First post here...I've been "lurking" here and StandupZone for awhile. But decided to post here as the forum seems more active(?).

So, question:

What board would you guys recommend for a beginner-intermediate SUP surfer for really mushy onshore waves? (Finland, Baltic Sea). 6'0", some 190 lbs (85kg, 184cm...and maybe 200lbs/>90kg with full 6/5/4 winter suit + gloves & boots).

Some background:

I currently paddle and surf a huge Starboard 12' Big Easy, 12'x32"x4,6", "scoop nose", single concave to flat to v - which catches the minimal waves and glides well in general. I've surfed the board in our "crazy" conditions through the winter some 15 times and are even getting it to turn some or at least going down the line somehow and trim. As you progress I guess the logical step is to go shorter/lower volume at some point? (and buy another board for flat water/touring/downwinding)

The problem here is that our waves are pretty much crappy on anyone's standard. We only got waves when it is windy,real windy. And I don't mean slight breeze but heavy onshore at 20-30 knots. Typically where I surf only 1-3 feet of size. Five hours drive can get me into a slightly bigger ones, but rarely bother.

Many people here ditch the idea of sup surfing completely because of our conditions. Still, I found the benefits weight out the negatives: paddling out might be easier prone but (for me) it is SO much easier to catch chaotic windswell waves with big gliding, high volume board! EDIT: + IMHO keeping position in the choppy line-up is easier/physically less demanding with a paddle.

The runs are also much longer due the early entry. Also, at some spots there is some shelter and with a big board you can catch minimal but more "organised" swell behind points or islands etc. There is not that much power in the waves though...so the sheltered spots only offer very small/weak waves - suitable for the big board (bonus is no crowds at all).

I'd love to learn to surf a longboard style SUP well. I'd picture in the range of 10-11', 29-30", 4", maybe 140-150l of volume. E.g. Naish Nalu 10'6" seems quite "right". The question is where goes the limit in narrowness and low volume in the heavy wind/chop? Ok, I realize that it is relative and dependent on skill level...but roughly? Paddling out upwind is always going to be hellish workout here - so I wonder if the big/very stable board is the only option to enjoy the surf at all? Or would a stubbie/mini-Simmons etc. add something to the experience, besides falling a lot? More and better turns maybe, even just when in the white wash?

EDIT: There is also some spots, very shallow and steep SLABS where hard core short board guys go when there's enough swell. Those are out of count on a big tanker...but I've wondered if "stubbie" would open up possibilities for spots. But these are hard for even skilled short boarder, example here, see 2.03 and 2.30, a former pro Finnish-Mexican Kalle Carranza, one of the few guys who can make it looks good here





Some people seem to praise the stubby ones for surfing the chop...but has someone any experience surfing them on super crappy onshore conditions like us? I remember there was some guy here from Holland (or Germany?) who asked pretty much the same, I just couldn't find the old thread on that one?

Longboard style is what I like aesthetically but do I progress/gain more from going shorter/wider, surfing wise? On a prone surf I can just catch waves at angle, go down the line and do gradual turning (on good waves up to head high), but no sharp cutbacks or smacking the lip yet. On a SUP I definately get more waves but stepping into the tail of the 12' tank and getting it to turn is a skill in itself. Anyway, I get kicks every time I manage to walk the board some - no real nose riding yet, but getting there.

Below (and profile picture) is an example of our conditions...windswell, small & messy, super short period, almost like riding downwind waves but near the beach (Oh and forget the dorky "swinging the paddle in the air" stance ...just learning to use the paddle properly when surfing)

(And yes the obvious answer is move the hell away from here or learn wind/kitesurfing...? But let's try to forget that one for a moment )