Guys/Girls - I'm looking at buying my first SUP as I'm not getting to the beach enough to progress at surfing. My question is which brand of board should I buy? I know what size I'm after and the type of board I need, I'm prepared to spend up to $1500. I've looked at Sunny King, ECS, Atlantis and Evoke, they all have their good and bad reviews so are they all on a par or could someone recommend one above the others? Thanks.

Dixiedean, up until recently I had always had boards in the budget range including 2 Atlantis boards (Runway and Vex Carbon). My first 'cheapies' did me well for quite a few years but did get damaged easily and required repair. The 2 Atlantis boards and in particular the Vex Carbon (which got a good thrashing) have stood up very well and I have absolutely no problem with the construction. Dealing with the guys at the surfboard warehouse was great and their shipping and packaging was first class.

They have a sale on right now and for the money you will spend on one of their boards... I doubt you will get a better bargain. Remember, no board lasts forever.... The only reason I have gone to more expensive brands is a. because I an afford it and b. to try more progressive shapes.

All of the above replies are pretty solid advice, you are on the right path with that sort of a budget and staying away from the really cheap boards that just don't surf well at all.

ECS do some good packages with a bag, decent paddle etc.. for that sort of budget.

Looking at the resale value in classified ads will give you a good idea of what boards are worth it.

If you are in Melbourne I am happy to show you my Sunny King and Sunova and you can decide
For a first SUP I would recommend you look for solid construction and while this may cost you more it will keep you away from board repair costs more often

kyle1988 said..
Hey guys new to this forum.
im also looking at either getting the evoke or the halo or even the jp fusion.
i would prefer to get the evoke as the price is better but if they aren't great long lasting boards I would rather spend a bit more,anyone have some advice or experience on any of these 3 boards?sorry for stealing the post

If you can afford it go the JP... nothing wrong with the others but JP is a great brand... Just remember that if you are starting out, your increase in skill will probably drive you to looking for new boards before you wear out your first board. This is an addictive sport!!

kyle1988 said..
Hahaha thanks mate,I'm thinking of getting a 10 and a 9"2 for my fianc? and then when I get ok on a 10 I'll drop to the 9 and she can have my board to play in the flat,I'm 85 kg and can paddle board but haven't really tried it in the surf,would a 10 be ok?i also kitesurf and buy gear every year so I know what you mean about water addiction sports,haha

I'm a newbie, and I've had 11'4" & 10'6" Nalu loaners and now have the 9'2" Evoke which I bought on sale. With the Evoke and any TSBW I would just recommend them if they were local or easy to drive to otherwise I would go with whatever is local to you. You don't want to have to ship them back if there's an issue - and they're expensive to ship. Also the construction is not as strong as the premium brands and as a first board I recommend putting the tape on and also gaffering the carbon paddle. I'd also highly recommend getting a 10'6" or 11' longboard style board to complement the 9'2" Evoke instead of just another 10' which is pretty close to the 9'2". I miss having the option of the different styles of boards for the different conditions.

Hey Kyle have you read the other post on this forum, get your fiancee to a female sup with some lessons and she will be ripping it up. Girls are 100 percent able to sup as much as guys. She may even end up faster then you. Im thinking with that weight difference your going to need different boards.
:I got a starboard avanti, its still going strong. It cost a bucketload and is worth the money. Go naish, starboard, high end second hand. Just get someone with experience to check out the board.
With 1600 you can get a great second hand naish, starboard, nice paddle and still save couple of hundred bucks. New boards are over ratted as you will soon make it look second hand quick. Only takes a week or two.
C