I guess in need a dedicated surf SUP

[Foilman]

I had this idea that a inflatable would be good for surfing. This week I'm at the Outer Banks for kiting but brought my coast runner to go paddle with the dolphins (did that the other day... friggin awesome!) and my inflatable for surfing on the windles days. Turns out I can't catch anything over about 2ft with my 10' Blue Planet inflatable. The board has absolutely no rocker, maybe even a little bit of a negative rocker so as soon as I get going the nose catches and I'm done. I tried pretty much any standing position on this board but as soon as the waves are over 2ft I can't catch anything. So I figured I'll sell one of my other boards, keep the inflatable for the river and really get something just for surfing. You can't have too many boards, right?

I'm looking for something stable, around or below 9' to ride waves up to 5'. I'm 5'10", between 175 and 180lb and pretty much a beginner when it comes to surfing. I only do it a couple of times a year but with the right board I can see myself getting out there more often. What stock boards would work best for me?

I was thinking about getting a custom one form Tim Nolte here at OBX or see what stock boards are out there. Tim fixed my SUPatx board a couple of years ago and did a great job. I was at his shop and the quality of his boards and the materials he uses are very good.

Thank you,
Rob

[spookini]

You can't have too many boards, right?

That's like asking an alcoholic:  "One drink won't hurt, will it?"   

[Zooport]

There are a bunch of great boards you could use.  Having gone through a year ago the same thing as you, I would highly recommend a Fanatic AllWave.  They come in several lengths and all catch waves super easy.  I'm almost the same size as you and I did great on an AllWave 8'10 my first several months in the surf.  That may seem small, but they are stable and comfortable boards.  If you are concerned about going that small, you could get the 9'1 or the 9'6, but I recommend the 8'10.  http://www.standupboardreview.com/reviews/fanatic-allwave-2014

[Sup44]

Put 70% of your weight on the tail and you can surf pretty much anything.

That said inflatables are definitely not made for surfing...

Depends on your budget but the naish hokua line makes some sweet boards. My neighbor has the 9'0 which looks fun. My step down was the 8'5 and while tough at first proved to take my skills to the next level!

[andygere]

Nothing beats a surf specific shape in the surf, but the inflatos do work.  I've had my 10-0 Uli out in some solid conditions and while not super high-performance, it was more than serviceable.  Perhaps there is something wrong with your board?  Are you inflating it to the max allowed?  Inflation can make a huge difference.

Here's a shot from a few years ago in small surf, but you get the idea.  It works.

[surfafrica]

I guess in need a dedicated surf SUP

Yep. The question is how many?

1 quiver killer? 
1 shortboard & 1 noserider? 
1 shortboard, 1 gun, & 1 noserider? 
...maybe throw in some non-traditional shapes?   

[Zooport]

I guess in need a dedicated surf SUP

Yep. The question is how many?

1 quiver killer? 
1 shortboard & 1 noserider? 
1 shortboard, 1 gun, & 1 noserider? 
...maybe throw in some non-traditional shapes?   

Amen, I've been at this less than a year and I already have 5 boards and 3 paddles. 

[Foilman]

Thank you guys for the suggestions. I like the idea of getting a fanatic and having the option to use it as a windsurfer on the local lake sice I can't really kiteboard over there.

I already have a massive SUP collection (mostly race boards). For now I think one surf SUP will do. I live in Connecticut so there is not much surfing anywhere close. I go to OBX once or twice a year and the occasional trip to RI for surfing.

What volume/size do you guys recommend for the fanatic? (I'm ~ 175 lb)

Rob

[Zooport]

Thank you guys for the suggestions. I like the idea of getting a fanatic and having the option to use it as a windsurfer on the local lake sice I can't really kiteboard over there.

I already have a massive SUP collection (mostly race boards). For now I think one surf SUP will do. I live in Connecticut so there is not much surfing anywhere close. I go to OBX once or twice a year and the occasional trip to RI for surfing.

What volume/size do you guys recommend for the fanatic? (I'm ~ 175 lb)

Rob

The 8'10 (or 8'11 varies by model year) would be perfect in the surf.  It turns well on waves and will float you nicely.  I'm 180 and it is extremely stable and floaty for me.  It will not have as much glide as your race boards, but it would still be usable on lakes.  The boards are really floaty corks, yet they surf well.  Longer would be more fun on lakes, but less fun in the surf.  Shorter would be more fun in the surf and less fun in the lakes.  All would work.  That's a decision you will have to make. 

[Zooport]

Let me add this:  It depends on your goals in the surf, too.  If you mainly want to gently rides waves, making gentle turns and cruising, you may have more fun and experience an easier learning curve on a longer AllWave, the 9'2 or 9'6.  They do that great and are super boards.

If you are wanting to surf more aggressively, with tighter turns, Etc., you might enjoy the 8'10 more.  Might be a little more learning curve involved, but they are still easy to ride. 

I'm sure there are plenty of other boards out there that are just as good, but the AllWaves are the ones I know about. 

[Foilman]

Thank you again! I was able to try the 8'10" board today at the local shop. As you guys say it floats me nicely, is plenty stable and turns on a dime. They're also giving me a really good deal. Now I just have to wait for my bank account to aggre with this purchase 

I think the 8'10" is the right size. I really won't use it on a lake unless I mount a sail to it and go windsurfing. I really like having that option with this board.

Rob

[Zooport]

I agree on the bank account issue.  I just bought a couple boards but have to sell other toys to pay for them.  Let us know about your first surfing sessions on the AllWave when you get it.  Too bad you are on the other coast because I am thinking about selling my AllWave.  It's a fantastic board, but I need to reduce my quiver and increase my bank account. 

[madmax]

Still hoopin' on the inflatables for the wife.  might pop.I

[Foilman]

... Let us know about your first surfing sessions on the AllWave when you get it. ...

Ok I will, but asking me to review a surf SUP is like asking a monkey to review a new rope for his rope swing.  I very much don't really have a clue about surf SUPs and how they should perform. I'll see if I get going any better and if I can improve my skills  .

Rob

[Zooport]

... Let us know about your first surfing sessions on the AllWave when you get it. ...

Ok I will, but asking me to review a surf SUP is like asking a monkey to review a new rope for his rope swing.  I very much don't really have a clue about surf SUPs and how they should perform. I'll see if I get going any better and if I can improve my skills  .

Rob

Yeah, but your perceptions from a fresh point of view are still quite valuable and interesting.