Hi there, was hoping to tap into the knowledge base on this forum. After 40 yrs surfing short boards and long, my neck has arthritis so I'm looking to get into sup surfing. I'm 55, 6'1" , 75kg and pretty fit for an old fella. I've a Fanatic Falcon 14' by 27.5" that I occasionally use on the flat water at West Lakes in Adelaide. I'm looking at a 8' 10" Fanatic Prowave on sale in a local shop. Would this be too difficult/high level as a first surf sup? Really don't want to go longboard type sup as prefer being more active/pushing hard when surfing a wave on my regular boards as opposed to cruising. For those who know SA, I surf Goolwa to Middleton stretch- full, fat slow waves that can still get some size, but then I'd probably go back to my regular boards. Any advice appreciated! There's also a 9'9" Fanatic semi gun, probably not ideal for our waves, but is a good buy.......

Hi Dave, I think you need to try something bigger than the 8'10 Prowave. My brother-in-law is 70 kg and is just getting started in surf SUP and he feels comfortable on my 9'5 widepoint 150L (approx.) board, and is just starting to get used to my 8'8 x32 (32" wide) Naish 140L board. I am not intimately familiar with the prowave, but it is probably narrower and thinner that the Hokua X32.

I had years of surfing experience and everyone said you will get this easily.

Got some well intentioned advice which didn't help.

I had to get boards that were at least 32" wide. 9' okay, 9.5' better. Only weigh 70 kegs so 140 to 150 liters was fine.

The AW is 31" wide which might be okay or NOT.

Demo, borrow, or even, God forbid, rent.
Nothing worse than owning a board which is just a bridge too far in the initial stages.

9.1 x32 150 litre .
hokua .x32 .

very stable easy throw around .

Thanks all, solid advice; much appreciated!

Hey Dave,

I would recommend something a little larger as everyone has suggested. I have known a lot of surfers who find the transition to be somewhat difficult even with many years under their belt.

considering you have already started SUPping in the flats, you should be somewhat comfortable but I would stick to the low 9's with 31 or 32 in width the extra volume and stability will be appreciated and as long as you get something with a pulled in and more refined tail you willl be sweet.

Hi Dave,
As a note I am 61, 6'2" and 103kgs. I've surfed for 40 years and have suped for the last 8. I have fallen for buying bigger boards and working down in size, quite often after just a few uses.
I still have a Prowave 9'6" at about 147 liters which I really rate and keep for my son to use. I've used the 9'3" and while a little tippier especially when lumpy or windy, really enjoyed it. 130 liters.
I mostly use a 8'4" Minion or a 9'2" Sunova Speeed. 130 and 147 litres and are both vanguard style.
At your weight you may find the 8'10" Prowave challenging but you may not and I'm not sure that you have to go much bigger in size or liters. I would definitely try it first.
It sounds like we have similar waves. I have been really surprised with the Speeed and think it would be a good option but would look bigger than the 8'10" and you would probably find the 8'8" a good option.
Enjoy the supping.

sorry for a bit of self promotion but I have a speed 9 5 and a minion stretch 84 for sale that would be perfect! check buy and sell. at your weight more than stable enough, while still performance based... down in vic though so would need freight....

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913pepper said..
Hi Dave,
As a note I am 61, 6'2" and 103kgs. I've surfed for 40 years and have suped for the last 8. I have fallen for buying bigger boards and working down in size, quite often after just a few uses.
I still have a Prowave 9'6" at about 147 liters which I really rate and keep for my son to use. I've used the 9'3" and while a little tippier especially when lumpy or windy, really enjoyed it. 130 liters.
I mostly use a 8'4" Minion or a 9'2" Sunova Speeed. 130 and 147 litres and are both vanguard style.
At your weight you may find the 8'10" Prowave challenging but you may not and I'm not sure that you have to go much bigger in size or liters. I would definitely try it first.
It sounds like we have similar waves. I have been really surprised with the Speeed and think it would be a good option but would look bigger than the 8'10" and you would probably find the 8'8" a good option.
Enjoy the supping.

Sorry I meant I wouldn't go bigger than 8'10"