Hi, I'm new to the SUP scene and would like recommendations on what boards to get. I plan on getting 2 boards, one for myself and my gf. I'm 5' 3" 125lbs, shes 5' 3" 145 lbs. We plan on mostly doing flat water paddling and an occasional surf here and there. Need good recommendations on board that will fit our size and weight. Thank you.
edit. I plan on buying 2 of these
www.the-house.com/starwpas105w13zz-starboard-paddleboards.html
Any thoughts on them?
Hi mate, nice boards, without knowing your background in water sports , these boards will be fine, but you might out grow them very quickly , I'd personally go something smaller less litres narrower. And just take the learning curve on the chin ,like the say short term pain long term gain,good luck and happy supping
Hi, my 17 yr old son is about your size. he started on a 10.5 x 30 inch board and after a few paddles he wanted a shorter board. Stability was not an issue. My wife is 5'6 and she rides it just fine too. So I agree, the boards will probably be lots of fun and easy for you to use, but if you get a bit more serious about waves you will want something smaller pretty quickly. The other advantage of the larger board is your friends will be able to also have a go and have fun as that width board pretty much suits anyone up to 95kgs.
Given both your weights and height, I would say the wide point are actually too wide an awkward for you. Regardless, Starboards are one of the better boards. In the longer boards I would be looking at the 10'5" Tiki and/or Drive, both at 30' wide. I have only tried the Drive, and it is a really nice board.
A good idea would be to get two slightly different boards. You could easily throw a Starboard 10' Noserider or 9'8 Element into the mix, both again 30' wide. For a good paddler on the flatwater and stability wise I would not go shorter than the 9'8". The advantage would be that it would be easy for your partner to handle, both in and out of the water, though obviously a little slower to paddle. If she is not particularly confident with watersports, go longer than the Element.
On the two different board option, I would.also have a look at the new Laird.10' Surfer and Hybrid in the bamboo composite construction. The Hybrid paddles especially well on the flatwater, and is a great option for your partner. Both are very stable for the given widths. Again, especially in the surf, this gives you the.option of playing around with different boards.
In any case, hit the flatwater till you feel confident and make sure you have fun!
Definitely agree with the consensus here - the Widepoint you have earmarked as first choice is too wide for you at your height and weight, especially for flat water. The Drive would definitely be a better option at only 30" wide nut still long enough to give you good glide in flat water.
