Being a bigger guy at 115kg 6'3, I am looking at getting a wave SUP . I have an old Naish Nalu 11'6 which I have used mainly in flattish water to learn on and a Starboard K15 on flat water . Looking to progress into the waves . Definitely a beginner in the waves.
What sort of Volume and length should I be looking for ? Any board recommends ?
Thanks for the advice .

I'm 6'2 and also 115kgs. I've a naish Nalu GT 11'0 170ltrs, and starboard wide Point 9'5 carbon 153ltrs as my go to surf sup's.
I started as a beginner on them about 3yrs ago and don't think I'll ever need anything else. The perfect quiver as they say...

If you never surfed before, keep something very stable.
Around 10' would be a good length, 160+ liters of volume, and at least 32" wide since you are tall. 34" could be fun for you.
Wide nose & tail of course, avoid the pointed shapes.

Most brands have good boards for you. And your Nalu should be a good board anyways to start in the waves, unless you feel it too unstable (narrow).

Just get out there on your Nalu and figure it out from there :-)

Dartboy
At your height, weight and, as I read it... total lack of surfing experience.... my advice is Go BIG.

I weighed 130 kg when I made the switch from prone to SUP surfing.
Even though I was a competent surfer.... I fell 100 times the 1st day.

Claimer:
Let me say upfront, that I am the acknowledged Sunova mascot and chief pimpster.... I strongly recommend:

The Starboard Avanti
11'2 x 36" wide at 230 liters

It is a great "Big Boy" surf SUP and a lifetime keeper for surf and flat-water.

Don't let anyone tell you that it is too wide at 36".... it is not.
It surfs amazingly well in small to OH

A big board will speed up your learning curve and help you enjoy the journey.

I am posting a bunch of pictures.... because that is what I wanted when I was first looking for "Big Boy" info

How good do you feel on the 11'6 Nalu?

I learned on the first edition of that board, and whenever I get back on it I'm surprised at how unstable it feels. After paddling that for a while, any of those 32 inch wide surf sups that are common now felt like a breeze to balance on. Naish has the Hokua x32, Starboard the widepoint. Blue Planet has some nice wide surf sups as well. I would do 150L as a bare minimum, 170L would be better. I'm not sure I would go all the way to the Avanti unless you are having a hard time with the Nalu.

There is a new 9-6 naish Quest
Wide and easy to ride.good price too.to big for me .but might be up your alley .nice shape .tough construction.

Grab something 2nd hand.many 2014 / 2015 boards are really well priced now. A good start is a Naish Hokua 9.1 x 32. Has a great outline and the rocker is so forgiving in surf. The Hokua pushes a bit of water on the flat but makes up for it in paddling over chop and whitewater heading out. If you get hung up on a steeper wave the rocker will save you with ease. This board will last you for years as you get better.you won't end up with a board you don't want, as you progress in skill, the Hokua will just get better and better. I still go back to My 9.1 on days as I still love it to bits. For your size and weight anything under 32 wide may be a bit tippy. The width gives you the stability. The Nalu is also and good choice as are some of the bigger JP's and the Starboard's.

hey mate
i am heavier than you by about 10kgs but the same height
i surf a 9'3 sub vector which is 9'3 by 28 3/4 by 4 1/4 and 138L
it is all based on your ability and the conditions you intend to surf in along with board design
don't be to keen to go down in size to quickly, sup as a sport has gone this way where people where trying to surf tiny boards, but we are know seeing a a push the opposite way with things like 10 foot categories,

most of all its about having fun in the surf,
so go to some demo days and try a whole heap of boards of different lengths/widths/volumes etc and see what you like

ps don't discredit the Avanti, seen a few bigger guys surfing these, they look like an aircraft carrier when your standing out the back,but once they get on a wave

Jarryd

just get a whopper

Forget brands. There is a basic formula. If you are a beginner its double your weight in volume, if you kinda know a bit then 1.75, intermediate is 1.5 and advanced is 1.2. The exception to this is if you are freakishly good or have the reflexes of a cat then you can go at 1.1 or even 1 times.

This was the formula in windsurfing, and its pretty similar in SUP. I am sitting at 100kg, and I am advanced so my surf SUP is 120 litres. Its still stable but challenges me a bit. I have tried smaller at 110 litres but it was just too small.

Select to expand quote

exiled said..
How good do you feel on the 11'6 Nalu?

I learned on the first edition of that board, and whenever I get back on it I'm surprised at how unstable it feels. After paddling that for a while, any of those 32 inch wide surf sups that are common now felt like a breeze to balance on. Naish has the Hokua x32, Starboard the widepoint. Blue Planet has some nice wide surf sups as well. I would do 150L as a bare minimum, 170L would be better. I'm not sure I would go all the way to the Avanti unless you are having a hard time with the Nalu.

Interesting question because its exactly how I feel on the Nalu, Unstable . I feel more stable in the K15 and thats narrower .
Think I might find something around the 170 liter mark and 32-34 wide .
Thanks to all who responded . Thats what makes this site such a great resource for us all .
Hope to " pay it forward " in future .
Cheers .

Large x32, Whopper, Naish Quest, SB Drive.

Love my naish quest at 170l.

170 L on my 12 foot 28.75 wide Venom feels a lot less corky than my 130L 7'11 32 wide Evoke

Front to back stability of a longer board makes a big difference to me

The Longer you go the narrower you can go with similar stability in my opinion..

Hello Dartboy,

You should consider the F-one Madeiro 8'8'' x 33'' 266x84cm 140L, Lighting fast accelerations, maximum carving, tight turns off the lip and re-entry.
The MADEIRO boards are exceptionally lively under your feet to get the most out of every wave.
These are the boards of our pro-team and are developed by our best riders.

This board is the most confortable board on the market, where are you based? I would love you to try..

Jack - F-one Australia

F-one.com.au