Hi people

I'm looking at getting my 1st board, have surfed most my life, so have a few questions.

I'm wanting maybe one or two boards, one flat flat water and one for surfing when I get the jist of it.

I see mostly it's all about the Length, Width and thickness? But what is the difference between a cheap board and a Premium board besides the foam/epoxy?

As surf boards are based on more spec's etc? Is this the same for SUP boards?

I'm 6.3" and weight 118kgs, not fat. What would you recommend for flat and surf?

What type of paddle is best?

Any advice taken on board.

Thanks

G'day Jaxon,

Specs certainly play a big roll in SUP design & experienced guys will look into boards with certain specs in mind depending on what type of board they are after. Whether it be for longboard style surfing or more progressive shortboard style. Width is important in making a board stable to paddle on but then once you're on a wave it can work against you. So there is a trade off there.

Questions you should ask yourself are: Do you want an easy board to paddle with plenty of stability or something quite challenging? Long or shortboard style surfing? What size & type of surf will you be riding in?

If your flat water board is for flat water ONLY & not for all around use, then I'd suggest a 12'6" or 14' race board at 29-30" wide.

For surf, at your size maybe a Starboard 10'5" Widepoint or one of the PSH wide Rippers. 9'11 or the 10'6. Or Naish Hokua 9'10"

If you're leaning more towards a one board for everything, then you'll be looking at more longboard style. Naish Nalu 11'6, 11'4 & 10'6.5 are all fantastic boards to surf that are stable & good fun flat water cruisers.

Either way, best suggestion is to demo as many boards as you can find. & once you've worked out what you want, the buy n sell always has a ton of top brand boards at very good prices.

Thanks mate, that helps a lot.

My main goal is to surf the waves. But guess I have to start on the flat.

So will go look at Naish Nalu 10.4 or 10.6.. Depending what i can find.

Can always go smaller when the times right.

As for paddles what is the standard method of buying one?

Hey Mate,
My experience of starting out to now. Which I am total hooked and can't wait for the next session ( you will see what I mean). Sure go have a paddle around on the flat water, but as a surfer you will get bored of this very quickly.
I started on a Naish 10,6 which surfs really nice it's very responsive for a big board but you need to adjust your surfing to a long board style, it's still possible to throw around and with your size you will have no probs. I still have this board and love riding it in the smaller full conditions or when it's a bit choppy.
Within 3 months of starting I was looking for something smaller and to ride short board style. I got myself a Gerry Lopez 8,11 lil,Darlin. It's a ripper, pardon the pun. It's fast down the line, and performs in all surf. It's quad fin setup is the only way to ride. I recommend this board for sure. Gerry also has a longer 9,6 and 10,0 version called the Surf music, which may be more suitable to you for your size. You can't go wrong with a Gerry Lopez.
Also worth considering a 9,0 foot Coreban Fusion it's stable got plenty of volume and great in all conditions. it rips in short board style but due to its full nose can be ridden like a long board when the conditions are right. I am getting one of these to add to the quiver. But don't tell the wife.
Just remember with your selection look at what you will do with it when you get the hang of it. Don't think learners board. especially if your a long time surfer. You will pick it up quickly. Just one warning. IT'S A DRUG NOT A SPORT. And don't hang in the crowded lineup of short boarders. It's not cool and you don't need to. That's why I took it up and that's why I get 10 waves to their 1.

Select to expand quote

SUPnSTUFF said...
Hey Mate,
My experience of starting out to now. Which I am total hooked and can't wait for the next session ( you will see what I mean). Sure go have a paddle around on the flat water, but as a surfer you will get bored of this very quickly.
I started on a Laird 10,6 which surfs really nice it's very responsive for a big board but you need to adjust your surfing to a long board style, it's still possible to throw around and with your size you will have no probs. I still have this board and love riding it in the smaller full conditions or when it's a bit choppy.
Within 3 months of starting I was looking for something smaller and to ride short board style. I got myself a Gerry Lopez 8,11 lil,Darlin. It's a ripper, pardon the pun. It's fast down the line, and performs in all surf. It's quad fin setup is the only way to ride. I recommend this board for sure. Gerry also has a longer 9,6 and 10,0 version called the Surf music, which may be more suitable to you for your size. You can't go wrong with a Gerry Lopez.
Also worth considering a 9,0 foot Coreban Fusion it's stable got plenty of volume and great in all conditions. it rips in short board style but due to its full nose can be ridden like a long board when the conditions are right. I am getting one of these to add to the quiver. But don't tell the wife.
Just remember with your selection look at what you will do with it when you get the hang of it. Don't think learners board. especially if your a long time surfer. You will pick it up quickly. Just one warning. IT'S A DRUG NOT A SPORT. And don't hang in the crowded lineup of short boarders. It's not cool and you don't need to. That's why I took it up and that's why I get 10 waves to their 1.

I think it's important to consider the combined weight of board plus pilot.Surf wise it is a lot harder to throw around a heavier board say PSH 10'6 if you weigh closer to 110 kilos than the nominal 80 kg that most manufacturers expect us to weigh.
Maybe demo a carbon SB Avanti.There was a used one for sale a while back.I know bigger guys that can cross step/ pivot turn quickly and even heli these things with a pilot weight of 110+ kegs