Hi
Have read many posts re this issue but still would appreciate any advice re board selection.
Need to move down to a smaller more surf orientated board than current 10'6*31 Gulliver All Rounder. 10'6" has been good to learn (<2months) and fun in small surf but a bit of a boat. Should have got a smaller board first up. I do more surfing than flat water paddling. I'm 77kgs, used to surf a 9ft performance mal but now mostly SUP.
Don't want to have to buy another board in 12 months etc.
Thoughts are:
Starboard 8'5*30 pocket rocket
Starboard 8'10*32 widepoint
Starboard 9'0*30 converse
JP surf pro 8'10*30 or 9'2*30
JP surf widebody pro 8'8*32
Naish Hokua 9'5*29.5
Fanatic all wave 8'10*31
Others? I know it's a long list but many options and not able to demo most in Sydney.
Thanks

I would have a look at the 8'10" Fanatic Pro Wave too.

Also if I were you I would take a trip the the local SUP shop that has boards that you can demo, or see if you can try some out when there is a demo day.

I took the plunge and bought a 7'10 x32 after coming doen from a bigger board. I am similar weight to you. You have to catch the wave pretty late but once you have ur timing down its a blast. The only down side is that it tends to yaw a bit but thems the breaks with all short boards.

Dont be afraid to smaller, the key is being able to paddle the board in all conditions, but the balance will come with practice. The worst thing people do is buy a board they can easily paddle - and then upgrade to a smaller board.

Depending on where you are located in NSW -

Wind Surf Snow in Long Reef or ESS on the Central Coast have demo boards available.

I would also consider the 8"10 Hokua LE or the 8"3 if you can paddle it.

http://naishsurfing.com/HOKUA%20LE%20SERIES-Pro%20Performance%20Wave/

Hi Nicsurf,

I started on the 2013 Converse BC 9'x30"x137L and at the time wished I had started on something larger but after ~2 months was glad I didn't. Then 2 months later I was looking at getting a shorter board for the cleaner days and after searching the Buy and Sell here ($ was an issue) ended up buying a 2013 Starboard Pro BC (8'x28"x96L). This time I wished I had bought something a little bigger (say Pro 8'5") but now after 2 months on it there is no going back. Plan was to use both boards but I only ever ride the 8'Pro now and the Converse feels like a boat.

JohnnyMaya told be that someone wrote that you should buy boards thinking on how good you'll be doing in one year not something that you are immediately comfortable on now or you could again be in the market for something smaller. Really depends on your end goal, ie are you happy with your current level, do you want to step up a little or do you really want to push yourself. There is no right or wrong answer here it is personal preference.

As for Yaw I find the Pro tracks better than the Converse despite the Converse's greater length and larger fin the narrow width of the Pro enables straighter paddle strokes.

Cheers
Slack

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BenjiD said..

I took the plunge and bought a 7'10 x32 after coming doen from a bigger board. I am similar weight to you. You have to catch the wave pretty late but once you have ur timing down its a blast. The only down side is that it tends to yaw a bit but thems the breaks with all short boards.

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Nicsurf said.. OK thanks I'll look into the Prowave, they seem to get a good review. Demo-ing the right model seems the problem though. Again thanks for advice.

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Garethg said..


Dont be afraid to smaller, the key is being able to paddle the board in all conditions, but the balance will come with practice. The worst thing people do is buy a board they can easily paddle - and then upgrade to a smaller board.

Depending on where you are located in NSW -

Wind Surf Snow in Long Reef or ESS on the Central Coast have demo boards available.

I would also consider the 8"10 Hokua LE or the 8"3 if you can paddle it.

http://naishsurfing.com/HOKUA%20LE%20SERIES-Pro%20Performance%20Wave/

Thanks Garetng. Seems I should be setting focus on shorter boards - and also I think 31/32' wide. Will check out Long Reef. Thought the Naish 8'10 or 8'3 might be a little unstable? Suppose got to find that shop that will demo these sizes

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Slack said..

Hi Nicsurf,

I started on the 2013 Converse BC 9'x30"x137L and at the time wished I had started on something larger but after ~2 months was glad I didn't. Then 2 months later I was looking at getting a shorter board for the cleaner days and after searching the Buy and Sell here ($ was an issue) ended up buying a 2013 Starboard Pro BC (8'x28"x96L). This time I wished I had bought something a little bigger (say Pro 8'5") but now after 2 months on it there is no going back. Plan was to use both boards but I only ever ride the 8'Pro now and the Converse feels like a boat.

JohnnyMaya told be that someone wrote that you should buy boards thinking on how good you'll be doing in one year not something that you are immediately comfortable on now or you could again be in the market for something smaller. Really depends on your end goal, ie are you happy with your current level, do you want to step up a little or do you really want to push yourself. There is no right or wrong answer here it is personal preference.

As for Yaw I find the Pro tracks better than the Converse despite the Converse's greater length and larger fin the narrow width of the Pro enables straighter paddle strokes.

Cheers
Slack

Hi Slack.
Very useful to read your story as it's where I'm at (would have started on 9'ish board if had chance again). 8ft Pro seems like a stretch given width but interesting comment re tracking better despite shorter board than Converse. What is your weight?
Great advice re one year from now. Thanks.

What about jimmy lewis kwads and stunguns are great boards , or something local ,deep sups look good or maybe laguna sups , I' m not realy a fan of starby's , fanatics are junk , then there's. Jp/ naish well I won't comment due to the PG rating but i guess It's like cars some people like holden/ford some people like toyota/ subaru

Hi nicsurf. Check my topic on the 8 8 JP surf wide body.
Had it out again today. Head to head1/2 high. It just absolutely rocks.
But.
Demo, demo, demo. See what works for you. Feels right and is comfortable. That's the one and only way and best thing about SUP.
Stick to reputable brand, talk to you local shop, and spend the $ there

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Nicsurf said..
Hi Slack.
Very useful to read your story as it's where I'm at (would have started on 9'ish board if had chance again). 8ft Pro seems like a stretch given width but interesting comment re tracking better despite shorter board than Converse. What is your weight?
Great advice re one year from now. Thanks.

73kg/53yo and the 8'Pro has been a real challenge for me but the wave ride it gives just kept me at it.

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Slack said..

JohnnyMaya told be that someone wrote that you should buy boards thinking on how good you'll be doing in one year not something that you are immediately comfortable on now or you could again be in the market for something smaller.

Be wary that getting too hard a board may slow down your progress considerably at the beginning. For instance, if you started on a 10' and one year after are OK on a 8', it does not mean that you could have started with a 8'. Maybe starting with a 8' you would have taken 3 years to get to your current level instead of one, or you could have stopped SUP altogether in disgust.

I started with a 7'8" (Sealion), and got disgusted after one session, telling myself SUP wasn't for me, I only used the Sealion with a sail afterwards. Only some months later, reading material on the net, I bought a 9'6" SUP and was hooked on SUP for life.

When I was out this morning I gave some thought to this thread and I wouldn't recommend you go for a board too radical at this stage as they are such hard work. Even now that I have come to terms with my 8'Pro it is still a lot of work to stay balanced in any sort of chop/wind/surge and seriously tiring too but all that aside I am hooked on this board.

Colas is right you can slow your progress down by going for a board that is too big a step. Hopefully you can demo some of those boards on your list as they will all perform well in the surf and offer you some challenges and then you'll get a feel for the length vs width vs volume that suits your next stage of SUPing.

Depends on the surf I suppose that you are on. Out of those boards in your list I would say not to the Widepoint and maybe the 8ft 8 JP surf wide body.......I am 90 kg plus heavy wetsuit and would find the Widepoint too much volume. The JP surf widebody is a brilliant board.....I have one and it suits my size brilliant but at 77kgs too much for you I reckon. I would be tempted by the JP surf or the Starby pocket rocket. Reckon the Allwaves wil have too much volume. You will need to demo my friend. If you wanted to go smaller in length then the JP 8 2 surf widebody would be brilliant in surf......but you will notice lack of glide....but stability good.

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Slack said..

When I was out this morning I gave some thought to this thread and I wouldn't recommend you go for a board too radical at this stage as they are such hard work. Even now that I have come to terms with my 8'Pro it is still a lot of work to stay balanced in any sort of chop/wind/surge and seriously tiring too but all that aside I am hooked on this board.

Colas is right you can slow your progress down by going for a board that is too big a step. Hopefully you can demo some of those boards on your list as they will all perform well in the surf and offer you some challenges and then you'll get a feel for the length vs width vs volume that suits your next stage of SUPing.

Thanks for your further thoughts.
One board I'm looking at is the Fanatic Prowave 8'10X29.25, 119l (used) but could be too much of stretch given width from your comments and others though. Perhaps the 8' 8 JP surf wide body (81cm/32, 136l) may be safer given the width?
Will try and demo the JP and Prowave.
Appreciate thoughts and advice.

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Slab said..

Depends on the surf I suppose that you are on. Out of those boards in your list I would say not to the Widepoint and maybe the 8ft 8 JP surf wide body.......I am 90 kg plus heavy wetsuit and would find the Widepoint too much volume. The JP surf widebody is a brilliant board.....I have one and it suits my size brilliant but at 77kgs too much for you I reckon. I would be tempted by the JP surf or the Starby pocket rocket. Reckon the Allwaves wil have too much volume. You will need to demo my friend. If you wanted to go smaller in length then the JP 8 2 surf widebody would be brilliant in surf......but you will notice lack of glide....but stability good.

OK thanks. JP's seem the go..... need to demo them!

Howdy. Agree totally. Too short to start with is a real chore. Before finding the 8 8 I demoed an naish and purchased/sold a hobie 9 6.. Just too hard. Used a fanatic 9 6 all wave for 6 months without regret. Now have had the 8 8 surf wide body for 10 months and still love it. Learning lots. Try them out. See what works for you. Then hang on for the ride. It's a blast. Buy from a local shop and give them feed back. Helps the sport all around.

I am 80kg and started on a Naish Nalu 10 6.5, a really nice board with a mal style ride. It is a keeper.
I wanted something a little more performance orientated and bought the JP 8' 10" Surf Pro.
After owning it for a while I believe I could have bought the next one down.
At your weight I wouldn't consider the wide body's, they will be too much volume
30" is plenty wide enough and the rails and tail give it nice performance.
(I demo'd the JP 8'8" widebody - very stable easy to ride and a lot of fun but knew I would be looking for something with more performance sooner rather than later)

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Flying High said..

I am 80kg and started on a Naish Nalu 10 6.5, a really nice board with a mal style ride. It is a keeper.
I wanted something a little more performance orientated and bought the JP 8' 10" Surf Pro.
After owning it for a while I believe I could have bought the next one down.
At your weight I wouldn't consider the wide body's, they will be too much volume
30" is plenty wide enough and the rails and tail give it nice performance.
(I demo'd the JP 8'8" widebody - very stable easy to ride and a lot of fun but knew I would be looking for something with more performance sooner rather than later)

Hi. Thanks for feedback.
Instead of JP 8'10" surf what would you have bought - the JP Surf 8'6"x29"?? 8'5" Pocket Rocket???
N

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colas said..
Be wary that getting too hard a board may slow down your progress considerably at the beginning. For instance, if you started on a 10' and one year after are OK on a 8', it does not mean that you could have started with a 8'. Maybe starting with a 8' you would have taken 3 years to get to your current level instead of one, or you could have stopped SUP altogether in disgust.

Hey Colas, I talked a lot with Slack about the boards and really explained him that it would be a somehow risky move/gamble to go to such a short and narrow board. I explained him that it would really depend on his will to fail and keep trying. Basically the message is simple: if you're willing to sacrifice your comfort and you really want a smaller board, than it will be a matter of time, but be ready for the worst and don't give up.

I think he went through some not so nice moments but now he's picking up the prize.

In the end of the day, it's about wanting to make a smart investment. If you have the money to buy a couple of boards in a short period of time, go for it. If you don't or you're simply not willing to, take the leap of faith.

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Nicsurf said...

Flying High said..

I am 80kg and started on a Naish Nalu 10 6.5, a really nice board with a mal style ride. It is a keeper.
I wanted something a little more performance orientated and bought the JP 8' 10" Surf Pro.
After owning it for a while I believe I could have bought the next one down.
At your weight I wouldn't consider the wide body's, they will be too much volume
30" is plenty wide enough and the rails and tail give it nice performance.
(I demo'd the JP 8'8" widebody - very stable easy to ride and a lot of fun but knew I would be looking for something with more performance sooner rather than later)

Hi. Thanks for feedback.
Instead of JP 8'10" surf what would you have bought - the JP Surf 8'6"x29"?? 8'5" Pocket Rocket???
N

Hi N
I definitely could have got the JP 8'6".
I demo'd the 8'5" Pocketrocket but preferred the feel of the JP. Because it was longer didn't have to change sides paddling as often and I felt it dropped in better.

Like Colas said, because I have ridden it for some months I could go down to the JP8'2" now but I think at the time it would have been difficult.i am n

Select to expand quote

Nicsurf said...

Flying High said..

I am 80kg and started on a Naish Nalu 10 6.5, a really nice board with a mal style ride. It is a keeper.
I wanted something a little more performance orientated and bought the JP 8' 10" Surf Pro.
After owning it for a while I believe I could have bought the next one down.
At your weight I wouldn't consider the wide body's, they will be too much volume
30" is plenty wide enough and the rails and tail give it nice performance.
(I demo'd the JP 8'8" widebody - very stable easy to ride and a lot of fun but knew I would be looking for something with more performance sooner rather than later)

Hi. Thanks for feedback.
Instead of JP 8'10" surf what would you have bought - the JP Surf 8'6"x29"?? 8'5" Pocket Rocket???
N

Hi N
I definitely could have got the JP 8'6".
I demo'd the 8'5" Pocketrocket but preferred the feel of the JP 8'10". because it was longer didn't have to change sides paddling as often and I felt it dropped in better (couldn't find a 8'6" to demo in the JP)

Like Colas said, because I have ridden it for some months I could go down to the JP8'2" now but I think at the time it would have been difficult.
I am not trying to sell you on the JP but rather advise dont go too wide at your weight.

Obviously demo as there a lot of new boards out there that are changing the basics like the Naish, which are short and wide but the pulled in tails make them perform. Sorry haven't tested the new Naish boards so can't help too much there.

Hi Nicsurf,

Good to see you are getting plenty of advice and good advice too; Seabreeze is such a great forum.
When I was considering the 8'Pro I did a search and came up with JohnnyMaya so I contacted him. He is a very knowledgeable SUPer and he was most helpful in assisting me come to the end conclusion of taking the punt and going for the 8'Pro. Since I bought it I have had many messages from him with advice and support and I greatly appreciated it.

Select to expand quote

JohnnyMaya said to Slack..
If you want my completely honest opinion, it just depends on your mind set. At your size and weight, you'll be able to surf something like the 2014 7'4 Pro @80 liters. You probably can't do it now, but you'll be able to in one or two years. In saying this, i think that if you're really excited about sup surfing, you should go with the 8'0.

Sure thing you'll fall a lot, a lot more that you'd like to, but if it gets too hard, go paddling in pure flat water for a couple of days just to find your feet on the board and then make it in the surf.

There are plenty of people using the 8'0, just try to stand on one for a couple of moments to see how you feel and go for it. Don't be intimidated if it feels hard.

People will often say at your weight/skill level/location you need a board about X long x Y wide x Z litres. Johnny made mention of "mind set" and that needs to be factored in if considering a radically smaller board. I was hell bent on going shorter real quick. I refrained from switching back to the 9'Converse and just committed to the 8'Pro, it's now been ~10 weeks and I must have over 100hours on that board and now I am fairly comfortable on it but there were many times when I almost gave up and I don't think there will ever be a time when I will say it is easy to ride.

So factor in the level of commitment you're prepared to make.

Select to expand quote

Flying High said..

Nicsurf said...

Flying High said..

I am 80kg and started on a Naish Nalu 10 6.5, a really nice board with a mal style ride. It is a keeper.
I wanted something a little more performance orientated and bought the JP 8' 10" Surf Pro.
After owning it for a while I believe I could have bought the next one down.
At your weight I wouldn't consider the wide body's, they will be too much volume
30" is plenty wide enough and the rails and tail give it nice performance.
(I demo'd the JP 8'8" widebody - very stable easy to ride and a lot of fun but knew I would be looking for something with more performance sooner rather than later)

Hi. Thanks for feedback.
Instead of JP 8'10" surf what would you have bought though- the JP Surf 8'6"x29"?? 8'5" Pocket Rocket???
N

Hi N
I definitely could have got the JP 8'6".
I demo'd the 8'5" Pocketrocket but preferred the feel of the JP 8'10". because it was longer didn't have to change sides paddling as often and I felt it dropped in better (couldn't find a 8'6" to demo in the JP)

Like Colas said, because I have ridden it for some months I could go down to the JP8'2" now but I think at the time it would have been difficult.
I am not trying to sell you on the JP but rather advise dont go too wide at your weight.

Obviously demo as there a lot of new boards out there that are changing the basics like the Naish, which are short and wide but the pulled in tails make them perform. Sorry haven't tested the new Naish boards so can't help too much there.

Select to expand quote

Nicsurf said...

Flying High said..

I am 80kg and started on a Naish Nalu 10 6.5, a really nice board with a mal style ride. It is a keeper.
I wanted something a little more performance orientated and bought the JP 8' 10" Surf Pro.
After owning it for a while I believe I could have bought the next one down.
At your weight I wouldn't consider the wide body's, they will be too much volume
30" is plenty wide enough and the rails and tail give it nice performance.
(I demo'd the JP 8'8" widebody - very stable easy to ride and a lot of fun but knew I would be looking for something with more performance sooner rather than later)

Hi. Thanks for feedback.
Instead of JP 8'10" surf what would you have bought - the JP Surf 8'6"x29"?? 8'5" Pocket Rocket???
N

Hi N
I definitely could have got the JP 8'6".
I demo'd the 8'5" Pocketrocket but preferred the feel of the JP 8'10". because it was longer didn't have to change sides paddling as often and I felt it dropped in better (couldn't find a 8'6" to demo in the JP)

Like Colas said, because I have ridden it for some months I could go down to the JP8'2" now but I think at the time it would have been difficult.
I am not trying to sell you on the JP but rather advise dont go too wide at your weight.

Obviously demo as there a lot of new boards out there that are changing the basics like the Naish, which are short and wide but the pulled in tails make them perform. Sorry haven't tested the new Naish boards so can't help too much there.

Select to expand quote

Slack said..

Hi Nicsurf,

Good to see you are getting plenty of advice and good advice too; Seabreeze is such a great forum.
When I was considering the 8'Pro I did a search and came up with JohnnyMaya so I contacted him. He is a very knowledgeable SUPer and he was most helpful in assisting me come to the end conclusion of taking the punt and going for the 8'Pro. Since I bought it I have had many messages from him with advice and support and I greatly appreciated it.

JohnnyMaya said to Slack..
If you want my completely honest opinion, it just depends on your mind set. At your size and weight, you'll be able to surf something like the 2014 7'4 Pro @80 liters. You probably can't do it now, but you'll be able to in one or two years. In saying this, i think that if you're really excited about sup surfing, you should go with the 8'0.

Sure thing you'll fall a lot, a lot more that you'd like to, but if it gets too hard, go paddling in pure flat water for a couple of days just to find your feet on the board and then make it in the surf.

There are plenty of people using the 8'0, just try to stand on one for a couple of moments to see how you feel and go for it. Don't be intimidated if it feels hard.

People will often say at your weight/skill level/location you need a board about X long x Y wide x Z litres. Johnny made mention of "mind set" and that needs to be factored in if considering a radically smaller board. I was hell bent on going shorter real quick. I refrained from switching back to the 9'Converse and just committed to the 8'Pro, it's now been ~10 weeks and I must have over 100hours on that board and now I am fairly comfortable on it but there were many times when I almost gave up and I don't think there will ever be a time when I will say it is easy to ride.

So factor in the level of commitment you're prepared to make.

Hi Slack. Agree totally re mind set and level of commitment comment.
I'm now more inclined to stretch a little further (down) with size and width given great advice from this forum. However, given time commitments, the fact I want to enjoy my time and be challenged on the water don't think I'll go too far (8ft) and the fact I'm coming off the 10'6 (that I'll keep for the moment for small days).
As noted earlier, awesome forum and considered comments - really appreciate all who contributed.
Now for those demos.....that could take up a few weekends..
And I'll post update.

Select to expand quote

Nicsurf said..

Flying High said..

Nicsurf said...

Flying High said..

I am 80kg and started on a Naish Nalu 10 6.5, a really nice board with a mal style ride. It is a keeper.
I wanted something a little more performance orientated and bought the JP 8' 10" Surf Pro.
After owning it for a while I believe I could have bought the next one down.
At your weight I wouldn't consider the wide body's, they will be too much volume
30" is plenty wide enough and the rails and tail give it nice performance.
(I demo'd the JP 8'8" widebody - very stable easy to ride and a lot of fun but knew I would be looking for something with more performance sooner rather than later)

Hi. Thanks for feedback.
Instead of JP 8'10" surf what would you have bought though- the JP Surf 8'6"x29"?? 8'5" Pocket Rocket???
N

Hi N
I definitely could have got the JP 8'6".
I demo'd the 8'5" Pocketrocket but preferred the feel of the JP 8'10". because it was longer didn't have to change sides paddling as often and I felt it dropped in better (couldn't find a 8'6" to demo in the JP)

Like Colas said, because I have ridden it for some months I could go down to the JP8'2" now but I think at the time it would have been difficult.
I am not trying to sell you on the JP but rather advise dont go too wide at your weight.

Obviously demo as there a lot of new boards out there that are changing the basics like the Naish, which are short and wide but the pulled in tails make them perform. Sorry haven't tested the new Naish boards so can't help too much there.

Nicsurf said...

Flying High said..

I am 80kg and started on a Naish Nalu 10 6.5, a really nice board with a mal style ride. It is a keeper.
I wanted something a little more performance orientated and bought the JP 8' 10" Surf Pro.
After owning it for a while I believe I could have bought the next one down.
At your weight I wouldn't consider the wide body's, they will be too much volume
30" is plenty wide enough and the rails and tail give it nice performance.
(I demo'd the JP 8'8" widebody - very stable easy to ride and a lot of fun but knew I would be looking for something with more performance sooner rather than later)

Hi. Thanks for feedback.
Instead of JP 8'10" surf what would you have bought - the JP Surf 8'6"x29"?? 8'5" Pocket Rocket???
N

Hi N
I definitely could have got the JP 8'6".
I demo'd the 8'5" Pocketrocket but preferred the feel of the JP 8'10". because it was longer didn't have to change sides paddling as often and I felt it dropped in better (couldn't find a 8'6" to demo in the JP)

Like Colas said, because I have ridden it for some months I could go down to the JP8'2" now but I think at the time it would have been difficult.
I am not trying to sell you on the JP but rather advise dont go too wide at your weight.

Obviously demo as there a lot of new boards out there that are changing the basics like the Naish, which are short and wide but the pulled in tails make them perform. Sorry haven't tested the new Naish boards so can't help too much there.

Thanks FH. Think I'm erring on not going too small as I also like some glide but certainly shorter than when this thread started. Great contributions from many in this forum - invaluable advice.
When I get a board (soon) I'll post update and thoughts.
Given comments I've got a few boards to demo...
BTW had WindSurfNSnow contacted me here in Sydney with most of these boards available to demo.

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JohnnyMaya said..

Basically the message is simple: if you're willing to sacrifice your comfort and you really want a smaller board, than it will be a matter of time, but be ready for the worst and don't give up.

I would agree with out on this approach for other sports, but with (sup) surfing, you have to take into account the wave count: i.e. the surfing progress depends not on the total time on the water, but the actual number of taken waves. you will progress 3 times faster if you take 3 times more waves per hour... No need to cruise on a barge, but you should be able to catch waves...

I also speak from personal experience. As a teenager, I hampered a lot my (prone) surfing progresses by wanting boards "like the pro" and drastically reducing my wave count...

This said, I have seen super gifted guys/gals making quick progress on hard boards, but it is the exception rather than the rule.

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tortise said..

What about jimmy lewis kwads and stunguns are great boards , or something local ,deep sups look good or maybe laguna sups , I' m not realy a fan of starby's , fanatics are junk , then there's. Jp/ naish well I won't comment due to the PG rating but i guess It's like cars some people like holden/ford some people like toyota/ subaru

Have to agree mate!!

Some serious crap out there from these big WINDSURFING companies, gotta love a brand that releases a board and then has to keep tweaking it each year.

Jimmy Lewis makes a board and it WORKS, I guess 45 years of shaping will do that.

Don't get me started on construction

Hi Nicsurf,

Not sure if you want another opinion at this stage, but I've got some recent and relevant experience from going through a similar process. I started sup'ing on a 9'5" Naish Mana. Great board to learn on and my wave count has been ridiculous for the last couple of years but the Mana is so buoyant that it is almost impossible to get it to hold a rail at my weight. Good for flat water bay paddles as well. I now feel very confident in anything up to about 5' surf, but realistically if it's good surf I'd still take out a shortboard. I wanted to step up to a more surf-oriented board, so started trying boards out recently. I've now had a few goods surfs on:
- Naish Nalu 10'6"
- Naish Hokua 9'0"
- Naish Hokua 8'10"
- Fanatic Allwave 8'11"

Summary of results below:
- Naish Nalu 10'6": great longboard style board. Surfs well, catches waves very well. Good for fat / small waves, basically surfs similar to a larger mal but worse in most regards.
- Naish Hokua 9'0": surfs great. You can take super late drops, take off in anything and surf almost like a shortboard. I surfed it in 2' clean waves for a few days and thought it was the board for me. Surfed in larger, slightly bumpy 3-4' waves over the weekend on a running tide and spent substantially more time in the water than on the board. I'm sure this board would be a good step up for me, but I surf for enjoyment and would likely not take this board out unless it was glassy and / or smaller surf. Too much hard work, although close to a great board for me.
- Naish Hokua 8'10" LE: paddles OK on flat water, both feet underwater when I surfed it. Had to paddle around prone for a while as I was basically swimming instead of sup'ing...
- Fanatic Allwave 8'11": very stable, much easier to surf than the Mana. Doesn't surf nearly as well as the Hokua 9'0", which is to be expected, but still much better than what I'm used to. Still felt like I could easily go down in volume on this board.

I actually finally decided on getting the 8'6" Allwave, seemed like it would still be easily stable enough for me, but would still be a legitimate step-up that would force improvement.

BTW, I'm 6'0, 81kgs and have been surfing for about 10 years (prone) and sup'ing for about two years. I'd say I'm a decent intermediate at both.

Sorry about the essay... Got carried away.

Dusty.... great cluster of reviews... no wasted words... all good info.
It's what I like to find when looking for rider feedback.

Select to expand quote

dustys said..

Hi Nicsurf,

Not sure if you want another opinion at this stage, but I've got some recent and relevant experience from going through a similar process. I started sup'ing on a 9'5" Naish Mana. Great board to learn on and my wave count has been ridiculous for the last couple of years but the Mana is so buoyant that it is almost impossible to get it to hold a rail at my weight. Good for flat water bay paddles as well. I now feel very confident in anything up to about 5' surf, but realistically if it's good surf I'd still take out a shortboard. I wanted to step up to a more surf-oriented board, so started trying boards out recently. I've now had a few goods surfs on:
- Naish Nalu 10'6"
- Naish Hokua 9'0"
- Naish Hokua 8'10"
- Fanatic Allwave 8'11"

Summary of results below:
- Naish Nalu 10'6": great longboard style board. Surfs well, catches waves very well. Good for fat / small waves, basically surfs similar to a larger mal but worse in most regards.
- Naish Hokua 9'0": surfs great. You can take super late drops, take off in anything and surf almost like a shortboard. I surfed it in 2' clean waves for a few days and thought it was the board for me. Surfed in larger, slightly bumpy 3-4' waves over the weekend on a running tide and spent substantially more time in the water than on the board. I'm sure this board would be a good step up for me, but I surf for enjoyment and would likely not take this board out unless it was glassy and / or smaller surf. Too much hard work, although close to a great board for me.
- Naish Hokua 8'10" LE: paddles OK on flat water, both feet underwater when I surfed it. Had to paddle around prone for a while as I was basically swimming instead of sup'ing...
- Fanatic Allwave 8'11": very stable, much easier to surf than the Mana. Doesn't surf nearly as well as the Hokua 9'0", which is to be expected, but still much better than what I'm used to. Still felt like I could easily go down in volume on this board.

I actually finally decided on getting the 8'6" Allwave, seemed like it would still be easily stable enough for me, but would still be a legitimate step-up that would force improvement.

BTW, I'm 6'0, 81kgs and have been surfing for about 10 years (prone) and sup'ing for about two years. I'd say I'm a decent intermediate at both.

Sorry about the essay... Got carried away.

Hi Dusty
Thanks for sharing your experiences on various boards. Great to get real feedback from a variety of options.
Allwave is 30' wide and 130l I think?
I think a common thread seems to be legitimate step up forcing improvement without throwing baby out with bathwater (as they say).
Essay? Lucky to get the words/ thoughts I reckon!
Thanks