Hi seabreezers,

Figured I'd introduce myself as I ease into the world of paddle boarding!

I'm Dave and I live in Cronulla, Yesterday I purchased my first SUP.

This is the bit where everyone gasps, I've never actually been on a SUP before it's just something I suddenly decided I wanted to do and being a snowboarder, wakeboarder and very ordinary surfer I took the punt and figured I'd love it! I like a challenge and I figured the purchase committed me to giving it my all.

So after spending a day being lost in the northern beaches here's what I purchased..



It's a 10ft-31-4'5/8 Sanctum carbon wrapped board with full carbon fibre paddle. Apparently it's around 155L (I'm 67kg and 5'7) I'm aware it's probably no where near as good as a starboard or naish but it's something that will get me in the water and if I love it a pricier purchase will be made down the line!

So I spent the night installing the fins, leash and after reading up on these very forums I nervously cut the pole and put some electrical tape around the edge.

Unfortunately dealing with a bit of man flu at the moment and the weather isn't exactly favourable so it's still sitting inside taking up half of my apartment :(

So for now my aim is to learn the basics on flatwater (any tips on where's good to go locally would be appreciated) before moving onto the ocean behind the waves then maybe riding some small 0-2ft surf any bigger and realistically I'd probably rather just surf.

Having got used to throwing my surfboard under my arm and running up to the beach transporting this thing around is already daunting. I'll be using soft racks for now and hoping they don't destroy my cars paintwork.

I've started scanning through the articles section of seabreeze for any beginner material. Are there any other resources you guys think I should be checking out? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance. Hopefully I've made the right decision and fall in love with it as much as you all have!

Welcome Dave and way to go.

Nothing like diving in head first and having a hard shot at something.

As Isis says there are heaps of places around Cronulla and the Shire. Here is some advice though, before you venture into the surf for the first time, make sure you are skilled at paddling your board, staying upright and have attained a reasonable level of fitness. Also stay away from other surfers until you masrter the skills you need.

When you have time hop onto Youtube and google Dave Kalama, he has a really good series of vids on technique and skills, he also gives basics as well.

The main thing is to have fun. I am sure you will have heaps of that.

Cheers.
ET.

Welcome Dave. Cronulla is SUP heaven, there are so many places to learn the basics and plenty of options for progression. Gunnamatta is great to start, but don't rule out the Port Hacking River at Greys Point. It's often less busy and you can park at Swallow Rock Reserve 10m from the waters edge. Kurnell is another excellent option, with parking along the beach front all the way from the National Park to Bona Point Reserve.
If you think you'll be using your board more than a few times a week, I'd start looking on ebay for a set of proper roof racks too in the near future. No substitute for knowing your board is secure, and the time saved not having to strap on soft racks will reward you in the end.
Most important though is to have fun and spend maximum time on the water. Don't let the conditions dictate when you go, you'll benefit hugely from paddling in a wide variety of conditions and today even though conditions were not perfect, the water was warm as was the air temperature. Some people in the SUP World would love to have conditions as good as that any day. I paddled today from Burraneer Bay to Jibbon Beach (Bundeena) and had a blast, so don't hold back. I'm sure I'll see you out there soon.

I feel for you

Well roof racks have been ordered! Stupid expensive new hobby! :D

What do you guys usually do for protection of the board a padded bag or foam on the bars?

Yeah cel23 I'm wondering how much this big black board will heat up. I asked the guy about it in the store and he showed me a release screw on the top of the board that you are meant to let out if you are transporting it in direct sun in really hot temperatures.

Thought today would be the day to go for my first SUP but after a visit to the doctors I'm already exhausted. Hopefully these antibiotics kick in soon cos it's killing me staring at this unused setup!

Thanks Jason for the additional info. Once I've got a bit more practice under my belt we'll have to tee up a paddle!

So despite the man flu still biting hard I got out there and popped my SUP cherry today! Came home dry so I guess that's a good sign :)

Nice spot down there, a few little creeks to explore when the tide is up too...

Dave... I love it.... go all in on the first hand! Good looking setup... I think you did great on your gear.

You've gotten some solid advice from the breezy crew... you are in for quite a surprise

Plus pictures right off the bat....Nice! Can't wait to hear more!