I have had my Nalu GS for a year and find it a good board to just paddle and a forgiving board in the surf, but it is heavy to lug and (but get moving (hence forgiving in the surf). I am 68kg.

I want to update to something lighter that will paddle and surf better. I have been doing the research (and asking SUP friends) and come up with some contenders, but would greatly appreciate comments from those who have experience with any of the boards (bold = looks good)


<div>Naish Nalu GTW 10'6" x 30 x 4.0 160 L 10.5 kg - $2050

<div>Naish Nalu LE 10' x 28.5 x 4.0 130 L 8.8 kg - Too msall a volume - won't paddle.

<div>Starboard Drive Blue Carbon 10"6" x 30 x 4.1 156 L 9.5 kg $3000+!

<div>JP AllRound Pro 10' 6"x 29 x 4.3 149 L 8.9 kg - $3000 retail. Surfs better than Nalu, paddles as well as Nalu

<div>JP AllRound Pro 10.6 x 30 x 4.2 160 L 9.2 kg - ? $3000 retail?

<div>Jimmy Lewis Black and Blue 10'1" x 31 x 4.5 164 L ? OUT OF STOCK

<div>Blue Planet Noosa HW 9'6" x 30 x 4.2 154 L 9 kg $2,200 (Carbon)

<div>Blue Planet Noosa HP 9'6" x 30 x 4.2 154 L 10.0 kg $1475

<div>Surefire Whiplash Vectorflex 10' x 29.8 x 4.1 146 L ? $1850 (Tony getting base colour $1650 model for $1400).

<div>Surefire Vandal 9'5" x 29.6 x 4.4 142 L ? $1850 (Vectorflex, ordinary $1695)

<div>Sunova Kruz 10'6" x 30 x 4.5 171 L ? $2199 W2 G3 T3 B4 (waves, glide, tracking, balance)*

<div>Sunova Surf (XXX-tech) 10'2" x 33 x 4.7 185 L ? $2099 W3 G1 T2 B5 a bit too wide?

<div>Sunova Surf (XXX-tech) 10'6" x 30 x 4.4 158 L ~9.8kg $2199 W3 G1 T2 B5 (Far cheaper than JP!)

<div>Atlantis Halo 9'6" x 31.5 x 4.5 152L ? $1000

<div>Vex ProFusion 10' x 30 x 4.7 156L ? $1000

It seems like a hard call, so I've greatly appreciate any advice - as the $ isn't trivial

Hi Tasilee, I am of a similar weight and get where you are coming from re weight of longer boards.
All of the boards in bold still have a lot of volume for your weight. I would have thought the 10' Nalu would still paddle well and the lower volume give greater control in the surf.
keep in mind to the longer the board the easier to snap/ crease they are particularly in smaller suckier waves.

I think you have to decide whether you want to stay with the long board style and shape or progress to more of a surf shape.
If you go down the surf shape you will lose the paddle power and forgiveness but gain manoeuvrability
You don't want to drop too much in size and volume.
Something around 9.6'-10' and 130lt would be a good benchmark to start with.
At your weight you could go a lot smaller but too big a drop is a lot of work and commitment.
Having said that in a years time you might have to do the same upgrade again. (I know I did)

I have generally found the more expensive boards tend to have less weight for a similar size board in a given material and tend to be more refined.
Basically you get what you pay for.
Another brand to consider is the Imagine Impact 9.8 X 29 x 131Lt (a little expensive though. RRP $2599)

The Naish Nalu GTW is a great board. It was my first board and I still have it but it will be very similar to your current board, only a little lighter.
The JP Allround 10.6 is a good board but may be too close to your current board as well.
Sunova boards would be good.