Hi All

Looking to get myself into stand up paddle boarding. Did it a few years ago once and really enjoyed it and looking now to purchase my first package.

So I am 180cm and 70kg, would mostly be using the board down in the small surf at Torquay however am planning a trip up the east coast this year so may use it in some rivers along the way.

I've been doing a heap of research and the age old adage seems to ring true, you get what you pay for. However at this stage I don't want to be spending the big bucks and, to me there seems to be that midrange price bracket that I would probably suit me best, around the $400-$600 mark.

I have narrowed down to the following boards.

1. supwest.com.au/products/inflatable-sup-package-deal/
2. www.anacondastores.com/water/beach-surf/paddle-boards/aqua-marina-beast-inflatable-stand-up-paddle-board/BP90133111
3. www.thesurfboardwarehouse.com.au/atlantis-inflatable-isup-lime/

Would be grateful if the good folk over here could chime in with your opinions on the above 3, or anything else out there.

Starboard do an isup for the surf with a kick in the nose to prevent nose dives. Couldn't say how good they are but they do look ok. Seem to surf alright on their video. Designed not to catch the rail when turning which can be problem with a flat water isup
If you buy a cheap isup, put some money aside for problems or replacement. Or just buy a good quality board.

On inflatables:
- do not get "no name" brands, you will have no support in case of issues
- there are not a lot of difference between reputable brands (ones that have been on the market for years).
- however there are differences between models: double skins are tougher but heavier, soft glued fins are a pain (they deform), etc...

For surfing, there are some things to look for:
- as much stiffness as possible (double skin, high PSI)
- thin (no more than 4")
- pulled in nose: inflatable noses stick to the water, you want to reduce this effect
- standard fin boxes so you can use quality fins
- hard rails (rubber ridges) in the tail section, it adds an extra bit of speed that is very useful in turns
- (somewhat) rounded rails rather than square ones, altougth most inflatables are similar
- a good rocker is nice, but rocker can always be added afterwards by bending the board (this is how they do it in factories)

Your choice should be made by these criteria rather than blind trust into a brand name