Surfed for 40+ years. Bought a surf ski about 10 years ago for small surf and then started taking it out in big stuff for the challenge. Ended up riding it all the time. Some of the boys in the line up didn't like it though, intimidated I think. I tried one of my Yater longboards and was slow in the getting up part. Ordered a custom 11' SUP from the local stand up guru (Tim Nolte) and have been on it for 7-8 months now. Great in the small stuff but when it gets fast & hollow here on the Outer Banks of North Carolina it has hurt me a couple of times. I love this stand up surfing! Was reading here and trying to figure out what to try next, 225 lbs/6'3", and decided on the 9'5" widepoint brush carbon. The local shop said they could order me one, maybe get it by Feb. I called a buddy with a shop on Maui where I lived for 13 years and he had just got his container of new Starboards! Picked it up from the airport today. Great price, $2069 + $250 shipping! Local shop wanted $2600 + $180 tax. Saved $5-600 having it shipped from Hawaii to US east coast. Looks awesome! So light and the handle is great! Can pick it up with one hand from laying flat. Now I need to figure out some sort of pad and get it in the water. Hope I can handle it? My shaper buddy was not happy that I didn't get something smaller and custom from him but I really wanted to try the brushed carbon and see if the low swing weight helps with the off the lips and such. Will let you know after my first session.

You thought you loved sup before. I'm tipping that love is about to go to a whole new level.

its a great allround wave SUP, just moved to a 8'10" WP Carbon this week after a year on the 9'5", the new 2014 one looks even better with thinner tail,

have fun

Phil

Wow! Just got my first chance to get on it and I am stoked! Ocean is too stormy right now to surf but took it out on the Sound cuz I couldn't wait till tomorrow when surf should be available. When I first kneeled on it I was little concerned that it seemed like it was kind of sinking but once I stood up and found the sweet-spot it proved to be plenty stable even though the tail was under water a little bit. Paddled around for an hour and fell in love with her just fantasizing about how she'll be on a wave. Starboard said "max rider wt. 90k", that had me worried as I am 6'3" and 103k but seemed ok although a little awash. Stardeck stuff seemed to offer good traction with booties on (wearing a wetsuit). If I could lose 5k and go with trunks only it would probably work better but even with the wetsuit it felt manageable. Obviously going to be more of a challenge in some ocean chop but I think I'll get it figured out. No doubt when she starts sliding down a wave the fun will commence !! After being on the 11' by 31 1/4" by 5" custom for 7 1/2 mos. this thing feels like a short board to me. Can't wait for some glass !!!!