Firstly, I'm coming to SUP with my recent background in the water being almost entirely as a kite boarder. Almost 5 years solid experience with twin tip boards and this winter started to get some kiting on a directional (Naish Skater 5'9") with a view to taking this into the surf..

Though I have experienced surfing & SUP from time to time (essentially renting boards and doing the occasional lesson on days when there was no wind!), we're talking <10 hours.

90-93kg, 43yrs

Location Mornington Peninsula

I want to enjoy some bayside cruising, use the board to improve fitness and also start getting into the small surf on Western Port; Shoreham, Point Leo, Flinders etc

I've spoken to Warwick at RPS and he strongly recommended the Naish Nalu 11'4". Looks like a great board. I've done some reading since and have added to this both the Fanatic Fly Allround 10'6" and the Starboard Blend 11'2' as possible alternatives.

Would appreciate comments from others who've perhaps trodden the same path.

Cheers Russell

Hi Russell,

I've just picked up a used 11'4" GT. If you are ever down Torquay and I'm about, your welcome to take it for a blast.

It's my first SUP and I've got about 2 hrs experience on hire boards etc in estuary's.

You can see the thread "which sup to choose" for peoples thoughts, I'm pretty much the same as you, 43yrs 95kg and lots of experience in the water from SLSC, Ski paddling and average surfing ability.

I think if I was buying new I'd pick up a 10 something GT which I think is a little wider -but the 11.4 was just too cheap to pass up as a first SUP and I usually fall into the mistake of buying something too hard core, rather than something easy to learn on and then progress through to smaller boards.

Have fun.

Russel, try my Starboard Whopper 10 ' x 34" I've used it in the areas you have mention and it is great for those type of conditions. Just got another 10' board yesterday, Starboard nose rider. For us And the conditions you are going to be using it in I wouldn't go anything bigger than a 10' board and look for something around 30"

Warwick at RPS has given you some really good advice. I started on the Nalu 11'4. Great board. So much so I still have it as a flat water board and beginner board when friends want to try.

I've since moved on to a more surf oriented board as I found the 11'4 hard to turn in the surf (probably just bad technique). I've "downsized" to a Hokua 9'10 which is about a 35 litre drop in volume. Just getting used to it now (been out on it maybe a dozen times).

Will I ever sell the Nalu? Probably not as its a great all round board that allows me to take the dog out for a paddle or kids. Next step... See if the missus and I can surf together on it... Could be a marriage breaker!!! Two paddles and two inexperienced surfers may not be a good combination.

I'm 90kgs and 44 years so very similar to you.