The Bamboo look pretty.. The Bamboo has better fins.. The Bamboo comes with a quallity board bag.

The AST is the same shape and a bargain price for such a great board... I have the Bamboo..

More here.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Beautiful-bamboo/?SearchTerms=beautiful,bamboo

DJ

Scotty I am 120 and started on the Starboard Avanti. I know a lot of people have recommended the whopper to you, but if you have been out of surfing a while and are tipping the the scales at a buck thirty, you might find the Avanti is the go. I am on the whopper now, but I am glad I started on the Avanti as I reckon I enjoyed SUP a lot more than i would have if I started on a smaller board, spent a lot more time in the water and caught a lot less waves. You'll never want to get rid of the Avanti, even when its time to go to a different board, it will be a great one to have in the shed for yourself or family or friends. I surfed a few waves on it with my 6 yo son sitting on the front. Great fun.

scotty i agree with DJ the Naish 10' Mana will float you easy and its a board you can continue to use and better your surfing ability.