Dear SUPers,

I'm new to the SUP community. I have a already done about 10 sessions and I'd like to purchase my first board. I don't want to spend $2000 for it knowing that I'll probably buy a new one in 1-2 years. So I'd need your help in this difficult choice.

I'm about 85 Kg, I live close to the river, I have 2 young boys (1 and 4 yo) and I'd also like to play in small waves.

Here are the options I have so far:

1) NSP Element 10'6 for $995 with free paddle:
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/shoalwater/surfing/stand-up-paddleboard-sup-nsp-elements-10-6-b-new-free-paddle-/1019707458

2) Ocean Critters 10'6 for $1120 with the paddle:
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/padbury/surfing/sup-stand-up-paddle-board-package-from-990/1017983435#

3) Sunny King Bamboo 10'6 package for $1350:
www.supwarehouse.com.au/product/bamboo-packages/?v=4442e4af0916

What do you think? What are the advantages of the bamboo? Would you have any other options or advices?

Thanks!

A couple of points to consider:
- If you get on the right board the first time you won't need to upgrade in a year or 2 time
- If you do plan on upgrading, you will want to consider resale value and how much you would/could look to lose

The downside of the 10'6 NSP is that it is under 30" wide which means that when you put the kids on it might be a bit of a struggle with balance.

The Ocean Critters looks like it has a nice outline for surfing, but again putting the kids on the front would be an issue and also given the shape may not track as well in the flat water.

The Sunny King looks like a nice shape but from memory have quite a rounded deck meaning a little less stable.

These boards may tick the box for you price wise but don't be afraid to shop around and speak to your local shops as most of them will let you demo boards before you buy and you then might feel a little more comfortable spending a bit more money on a board that you know is right for you after you have compared a few.

thanks for the advices surf4fun! I'll keep looking around ...

Sounds like we're about same beginner level.

Best advice: Try b4 you buy.
Most places will have demos if u ask.

I just bought a 2nd hand board which I tried during lesson.
Really pleased i waited and tried it as was not the board i'd have thought suitable, othetwise.
Planning to buy another used board for kids/ friends.
Can buy 2 used boards for less than some middle-priced ones, new!

My kids older, but still good to not have to fret over those first scuffs and dings if board was new.

Good luck.

Hi lynxmo0.

I bought my first board a few months ago, for social fitness paddling as well as family days. I bought a second hand Falcon 12'6 x30 and have really enjoyed the SUPP organised paddling, especially the BOP training.

It's also been a great family board. On a recent holiday 'Down South', other adults managed to paddle it as well as the older kids (11 yr olds). The younger kids (4-9) struggled a bit but enjoyed standing up surfing the small waves when I pushed the board towards the beach.

If you are keen to join a regular SUPing group, getting a similar board to the regulars is also a consideration.

Hi There,

I have recently purchased a Sunny King 11'6 Bamboo SUP and can honestly say its fantastic.

I paddle Moreton Bay, various creeks and rivers and also been out on the sunshine coast in small waves a few times. It performs great in those conditions if thats what you are after. My mate is able to paddle around with his three year old on the front without fuss too. The bamboo is just a veneer, but looks pretty good!

It is a beast to turn in the surf but a big long board is for cruising, a shorter more wave spec board will be on the cards one day..

Nick from Sunnyking/SUP Warehouse was a pleasure to deal with too. I was a bit hesitant as I am in Brisbane and they are in Melbourne however he was very patient with answering all my questions re specs/comparisons/costs etc.

Cheers

Nick

I've got an 11ft ocean critters sup if you wanna check it out.
Handles 105 pies ok. Thought I'd get my 5yo on it with me but no dice.

Select to expand quote

lynxmo0 said...
thanks for the advices surf4fun! I'll keep looking around ...

The Element is Cobra made from fused EPS and vacuum moulded Epoxy technology. If durability and resale are part of your concerns this is your board. We sell this board globally and with the highest durability to value ratio on the market this range has been extremely successful.

Pm me if you have any more questions.

Chris

You also have the 10'2 x 32" NSP Element which is our biggest selling board.

They also do a 9'8 x 32" NSP in the E2 construction which we have for $1250 with a free $160 paddle and leash!!! this is a great board and well worth a look.

For $2000 you could even step it up a lot so give me a call.

Jason
0411 510 514