Some help please from anyone who owns one of these boards.

I'm 6ft and 84KG and would consider myself a intermediate SUP guy. Just sold my first SUP which was a old 10'6 "71" brand, which I had to learn on. I surf, kite etc.

Now I need a SUP to paddle around the Trigg area of Perth on these glassy summer days. I wI'll be using it for wave riding on our slow and small summer waves and some flat water paddling, say 50/50 wave riding to paddling.

So my question is, does the short 8'.5 Mana paddle OK on the flat? If you own this board, do you go cruising on it on flat water, or do you just use it to surf? Or should I get a slightly bigger size (8.10 or 9.5) for better Flat water performance?

Help!

Hey Daniel,

At your weight and height the 8'5" would be awesome in the waves, however as you have already pointed concern on, at 8'5" (and this goes for any <9' board) flat water paddling is not really all that enjoyable particularity if it's over a decent distance. If the flatt water portion of use is considerable then I would suggest the 9'5", it will still surf amazingly in majority of small fun conditions. The real question is up to you, just remember the longer you go, the nicer it is for paddling, the shorter the better for surfing (a very general rule to be used as a guide only).

If you can get to the shops and try a demo, this will help you a lot.

I hope this helps a little.

Ride safe,

JB

um trigg waves slow? mate they are all over before you blink. you want something fast, something that will get going quick, get into position and somethign you can throw around, ie short to get a smack in. research shapes.
8'5 be fine, not the most fun to flat water on but doable. an 8'10 or 9'1 wont be much more fun really, surf sups are not designed to do fast flat water paddlin on.
That being said i ride an 8'9x30 Indian ocean paddle carbon. defo recon they are worth a demo, go see Marshall at his cafe behind the OBH in Cott. they are a crapload cheaper than buying the big namers. Anyhow went to mettams this morn, no swell so practiced my paddling via paddling to trigg pt, caught a couple of waves then paddled back. slow but gets you thinking about your technique and paddling straight.
Next board for me will be something shorter van guard style. short length allows quick throw around and they appear to be easy to get onto waves and get most out of small waves. plus no nose may well stop me slamming my SUP into the sand banks. WATCH out for the shallows if supping trigg area man.
IMO nothing is super fun on flat paddling unless you have one of those 14" downwind machines so just get something fun.

honestly tho id go as short as you can manage, and remember a month on a board you think is unmanagable generally becomes managable.

Thanks Guys. You both have helped allot.

Sorry caution, when I said Trigg, I really ment mettams. When Trigg beach is firing, I will go for a surf anyway And just get the SUP out for the fat wave up at mettams

some good points JB, I will certainly consider the 9.5 to give me a bit more cruising length. Decisions decisions. Thanks Guys!

I'd also recommend the 9'5"..

Thanks DJ, I have sourced a 8.10 to demo over the weekend. can't wait!

Danny, if you are just going to ride fat waves with it, then in my view, shorter does not mean better. Longer boards make small mush fun.

Consider a compromise. Seek out a used 9'5 GT model before the redo... 2013 or older. The GT is a bit lighter, which is nice. They are a much better flat-water paddler... I loved mine. I paddled 10 k all the time on it. It also surfs amazingly well for a bigger board up to shoulder high, very loose and smooth. The newer version is much better in waves over 4' but does not paddle near as well. (I owned both 9'5's)

You will save a lot of cash and have a great board for what you describe.

option #2... buy an older 8'10 Allwave, it paddles much better than the 8'10 Mana IMO, I used mine in the flats all the time, plus they surf great.

Thanks supthecreek, a good suggestion. Interesting to hear your view on the older 9.5. If I find a used one I will certainly consider. Also I love saving cash as much as the next bloke.

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daniel.righetti said...
Thanks DJ, I have sourced a 8.10 to demo over the weekend. can't wait!

Personally I think you will struggle on the 8'10" if you're 6' and about 85kg.. unless it's very calm..

But that's what demo's are for..

Ha ha. DJ you are probably right! Should be interesting. I will let you know how it goes.

I've got the 8'5 and my partner has the 8'10 (even though she is tiny compared to me) I am nowhere near as tall as you at 5'6 but I am a bit heavier, 88kg. I enjoy paddling both boards in the surf with the 8'10 better when the wind gets up but saying that the 8'5 is pretty stable. I must admit we don't do much flat paddling on them and if I was going to then I would pick the 8'10. I hope you enjoy your demo

So I demoed the 8'10" Mana this morning. Conditions were pretty glassy with a lumpy small swell pushing through. First of all i was impressed with this little board, very light. Initially it felt pretty twitchy on the flat water and certainly a challenge once the swell came under it. I managed to stay pretty dry and only came off a couple of times.

I paddled for about 2Kms around the reefs and noticed the water was washing over the rear of the board. I then went and surfed some really small mushy waves. It goes really well in the waves and would be a sensational board in larger waves. by the end of the session I think I had the board more dialled in and it felt much more comfortable. If I was looking for a board to mainly ride waves, this would be the perfect one.

So I really think I will be going for and or trying the 9'5" just like you guys suggested. I reckon the bit more volume and width will make it more of an enjoyable Mana to flat water paddle and still be fun in the waves. Also with the added volume, I might be able to coax the missus onto it for a try.

Just goes to show you really need to demo to find what board is right In shape and size.

Where did you demo the mana? I'm keen to see how one will float a 105 kg beginner coming off longboards

Hi Dan .i have the 10' mana ..GT.. but I'm 97 kg ..with your weight the 9.5' would be great ..they are good in small wave s .and turn very easy ..

Hi daniel... I'm a bit late on the thread but IMO as SUPr / Surfer who occasionally does flat water paddling... The 9'5 mana is a good compromise for both but a better option if you are only in mellow surf is the Naish NALU range...I have owned a 10'6 and it was pretty much my go to board. Way better on the flat and I reckon more fun in small surf as it has way better glide. now gone smaller to a Laird Surfer 9'6 and that seems to be my new go to board ( until my Raptor arrives!!!)
good luck

Hi guys. Thanks for all your responses and suggestions. Been a bit slack updating as I have been too busy riding my new Mana 9'5 GT. that's what I went with in the end from WA Action sports in Balcatta. Totally love the board. Great mellow flat water cruiser and super fun in the surf. I could not be happier with this board

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Hi

I too would like a board good for waves and flat water and am considering the 10' Mana GT.
I'm 5'11 and weigh in at 82kg.

Does the 9'5 paddle on the flat well?

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craig1970 said..
Hi

I too would like a board good for waves and flat water and am considering the 10' Mana GT.
I'm 5'11 and weigh in at 82kg.

Does the 9'5 paddle on the flat well?

Yes..I'm 95 kg and I find the 9'5''pretty good on flat water.. You should also consider the 10'6'' and 11' Nalu..

If I was you I'd be choosing between the 9'5'' Mana and 11' Nalu..

^11 Nalu

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DavidJohn said..

craig1970 said..
Hi

I too would like a board good for waves and flat water and am considering the 10' Mana GT.
I'm 5'11 and weigh in at 82kg.

Does the 9'5 paddle on the flat well?

Yes..I'm 95 kg and I find the 9'5''pretty good on flat water.. You should also consider the 10'6'' and 11' Nalu..

If I was you I'd be choosing between the 9'5'' Mana and 11' Nalu..

DJ; are you saying that the 9'5" Mana and 11' Nalu are better flatwater paddler's then the 10'6" Nalu?

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baddog said..

DavidJohn said..

craig1970 said..
Hi

I too would like a board good for waves and flat water and am considering the 10' Mana GT.
I'm 5'11 and weigh in at 82kg.

Does the 9'5 paddle on the flat well?

Yes..I'm 95 kg and I find the 9'5''pretty good on flat water.. You should also consider the 10'6'' and 11' Nalu..

If I was you I'd be choosing between the 9'5'' Mana and 11' Nalu..

DJ; are you saying that the 9'5" Mana and 11' Nalu are better flatwater paddler's then the 10'6" Nalu?

No.

IMO they're just the two better boards to choose from.. with the 9'5" Mana being the better/shorter surfing board.. that still paddles flat water ok

and the new 11' Nalu being the better/longer board for all round use.. flat water paddling.. and still surfs very well

At his height and weight.. and intended use.. I'd be recommending the 11' Nalu..

But if he's looking for something short like the 8'5" Mana (like he originally mentioned) I'd be talking him into the 9'5" Mana because I think he'd be mad going any shorter than 9'5"..

Just my opinion.. .. Looks like he went for the 9'5" Mana (like mine).. Great board..

btw the older (older shape compared to the new 9'5" Mana and new 11' Nalu) 10'6" Nalu is still an awesome board.. It probably paddles flat water better than the other two.. IMO..

Daniel,

I have the 2014 9'5" mana, 95KG+ 50 y/o surfing mostly (or trying) in Inverloch and Shoreham occasionally. Really love the board its very stable and easy to paddle you can even get a bit of a rest between sets without having to constantly paddle. Going to Bali next week and hiring some jimmy lewis boards the kwad and world wide. Really looking forward to being able to get a long term comparison.

Hi,
Can I get into the end of this conversation if its not asking too much of the same questions
I'm after similar advice. I'm 6'3 and around 98/100 kgs - depending previous week's eating out program
We (kids, grandkids, dog and me, if I'm quick) already have a Starboard Atlas - great fun for us all around the bays and even a muck around in the small surf on the sand bank at Mainbar/Gunnamatta in the right conditions.
The Starboard suits me for a quiet cruise around on the flat water in a manner that befits my advancing years but now I'm thinking about playing in the surf
Having seen a few videos on this site, especially those posted by DJ, I was considering a Naish Mana 10 GT or a Narlu 11
I have had lots of years in kayaks and skis but now with time on my hands I can be selective on when I go and play at Wanda/Green Hills/etc area
So given that I have the 'cruise' side organised which of the Naish boards do people suggest for me to challenge myself with in the surf (small)
Thanks

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briann8300 said..
Hi,
Can I get into the end of this conversation if its not asking too much of the same questions
I'm after similar advice. I'm 6'3 and around 98/100 kgs - depending previous week's eating out program
We (kids, grandkids, dog and me, if I'm quick) already have a Starboard Atlas - great fun for us all around the bays and even a muck around in the small surf on the sand bank at Mainbar/Gunnamatta in the right conditions.
The Starboard suits me for a quiet cruise around on the flat water in a manner that befits my advancing years but now I'm thinking about playing in the surf
Having seen a few videos on this site, especially those posted by DJ, I was considering a Naish Mana 10 GT or a Narlu 11
I have had lots of years in kayaks and skis but now with time on my hands I can be selective on when I go and play at Wanda/Green Hills/etc area
So given that I have the 'cruise' side organised which of the Naish boards do people suggest for me to challenge myself with in the surf (small)
Thanks

IMO.. The 10' Mana would be a good choice and it would be a good second board to your big Atlas..

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IMO they're just the two better boards to choose from.. with the 9'5" Mana being the better/shorter surfing board.. that still paddles flat water ok

and the new 11' Nalu being the better/longer board for all round use.. flat water paddling.. and still surfs very well

At his height and weight.. and intended use.. I'd be recommending the 11' Nalu..

But if he's looking for something short like the 8'5" Mana (like he originally mentioned) I'd be talking him into the 9'5" Mana because I think he'd be mad going any shorter than 9'5"..

Just my opinion.. .. Looks like he went for the 9'5" Mana (like mine).. Great board..

btw the older (older shape compared to the new 9'5" Mana and new 11' Nalu) 10'6" Nalu is still an awesome board.. It probably paddles flat water better than the other two.. IMO..

Thanks DJ, I'm shorter and 73 kilos. Can I speculate that you would recommend the the 8'10" for small wave surfing and a bit of flat water for me? P.S. Have you had a chance to try a Raptor?

I've heard that the 8'5'' Mana is just as stable and a better board than the 8'10'' Mana..

btw a good friend who is your weight loves his new 9'5'' Mana.. IMO it would not be too big for you..

No.. not yet tried the new Raptor..

Baddog,

I could be the friend that DJ is referring to.
I'm about your size too

My first board was a 10'6" nalu, which I used for everything, including surfing it for 2 years

Have recently started surfing the 9'5" Mana that I bought for my daughter, and indeed it is an easy but rewarding step from the Nalu in the surf.

But I do notice the difference in flatwater paddling between the 2 - the Mana yaws more significantly than the 10 6 board, which you would expect, and no criticism of the Mana.

We have a 15 minute paddle to our secret spot (not so secret because DJ keeps plastering it all over the web!), and that's about as far as I'd want to paddle a 9'5" board.

So the prospect of flatwater paddling an 8'10' board any distance doesn't do it for me at all. I think you'd do it once, and that's about all.

Yawing, what's that Helmy? I confess to being not completely ignorant. I had a 9'0" Mana as my only board, which I flatwatered for miles, but it surfed like a boat. Funny, I thought it paddled pretty straight, especially compared to my first board ever, a Starboard 9'8" Extreme. Since then I somehow got turned onto raceboards and only paddle now on my 2014 14 x 26 Carbon All Star.

Unfortunately, SUP pressure at my local lineup has just forced me into a "if you can't beat them, join them" mentality. Of course, I want something to beat out all the shorty SUPs; it has to paddle in easily and still surf competently.

Being easily brainwashed by DJ and the DJ vids, I first looked at the Odysseus(too fat), then the 10'6"(too long) and now the 9'5"(maybe just right?).