Hey guys. I'm new around here - so g'day! There's plenty of good reading on here - you all have really good advice for beginners like myself.

My question is - I'm looking for a good all-round board that will go well on flat water and on small (1-2ft) waves. I'm just wondering what size would be the maximum that you would go - length wise? I've been looking at boards either side of 10ft that look like they'd do the job, but I wouldn't know because I'm no expert, so I'm hoping you guys might have a bit of advice. I also like boards that stay straight for a while when paddling on one side, so I don't have to swap paddling sides all the time.

Are there any brands that I should look for or avoid??

THANKS in advance for any advice.

How tall/heavy/fit are you and do you have a surfing or paddling background?

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tbate54 said...

Hey guys. I'm new around here - so g'day! There's plenty of good reading on here - you all have really good advice for beginners like myself.

My question is - I'm looking for a good all-round board that will go well on flat water and on small (1-2ft) waves. I'm just wondering what size would be the maximum that you would go - length wise? I've been looking at boards either side of 10ft that look like they'd do the job, but I wouldn't know because I'm no expert, so I'm hoping you guys might have a bit of advice. I also like boards that stay straight for a while when paddling on one side, so I don't have to swap paddling sides all the time.

Are there any brands that I should look for or avoid??

THANKS in advance for any advice.

C4 waterman, 10'6 da beachboy. It's 32 wide super stable fun flat water, surfs unreal for how big it is, good colours and FCS set up.

Thanks HumanCartoon

I'm 5'11 and 70kg. Pretty fit. Some surfing and bodyboarding background, but by no means an expert. I just do it for some fun. I have hired a SUP once before.

The guys at the shops today told me about 9'6 boards would suit - are they ok for a bit of glide? Or should I aim for something a little bigger around the 10ft mark?

Thanks!!

Hi tbate54,

At your weight, I'd be looking for a 10footer x 30inches. Go for an allrounder rather than a strictly surf board.

Almost every brand has these boards as they are a "bread and butter board". Some that spring to mind are the Hobie ATR, Surftech Laird 10', Fanatic Fly HRS or Wood, Coreban Icon, Starboard Drive, Naish Nalu and many others.

You'll lose glide by going shorter than 10 foot.

Good luck and have fun!

DM

Beauty!! Thanks heaps guys! Making the decision a little bit easier.

tbate

I know a lot of people might say you should go shorter.... seems to be the pressure these days...

But there is a board I haven't seen mentioned to you.... the 9'10x33" Fanatic Allwave
At your size, you'll be able to stroll around on it, but it will surf quite easily for you as a newbie.

I'm 111kg and when not surfing, I paddle my 9'10 about 20km per day on flatwater.
I know it's a fish shape, but am very happy on long paddle trips... you could always put in a deeper center fin to increase directional glide.

Bonus: they have a Mast Insert so you can windsurf as well

SUPER durable and less $$$$ than most... worth a close look

I say go big...hehe

12'6" Ron House Coastal Cruiser or 12'6" PSH Hull Paddler

Way better glide than all the boards mentioned and both can catch ripples or surf bigger waves.

Not trying to confuse just giving my 2cents.

Max size? About 17'4 is the limit. You can ride ocean swells, tour, flat water, and surf along some little sliders if you have some skill.