Appreciate any advice regarding my first board purchase. I'm 85kg, 187cm cannot surf, endurance athlete who want to stay fit on a sup and learn to surf some small waves but still be able to paddle in a straight-ish fashion for fitness. I can stay on. 14x28 wide Allstar but find it difficult in swell, surf. I also paddled a 14x29 NSP DC race and found that easier than the the Allstar. I have read some reviews on the Starboars generation 12.6 x 30, thinking maybe the with would be better for my ordinary balance and the shorter length be better for travel and small surf. Some others have advised a Naish Mana but not sure how it would go say on. 5-10km fitness paddle?
I guess in summary something I can paddle
linger distances- down wind, learn to surf and have fun on a wave thanks in advance.

I have a Mana 10ft x 33 inch and it is pretty good for long flat paddles but not as fast as a 14fter which you would expect. The Mana is great for catching waves and learning to do so and I think you are on the right track if you follow that advise.

In the starboard camp I would recommend 10.2 Wedge, or 11.2 Wedge, or 12.6 Generation

left - more surf, still great for flat paddle
Moving to the right gives you less surfey, more flattey

I flat paddle my 10.2 Wedge 8-10 km when there are no waves pretty easily and I am around 18-20 kgs heavier than you. It goes well in waves too from ankle high ripples to well over head. I've ridden up to solid 6-7 foot days. Beyond that I don't feel comfortable on a sup, so I've never tried. Great board to learn to surf on, imo. With a bit of practise it deals with wind and chop pretty well, but at around 25+ mph winds the wind can catch a rail at certain angles and the board will flip me off.

Hi mate, a Star-board generation sounds about the perfect board for you. A better surf shape would be a pain to paddle for longer distances, you can do it but it will be slower than might want.

Not to best shape for a surf SUP, small running waves wI'll be fine though.

A good all round board ,with a lean more to the flat water/ down wind area.

Cheers.

Stephen.

Thanks for the recommendations all. Looking forward to getting hold of something and travelling up the east coast of Aus to use it!