Hi folks, I'm a newbie to SUP surfing, but a life long surfer 69yo, weight 74kg. I'm transitioning from surfboards to SUP surfing. Being upfront, I'm still a very good surfer, certainly advanced particularly for my age, riding boards from 6'2" x44L to 7'4" x 59L in solid West Oz surf.
I have a flat water high volume sup I paddle around for fun/fitness and easily stable on that.

I'm looking for advice on volume/performance for a first suitable surf sup.
Given my surfing background I don't want a log as it will frustrate me. I want to be able to surf easily performing surf manoeuvres. I am also concerned I get a sup that performs but I'll quickly grow out of it and need to buy another sup after a short time.
All that said, I've never sup paddled into a wave. My reading says volume is your friend to start with when learning sup surfing. Further reading suggests beginner volume at 130L, intermediate at 120L.

Appreciate advice on the above, including if it's practical to consider lower volume.

Welcome to the forum mate.

What kind of conditions do you see yourself SUPing in? Wave height and type?
Are you going to continue to prone surf when it's pumping?

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oldnut said..
I am also concerned I get a sup that performs but I'll quickly grow out of it and need to buy another sup after a short time.

No, you MUST start with a SUP that you will outgrow, there is no other way.
Just as you cannot imagine starting surfing on a performance shortboard.

The standing up balance, paddling technique, and going through whitewater to get out are very specific skills that take time to learn.

On the volume, as a bare minimum you should take a number of liters that are 1.4 to 1.5 times your weight, e.g: 105 to 115 liters.
Normally beginners should start with x2, eg 148 liters in your case. But with your surfing background you will accept the challenge of a lower volume because of the "surfing feel" granted.

On the length, you should not get less than 8'6", otherwise learning to paddle efficiently will be too slow and frustrate you as you will miss waves.

On the width, it depends on your height, but for me at 5'5" I would not go under 30" width. And wider if you are taller.
Width is critical for stability, essential at your age.

Note that the wider and longer the board, the more the volume is spread, especially out of the rails, that provide a lot of performance.

All in all, I would advise to get a performance longboard SUP shape (typically 9'x30" x 110 liters). This will be easy to start with, and you can keep it in your quiver once you transition to a "shortboard" SUP.
Or a cheap 2nd hand "big" SUP that you will resell.

Also, get a good paddle. A quality paddle is VERY important for SUPing.

My background: 100kg, surfer and windsurfer (I think Windsurfing experience helps more for SUPing than prone surfing BTW).
Started with a 8'6" 150L (Sealion, a fish). Too hard (too short), got disgusted.
Got a 9'8" 155L. Felt big after 3 sessions
Then a 8'11" 143L wide at nose and tail. Kept it 18 months (2 to 3 sessions./ week) to get through the intermediate stage.

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Hoppo3228 said..
Welcome to the forum mate.

What kind of conditions do you see yourself SUPing in? Wave height and type?
Are you going to continue to prone surf when it's pumping?

Hi Hoppo, thanks. Ankle to 3+ overhead from slop to all time. Can't prone atm due to injury. Planning to do both as I can, transitioning to SUP more over the coming years

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colas said..

oldnut said..
I am also concerned I get a sup that performs but I'll quickly grow out of it and need to buy another sup after a short time.

No, you MUST start with a SUP that you will outgrow, there is no other way.
Just as you cannot imagine starting surfing on a performance shortboard.

The standing up balance, paddling technique, and going through whitewater to get out are very specific skills that take time to learn.

On the volume, as a bare minimum you should take a number of liters that are 1.4 to 1.5 times your weight, e.g: 105 to 115 liters.
Normally beginners should start with x2, eg 148 liters in your case. But with your surfing background you will accept the challenge of a lower volume because of the "surfing feel" granted.

On the length, you should not get less than 8'6", otherwise learning to paddle efficiently will be too slow and frustrate you as you will miss waves.

On the width, it depends on your height, but for me at 5'5" I would not go under 30" width. And wider if you are taller.
Width is critical for stability, essential at your age.

Note that the wider and longer the board, the more the volume is spread, especially out of the rails, that provide a lot of performance.

All in all, I would advise to get a performance longboard SUP shape (typically 9'x30" x 110 liters). This will be easy to start with, and you can keep it in your quiver once you transition to a "shortboard" SUP.
Or a cheap 2nd hand "big" SUP that you will resell.

Also, get a good paddle. A quality paddle is VERY important for SUPing.

My background: 100kg, surfer and windsurfer (I think Windsurfing experience helps more for SUPing than prone surfing BTW).
Started with a 8'6" 150L (Sealion, a fish). Too hard (too short), got disgusted.
Got a 9'8" 155L. Felt big after 3 sessions
Then a 8'11" 143L wide at nose and tail. Kept it 18 months (2 to 3 sessions./ week) to get through the intermediate stage.

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thanks Colas, great advice Pete

Happy to lend you something to get a feel for it mate...... unless you live way outa Perth so I won't see my board for months haha

MOzCustoms
42 Daly St South Freo

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oldnut said..

Hoppo3228 said..
Welcome to the forum mate.

What kind of conditions do you see yourself SUPing in? Wave height and type?
Are you going to continue to prone surf when it's pumping?

Hi Hoppo, thanks. Ankle to 3+ overhead from slop to all time. Can't prone atm due to injury. Planning to do both as I can, transitioning to SUP more over the coming years

One board really can't cover you from ankle to 3x OH IMO - just like prone stuff mate.

As colas says, i'd err you towards a High Performance longboard shape as the first board. Around 9' x 30". 110-115L or so. The best thing about these are that you can keep them as you progress and use in the most suitable conditions - Rolling Points, High tide reefs etc. They are also not super dependant on getting the smallest size you can stand on. Most of this style surf really well and give you all of the benefits of SUP in the first place. Early paddle in, glide, ease of getting around the line up - but they still rip off the tail.

Being from WA it would be hard to go past a Smik Hipster Twin Longboard in 9'. In my eyes, a super rippable 'shortboarders' longboard . Choose the pin version if you mainly surf waves typically with a bit of push, or pick the swallow if you typically surf softer or walling waves.

Video link on how they can be surfed: www.smiksup.com/hipster-twin-longboard

I consider myself a shortboarder style surfer first, but out of all of the boards i've had, my HP longboard is the only one i've kept for over 6+years. It also honestly still gets used the most out of every sup I have.

Moving on from your first board, IMO a 3 board quiver is ideal once you really get into it, if it's going to take over from your short boarding.
I like the idea of:
HP Longboard SUP (Eg Smik Hipster Longboard or Sunova Revolution)
Step Up SUP (eg Smik Spitfire or JL Stun Gun)
Fast Small Wave ripper SUP (eg JL Superfrank, Smik Hipster, Sunova Ghost or Skate)

Obviously there are other brands, I was just highlighting a couple.

Oh and don't be a cheapskate on the paddle, buy the best you can afford. Worth it 100%+.

Good Luck!

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Mark _australia said..
Happy to lend you something to get a feel for it mate...... unless you live way outa Perth so I won't see my board for months haha

MOzCustoms
42 Daly St South Freo

thanks Moz, I'm too far away, any drop in when in the city Pete

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Hoppo3228 said..

oldnut said..
Thanks Hoppo, great advice and note the paddle recommendation Pete

Hoppo3228 said..
Welcome to the forum mate.

What kind of conditions do you see yourself SUPing in? Wave height and type?
Are you going to continue to prone surf when it's pumping?

Hi Hoppo, thanks. Ankle to 3+ overhead from slop to all time. Can't prone atm due to injury. Planning to do both as I can, transitioning to SUP more over the coming years

One board really can't cover you from ankle to 3x OH IMO - just like prone stuff mate.

As colas says, i'd err you towards a High Performance longboard shape as the first board. Around 9' x 30". 110-115L or so. The best thing about these are that you can keep them as you progress and use in the most suitable conditions - Rolling Points, High tide reefs etc. They are also not super dependant on getting the smallest size you can stand on. Most of this style surf really well and give you all of the benefits of SUP in the first place. Early paddle in, glide, ease of getting around the line up - but they still rip off the tail.

Being from WA it would be hard to go past a Smik Hipster Twin Longboard in 9'. In my eyes, a super rippable 'shortboarders' longboard . Choose the pin version if you mainly surf waves typically with a bit of push, or pick the swallow if you typically surf softer or walling waves.

Video link on how they can be surfed: www.smiksup.com/hipster-twin-longboard

I consider myself a shortboarder style surfer first, but out of all of the boards i've had, my HP longboard is the only one i've kept for over 6+years. It also honestly still gets used the most out of every sup I have.

Moving on from your first board, IMO a 3 board quiver is ideal once you really get into it, if it's going to take over from your short boarding.
I like the idea of:
HP Longboard SUP (Eg Smik Hipster Longboard or Sunova Revolution)
Step Up SUP (eg Smik Spitfire or JL Stun Gun)
Fast Small Wave ripper SUP (eg JL Superfrank, Smik Hipster, Sunova Ghost or Skate)

Obviously there are other brands, I was just highlighting a couple.

Oh and don't be a cheapskate on the paddle, buy the best you can afford. Worth it 100%+.

Good Luck!

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Mark _australia said..
Happy to lend you something to get a feel for it mate...... unless you live way outa Perth so I won't see my board for months haha
Thanks Moz too far away, may chat to you on a custom sometime Pete
MOzCustoms
42 Daly St South Freo

Hi Oldnut, good on ya for coming into SUP with eyes open and asking questions.
Welcome to the hidden magic that you will discover once you get through the humbling first stage!

A story that may help:
I have also been a committed life long surfer, chasing waves from US to Hawaii, OZ and beyond.

At 55, I had gained a LOT weight due to an injury, when hit sitting at a red light..... but I could surf as well as ever, I just couldn't pop up quickly.
So I decided to get a SUP... just for the little days when wave size didn't help my pop up.

I bought a Starboard Avanti, 11'2 x 36" wide at 230 liters because I was upwards of 135 kg
I took it out on a river for a test and it was super easy, so I was off to the surf!
Perfect glass at an awesome little reef break, 1 to 2' perfection
Did I mention pure glass?

Ha ha, I fell at least 100 times that day.
My daughter was on the beach, howling with laughter that everyone could hear in the lineup
I managed to get 1 wave on my knees, then stood up.
It felt like I was surfing a barn door

The next day I got 3 waves standing

The third day I was simply surfing again.... on a SUP!
I was surfing that big board well... like I had always been riding it
There is nothing wrong with surfing a big board, except that it was trying to kill me because it was so big it was hard to get away from in a wipeout, because I was quickly surfing well OH

The learning curve is humbling... but quick for a good surfer.

The good news is, there is always a great reason to have a big board in your quiver because SUP opens up so many new avenues in your SUP world that will surprise you as you get deeper into it.

As Colas said: length and width is your friend as you enter into SUP.
Volume is simply float... the real ease of use depends more on shape: fuller nose and hips, with relaxed rocker, maybe hard rails in the tail for easy release and fast speed.
Speed is your friend, like riding a bicycle, balance gets easier as you go faster.

I know how much SUP changed my life, so have spent years consulting with new SUPsters because I enjoy helping people make the transition to SUP

I am happy to help dial in your first board if you want to email me
supthecreek@gmail.com
There is no charge, I simply enjoy doing it!
I dig deeper into you as a surfer, the waves you ride and your goals going forward, to give you some realistic options that match what you are looking for.

And has been mentioned:
The ONE thing you will never outgrow is your paddle
A good paddle can be with you for life
A cheap paddle is a cheap paddle.... good paddles cost money, but it is well spent.
If there is one available to you, ask a good SUP shop to help with your first paddle.

Select to expand quote

supthecreek said..
Hi Oldnut, good on ya for coming into SUP with eyes open and asking questions.
Welcome to the hidden magic that you will discover once you get through the humbling first stage!

A story that may help:
I have also been a committed life long surfer, chasing waves from US to Hawaii, OZ and beyond.

At 55, I had gained a LOT weight due to an injury, when hit sitting at a red light..... but I could surf as well as ever, I just couldn't pop up quickly.
So I decided to get a SUP... just for the little days when wave size didn't help my pop up.

I bought a Starboard Avanti, 11'2 x 36" wide at 230 liters because I was upwards of 135 kg
I took it out on a river for a test and it was super easy, so I was off to the surf!
Perfect glass at an awesome little reef break, 1 to 2' perfection
Did I mention pure glass?

Ha ha, I fell at least 100 times that day.
My daughter was on the beach, howling with laughter that everyone could hear in the lineup
I managed to get 1 wave on my knees, then stood up.
It felt like I was surfing a barn door

The next day I got 3 waves standing

The third day I was simply surfing again.... on a SUP!
I was surfing that big board well... like I had always been riding it
There is nothing wrong with surfing a big board, except that it was trying to kill me because it was so big it was hard to get away from in a wipeout, because I was quickly surfing well OH

The learning curve is humbling... but quick for a good surfer.

The good news is, there is always a great reason to have a big board in your quiver because SUP opens up so many new avenues in your SUP world that will surprise you as you get deeper into it.

As Colas said: length and width is your friend as you enter into SUP.
Volume is simply float... the real ease of use depends more on shape: fuller nose and hips, with relaxed rocker, maybe hard rails in the tail for easy release and fast speed.
Speed is your friend, like riding a bicycle, balance gets easier as you go faster.

I know how much SUP changed my life, so have spent years consulting with new SUPsters because I enjoy helping people make the transition to SUP

I am happy to help dial in your first board if you want to email me
supthecreek@gmail.com
There is no charge, I simply enjoy doing it!
I dig deeper into you as a surfer, the waves you ride and your goals going forward, to give you some realistic options that match what you are looking for.

And has been mentioned:
The ONE thing you will never outgrow is your paddle
A good paddle can be with you for life
A cheap paddle is a cheap paddle.... good paddles cost money, but it is well spent.
If there is one available to you, ask a good SUP shop to help with your first paddle.

Supthecreek. Thanks mate great advice, I'm soaking it all up. Love your story gives me the heads up and inspiration. Pete

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oldnut said..
Hi folks, I'm a newbie to SUP surfing, but a life long surfer 69yo, weight 74kg. I'm transitioning from surfboards to SUP surfing. Being upfront, I'm still a very good surfer, certainly advanced particularly for my age, riding boards from 6'2" x44L to 7'4" x 59L in solid West Oz surf.
I have a flat water high volume sup I paddle around for fun/fitness and easily stable on that.

I'm looking for advice on volume/performance for a first suitable surf sup.
Given my surfing background I don't want a log as it will frustrate me. I want to be able to surf easily performing surf manoeuvres. I am also concerned I get a sup that performs but I'll quickly grow out of it and need to buy another sup after a short time.
All that said, I've never sup paddled into a wave. My reading says volume is your friend to start with when learning sup surfing. Further reading suggests beginner volume at 130L, intermediate at 120L.

Appreciate advice on the above, including if it's practical to consider lower volume.

Hope this is helpful.

I am 65 and 70kg.. Have a prone background but not nearly as experienced or good at prone as you . I had a many years gap between prone and starting sup

I started with a couple of boards at the 2.0 and 1.9 gf but outgrew them too quickly
After 4 months I jumped to a 115 L 8' Jimmy Lewis SF and had no problems at all even in windy chop here on US East Coast

The other folks here are way more experienced than me but based on my own recent learning curve I would say 115L with a shape like JL Super Frank or Longboard shape and 30" wide. After 2 years ( surfing 2x per week at least) I am now on a 100 L board .

Cheers !

You are getting good advice. No avoiding the learning curve you might consider getting a used beater that yes you will outgrow. I went thru 3 boards in my learning progression before I got down to something that felt more like surfing to me. An unstable board for your ability slows progression because you won't spend enough time standing, paddling, catching and riding waves to learn the new footwork and paddle technique required. That said a performance longboard is always a keeper in any quiver, but for me I would make it the 2nd board you get after you get some experience and hopefully tryout some different boards, swap in the lineup with your friends if you can.

I made the mistake of getting a performance sup 8'6" vex pro because I'm a good surfer and it set me back heaps. It's a whole new 'board' game-don't be afraid to work your way up as everyone else states. Enjoy the journey and what helped me is that I look at sup as a different style of surfing-lots more glide and flow and cruise. It really helped having that differentiation from shortboarding.

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oldnut said..
Hi folks, I'm a newbie to SUP surfing, but a life long surfer 69yo, weight 74kg. I'm transitioning from surfboards to SUP surfing. Being upfront, I'm still a very good surfer, certainly advanced particularly for my age, riding boards from 6'2" x44L to 7'4" x 59L in solid West Oz surf.
I have a flat water high volume sup I paddle around for fun/fitness and easily stable on that.

I'm looking for advice on volume/performance for a first suitable surf sup.
Given my surfing background I don't want a log as it will frustrate me. I want to be able to surf easily performing surf manoeuvres. I am also concerned I get a sup that performs but I'll quickly grow out of it and need to buy another sup after a short time.
All that said, I've never sup paddled into a wave. My reading says volume is your friend to start with when learning sup surfing. Further reading suggests beginner volume at 130L, intermediate at 120L.

Appreciate advice on the above, including if it's practical to consider lower volume.

Remember to move your back foot from rail to rail as you transition from bottom top turn to top turn. It will change your life.

not just up and down like you would on a shortboard, side to side.

I reckon you can happily use your weight in kilograms + 15litres... I'm 88kg and use a 103li SUP (JP Slate - 7'2*28).

however, I did work my way down to this board. it is good to consider that recently i used my old 140li (Starboard pro 9'8x29") board in some double OH waves and it was super fun.... you can have fun on lots of different boards!

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scsuperfrank said..

oldnut said..
Hi folks, I'm a newbie to SUP surfing, but a life long surfer 69yo, weight 74kg. I'm transitioning from surfboards to SUP surfing. Being upfront, I'm still a very good surfer, certainly advanced particularly for my age, riding boards from 6'2" x44L to 7'4" x 59L in solid West Oz surf.
I have a flat water high volume sup I paddle around for fun/fitness and easily stable on that.

I'm looking for advice on volume/performance for a first suitable surf sup.
Given my surfing background I don't want a log as it will frustrate me. I want to be able to surf easily performing surf manoeuvres. I am also concerned I get a sup that performs but I'll quickly grow out of it and need to buy another sup after a short time.
All that said, I've never sup paddled into a wave. My reading says volume is your friend to start with when learning sup surfing. Further reading suggests beginner volume at 130L, intermediate at 120L.

Appreciate advice on the above, including if it's practical to consider lower volume.

Hope this is helpful.

I am 65 and 70kg.. Have a prone background but not nearly as experienced or good at prone as you . I had a many years gap between prone and starting sup

I started with a couple of boards at the 2.0 and 1.9 gf but outgrew them too quickly
After 4 months I jumped to a 115 L 8' Jimmy Lewis SF and had no problems at all even in windy chop here on US East Coast

The other folks here are way more experienced than me but based on my own recent learning curve I would say 115L with a shape like JL Super Frank or Longboard shape and 30" wide. After 2 years ( surfing 2x per week at least) I am now on a 100 L board .

Cheers !

I am 44 and been surfing since a very young age. I started SUP surfing 2 years and 9 months ago. It's a whole different ball game. I am a good surfer and once the SUP is going on wave, no problems and good times, but learning to handle a paddle board when not on a wave and getting a sup onto a wave were very new and humbling experiences. supguythesecond mentioned the importance of moving your back foot rail to rail. This is something that took me a bit of time to figure out, having never surfed on anything bigger than a 7' surfboard before I got into SUP surfing. Check out Rick's videos on Youtube to get a good insight . (Supthecreek)

Really, the first 9 months I wasted mucking about on a 10' x 30" inflatable until I got my first hard board 2 years ago. It's taken me those two years to get to a point where I am able to SUP surf a small board that makes me feel like I am almost on a shortboard again. I go to the beach nearly every day. There is no way I could have simply jumped onto such a board initially. I had to go through my own journey of 4 boards to get here. Some of them I'll keep and some I shall sell and buy what I really want now and for my future plans.

There is no hard set rule about 130 litres means this and 120 litres means that. There is the guild factor - a ratio that you can work out GF = volume of board in litres / your weight in kgs. Plenty of discussions on this around here but the volume is not the be all and end all of stability. Shape of the board plays a huge role.

First board GF = 1.6
Second board GF = 1.21
Third board GF = 1.27
Fourth board GF = 1.07

All I can add to the already excellent advice you have received is: "Go in with your eyes open". You haven't mentioned where you have been paddling your flat water SUP. I've found that there is a huge difference to paddling and feeling stable around in a bay / estuary versus the open ocean.

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theSeb said..
I am 44 and been surfing since a very young age. I started SUP surfing 2 years and 9 months ago. It's a whole different ball game. I am a good surfer and once the SUP is going on wave, no problems and good times, but learning to handle a paddle board when not on a wave and getting a sup onto a wave were very new and humbling experiences. supguythesecond mentioned the importance of moving your back foot rail to rail. This is something that took me a bit of time to figure out, having never surfed on anything bigger than a 7' surfboard before I got into SUP surfing. Check out Rick's videos on Youtube to get a good insight . (Supthecreek)

Really, the first 9 months I wasted mucking about on a 10' x 30" inflatable until I got my first hard board 2 years ago. It's taken me those two years to get to a point where I am able to SUP surf a small board that makes me feel like I am almost on a shortboard again. I go to the beach nearly every day. There is no way I could have simply jumped onto such a board initially. I had to go through my own journey of 4 boards to get here. Some of them I'll keep and some I shall sell and buy what I really want now and for my future plans.

There is no hard set rule about 130 litres means this and 120 litres means that. There is the guild factor - a ratio that you can work out GF = volume of board in litres / your weight in kgs. Plenty of discussions on this around here but the volume is not the be all and end all of stability. Shape of the board plays a huge role.

First board GF = 1.6
Second board GF = 1.21
Third board GF = 1.27
Fourth board GF = 1.07

All I can add to the already excellent advice you have received is: "Go in with your eyes open". You haven't mentioned where you have been paddling your flat water SUP. I've found that there is a huge difference to paddling and feeling stable around in a bay / estuary versus the open ocean.

Thanks mate. Paddling on the open ocean, but very benign. Great advice from everyone, getting me grounded and curbing my expectations to a more realistic beginner mindset.

as mentioned, you're gonna be working your way down so getting used boards will save you money. I went ~160L -140 - 110- 100 in my first year, so 4 boards. My shapes got tippier as I dropped volume, but maybe smarter to keep the shape similar as you work down. I would find your minimum volume where you are willing to wobble for performance, then build out quiver.

You can practice the paddling/stance/balance stuff separately w/o waves, so if you get a board that ends up being too challenging for the waves you can still train w it and surf a bigger one

have fun

Great info, thanks

Don't let any of this discourage you. It's great fun and the only thing I really miss is being able to duck dive. I would suggest you check out the Supboarder YouTube channel and spend a few bucks to subscribe to their premium option where they have more videos on their website. In between reviews they have a wealth of instructional videos about sup surfing.

As you practice your twitch reflex response will get better and things will get steadier and more stable. The stabler you are waiting for a wave, the more power you will be able to put into catching a wave. The stabler you are paddling for a wave, the easier the take off will be. You will soon discover the importance of shuffling around on a board. Towards the front for more speed and to get onto a wave. Shuffle to the back for turns and to ensure you don't nose dive, for example.

G'day oldnut, you are getting choice advise on the learning curve.
From my crew that started SUP around same time, the few that took Lessons progressed quicker with better technique and equipment , ie.. exposure to good paddles, trying different boards.
Group wave sessions are fun and infomative, dialing in SUP takeoff position , out through white water, watching and sharing the learning, ,, its good to have a SUP buddy ?? to grow with. ?? Good paddle IS the game changer. a spare paddle is a bonus like that 2nd leash .. Ask other Sup'ers about their kit and any available 2nd hand gear ?? local bargans to be had .
Practice paddle technique , turns and mix it up with different fin combos , Twins will make you move your feet to use the rails for steering and force you to focus on J stroke ... how many paddles per side ????
ENJOY the curve ??????

I think width is more important ,my first SUP surf board was a 33 wide 10 foot Naish MANA ,i learnt so much on that board ,
I then went to x32 wide Naish boards first the 9,6 ,I use to shred on the ,and take some big waves on too ,very high rockered boards
then nine foot then 8'8 ,all 32 wide which made learning easier ,
I seem to have plat-toed and never went much shorter than 8,8 ,and stayed around the 31
I think I surf ok ,but i think the learning steps going from surfing to SUP just have to be done ,
Looking back they where my most memorable days and the excitement was fantastic ,totally committed
and use to wake up thinking of SUP ,dreaming sup ,and i even think I slept with a SUP
Enjoy the journey old nut ,

Hi all, thanks to everyone for the really great advice. It has really opened my eyes and absorbed that I'm a beginner, so practice, practice and then practice some more. Looking forward to the challenge.

Ive bought a s/h SMIK Hipster longboard 9'2" x 29 x 124L. Bought local, test paddle float/stability was good. Tried to mix in all the advice but I thought I didn't want too much volume, nor too little. I hope to keep this board long term.
With your advice and my research I did fork out and buy a really good brand new one piece paddle expecting to keep it long term. No details in case the boss ever reads this post

thanks again, wishing you all great times in the line up
cheers
Oldnut

9' or 10' sunova casey revolution .. hp longboard model, not a log. rail length is yr friend w/sups , fine rails. you wont ever have to sell it. i would say that as sunova nz agent ;)

Hey, not read all the posts on this but I am similar weight to you and similar age/surf experience. I still have my first surf sup which is a YOB SP 8'3"by 29.5 by 107L just sitting around not getting used. It served me well and I keep it as a back up and in the hope my son might take up SUPing, but it is free to use. PM me if you would like to borrow it. I am in WA near Fremantle. Cheers!

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32Sixteen said..
Hey, not read all the posts on this but I am similar weight to you and similar age/surf experience. I still have my first surf sup which is a YOB SP 8'3"by 29.5 by 107L just sitting around not getting used. It served me well and I keep it as a back up and in the hope my son might take up SUPing, but it is free to use. PM me if you would like to borrow it. I am in WA near Fremantle. Cheers!

Thanks will do

hi old nut , i have been sup surfing for 6 years now. Have rode surf boards all my life and although the last few months have had a couple set backs with health , approaching 72, enjoying supping .Good advise from the other blokes at this site and with ya smik you will do well . I like the bigger boards , as my surfboards progressed to nice performance mals , 9' to 9'6. to date i have had 5 different sups , couple learner ones , nice 10ft smik stylelord , sold that and went sunova , Had a 9ft1 Greek ,sold that and now own a 10 ft x29 style , a great sup , and also now have a 8ftx 10 Ghost . These are both keepers check out SUPTHE GREEK videos and have a yarn to him , and also head off to Quobba there in WA and get some fins from them , they are pretty good ,my mates are using them now and i didnt even lend them mine to trial !! .Also the advise of getting a GOOD paddle is spot on . Enjoy ya mix and the sup journey .

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razors said..
hi old nut , i have been sup surfing for 6 years now. Have rode surf boards all my life and although the last few months have had a couple set backs with health , approaching 72, enjoying supping .Good advise from the other blokes at this site and with ya smik you will do well . I like the bigger boards , as my surfboards progressed to nice performance mals , 9' to 9'6. to date i have had 5 different sups , couple learner ones , nice 10ft smik stylelord , sold that and went sunova , Had a 9ft1 Greek ,sold that and now own a 10 ft x29 style , a great sup , and also now have a 8ftx 10 Ghost . These are both keepers check out SUPTHE GREEK videos and have a yarn to him , and also head off to Quobba there in WA and get some fins from them , they are pretty good ,my mates are using them now and i didnt even lend them mine to trial !! .Also the advise of getting a GOOD paddle is spot on . Enjoy ya mix and the sup journey .

Thanks mate great to hear the stories from surfers progressing to surf sup, gives me inspiration