Hi all,

Looking to buy my first board and would love some advice please!

I have rented boards before and have really enjoyed it with no issues with balance etc. I am tall (175cm) and weigh about 82kg and I have noticed a few of the 9 or 10 ft boards are rated around that - also keen to lend it to some of my friends and some of the boys might be a little heavier then 82kg! Have seen a few I like including the Naish Alana series and the Illusions Noosa 9.6 or 10 boards but I was also hoping to spend less then $1000 which I am finding near on impossible.

Also keen to investigate inflatables but so far haven't read anything positive about them!

Over all for ocean use and possibly some very small waves ; ) - with the hope of getting more experience with that. I have a 4WD with roof racks so length isn't a restriction.

Love any advice on brands or size etc. I am in Qld and keen to get my hands on one asap so also looking at options locally. Thanks in advance for your help!

Shame I just sold my Naish 9'5" Alana-Mana.. That would have been perfect..

Check shops for ex demo stock.. A good friend just bought a used 2014 9'5" Mana from a local shop and she got a bargain price.