Hi all

I'm new to SUP but would eventually like to learn how to catch small waves and mess around on the ocean.

I used to longboard many many years ago when I was a young man, 52 years old now and not as fit as I used to be. I live in Perth and would like some advice on where to start as in board size etc. I'm a guy at 6'2 and weigh about 95kg.

I understand I will have to start on a larger board first and then scale down in size etc but would really appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi,
As you are tall, you should take a wide board. 32"+ will be easy enough to not hamper your progress.

As you have surfing experience, you should not go for too much volume, to keep the real feel of a surfboard underfoot. I'd say between 150L and 200L.

As for the length, 9'+
Wide tips (nose and tail) help a lot for the stability.

In doubt, get the bigger board.

The first sessions will be hard, just be careful to only get out in glassy conditions at first.
But after 2-3 sessions your surfing knowledge will kick in.

Thanks for that.

Should I just get a cheap epoxy to start with ?

I started a bit younger than you but same dimensions. I learned on a 150l board which was fine. Because you have a surfing history I would aim for a board over 9 feet and around 150 litres. Get something used and learn the ropes.

Select to expand quote

SSYS said..
Thanks for that.

Should I just get a cheap epoxy to start with ?

Yes, get the cheapest, you will outgrow it quickly.
Not an inflatable however, although the high end ones can be surfed, their feel if off for a surfer.

I am short (but 100kg), started at 49yo.
I started with a 7'6" 150L (an hybrid sailboard/SUP), got disgusted, quit.

I then re-started some months later with a 9'6" 158L and changed after 3 sessions to a 8'11" 145L that I kept nearly 2 years.
The 158L felt quickly too cumbersome. But I was glad to have started with it, I would have struggled in the first sessions with my 145L.

So get a cheap barge for your very first sessions. Then look for a nice board.

Make it simple. Get an all-arounder from any reputable sup company, Sunova, Starboard, Fanatic, Naish, JP etc. that is 1.5 to 1.7 weight to volume. Meaning an all-arounder that is between 145 and 170 liters for your weight. The rest of dimensions and shape will take care of itself as they are all basically the same shape. These Boards will be stable and catch tons of waves which will make for rapid improvement. They will surf way better than you think. You will out grow it but it is a board you can always keep in your quiver. Once you catch a ton of waves, you will start to figure out more of what you want in a board.

Hi mate
agree with the above

non point spending big on the first one - I can have a cheap refurb for you, or advise on secondhand stuff from Gumtree etc (some look great but will be buggered)

Mark
MOzCustoms
South Freo

I'm 100 kgs also had a surf back round
I suggest a 32 wide or 33 , that's where it helped me , I used a 10 foot @190 litres naish mana then to 9,5 @160 , I went straight to the surf , then moved down to 8,10 , board where I stopped , I have had many swearing sessions in the surf , but I am glad I started with the 10 foot but was more happy surfing the 9,5 after 12 months , it's fun mate enjoy the ride ,
I still swear , part of learning

Select to expand quote

jvriesinga said..
I started a bit younger than you but same dimensions. I learned on a 150l board which was fine. Because you have a surfing history I would aim for a board over 9 feet and around 150 litres. Get something used and learn the ropes.

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

Select to expand quote

jvriesinga said..
I started a bit younger than you but same dimensions. I learned on a 150l board which was fine. Because you have a surfing history I would aim for a board over 9 feet and around 150 litres. Get something used and learn the ropes.

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

Select to expand quote

colas said..

SSYS said..
Thanks for that.

Should I just get a cheap epoxy to start with ?

Yes, get the cheapest, you will outgrow it quickly.
Not an inflatable however, although the high end ones can be surfed, their feel if off for a surfer.

I am short (but 100kg), started at 49yo.
I started with a 7'6" 150L (an hybrid sailboard/SUP), got disgusted, quit.

I then re-started some months later with a 9'6" 158L and changed after 3 sessions to a 8'11" 145L that I kept nearly 2 years.
The 158L felt quickly too cumbersome. But I was glad to have started with it, I would have struggled in the first sessions with my 145L.

So get a cheap barge for your very first sessions. Then look for a nice board.

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

Select to expand quote

castawaycove said..
Make it simple. Get an all-arounder from any reputable sup company, Sunova, Starboard, Fanatic, Naish, JP etc. that is 1.5 to 1.7 weight to volume. Meaning an all-arounder that is between 145 and 170 liters for your weight. The rest of dimensions and shape will take care of itself as they are all basically the same shape. These Boards will be stable and catch tons of waves which will make for rapid improvement. They will surf way better than you think. You will out grow it but it is a board you can always keep in your quiver. Once you catch a ton of waves, you will start to figure out more of what you want in a board.

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

Select to expand quote

Tardy said..
I'm 100 kgs also had a surf back round
I suggest a 32 wide or 33 , that's where it helped me , I used a 10 foot @190 litres naish mana then to 9,5 @160 , I went straight to the surf , then moved down to 8,10 , board where I stopped , I have had many swearing sessions in the surf , but I am glad I started with the 10 foot but was more happy surfing the 9,5 after 12 months , it's fun mate enjoy the ride ,
I still swear , part of learning

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.