Hi all, found this great forum and have already learned a lot.

A friend got the 2016 Naish Mana 9'10 inflatable and introduced me to paddleboarding. I had a great time and I also got into some small waves which was great fun. Well, I am hooked and want to get a nice board and paddle. I did a lot of reading on this forum and research, ending up with an ideal board which I would appreciate your advice on.
Board is a 2018 Naish Nalu GTW in 11'. I am 6'2 and around 95kg so was thinking the 10'6 may be too small?
Paddle wise I was thinking a 2018 Naish carbon vario 85.
The board will mainly be used for small surf and a bit of ocean paddling and generally just to stay fit and enjoy the ocean.

I was told the 2019 Nalu GTW will be out soon but I like the colour combo of 2018 model better. Of course looks are secondary but I like to have a nice looking board, so is there any reason I should rather wait for the 2019 model instead despite that I do not like how it looks?

I still hope to get a 2018 model so hopefully they are still available.

Good choice ..the 11's a great board ...I also like the 2018 model ,I have a 2016 .gtw..it .does it all ..
paddle is also good .

Thanks for the feedback. Apart from the graphics/colour I did not see any changes for the 2019 model. But, I will just get a confirmation on it.

I did see some reports of the Nalu's being more fragile than other boards - has this been a general concern? I will keep my board at the beach house but may do a bit of transport depending on where the best break is at the time. Is it a concern to tie it down on roof racks? Is there anything in particular I need to watch out for?

WCC, stoked you're hooked, you wont look back

The Naish Nalu line has not had many huge changes for quite some time now. The physical mould is identical for the past 4+ years (asside from using the GTW bottom mould on the 10'6" GS to add thrusters of recent years). So the boards are the same in shape in every way. There has been a few minor changes to look, graphic and the like, but in general you're getting the same awesome board every time. Recent years I guess have shown the biggest change which is the wood sandwich that has not gone to a high quality bamboo (not the usual cheap china rubbish you see out there) from the Australian Pine of <2017. This has dramatically helped in maintaining an unmatched strength to weight ratio at an awesome price.

Bottom line, you can't go wrong on a Naish. Apart from the board being amazing and proven year after year as the #1 go to longboard SUP, the backup and support (especially here in . AUS ) in awesome.

BTW, size wise. I am very similar dims to you and ride the 10'6". It can be a little wobbly, and the 11' is definitely noticeably more stable, especially on the smaller waves - so good choice.

Enjoy, Ride safe,

JB

Here's a vid of me enjoying the glide 5 years ago on the 2014 Nalu GTW 10'6"

I'm also your height and weight and I love my 11' Nalu..

They are a strong and durable board and not fragile but I would recomend using pads on your car roof racks and using straps instead of rope or bungee cord.

Don't over tighten the straps or use the ratchet type of straps.. If you can't wiggle the strap left and right slightly along the rail it's too tight.

Where are you located? .. and here's a vid that I made a few weeks ago surfing mine..

Many thanks gents, I really appreciate the help. Those are cool vids and thanks so much for sharing. I think I am sold on the 11' Nalu.

Yep, the SUP bug bit hard. I love the water and use to surf a lot when I was at school, so it is great to get back on a board again.

I'm located an ocean away in Cape Town, South Africa. Here's a pic of our house - sea was very flat on the day but we do get some nice surf around spring tides.