Naish Mana. Tropical Blends has two models for big guys to surf the Holo Nalu 9' x 33" x 4.5" and the Hano Hano 10' x 34" x 4.75". The guys said that I am to light for the Hano Hano. At my weight I may not be heavy enough to get the rail to dig into the waves face. There is a guy 350lbs plus that rips on the Hano Hano. Very impressive. I am bummed that there are no Fanatic dealers here in Hawaii to demo the Allwave. Thanks guys for all the feedback and opinions. I really appreciate your guys help because my decision on which size will be determined by what you guys say. Aloha.

Aloha Keau (I've always wanted to say that!). We all agree the 9'6" for an Allwave. However, you might want to demo a PSH Hull paddler being in Hawaii. My 10' 2" is a magic board and there are some videos of some very large Bruddas ripping!!! For where you live it might be a good option and easy to get a hold of. Just a thought! Good luck mate!

Aloha Leroy. I'll check into the PSH hull paddler. I'm pretty open minded to any suggestions and want to try to see all my options before I get my next board. I really like the Allwave from reviews on here though. Sounds like an Allwave is a really good board that I can't go wrong with. I guess for me I feel that for the weight range of the Allwave boards I'm on the lighter side of the range for the 9'10" and I'm on the heavier side for the weight range of the 9'6". Mahalo.

G'day from downunder. 5 11, 85kg and an owner of a 9 6. My only regret is that I did not take the 9 2 for my self. The 9 6 is a super stable, super rideable workhorse in any conditions. I have used it from 6" to 8' with lots of fun. Beach mush to reef. Comes up well in all conditions.
Flat deck that is easy to stand on.
But, I suggest it is a great starter board.

Once you get your head around the paddle in the hand. And used to paddling standing up you will be looking for a bit more performance and turn ability.

Thanks to all of you who responded and replied to my messages. You guys are awesome. Well I gotta decide in a few days if it will be the 9'6" or 9'10". As a beginner my gut is saying 9'10" for it's stability, however I know a lot of you think the 9'6" will be a better choice. If the stability of the 9'6" is comparable to the Naish 10' Mana then I would be comfortable choosing the 9'6" because I had the Naish 10' mana before. My main concern is as a new guy who is trying to get into the surf for the first time will the 9'6" be to unstable. I see that guys that are 95kg-100kg have no problem with the 9'6", but being a new guy weighing 110kg will I struggle to a point where it's more frustrating then fun. Thanks again for all of your guys help. Mahalo.

Keau
Jumping in on this late because I haven't "breezed' lately.

You are right on the boarder between the two Allwaves.

I have both the 9'6 and the 9'10 Allwave

I was using the 9'6 exclusively for surf until I gained some Holiday weight and winter came to New England. I was back to 260lbs and the 9'10 was easier in the windy winter conditions.
( I went "Primal" in January - now at 219 lbs and thinking 8'10 Allwave)

At 240 lbs the 9'6 is fine if you are a seasoned SUP'er.

You answer has to come from you.
If you are a GOOD surfer, meaning you drive hard turns and expect performance... get the 9'6 and ease into it on clean days.

If you are a cruiser... soft turns, and trim across the wave, you will be happier with the stability of the 9'10... it is geometrically more stable than the 9'6. It will also surf very well if you are a good surfer and just want to really enjoy and relax while in the water.

You asked about the construction... I believe it is by far, the toughest SUP on the market. You do NOT need rail savers.... they don't mark or chip. Just wipe clean with a "Magic Eraser"

I was slammed into a rock Jetty a few weeks ago with my 9'6 by a 6 foot shorebreak. It would have broken any most boards. I got several small dings... one the size and depth of your thumbnail, and one tiny 1/4 inch puncture. It was literally picked up and smashed by the full force of the wave onto a big pile of 6 foot rocks in zero water. They are the only marks on my board in a year of surfing 15+ hours a week.

"As a beginner my gut is saying 9'10" for it's stability"
sounds like you already know... You are your own best judge... besides... they hold their value, and you can always trade down when you feel ready.

Have a great time on whatever you choose.

Keau
Jumping in on this late because I haven't "breezed' lately.

You are right on the boarder between the two Allwaves.

I have both the 9'6 and the 9'10 Allwave

I was using the 9'6 exclusively for surf until I gained some Holiday weight and winter came to New England. I was back to 260lbs and the 9'10 was easier in the windy winter conditions.
( I went "Primal" in January - now at 219 lbs and thinking 8'10 Allwave)

At 240 lbs the 9'6 is fine if you are a seasoned SUP'er.

You answer has to come from you.
If you are a GOOD surfer, meaning you drive hard turns and expect performance... get the 9'6 and ease into it on clean days.

If you are a cruiser... soft turns, and trim across the wave, you will be happier with the stability of the 9'10... it is geometrically more stable than the 9'6. It will also surf very well if you are a good surfer and just want to really enjoy and relax while in the water.

You asked about the construction... I believe it is by far, the toughest SUP on the market. You do NOT need rail savers.... they don't mark or chip. Just wipe clean with a "Magic Eraser"

I was slammed into a rock Jetty a few weeks ago with my 9'6 by a 6 foot shorebreak. It would have broken any most boards. I got several small dings... one the size and depth of your thumbnail, and one tiny 1/4 inch puncture. It was literally picked up and smashed by the full force of the wave onto a big pile of 6 foot rocks in zero water. They are the only marks on my board in a year of surfing 15+ hours a week.

"As a beginner my gut is saying 9'10" for it's stability"
sounds like you already know... You are your own best judge... besides... they hold their value, and you can always trade down when you feel ready.

Have a great time on whatever you choose.

Select to expand quote

supthecreek said...
Keau
Jumping in on this late because I haven't "breezed' lately.

You are right on the boarder between the two Allwaves.

I have both the 9'6 and the 9'10 Allwave

I was using the 9'6 exclusively for surf until I gained some Holiday weight and winter came to New England. I was back to 260lbs and the 9'10 was easier in the windy winter conditions.
( I went "Primal" in January - now at 219 lbs and thinking 8'10 Allwave)

At 240 lbs the 9'6 is fine if you are a seasoned SUP'er.

You answer has to come from you.
If you are a GOOD surfer, meaning you drive hard turns and expect performance... get the 9'6 and ease into it on clean days.

If you are a cruiser... soft turns, and trim across the wave, you will be happier with the stability of the 9'10... it is geometrically more stable than the 9'6. It will also surf very well if you are a good surfer and just want to really enjoy and relax while in the water.

You asked about the construction... I believe it is by far, the toughest SUP on the market. You do NOT need rail savers.... they don't mark or chip. Just wipe clean with a "Magic Eraser"

I was slammed into a rock Jetty a few weeks ago with my 9'6 by a 6 foot shorebreak. It would have broken any most boards. I got several small dings... one the size and depth of your thumbnail, and one tiny 1/4 inch puncture. It was literally picked up and smashed by the full force of the wave onto a big pile of 6 foot rocks in zero water. They are the only marks on my board in a year of surfing 15+ hours a week.

"As a beginner my gut is saying 9'10" for it's stability"
sounds like you already know... You are your own best judge... besides... they hold their value, and you can always trade down when you feel ready.

Have a great time on whatever you choose.

Good to hear from you Rick, man you yoyo worse than me!!! That should be your Avatar name!!!!. Keau..... What he said!!!

Thanks supthecreek for the reply. I have read a lot of your post on "the zone" about the Allwave. I have talked with Jim K also and he has helped me a lot as well as the guys here on this forum. It's so hard to make a decision on a board without being able to demo or even see the board before I buy it. I do know one thing and that is the Allwave is the right choice for me. Every other board that I have thought about or looked at had one thing or another that I didn't like about the board. However, the Allwave board has so many positive reviews that I feel comfortable that I'm getting a very good quality board that can surf good too.

Leroy
the YoYo is OVER...Forever.
Since I went "Primal" I eat whatever I want, all I want, and I lose 1 lb every 2 or 3 days. I will never get heavy again. I really enjoy the "Primal" foods... they are all the things that my body naturally enjoys and are incredibly satisfying.
I have dropped from 262lbs (119k)on January 14th... to 219lbs (99k) right now... a steady 10 lbs (4.5k)a month, and I am putting NO effort into the weight loss... it just melts away.
So few small changes... I can't believe I missed this for the past 50 years.

I will NEVER go back to the old 40 year struggle of:
Low-fat
Low-cal
suffer for 6 months... gain it all back in 3 months of "regular" eating... it sucked.

Primal is based on good natural fats and naturally healthy food...
whole meat, eggs, poultry, seafood, veggies, nuts and berries

www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-shopping-list/
make sure to cruise the "Success Stories" at the top... it will not only show the incredible ease of weight loss, but the endless health benefits that come with it.

Here's the link that got me interested on the "StandUpZone"
www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=10306.0
55,000 views
43 pages long
The thread took a while to develop, but it absolutely changed my life. I jumped in on the last 10 pages.

It is a natural fit for SUP.

Disclaimer:
it will lead to serious board reduction and related expenses.

I just did a search on the Breeze... no mention of "Primal" I may repost this in general as well.

Keau... I got my Allwaves from JimK....
I drove 400 miles (each way) to his shop to get my first one. I have been down there 3 times now. He is a great guy and REALLY knows what he is talking about. You asked the right guy.

Rick the diet sounds too good to be true. I'm definitely checking it out however and let you know how I go. Keep on rippin it up mate!!!