Hi seabreezers,

Figured I'd introduce myself as I ease into the world of paddle boarding!

I'm Dave and I live in Cronulla, Yesterday I purchased my first SUP.

This is the bit where everyone gasps, I've never actually been on a SUP before it's just something I suddenly decided I wanted to do and being a snowboarder, wakeboarder and very ordinary surfer I took the punt and figured I'd love it! I like a challenge and I figured the purchase committed me to giving it my all.

So after spending a day being lost in the northern beaches here's what I purchased..



It's a 10ft-31-4'5/8 Sanctum carbon wrapped board with full carbon fibre paddle. Apparently it's around 155L (I'm 67kg and 5'7) I'm aware it's probably no where near as good as a starboard or naish but it's something that will get me in the water and if I love it a pricier purchase will be made down the line!

So I spent the night installing the fins, leash and after reading up on these very forums I nervously cut the pole and put some electrical tape around the edge.

Unfortunately dealing with a bit of man flu at the moment and the weather isn't exactly favourable so it's still sitting inside taking up half of my apartment :(

So for now my aim is to learn the basics on flatwater (any tips on where's good to go locally would be appreciated) before moving onto the ocean behind the waves then maybe riding some small 0-2ft surf any bigger and realistically I'd probably rather just surf.

Having got used to throwing my surfboard under my arm and running up to the beach transporting this thing around is already daunting. I'll be using soft racks for now and hoping they don't destroy my cars paintwork.

I've started scanning through the articles section of seabreeze for any beginner material. Are there any other resources you guys think I should be checking out? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance. Hopefully I've made the right decision and fall in love with it as much as you all have!