First board buyer, excited but need HELP!

Hi everyone,
This is my first post on this site and I haven't got my own board yet which is basically why I registered. I'm really excited to find my own board. I don't wanna spend to much max- 1000 or a tad over for great board that will last and hopefully paddle included. I don't mind getting a second hand board as long as its good quality and price is correct. I am bassed in gold coast Qld so if there's stores/ warehouses around where you think I could find a good deal give me a heads up. I have found a board on the buy/sell which is the 2011 Naish- Nalu- 10'10" ($1100) but As I haven't been in the sport at all yet I'm still not sure about prices and what length or size is correct for me and I would really like the board and the paddle in the one price. I'm around 83kg and about 6'2". I have been told 11" or 10'10" is about right for me but more opinions to tell me the right or wrong would be great.
I have heard of many brand/ researched many brands but as I don't have a surfing history I don't know much about what brand are legit. I have seen a brand on the coast called gulliver which was the first brand I have come across with a great deal with board and paddle only $1090 this is the link to there site (http://www.gulliverboards.com/)
I do hope to get started as soon as possible and am looking for second hand or brand new boards that suite me and my size, that will last a long time, great product for money, and not to expecive. Any feedback would be great. I'm excited to hear anything on getting started with SUP.

Ok cool so you think that Nalu 2011 and offer 1000 and see how i go? should i ask for a paddle included or is that a bit ambitious? This is the link (www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~bzwf4/2011-Naish-Nalu-10-10.aspx?search=XY18oMsXky17COAXUvb%2f2s8vLAupqlD1) If not how much are paddles or what would be suited to that board.
Cheers DJ

It's worth a try.. (with the offer).. Ask about a paddle but IMO that is a bit ambitious but you never know.

You can buy pretty crappy paddles now for about $100.. and very good ones for about $200.. or about $500 for the best out there.

A good paddle does make a big difference and not only will you enjoy paddling more but you will not hit the rails of the board as much.

Look for something with about an 8" wide blade and about 10" overhead in length.

DJ

I'll start by saying I don't know anything about Gulliver boards - but anything that is brand new and inexpensive is often that way for a reason.

Plenty of companies can make cheap production boards by skipping out on the research and development in designing and testing the boards, but it almost always leads to an inferior product that might look nice but won't perform or feel a good as a proven design.

Also, anything that isn't a well known brand isn't going to attract the same resale value as the reputable brands.

If you're going for a production (overseas) made board, look for Fanatic, Naish, Starboard, Surftech, Coreban, Jimmy Lewis, NSP, Hobie, PSH, SIC.

If you want something local hand shaped DC and Laguna are your best options in SE QLD for surf/all around boards and DC, Deep, JMSurf and LahuiKai all options for race style boards.

As for demoing, I'm not sure exactly how each shop chooses to do it, but Roar at Currumbin is a short walk across the road from the water and if you look up their number and give them a call they'll be happy to help out with advice and demo's.

As for a paddle, generally if it's not advertised by a private seller, they won't have one to go with the board. The paddle is important and spending the money on a good one is well worth the cost. You're paddle will most likely last you a lot longer than your first board when you choose to upgrade in the future.

I have been out today to currumbin to roar industries and I have worked out I just do not have the money for SUP. it's impossible for myself as a student living away from home to afford a board I love at 1100 and at least an extra 300 for a descent paddle so thats 1400 at minimum. This is very frustrating for me. I love SUP and want to be a part in the culture but without anything cheaper I will be sitting back and watching. On the sand. If anyone knows cheap boards Please show me the best of the cheap.!

Hey BPearson,

Saving up money for a cheap and nasty board is no easier than saving for a good board. Difference is, a good board will be something you will enjoy for some time and upgrade due to choice not necessity. When you do upgrade, the resale comes into play.

Buying a cheap Chinese type board is false economy. There are plenty of reputable boards which are available 2nd hand which may not be your ideal board will certainly scratch the itch and you most likely won't lose too much at all on resale provided it's a reputable brand. Buying a board that has been creased or broken and professionally repaired will be cheap and if the repairer is worth his/her salt, the repair will be the strongest part of the board.

Ask around and you may find someone with a not too bad paddle going cheap. SUP is one of the most affordable of board sports.

Maybe instead of sitting on the beach watching mournfully at the guys and gals having a hoot on SUPS, you could get a part time job and save a bit of extra coin to buy in.

DM

Agree with DJ,
hang around buy and sell for a while and you should pick up an NSP well under $1k with spare change for a Naish paddle. BTW there is an NSP 10'6 with an adjustable paddle and an 11 ft Fanatic fly for sale in QLD, both would be well suited for your needs.

Cheers Dj ill check that one out, thanks for your help. Also Waszup thanks for letting me know. dw ill be buying a SUP once i look around a bit more and get to know the sport more. Cheers.

I don't see why you cant buy a good second hand board and a good second hand adjustable paddle for 1000/1100 $$$ total.

As the saying goes, it wont happen overnight but it will happen.

BTW, i recommend you get an adjustable paddle because all your "new" friends will want a go of your board IMHO.

I wish you luck.

Thanks maxeaus, an ajustable paddle probably will come in handy your right. And yeah i am looking around that price range. i have posted a few boards that i have noticed tell me what you think? Thanks for the advice

I'm a noob myself so my advice is go an adjustable paddle, i will leave the board suggestions to people smarter, better looking and more experienced than myself!

Here's another option I saw today for you - the Naish Mana is a great allround board, stable and will allow you to progress out into the surf too. It's got plenty of volume and will float you easily.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/~bzy08/2010-Naish-Mana-9-5.aspx?search=XY18oMsXky17COAXUvb%2f2s8vLAupqlD1

so if 1 paddle for both surf and distance?