Hi all a newbie to the forum,

probably had the same Q a thousand times before but would appreciate any opinions-

me - 80kg below average surfer (more time wakeboarding)
been in the surf a few times on a 11ft SUP and enjoying it.

After a board purely for surf that i won't grow out of too quick. The 11ft size feels a bit big was thinking below 10" length. What you all think?

Being honest with you, I think you got no chance learning properly on a board under 11 2"
What is it at the moment with every single newbie wanting to start on a 10 foot board, start getting real fellas

I'd say take the time to try a few boards in the 10-6 range. If you like them fine..if you find them too unstable to have fun learning...you have your answer. Make sure you try some that are different widths too....makes all the difference in the world. A 10-6 x 30 is a lot more stable than a 10-6 x 28 typically. Shape and rocker play a roll too obviously.

I'm 115 kg so my weight comparison doesn't matter but I started on a 12-6 x 30 Starboard and needed every bit of it a year and a half ago. I've now got 4 boards ranging down to the 9-8. All are 30" except the 10-6 which is 28.5. Conditions and what I feel like doing dictate what board I use. My surfing sucks...but I can whip around (relatively) the 9-8 on a glassy day or choose long soulful rides from way outside on the 12-6 or go in between. My point is I still enjoy the 12-6. If you don't feel like keeping a quiver you can always sell your 1st board once you get going and move down. I don't know about down under but here in the states well maintained used boards are holding their value pretty well.

Outside of demoing boards take a look at the kenalu showcase. The reviews are subjective but you can match up comments based on weight and experience and at least get an idea what boards might fit.
http://www.kenalu.com/forums/showcase-index/

Good Luck

Try a longer ripper-style board - I'm stoked on my new 9'10"

Hey stoneaxe at a 115kg your name suits you! i won't be gettin 4 boards as i got too many other toys in the shed that i can't justify now. so thats why i am keen to get the right board from the start even if it means doing it tough for a couple months. the 2nd hand boards here seem to hold value (not many for sale though) but there does appear to be a trend of people downsizing.


Bnaccas it was a NSP 11'2" i have been learning on and your right its probably a technique thing.

Glass off - what is a longer ripper style board" 9'10" sounds shorter. does this mean it is wider or thiner?

I would seriously recommend the 11 2" starboard (one of the best "surfing "big boards out there) in my opinion I am 103 kgs and have the 9 6" naish, which is no problem "now" to paddle around on, and an 8 6" surf shapes. Soon I want to get the 11 2" starboard to have for when its a little choppy or not to perfect surf, this board is as loose as for a big board and has the most rocker i have seen yet on a sup, try one out you will be blown away

Good to know that bout the NSP - thats what i was thinking not that i know or have anything to compare to.

Starboard with plenty of rocker sounds like a compromise will put it on the list!

My 2 cents.

If the guy is only 80kg and
- only wants to use the board to surf
- has good ability and balance
- is prepared for a bit of a challenge
- does not want to grow out of his board quickly
- is not intersted in longboard style nose riding etc
- doesnt want to ride when its windy or over choppy

Why would he go for a 11'2"?
I would have thought a Naish 9'6", psh 9'6" wide or a starboard 9'8" would be perfect. IMHO

OI,mate,you opened a big can of worms with your question,but glad you did,cause the same one was running through my mine.Best thing for me,was having a crack at someone elses board.It was "Casso's" famous 9'3" Naish affectionatey named "Woody".Changed my life.I got home and rang my mate who has made my boards for 30 yrs+ and ordered a 9'4".I am 94kg's ride heaps of different boards and started SUPing on an 11'er,but after 4 months and riding "Woody" in some good waves,Iam hanging for the newie(which is getting shaped today woohoo)
Good luck bro, and welcome,
Robbo

answered yes to most of the questions there scotty mac. am tending towards the smaller boards as i don't mind havin a crack and if it means i have to suck it up for a few months - so be it!!

thanks heaps guys so will get out and demo some boards asap and see what comes of it.

so Paddles - carbon/kevlar the way to go???

Scotty Mac said...

My 2 cents.

If the guy is only 80kg and
- only wants to use the board to surf
- has good ability and balance
- is prepared for a bit of a challenge
- does not want to grow out of his board quickly
- is not intersted in longboard style nose riding etc
- doesnt want to ride when its windy or over choppy

Why would he go for a 11'2"?
I would have thought a Naish 9'6", psh 9'6" wide or a starboard 9'8" would be perfect. IMHO

Yeah I agree, you might struggle a little in the beginning but if you go paddle a few times on flat water you will have it much easier.

I would strongly suggest you get into greenline paddle surf in miami and checkout the Ron House/Lopez boards and see if he has a demo board you can try and definately have a paddle on a starboard as well before you make any final decisions. Also for what it's worth I also agree that you should be staying around the 10'6 to 11'ish mark for your first board - you will learn quicker and have a hell of a lot more fun than going too short too quick. Also because there is such a big demand for bigger boards for novice paddlers it will be easy to offload your board in 6-12mths when you are ready to drop down. Thats even if you do wanna drop down - big boards are a whole lotta fun and functional and it's easy to get caught up in the hype and b/s of going into short sups way too soon.

Oi. On a 9 footer the laughter lasts longer than with an 11'2'', but as they say he who laughs last .....laughs longer/louder

C-j_4qw__

Nice vid - can only hope to get as many laughs!!!!!!!

sounds to me like scotty mac knows what he's on about. if you want to paddle around on the lake buy an 11 footer. If you want to surf go small and wide. Minimum 29'' wide. I weigh 93kg and learnt on a custom made 7 foot 9 by 29 wide and its an awesome board to surf. Its got to be good conditions for this board but a 9'' 6 naish should be no worries at all. I think most people have the opinion that short boards are impossible to ride before they even have a go. there is nothing worse than a big board straight lining mid way through a bottom turn.