I'm looking for a new flatwater sup for my wife who currently has a 10'6" Adventurer 32"x 4 3/4x 181lt. After having both shoulders reconstructed at 67yrs of age, she needs a lighter, faster board to carry and paddle. She is 74kg is intermediate standard and does not surf.

Looking for improved glide and a low profile/rocker board with a more parallel plan shape. Stability is important.

Tested a Starboard 10' Nut 29.5"x4.7" 161lt which was lighter and faster but pushed too much water in the wind.

We live on the far sth coast of NSW so demo boards are limited. Any suggestions are appreciated.

If you are paddling flat water then I'd suggest getting a flat water shape, not a surf one. They make paddling a lot nicer and less tiring. There are a few shorter flat water touring style boards around these days - you don't have to go to 12'6".

Maybe a Starboard GO Takhine?


Or maybe something like the Surftech Chameleon?



None of these sorts of boards are particularly light however, even when they are marketed at women. But they aren't heavy either, and by using a trolley or similar (eg. the SUP Mule) for long distances there's usually a workaround.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Area 10, will check it out??

May I suggest the 10.6 naish Alana ..or Nalu ....light and paddles very nice .

or a 10.8 Quest .

Hi Cormie,
You could try the Jimmy Lewis Hanalei....Very popular with women...Light, strong & glides well...
Our best board for both surf and flat water. Generally wave shapes don't track (paddle straight) well because they're designed to turn, but the Hanalei with it's parallel rail outline and classic rocker creates the ultimate crossover board. Flat bottom to "V" starting in front of the fin area flowing out the tail makes this board paddle quickly and smoothly and surfs the same way.
SIZE
10'8"x29"x4.4" (160L)2+1 Fin box set up.
Checkout- www.jimmylewisboards.com.au

Hi Cormie,

I agree with Tardy,

If you are looking at the all round SUP shape the 10'6 * 30" Naish Nalu or Naish Alana could be an option. Its 160 L with a parallel outline so as an all rounder for glide and stability its the board to get! Plus its sexy as!! https://goo.gl/6snoZ6

However if your wife is looking at touring and doing distance more then you should look into the touring shapes. The touring shapes have higher volume and glide really well but maneuverability and weight are the trade off.

Cheers,

Ryan

Thanks guys for your excellent suggestions, my wife only paddles shorter distances.

Without the benefit of a demo, being a longboard rider for the past 65 yrs, still going well, I like the look of the Naish Nalu and Alana 10.6" Yes, looks like they would have good glide, stability with more parallel rails and low profile.

Have a look at the SIC 11-footer in the Shop Specials section of the Classifieds on here - worth considering I reckon!

Thanks again everyone, after looking at all the options we settled on a Naish Nalu. 10' 6 GTW.
My wife loves it, the board is light,glide swell, has stability, easy to turn and she likes the recessed deck.