I'm struggling with my Fanatic 8'5 pro wave, I'm 65 kegs 178cm and experienced surfer.
Im getting use to it slowly in the surf, spend more time on my knees than standing.
I'm using a small blade paddle and occurred to me if larger blade and longer reach would help with balance? which Ive got.
Im also looking for a second board for small waves and flat cruising,
Which also could help to conquer 8'5 pro wave
I can see I need 2 boards waves and cruising, at the moment eyeing up Mana 9'5?
Naish Mana 9'5
Starboard Drive 10'5
Fanatic Fly Wave
Fanatic prowave 8'10
Fanatic element
Sounds like you might have started a bit small for your first board. At your weight long term it will be a good size though.
Changing paddle won't help sorry.
If your looking for your second board to use in the flat then maybe a 10'6" Nalu over the Mana as it it much faster to paddle and you can paddle onto the wave on the smaller days that aren't so steep.
The SB Drive is definitely a good choice for cruising and small waves, especially as you have a shorter performance wave board waiting for you when you progress.
Yep a new paddle won't help. But if you can dem an 8''11 Allwave and a 10' Fly I believe you would love them. I found the 9'3 Prowave to be a handful but these two boards amazing. Both super stable Allwave good for double overhead. I have had the Fly in messy windy beach breaks and it is super comfortable in it. I am your weight.
Cheers
Rory
Ps I was not a great surfer to start with so you could try the 8'6 Allwave.
