Hi guys, tried searching for a thread about this already but it never works for me so appologies if this has been asked already.
Saw a 2011 Jimmy Lewis Mano - 9' 9" for sale here on Seabreeze in my town were there arent many 2nd hand SUP's for sale.
Would this make a good board to learn on? I have no surfing background, started kiting this season but am very keen to get into SUP as I live walking distance to a river and a nice beach. Plan to get out on both.
Any thoughts??? Do appreciate the feedback
never mind, found a good write up about this board and is aimed at more advanced riders. The search continues 
Ciao Shayne,
it could actually work if you are on the 70 kilos mark! Maybe a bit tippy but should not be too difficult to overcome and will keep you going for long time..
If you weight more then that looks somewhere else as a first board.
Bye Jankie
im roughly 75kg's but yeah i think you might be right there Towball. God damn living in small towns Lol. Its buy new or travel 400kays to perth 
at your weight you could just get away with it as an L board,,, just start off in flat windless days to get the balance sorted,,, after a few sesh's you'll be dialled in....
ripper board,,, happy days in bali with the 9'9 ,, goes good on the steeper waves!
9'9 = 135 Liters with 70 kilos is quite good 1,8 Liters/weight ratio.... Not saying is the correct board for learning but if is available near you it could be done!
Start in very calm water and paddle it there for 4-5 days and you will be fine..
Struggle few days for long term fun... Maybe you can ask to try it if they have it in your town. For sure better then a 12'0 that you will use 2 days and then dismiss..
Bye J
PS. at our school we normally put students with your weight on the 9'9 after 4 sessions!
Bye J
Bought a 10' Fanatic Fly but now that the missus wants to steal that and is quite wrapped on SUPing so I might look into for a "future" board. If that makes sense.
I know that these boards are top quality and its had a price drop so who knows, might just chuck it in the shed for a rainy day. . . . . . . .or more realisticly, when my skill level improves lol 
Don't get rid of it - if you've got a watersports background you'll be onto it and loving after a season on something longer. I've got the Mano 9'4 ( I love it) - beautifully finished & very tough. Getting onto these smaller short board-type SUP's is unnerving for the first session or two , then you never want to go back to longer boards.
I'm sure you would grow into the Mano , surf wise it does like a steep face I just find a bit ordinary in less than perfect condtions 
