Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: apieterse on December 06, 2010, 04:52:42 AM
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Hi All.
After 20 years of stand-up surfing I have been getting into this SUP "thingy" and am loving it. I've managed to catch a few 1-2 ft waves and go down-the-line and turn a little (11ft NSP)
I'm looking into my 1st SUP, usage will probably be 40/60 flatwater and surfing.
I weigh 110Kgs (17.5stone, 250 lbs) and am 5ft 10 tall. Hopefully I'll carry-on learning at a reasonably fast pace due to surfing background.
Any suggestions on a board? I'm looking around 160-190 litre volume boards, Starboard 11'2 Blend, Naish 11'4 Nalu, Nash 9'5 Mana.
Hopefully would get out into the water on average one session per week.
Any other suggestions ?
Thanks !
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depends if u want something that paddles flat water better or surfs better. depending on what u want to do more of. id go with the mana 100% but im into shorter boards and surfing. u may want to think about c4 sub vector good for heavier guys stable and paddles well in flat water.
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I think you may need a bit more volume for all purpose cruising and surfing in the same board. My favorite all purpose boards for big guys are the Starboard 12'6" Cruiser and the YOLO original 12'. You won't regret having an all purpose board in your quiver even if you end up with other boards just for surfing or distance.
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Your weight means you want a board >160l volume
Your height means you want a board >32" width (the wider the better: 33", 34", ... 37"...)
In Naish that means avoid the Nalu, go for the Mana. But you will have good boards for you in all brands.
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The perfect board for your height and weight for surfing and paddling around in flatwater for exercise is the South County Turtle or Dragon 10 foot. Plenty of float for your weight and stable and surfs great. If you want to challenge yourself a little more and reward yourself alot for surfing go with the new 10' Blue Dragon. I just got one and they surf fantastic. I am super stoked on this board. I flatwater paddle it also just for fitness. The surf sessions I have had on it have been the best. I love it.
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I weigh 110Kgs (17.5stone, 250 lbs) and am 5ft 10 tall.
Thanks !
Look for ~10 ft x 32 wide. Nothing shorter or narrower at your weight. This should be your sweet spot.
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I'm wondering why you guys recommend the width? I am not saying it isn't good, but if the guy has been surfing for a long time I don't see why the nalu series should be impossible?
Same ting..just looking from your description..you're looking for a surfing board...then don't go too big. I think it seems you have it dialed in on the size...it might be a little harder the first few times, but if you are looking for a surfboard, then don't go tanker IMO.
So the boards you have mentioned I have experience with the nalu 11'4..paddles well, goes into waves earlyand it a really good allround board. I would definitely saying that is a winner..except the 9'5'' mana..to say it this way..I sold the nalu and got the mana. it is a much quicker turning board. Not as easy to go early as the nalu, but will take off plenty early enough. If you are at all worried you could consider the 10'0''..but the 9'5'' will definitely float with a lot of stability....and it turns surprisingly well. I love that they come in bags...
There are a ton of boards out there...you'll definitely find one.
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My plug is for the Joe Blair 10'1" x 32 3/4" x 4 7/8"; but with that said if you've got good balance you could probably do one of his smaller boards.
My advice is that you should try a lot of boards in the conditions that you'll use it before buying (e.g. if you want to surf try them in the surf.). You can borrow from friends, go to demo days, rent from surf shops, or see if the shops have demo boards (Joe for example has demo boards - you leave a copy of your driver's license & take the board out for a spin).
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I'm wondering why you guys recommend the width? I am not saying it isn't good, but if the guy has been surfing for a long time I don't see why the nalu series should be impossible?
Because width is way more important. The early SUP shapes followed prone wisdom. Once people starting thinking outside the box and went wide, the sport became 10 times easier for big guys.
Just look at the history of the sport. You've been around long enough to see 28 was once considered wide, to now 32 is.
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i agree there is no real need to have a 12 ft board anymore unless its what u really like, but they are a pain to store and a real pain to bring around and carry. if the guy has been surfing 25 yrs i would think he's really gonna love surfing on sup do id get something tht surf well and paddles ok. id also say mayby 10 ft whopper or even starboard 9 ft hero i think would be the board stable thick and wide. but it really comes down to demo demo demo.... we are all just guessing my vote is still sub vector..
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You had mentioned the Starboard Blend and the Naish Mana and Nalu. The Blend is the least fun in the surf, this barge doesn't like to turn or surf. There were several of us out Saturday paddling and surfing and the least fun board was the Blend. I let my friend who was on the Blend try my board and the Blend is now for sale cheap. As he said "night and day differnce". I also SUP with a guy that has the 9.5 Mana and he loves it and he surfs it really well but he was also great on the Paddle Surf Hawaii 10 or 10.6 wide all arounder. But at the upper end of weight on most boards us big guys have to balance performace and float. DW is right on the money with the 10 x 32 or in that range, depending on your skill move it up or down. I like 10x 32x3 3/4 with lots of rocker or 9.10 x 31.85 x 3.65. Surf only on bigger waves you can drop that to 7.10 or 8.10 and increase the thickness.
My son can ride anything but I (tall and big) have to be picky and I have been through many boards looking for the right one. You might find you like the Mana 10 better than the 9.5 ( volumes are overstated) to start with... Demo and try different boards.
I finally found the best board for me and I am stoked, The South County Blue Dragon paddles well floats me fine and surfs better than anything I have tried.
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Since I am the same weight as you I will chime in. I tried many boards and chose the South County Turtle. Would not go wrong with this board. I also own the NSP 11'6" and like it in smaller surf but find the turtle turns easier. I imagine the Dragon would be a great choice also but is a newer model and I have not had a chance to try it.
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I really, really like my Starboard Blend despite the Blend bashing.
At about 180+ plus suit and booties, etc, it may be a different experience, though. I have a Blend and a C4 9'3" Subvector. They are both fun boards for different conditions.
The reason I like the Blend is that I can catch just about any bump in the water. I can get long rides on bumps that never break. It's also stable in bumpy water, and has a reasonable amount of glide (also have a Free Race and K15, so it's hard to compare a surf oriented board to a dedicated flatwater board). I have the center fin all the way forward, which seemed to help turning on it. It also took me months to start using the paddle as a leverage point, instead of just carrying the thing around on the wave. I'm surprised at the turns I can get out of it by cranking on the paddle and getting on the tail. It's also a really fun noserider, and stable walking from the front to the back. I've had epic, really fun noserides on it. In fact, it's a personal goal to noseride it if it comes out. Having said that, the Blend is better suited to slower, lazier waves. If it's a faster wave, I'll bring out the SubVector. Having a choice though, is great. The Blend was a great first board, and I'm still working on getting all the performance out of it.
I've had many days on the Blend in not so great conditions where I'm way outside catching bump after bump. I can see the pack of prone surfers all watching me surf by while they wait for 10 minutes between sets large enough for them. The Blend sure makes it seem easy. I also surf somewhere where summertime brings slow lazy, peeling waves.
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A nice option is the new Starboard Wide Point 10'5" X 32" and 186 Litres. Good for the big boys.
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How about that... 13 replies and 13 different opinions. That gives you a hint at the range of boards that are currently out there. 40/60 split it tough. Sounds like you're looking for a jack of all trades and, like much in life, there's compromise. I didn't note were you are from and that's pretty important.
I started about a year and a half ago and went big. My first board was a Starboard 12'x32'. I was about your weight and hadn't surfed in about six years. Surf wise I outgrew that board in about 3-4 months and was itching to get something more aggressive. I went to a PSH all Arounder 10'6" x 30" and felt that board was a great compromise. I've gone down again to a 9'6" x 29"with a pulled nose and am around 230. I'm not a big believer that you have to go wide. All depends on what you're riding and what you want to do.
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Demo demo, try to demo as many boards as you can in the conditions you will be paddlin in if possible, lots of good boards, width=stability, length 10 to 10 6. Another big factor is the amount of rocker you want, PSH boards are pretty flat but glide well, made to surf, with your surfing experience you will progress fast. Sounds like you are a surfer at heart. I went thru 8 boards before I found the two to cover all the condtions I like. coreban Icon 10 is wide with lots of rocker, stable but not the best glider great for waves and late drops. I also have the 12 PSH gun for cruisin the flats or for when the waves are big. Happy hunting !
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For what it's worth: I'm just getting into the sport too, though from a solid whitewater canoe and kayak background. I went with an Imagine Rapidfire for three simple reasons:
1. Versatility - flat or ocean (with a different fin), or whitewater and zero durability worries
2. Stability - 36 inches wide has sped up my learning curve dramatically - plus this board handles more like a kayak to me
3. Price - just about the cheapest sup out there, but maybe with THE most value considering all of my factors.
Throw in the service and quality that you get with the good people at Imagine, and I don't know how a new paddler looks at another option - especially considering Imagine's 2011 lineup.
Once again, my opinion for what it's worth, and also a well -earned shameless plug for Corran and crew.
Happy Holidays,
Logan
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Wow, thanks for all the great feedback, just coming to the end of a 3 week trip to Cape Town, where I've had a chance to SUP everyday and try different rental boards, herewith what I found:
Boards:
9'6'' Naish Hokua: in very choppy conditions, barely managed to get to my knees ! NOT an option as I could probably only make it work in perfect conditions.
11'6 Naish Nalu: in various conditions, great for catching waves, but surprisingly unstable given its length, however after a while i got to see the 'unstability' more as 'manuverability' still very cumbersome once on the wave, couldn't really do anything other than try to noseride.
10' Naish Mana: in mildly choppy and very choppy conditions. my favourite for sure, stability and manuverability, actually found it easier then the 11'6 nalu as it was much less cumbersome and more responsive, much more responsibe when on wave.
NOW for the problem !!! Naish are in extreme short supply in UK. 10ft Mana is P1100 compared to Starboard white series at P600. Think I'm headed toward the Starboard Whopper as it matches closest to Naish Mana. Any opinions ???????
Paddles:
Used Naish Alloy race paddle most of the time, then tried a carbon paddle, found the carbon way to light and difficult to use, will go for Naish Carbon/glass Race paddle at P149 for sure.
Thanks for all the cpomments !!!
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Whopper or Wide Point 10'5 will both be perfect for you. Whopper has less volume than the 10' Mana which IMO means you won't grow out of it as fast in terms of surfing satisfaction.
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I have both the Whopper and 10'5" WP. The Whopper is slow in and on the wave while the WP is a far faster ride with nearly as much stability on, in and in-between waves. Like night and day, 2 different boards really. The Whopper is fun to be sure but the WP makes it look like a beach toy.
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My advice is to persevere with a carbon paddle. They're lighter, stronger and have better flex. It will really assist in refining your paddling technique.
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great ! just when I think I finally have at least one decision made you're telling me to use a carbon paddle ! ;)
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At least I've settled on a paddle now. Kialoa Shaka Puu. Will let you know how i get on ...
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You and I have similar dimensions and goals for a board, and I just went through the process of demo riding some boards to refine my selection. I have a history of riding kneeboards in the 70's, longboards between 80's and 2010 and now I'm planning on splitting time between my old Dewey Weber 10' stylist longboard and my new South County 10' Turtle. In calm conditions, I had no problem standing and paddling around on the Turtle, and I'm guessing the Whopper and Wide Point from Starboard and Naish Mana would provide similar stability. Your mileage may vary.
Great advice is, like Glider said, "Demo demo demo." Nothing feels like they tell you it will. Only you can judge what feels right. In addition to your weight, height and experience, you'll add your balance, leg strength and endurance, temperment, how fast you pick it up, weather cooperation, and whether you'll want anyone else to learn the tricks on this board once you've mastered it. Stablity is key for that first time out, and it makes things easier later. There are a dozen reasons why I picked the board I did, and each wave I catch confirms my choice.
I'm curious to see how this turns out for you. I wish you all the best and hope to see you in the line up soon.
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You and I have similar dimensions and goals for a board, and I just went through the process of demo riding some boards to refine my selection. I have a history of riding kneeboards in the 70's, longboards between 80's and 2010 and now I'm planning on splitting time between my old Dewey Weber 10' stylist longboard and my new South County 10' Turtle. In calm conditions, I had no problem standing and paddling around on the Turtle, and I'm guessing the Whopper and Wide Point from Starboard and Naish Mana would provide similar stability. Your mileage may vary.
Great advice is, like Glider said, "Demo demo demo." Nothing feels like they tell you it will. Only you can judge what feels right. In addition to your weight, height and experience, you'll add your balance, leg strength and endurance, temperment, how fast you pick it up, weather cooperation, and whether you'll want anyone else to learn the tricks on this board once you've mastered it. Stablity is key for that first time out, and it makes things easier later. There are a dozen reasons why I picked the board I did, and each wave I catch confirms my choice.
I'm curious to see how this turns out for you. I wish you all the best and hope to see you in the line up soon.
Hey SlowJim---we have similar taste in wave riding vehicles. (see my sig line below)
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OK, I can confirm from personal experience that width makes all the difference. Was on a 11ft x 27inch Laird today on near perfect, but small conditions. The board was a nightmare for me. It took me 45 minutes before I could get enough balance to start catching waves. Surprising the Surftech website states the volume at 168 l. It seemed much less bouyant to me, the nose kept "supmarining" on me. So to confirm the shape does seem to make a massive difference to the experience and I don't see myself on any board narrower that 30 inches, unless it's about 14ft long !!!!
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At 250 I paddle a Pau Hana Big EZ. Pretty fun. A little hairy in bigger surf. Getting a PSH 10-6 Extra Wide Ripper.
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Nice, looks like you have that 11 footer under control!
Unfortunatelly options in the UK are pretty limited, so I'm pretty much stuck on options for Starboard and errrrmmm Starboard ! Although a few other brands are in the market they dominate by far, though I do believe there may be some Corbean import coming along.
As far as Starboard is concerned I would decide between the 10'5 Drive. 10 Whopper and 10'5 Wide point ...
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An update from someone else starting out in the sport.
So it's been about 15 or so sessions on the South County Turtle as of this posting. This week in So Cal was easily worth taking a day off work for. I surfed in a spring suit at both Dogpatch and up in Santa Barbara and I was more than warm enough. I was overdressed...in February... I love this weather.
All my issues with stability are completely gone from my memory. Even though my bones and tendons don't always allow the flexibility I'd love to have, I'm able to easily get up quickly to standing, even with chop and wind. I warn you that I'm no vision of beauty on a wave. At 6-1 and around 245 lbs. I may be better suited to test the weight limits of elevators, but the turtle has no volume problems keeping me up. A small adjustment to my original parallel paddling stand has made it much easier to turn and catch the rollers I ride.
I took my 22 year old son out this Thursday. We switched boards after catching a few on our own. He stood quickly, and after 5 minutes of saying he was nervous, off he went catching waves from outside to the beach. On his last wave, his 6-3, 185 lb. body stayed standing after the kickout. He paddled over and said that "I'm getting one of these when I move to Oahu (in a couple months). He said that after his initial nerves, he just heeded the advice of looking to the horizon and paddling to stay balanced. Honestly, on the last wave he looked like he'd been doing this for several years. Blasted youth.
So as others have said, wide is your friend, you'll progress comensurate with your time in the water, and get something you think you'd like to surf. My master plan is to get my wife hooked on it and get me a Blue Dragon. See you out there.
a short-period day at Bolsa
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Slowoldjim,
Great story. Great plan too, it worked for me. I love the Blue Dragon and My wife loves her Turtle. She can't wait to go out and catch waves on the Turtle. For me the Blue Dragon rocks on any size waves.