Yes, I'm sorry but this is another "which board should I buy?" post. I want to buy a board which I can use primarily on flat water, for fitness and i would like to think i can get some speed up eventually. I live on the bay in Melbourne. But I also want something that will be ok for my 3 year old to sit at my feet whilst I paddle. So I think I'm needing something that will allow me both speed and stability. I have been looking at the Naish Nalu 10'10" AST (i like the inset hand grip) and the Naish Alana paddle. The only thing stopping me running out and buying it today is the cost - it sure is looking like an expensive outlay - but I do appreciate that these boards do hold their value. Can anyone offer me an alternative or advice. I am also going to ensure my toddler wears a safety vest with a handle.
Another board which I am considering is the Naish Alana 10'10" AST. I'm concerned that i'm sticking to name brands when a less expensive option would suffice??
Hi Benji,
I am keen to hear the responses on this one... I now have a little billy-lid (boy) and given we live within spitting distance of the beach (and my love of the ocean) he is bound to become a water-boy... hence the more I can do to make him comfortable in the water the better. I did see a Naish board with a viewing window on one of the forums but I cant remember if it was for kids and/or for underwater viewing by the paddler. Anyway, just one idea. In saying that I am sure plenty of the majors would have some options in this regard. It's now over to the suppliers/retailers...
If you are after something to get a bit of speed out of eventually but is very stable, look at the Fanatic 12'6 x 30.5 this should tick all your boxes. It comes in two constructions (wood and carbon) the wood being the cheaper of the two.
The Naish's that you have mentioned will be great for cruising and the occasional little wave but will let you down in the fitness area. They are good as they have a wide nose and plenty of volume up front for kids but that is about all they are good for.
Having said that I take my two year old out on my 12'6 x 27.75 Fanatic and my wife also takes her out on her Starboard 11'2 x 30. My wife is by no means an overly competent paddler but feels comfortable on this board as, like the Naish's, has plenty of volume and width in the nose for stability.
I believe the Naish with the viewing window is 11'6, but I could be wrong and the window is supposed to for the paddler however kids definitely make the most of them.
You haven't said what you weigh and how tall?
Depending on your size the Starboard Atlas would be worth a look, a great one for sitting a kid up front, stable as a table, surprisingly good glide, tracks great with the right fin and a hoot in small to waist high surf too. Awesome all round fun. I'm in Bayside, PM me for a run on mine sometime if you like (mine's NOT for sale 
)
The new 10'10" Nalu would be perfect.. It also has four tie down points on the deck so you could make a handle for your 3 yr old to hang on to while you paddle..
The AST version of the 10'10" is a good price and will have excellent resale value when/if you ever sell it.. That Naish handle is awesome and enough reason in itself to buy Naish.. 
The Alana paddle is also a good choice.. Don't cut it too short.
DJ
Do yourself a favour and get a Fanatic 12'6 x 30.5 and it will do the lot.
you can paddle it by yourself for fitness.
Grab the kids for a paddle for better fitness while you get better looking.
The wife will love it as you are entertaining the kids while she chills on the beach.
If you feel like cracking a small wave or two it will be great for that as well.
Give the wife a paddle and get her hooked so maybe you can fit her out with a 10 footer of your choice for the days when she has the kids.
Cheers
OOPS just read back a little
My post still stands but at 58kgs this board os not for you. Sorry
Hi Benjisup,
My wife and I take the kids paddling on the Fanatic 12'6 x 30.5 and also the Hobie 12'6" x 28.875" Sometimes I paddle the Fanatic 14' x 28. The littlies love the ride, all good and fast too when on your own.
DM
Thank you to everybody for your advice and suggestions. I have two final follow up questions:
1- are the Naish Nalu 10'10 AST and the Naish Alana 10'10 AST exactly the same board except for the gorgeous girlie paint work?
2- where in Melbourne should I go to buy? I was thinking that I would approach Zu, Kite Republic, SHQ and RPS - any other suggestions?
Just a quick update and a huge thank you to everyone for your input.
I've bought the Naish Alana, it's sitting on top of my car in my driveway ready to hit the water!!!
