Hi All,
Greetings from the South West of OZ. I am another new comer to the great past time of SUP. Right now I am doing as much research as I can before I take the next step. I can feel a little daunting with so many manufacturers and retailers out there, offering so many boards of similar dimensions and at vastly differing prices. I have been around a while, so do realize there will be good brands and brands less so who build to a set price. Imported and local OZ manufacture [that alone I am a little grey on]. Mostly I am looking to see what may suit that is out there.
I understand like most things in life there is no one "ideal" for all occasions. I am 6'3" and around 106/108kgs. Many years ago, and I mean many years ago, I use to play around with a Mal growing up in Cottesloe on the beach front. But I am not going to kid myself that I can step straight back into it. I am farming south of Perth approx 25 mins drive from the coast and 5 mins from a large lake/dam. My first board will see lake paddling and also beach time, crusing a few bays, along the open water if its not too messed up and on a few small waves. Reality is with time often short, especially on week days, it will be easy to head to the lake, so I am thinking 70% of my time will be this, at least at first [I am downsizing the farm fast before the industry colapses, so in time I may not be so busy, so often]. I am after stability as I wouldnt mind throwing the dog on from time to time and also taking a rod to cast about if the inkling is there. Its all about having fun and not fighting something if my mind wanders for a second [and it does]. However I am not looking for a landing barge!
I think I may have had a few misconceptions. Ie: believing that a 11’4 / 11’6” board was ideal for us bigger guys starting out? To me it seems a huge board, but maybe it isn't as a starter...? I do understand volume and how widths and thicknesses have a change volume when are added to board length, as well as the shape/rocker, rail etc - there can be much variation between boards of the same length. I had been very interested in the 3 Brothers timber boards from Florida, Coreban Wood Classic and was very impressed with Olivers Stonker. Now is when I say I love to look of wood in the design, before it becomes anymore obvious... ;) I am not restricting myself to a modern wood grain board, but hell, I do like em! I was going to go a new board, but am going to look for a good second hand first, especially with a good name brand.
I am interested to hear any thoughts on boards and also if any of you fish from your long boards?
Cheers,
Cam...
TL:DR
OP is 6'3, 108kg, based in Perth looking for a board. Has surfed before but not in a long time. Use will be 70% flatwater with maybe some fishing from it.
Cam, you want an 11' board minimum. Try the Naish 11'4 or 11'6 or the starboard 12'6 or Maybe Naish Glide 12'. Starboard make a dedicated fishing board with rod holders too. Plenty of other good boards out there. Demo if you can.
And at your height and weight, you want a WIDE board. At least 32" if you don't want to struggle.
Thanks Colas and Pouncer. Much appreciated... 11' x 30"-32"sounds the minimum. I really like the look of the Three Brothers Boards and the Coreban with their timber feature. Am trying to get hold of Three Brothers in Florida, but no luck so far. Good striking timber / Veneer / laminate Grabs me every time!
Lobes, I know a little of the popular Naish 11'4" & 11'6", however I will check out the Starboard 12'6 and Naish Glide 12'. I see DMB do a few big boards too. Dont know anything about them. The dedicated fishing board is quite impressive. Maybe down the track a dedicated fishing board would fun to try. Would make an interesting Bowfishing platform. I will try to get away to demo asap. Bummer with farming, is time is often short and/or unpredictable to organise and I am near 2 hours drive from the closest SUP place I know of who demos. But, demo is a must and I will do it as soon as I can! Just checking as much as possible online first while I have the opportunity.
Thanks guys.
I'm 95kg 5'10 and my first board was a 12'1 x 31 Laird. I couldn't think of a better board as an entry in to the sport as it does everything. I've surfed 4-5ft Yals on it caught a few tailor from it and done a heap of fitness style paddleing on it.
It's a bit of Jack of all trades master of none type sinario but that realy suited me as it gave me the oppertunity to experience all the different uses of SUP.
Three years down the track and I'm looking to get a dedicated Surf style sup now but not getting rid of the 12'1... No way!
Hope this helps
Thanks North, Sounds like you have it sussed and are having some fun. I've got a good bit of info now. Sure is more than a few options out there. Interesting to hear of someone fishing from a SUP. I know its popular in the US. How do you carry your gear? Headed to Perth as soon as I can to demo. Staying put this weekend and seeing what this cyclone will do. Hopefully next weekend.
