I am looking at getting a SUP and have narrowed it down to a Naish Nalu "wood"
either 11'6" or 11'4"
I am a beginner and am 6' tall and 105KG
11'6" has a single fin 29 3/4 wide and 5 1/2 thick and is 231Lt
11'4" has 1+2 fin 30 wide and 4 1/5 thick and is 180Lt
Would I be biting off more than I could chew with the 11'4" with my weight and lack of ability or not as I don't want to out grow the board and have to get another.
I would appreciate and comments and insight
Cheers
Phil
I just started on a 95l Nalu late last year.
I'm 92-94kg
I tried both the 11'6 and 11'4 and ended up purchasing the 11'4 and I'm really glad I did. I think it feels a lot more responsive and is still big enough for me to paddle around with my kids on the front.
If I was you I'd go for the 11'4. Also consider the Mana, I'm not sure but it may be more stable. I found a lot of people recommending smaller boards but I'm really glad I went the 11'4. I even had one retailer recommending one of the small Naish quads for me (about 150l) which would of been a complete mismatch for what I was after.
IMO.. Get a 10' Mana instead.. It's more stable.. and surfs better.
Paddling with kids leaves only one real option IMO.. The big 11'6".. The 11'4" doesn't have enough volume.. (depending on how big the kids are)
DJ
I'm only 80KG and went the 11'6, I'm slightly regretting not going for the 11'4.
Still love the board tho
What are your primary requirements for the board ? Surf or flatwater or both ? Both are good boards - the 11.6 is a big beast but I reckon its a more fun board than the 11.4 for an allrounder - don't worry about its surfability - I am 75kg and had no problem throwing the 11.6 around in good surf. I traded my 11.6 on an 11.4 (couple of years ago) and later regretted the decision because the 11.6 is just a really really fun board and if you are gunna throw the kids/dog/wife/neighbours wife or whomever on with you then its a hard board to beat. The 10 mana is a great surf sup for a big guy but not in my opinion much of an allrounder and is quite slow to paddle in comparison. I reckon you would get much more use out of an 11.6 and then later on get yourself a cheap surfsup but hang onto the beastie. If you are looking at new boards give serious consideration to an AST model cos it will save you considerable bucks and is every bit as good as the wood.
I paddle with an 8 and 9 yo on the 11'4" and have great fun. More laughs as I am now struggling to get going with all the weight on in any chop. On flat water it is still a cruise. The 11'6" would be easier however even though I have 2 shorter boards for the surf I still have great fun on the 11'4 in the surf when I take it out after a family play. I can't fault the 11'4 and can't bring myself to sell it. The aircraft carrier space lets 3 people have enough rooom for 2 to lie and one to stand. I have also had one daughter on the front while I caught waves through the Alley and will never forget the squeals of joy coming from the front.
Get the 11'4 IMHO.
the 11'6 is the fun barge and the 11'4 is a bit more surf orientated. unless you are going to use it predominantly in the surf then the big girl is the way to go for best allrounder, kid floater and give your mates a go value.
Many thanks everyone for you helpful advice 
Just picked up a second hand 11'6" NSP locally - Will be a great board for getting into the sport and will purchase a new shorter board later down the track.
Cheers
Tassie Phil
I have a 11'6" Nalu AST and IMO it's great!!
Going for it was a good decision as the 11'4" does not have enough volume for your needs...
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