Hello All,

I am in the market for a SUP. My hope is to find a single board to start out that will give me a nice mix between being surf-able in smaller beach and reef break days as well as being a decent volume/shape for some aimless flat water paddling. I fully understand that this will involve some sacrifices one way or the other. I have surfed for a long time and am no stranger to water based board sports, so I understand rocker etc. Mostly what I am a bit uncertain about is what model will check both boxes well. I'd like to land on a board that isn't too long and clunky to have fun in the waves but won't be twitchy and too sluggish on a calm paddle.

Any volume suggestions? The Jimmy Lewis Striker has stood out as a solid option based on helpful posts on here and some research. What others do you think are quality and suited for my dual purpose?

I am 82kg and 1.8m tall. Thanks in advance!

slsurf said..
Just focus on trying/demo best board for you to surf in your target conditions, it will paddle flat glassy water just fine, sups are big boards (especially for first one) and the paddle gives you plenty of power. Many boards have a center us box option, just jam a decent size single fin in it all the way back for best flat water tracking although multi fins can track ok also with technique. I have paddled my small surf sup all over on lakes, rivers (whitewater riffles even), and flat ocean for fun and practice but not for super long distances or hours at a time.

You are probably looking at some kind of longboard/all around surf sup to give you the length for small waves, plenty of boards like this from 9-10 ft. 130 to 160 liters. If you find a good one it can provide enough stability for learning, but remain useful for small surf or junky conditions if you progress to more advanced boards.

Thanks for the guidance. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to try/demo any of these. I live in Bermuda, and any board will have to be brought into the island. My decision will be based on a whole lot of theory and research until I pull the trigger.

MangoDingo said..
Dude - what sort of waves do you get in Bermuda?

****ty most of the time. When there are waves, they are usually short with only a handful of spots rarely producing anything of quality. I am fortunate to live on the water, and can just paddle out and play. Even a ****ty wave is better than none

I've been surfing in Caribbean and I imagine your waves conditions, so I would have 2 boards .
One inflatable paddling board for touring around with and a more accurate board to have funny surfing for those small snappy reefs when they work with choppy onshore days ( as I imagine it) as a Short SUP.

Unpopular opinion:

Bermuda is a fantastic place for wind sports. Maybe consider that over trying to wave SUP.

Grantmac said..
Unpopular opinion:

Bermuda is a fantastic place for wind sports. Maybe consider that over trying to wave SUP.

Oh, if it's windy, I'm kiting. No doubt. I just want a fun new toy for off days.

Freogeezer said..

brighamj said..
Hello All,

I am in the market for a SUP. My hope is to find a single board to start out that will give me a nice mix between being surf-able in smaller beach and reef break days as well as being a decent volume/shape for some aimless flat water paddling. I fully understand that this will involve some sacrifices one way or the other. I have surfed for a long time and am no stranger to water based board sports, so I understand rocker etc. Mostly what I am a bit uncertain about is what model will check both boxes well. I'd like to land on a board that isn't too long and clunky to have fun in the waves but won't be twitchy and too sluggish on a calm paddle.

Any volume suggestions? The Jimmy Lewis Striker has stood out as a solid option based on helpful posts on here and some research. What others do you think are quality and suited for my dual purpose?

I am 82kg and 1.8m tall. Thanks in advance!

I'm basically the same size as you. I bought a 9'5 Striker a couple of years back. Was beating myself up for a while thinking I should have gone for the 8'11. I'm more than happy with my choice. I caught my first waves on it. It cruises really well. Awesome construction and very light. I've got a couple more boards since then, but the Striker is a keeper. If I can only take one board with me that one will do the job. Also, if you ever want to put a 'newbie' on it it's stable. It will cover all your bases. Good luck in your search.

Thank you. It sounds like a lot of my boxes will be checked.

I really appreciate all the advice thus far, everyone. Much appreciated!

So, after the suggestions above, the running list of contenders is: JL Striker 9'5", Sunova Steeze 9'6", or a Starboard Widepoint 9'5". I am also considering whether the smaller size for all of these boards might be a bit more fun in the long run. I welcome any further thoughts and input. Thanks.

brighamj said..
So, after the suggestions above, the running list of contenders is: JL Striker 9'5", Sunova Steeze 9'6", or a Starboard Widepoint 9'5". I am also considering whether the smaller size for all of these boards might be a bit more fun in the long run. I welcome any further thoughts and input. Thanks.

Stay long man. You mentioned earlier in the thread that your local spots rarely produce amazing waves and you want a board that will be fun when it's flat and also get you into waves when it's on.
The whole point is to get you into waves and lots of 'em and have you grinning like a madman at the end of every session - even when there are non-waves, ankle slappers, or you're just out for a paddle.
A longer board is going to ensure you get plenty of waves, in most conditions you're likely to find.
If by chance you end up shredding like Tom Curren and/or move to a new place with better waves - then you could look at going shorter - but in the meantime, keep it real with your conditions.

Have a look at the recent thread from Casso on a 12' board - small waves and he's having an absolute blast. And he rips.

You can can still throw turns in on a good board like a Striker or a Steeze - they're designed for it. So don't think the 9'5 will be too long.

I have the 9'5 Striker and can confirm it's a keeper. Very well made, and great in waves (change down to a 7" cutaway centre fin and you will find it turns even better!) Highly recommended.

All of those boards are solid choices, but if your instinct says smaller might be more fun, I would go with it. The worst thing that happens is you fall in a bit more for a few sessions. I have always found shorter boards easier and more fun to surf in small junky waves. If your priority is more towards flat water paddling or if your surfing experience is primarily long boarding then go with a 10 footer, but I would still keep the volume down. I think that Starboard longboard is somewhere in the 120ltr. range. If you are a short board surfer I would look at something like the 8'10" Steeze rather the 9'6". Again, the longer boards are great boards, but they will actually be more awkward for you to surf if you come from a short board background.