My third go on a sup. First 2 were only 10 min so today had about an hour of a mates board. First thoughts are how much fun it is. Wouldn't have thought so until you actually have a proper go. A big board compared to my sailboards but perfectly suited to the canals and protected bay where I live. Has more rocker than I expected so turning was ok especially if you take a step back.

My main question is where to stand? There is a grey area that seems to mark the feet position bit the fin comes out a bit. Although during the paddle stroke the nose comes up a little and the tail sits well on the water.

I notice from pics that the technique seems to be to stand square on (flat water)...is that what everyone does?

Also like the 2 screw holes for attaching a rig.
Just not sure about the size?

You will find that some boards have a bigger sweet spot and you can move around a bit while paddling..but some have a very small sweet spot and you only have to be an inch out of place and it all feels wrong.

I also like to have my feet as close together as I can..I think if you have them too wide..and close to the rail of the board you only make the board want to tip over more if you get wobbly.

But then if the going gets rough I have to take on the wider stance or else I'm in the water..

As far as forward and back position...I find that there is a perfect spot..where the nose isn't to high and the tail isn't too low..and visa-versa.

You can usually see this correct position when watching some one else..so don't be afraid to ask some one.."Hey is the tail of my board too much out of the water..or is water flowing over the tail area as I paddle"..It's not easy looking back yourself.

Notice this pic of Champcrow's brother having his first go at SUP...
It's obvious from this view that he is a bit too far forward on the board..click here

Also...I have found that a slightly staggered stance works best..It gives a better forward/back stability..and lets you get to the surfing stance quicker because you're almost already there...Once you get used to this position it's hard to go back to a parallel stance.

You will find that something on the board helps you remember that correct possition..some even put a sticker on the rail..I can look down and see where my foot is in regard to the hand hole on the deck.

One more thing (sorry for my long winded answer)..I find that if I'm heading into a wind I move ever so slightly forward..and If I'm going down wind I move back a little.

After many hours of practice you will find your own sweet spot on your own board..Here's a pic of mine on my 10'6" Naish.

DJ

Hello Cruiser,
yes the gray area is where you should stand. I'm pretty light (70 kilos) and I found that i prefer to stay toward the back of the gray area.
The SB 12'6 has allot of rocker and scoop, that is why even with such length is till really maneuverable and loose.
To use with a sail rig is better to add the center fin. Is an optional, you can order the board with the special slot and it give you the choice to use it or not.
If you don't want to use the center board you get a plug to crew in instead.
I think that with the center board upwind should be ok.
Bye Jankie

Hi Gorgo...I'll send you a PM about catching up with you..and we can demo a few boards together..

The big Starboard is very nice..and not long ago there were not many other options..But these days there's heaps..I'm not sure about it's weight.

If you like Starboards you should try a 11'2" Ultimate Blend..If you're only 80kg you don't need such a big board..imo..The 11'2" UB is definatly lighter than the big 12'6".

The 11'6" Kalama and 10'10" Walden are also worth a look...and don't buy anything without checking out the Naish boards..I have both Naish boards and you're welcome to try mine.

The new Naish 11'4" is not far off and might be worth waiting for also.

Where abouts on the bay would you be paddling?

DJ

at ur weight..go the 11'2.....it's a great board.....i don't suppose though u can have a board that is too big for flat water.....BUT you'll get a lot more out of it on those trips to the rippley place....it will probably be a little more challenging to start off with,, but once u get your SUP legs, u wont look back...

gorgo: i weight what you weigh and i own both the 12-6 and the 11-2. pretty much i've retired the 12-6. it's just too much board, especially in waves. the 11-2 is all you really need. it's great in the surf and, at our weight, not a problem in flat water at all. plus, it's a ton lighter than the 12-6. have a go. i think you'll like it!

Can anyone tell me if the Star-boards are particularly expensive?

I am told the 11'2" is around $1750 with a carbon paddle an extra $499. This sounds a very expensive to me.

I have seen the Southpoint Kalama Timpone for $1750 including a carbon paddle.

The Naish boards are much cheaper again at around $1500 complete.

I am told the Werner Spanker is a top of the range carbon paddle and these are only $360 so the Star-board paddle seems way expensive.

Thanks

Thanks for the reply. I think my retailer is making some ambit claims to give himself some room to discount.

hey gorgo...from memory the paddle that comes with the southpoint is a fibreglass shaft and a carbon paddle.