Hey there
I recently went out for my first SUP paddle and have now caught the sup bug. I was initially looking for a cheap 'no-name' board online but steered well away after reading up on here :)
I'm looking for one board to do it all. Specifically one i can get around in on the main sydney harbour & middle harbour bays. Would need enough buoyancy/stability to handle a bit of chop but not a canoe in the surf.
I probably won't do a lot of flat water stuff, but would still like something with a bit of glide/length/speed and that paddles straight.
BTW - I live in Sydney and am 5"11' and 85kg. Have better general balance than most from a skateboarding, kayaking & windsurfing background but no idea on surfing and/or what to look for in a board.
I have demo'd, in flat water:
- 10'6.5" Naish NALU
- 11'2" SUP Love Adventurer
Both felt good and from reputation, I was expecting the Naish to blow me away, but the suplove held its own - esp when I popped my young son on.
I hear SUPLOVE is a decent'ish brand but their isn't much info/talk about the brand on here...
Is the Naish really worth the extra $"s and is it likely to be a better board for me longer term and esp as I get into the surf ?
Are there any other boards I really should try ?
Thanks
Mk
Hey Mk, I've got no experience with the Suplove so can't comment on it.
The Naish 10'6.5" would be a good allround first board (I started supping on it's narrower pre-decessor, the Naish 10'6", as my first board 4 years ago and got hooked).
Another couple of options to consider would be the Starboard Drive (10'5"x30") which has good glide in the flat for an allround board and is loads of fun in the surf, or if you're looking for something longer, the Starboard Blend (11'2"x30").
The starboards come in a few different constructions at different price points but if you can get a demo of either of these, they would be worth considering as options. Maybe have a chat to Sam at WindSurfnSnow at Collaroy (if you haven't already) he sells both the Starboard and the Naish and should be able to help you with advice and demo's (if available).
Hard to think of a board that could do everything. Kind of like a jack of all trades, master of none. Almost like trying to pick one golf club to play a round with.
Probably why most of us end up with a garage full of the things 
Like Ali Cat said get over to WindSurf&Snow and have a chat with Sam.
I've been on the JP 10'2" Fusion for the last month
Its a great board and worth a look.
I think you're better off with the SupLove.
The 10'6".5 in not a board for paddling with kids on.
If you want to do that with a Naish board the 10'10" Nalu would be a better option.
DJ
here is a link for the StarBoard drive http://www.star-board-sup.com/2013/products/boards/#allround#10-5-x30-drive
I'd say that will fit the bill perfectly. The board it sounds like you are looking for wont do everything perfect, just the nature of an all rounder, but it will get you on the water and be quite capable in flat water and surf. I would recommend looking for something you think you will never want to get rid of, everyone needs a good all rounder in the quiver for those times you just want to take family and friends down to the local waterway and have some fun. Consider getting something with a windsurf option, and then you open up another potential use for the board.
It would also be worth looking at the NSP range of boards, they are good value and tough as nails.
The suploves are well made and pretty tough - heavy though, but very sound and good value.
I have a JP 10.2 fusion that is a nice paddler and a fantastic surfer - super light - well made and very stable. My missus has a JP 9.9 wide that paddles very well for a sub 10.0 board - lighter again - even more stable and surfs unreal ! I think JP also do a 10.9 wide - that would be hard to beat if you really needed that extra length. If you shop around you can get a good deal on the JPs - I reckon they are better value than a Naish.
Thanks everyone - really appreciate the advice and will check out those recommendations :)
I have a starboard blend as a first board and would say it should certainly meet your requirements. Good allround board and no probs taking the kids for a cruise
Just picked up a 2nd hand starboard blend from windsurfnsnow - thanks again for the advice guys and lets just say... I'M EXCITED :)
