Hey guys, great resource here love all the info, since getting into sup been scouring the forums...

Looking at buying second hand for general fitness, some time trials and possibly downwinders later on.
All the advice is for 14 footers, but weighing in at 62kg and 175cm I'm thinking 12'6 might be ok?

If I buy a 12'6 will I just want to buy a 14' down the track or will it last me a while?
Also what width should I be looking at? I'm thinking 27/28"?....

Cheers
Gus

Hey Gus,
Best advice anyone can give you is to find your nearest shop/dealer and try and demo as much as you can. (Check out the demo fleet at wind surf and snow at collaroy or join us at Jamison Park Paddle for the regular Sunday morning TT where there is also a large demo selection and lots of newbies)
In my opinion go straight for a 14. At your weight and height you could go reasonably narrow, say 25" - 27".
The stability in some of the newer 25" wide boards now is pretty solid. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how narrow you can comfortably go.
Again though, demo, demo, demo.
Post your progress here for some feedback.
Good luck!!

Thanks Kieranr, I've demoed a couple of fanatics and was very surprised to handle the 25" pretty well, but the other day I tried a NSP DC 14' x 29" in some decent side chop and found myself working pretty hard.
I'll keep demoing!!!

Cheers

IMO a 12'6'' will be good.. Something like the 12'6'' Jav would be perfect.

Unless you have storage or transport concerns for a 14', there is no overwhelming reason for opting for 12'6" for flat water paddling. 14' is always better and faster, even at 62kg.

Yeah slight concerns over transport and storage, but could probably manage it.

How bout this one DJ?

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/StandUpPaddle-Race-and-Downwind-Boards/~apv_n/2014-Fanatic-Falcon-12-6-2725-inches.aspx?search=TTipMvwLkmAszgJ9fErQ!A==

or there is a 24" Jav too but thought that would be a bit ambitious...

Select to expand quote

GusB said..

Yeah slight concerns over transport and storage, but could probably manage it.

How bout this one DJ?

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/StandUpPaddle-Race-and-Downwind-Boards/~apv_n/2014-Fanatic-Falcon-12-6-2725-inches.aspx?search=TTipMvwLkmAszgJ9fErQ!A==

or there is a 24" Jav too but thought that would be a bit ambitious...

That 12'6'' Fanatic would be awesome..

This is the board that I had in mind.. It's 28'' wide.. It's more durable and stronger.. and also have good resale value.

http://naishsurfing.com/JAVELIN%2012.6%20GX-Performance%20Racing/

12'6 x 27.25"
So it turns out storage was an issue, so this serves me well.
Really enjoying it so far!
Now just to choose a paddle...

Cheers for the replies, see you on the water!

Gus

That will go beautifully at the Time Trial, good choice and look forward to seeing you out there on it!