Hi, I'm a newbie who has been looking to purchase a board for mostly flatwater and possibly some small wave surf. I like all the posts I've read about the Sunova line but am unsure which would be best. I am 65 years old, have supped only a few times, am 5'6" tall (short) and weigh anywhere from 165 - 175 lbs. Speeed 9.2 or 9.5 has been suggested. Looking for ease of transport and carry. Any other thoughts? Any advise would be helpful. Forgot to mention I live in West Palm Beach Florida where small waves are the norm.

either 9-2 or 9-5 speed will be fine I'm 57 yrs 75kg my 9-2 speed is like a longboard for me so either of the two will be ideal for you

Warning... warning... total unabashed, well connected Sunova pimp here

Reggiedog, since you are new to SUP I have a great board to recommend.
"The One" 9'5 at 160 liters.
It is designed for your exact purpose.... the ONE board you'll need for flat-water or surf.

It is the most stable of the Sunova's, paddles really well, and surfs great (see vid here called The Skate and the One")

"the One" is the "9'5 Surf", renamed and with a new construction option.... clear wood finish.

I am adding a video of my 1st session on the 9'5 Surf last year, so different construction... exact same board, but lighter!
at 9'9 kg, very easy to carry and small enough to stuff inside an SUV.

I ride this board a lot in winter, when I need some extra float and comfort.

It is not too big for you... perfect for a really wide range of riders.... and lower price than the XXX construction

A really overlooked board.









Video of same board but different construction last year

I'm close to your size and have an 8'5" Speed and a 9'5" x 32" Surf, aka "The One".

Skip the Speeed, it's not an all-arounder whatsoever at any length and definitely not for flatwater. RUN FAST & FAR from whoever suggested a Speeed for you.

The Surf is a great all-arounder, but it best suits someone taller and heavier. The problem is, it's just unnecessarily wide for shorter lightweights. A bonus for stability in the surf, but it makes efficient paddling in the flats a difficult reach. If it were 30", it would be perfect, but at 32", it's just burdensome. I'd recommend something non-Sunova, more like the Starboard 9'8" x 30" Element. If your stuck on Sunova, then pay the extra custom charge and get "the One" at 9'5" x 30"; wish I did (still might).

STC, are customs an option in the new "Clear Wood" construction?

Thanks baddog. Lots of good info. on this site. I like both boards you mentioned only leaning to Sunova because it is light and well made and size is good for me. How heavy is the Starboard? That would make the difference for me as well as what it's constructed of.

I looked at the Sunova website and I don't believe The One is available in the 9'5" X 30 size. It is available in a 9'5" X 32 though. Is that the one you are referring to?

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Reggiedog said..
Thanks baddog. Lots of good info. on this site. I like both boards you mentioned only leaning to Sunova because it is light and well made and size is good for me. How heavy is the Starboard? That would make the difference for me as well as what it's constructed of.

The newest Starboards for 2017 have just about caught up with Sunova with their new starlite construction, weight and durability will be pretty close for the similar sized board. I think the Sunovas look better, but that's a little more subjective. If you are going to be spending most of your time in flat water, a Speeed is going to have way more rocker than you need, and a more all around board would be better for you. A Starboard Element, or Converse might be better for you, and a hair cheaper.

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baddog said:
"STC, are customs an option in the new "Clear Wood" construction?"

I'll ask Tino, and get back to you.... but they pretty much will do anything you want.

Now... about "the One" being too wide:
I hand this board to women all the time.... they pick it and flash a big smile.... then go for a paddle. They love it.
I paddled a LOT of miles on my 1st SUP at 36" wide... and have a board I love, that is 34" wide.... I have never had an issue with width.
The boards I teach on all summer are 34" wide.... and everyone likes them better than the 30" wide option.
I have taken many people, over 4 miles their very first time on SUP ever.... on 34" wide boards. Most of them women.

Because of this thread.... I took "the One" out for 2 sessions today and had a blast.
Pic's or it didn't happen:







Small frame paddlers love the 9'5 Surf.... now called the 9'5 "the One"













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Thanks Sup,
I have watched and read quite a few of your insightful commentaries on this site before joining, and that being said, would have to defer to your take on this thread! Glad I was the impetus to get you out there today.....looks like you had a great time. The One does seem like it ticks offf all the boxes for me and I am looking forward to checking one out shortly. Thanks.

grumpy dave gives two thumbs up to 9'5 surf. First ride today top of western port. very stable, nice glide into waves. I'm 95kgs, weekend paddler. lots of smiles with sunova.

Does anyone who wants to try waves ever go back to flat water paddling

Waves are my 1st love..... but I paddle every chance I get.... with a passion!

I'm with Sup The Creek here.......the speed is a surf orientated board.....you want something long and skinny for flat water paddling

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baddog said..
I'm close to your size and have an 8'5" Speed and a 9'5" x 32" Surf, aka "The One".

Skip the Speeed, it's not an all-arounder whatsoever at any length and definitely not for flatwater. RUN FAST & FAR from whoever suggested a Speeed for you.

The Surf is a great all-arounder, but it best suits someone taller and heavier. The problem is, it's just unnecessarily wide for shorter lightweights. A bonus for stability in the surf, but it makes efficient paddling in the flats a difficult reach. If it were 30", it would be perfect, but at 32", it's just burdensome. I'd recommend something non-Sunova, more like the Starboard 9'8" x 30" Element. If your stuck on Sunova, then pay the extra custom charge and get "the One" at 9'5" x 30"; wish I did (still might).

STC, are customs an option in the new "Clear Wood" construction?

baddog asked:
"are customs an option in the new "clear wood" construction?"

in a word...yes.
BUT..... and it's a big but:
the reason the ECO's are affordable, is because they are done in large runs.
To make a custom in this construction would actually be more expensive than the XXX construction.
The XXX construction is superior in every way, so a better option for a custom.

Thanks STC; it figures...