HI Sammy J,

The 10'8" would be the best board for you to think about. The JL range has been designed that even the bigger boards surf and perform well. The 10'8" is pretty much a scaled up 10'0" and as a result surf very well particularly for bigger guys.

If only surfing was the goal then maybe you could push yourself to look at the 10'4" but I think in your case you'd compromise your flat water paddling too much for not too much gain in the surf. Also getting use these boards in the surf is quite different to flat water sessions.

You shouldn't need too worry about differences in paddles between flat water and surf. In general surf paddles will be a bit shorter to help get the quicker acceleration you want when paddling for waves or trying to accelerate between them and over them.

If you get the chance though it's always a good idea to try out a couple of different styles, models and lengths as you can feel the difference.

I don't know much about JL boards..I hope a shop in Melbourne starts selling them so I can check them out.

My only advise is.."Don't go too small"..It's not a shorter is better thing..IMO..I would't go less than 11" x 28"..but that's me..

Make sure you demo whatever you buy because what looks huge in the shop can feel small out on the water..and use it in chop..It's no good testing on glass.

Don't get anything too challenging and thinking you'll get used to it and develop your SUP skills..unless you like to have less fun and more frustration..

DJ

I agree with your comments DJ but the JL 11' is 31" wide and not very progressive in it's surfing. The JL 10'8" is actually 29" wide making it pretty darn stable for a nice surfing board but if you can try to get a paddle of it first as you'll be impressed.

Thanks gents, that narrows it down for me. I might get in touch with choice kiteboarding to see what's available to demo.

Any other WA shop owners out there have JL's for demo???

interested to know how u go sammy if u get one.....i'm thinking of getting a more surfy sup,,,currently the pround owner of a naish 11'6 but she's a bit stiff in the waves....

like the starboards 11'2's and that jl10'8 ......................also the small starboard / naish fish's but i'll probably be on my arse all the time with one of those.

Hey Windy since you like your naish have you thought about waiting until the 11'4'' comes out. I've read that it's the perfect in between board of the 11'6'' and 10'6'' and handles really well in the surf. I myself can't wait to try one just to compare.

Im 66kg and love my Starboard 11'2. It has heaps of soul

noice....

can you do a write up when u get it out in the water.....

i hope they do....defo needs some extra layers in that area....

both my naish boards have sunk in the paddle feet position more so the 10'6 it has impressions even where i stand to surf back foot more so
im not worried at all

Hey JB when sam has finished with your 9'6 how about sending up to the Goldy for a few weeks.................. ILL LOOK AFTER IT

lol


Marty