Recommend a SUP?

[Bahamut5098]

Hey, so I'm brand new to SUP and would like some recommendations on a board. I would prefer something around 9 feet so I can fit it into my car, not really into mounting big boards to the top of my car. I would use the board mainly for flat waters, rivers, lakes, etc. If it performs decently in surf, that's fine, too.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[spookini]

Might as well ask "Does anyone have any political opinions?"   

Fanatic Allwave and Naish Nalu tend to get alot of praise around here.  Every boardmaker tends to have a 'do-all' design in the same category., lots of width/stability for easy paddling.

If you are not a dedicated surfer and want to travel w/ your board IN the car, you might want to consider a quality inflatable.   Just b/c a hardboard FITS in the car doesn't mean driving that way is much fun.  You scuff up your car's interior, get sand/water in the car, and lose the ability to take passengers.  Inflatable are great for flatwaer and can take alot of abuse.   They are not much cheaper than hardboards though.

Don't forget the "paddle" side of things in your purchase equation.  A nice, well-constructed, carbon paddle makes the experience much more enjoyable.  Most ppl on this forum would rather ride a log w/ a nice paddle, than ride a nice board while using a crap paddle.

They other piece of wisdom EVERYONE will give you is "demo as many boards as you can".  (Not always possible depending upon where you live --  but valuable advice nonetheless.)

Just remember whatever board you buy -- will soon pale in comparison to next year's offerings

Welcome to the Zone!

[Zooport]

Everything spookini says.  Fanatic 8'10 or 9'2" AllWave.  Probably the most recommended boards on the Zone.   

[Off-Shore]

Welcome to the Zone! I often recommend friends who are starting out to go for an all round iSUP (inflatable). These are versatile, bounce when dropped, and for you, if you are paddling in rivers, better than hard boards, as they are more forgiving when a) they hit something, and b) when you fall on them.

Depending on your weight, I'd recommend anything from a 9'6" to a 10"8" Surf style board. RedPaddle make some great boards, but there are other brands too. If it is small enough, just keep it inflated and put inside your car, and if it is too big, then you can always deflate to fit inside. Pumping these boards up takes a bit of time, but is not hard, and gets easier the more you do it. RedPaddle also have side battens in the 9'2, 9'6 and 10' boards which makes them stiffer than without them and reasonable for surfing.

I have a 9'6" which I have surfed in Bali, paddled lakes and waterways in Long Island, and paddled in the ocean where I live. I'm 84kgs / 185lbs. What you'll get from this board is a decent all rounder. It will never perform as well as a hard board in the surf, or as a dedicated flat water touring board for the lakes, but it can do everything reasonably well. My first board was a 10'6 iSUP. There will be plenty of time to build a quiver later if you get into it..

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

You might want to investigate the Corran Hydra. That's a three-part board that's just coming onto the market. It's solid, unlike an inflatable, and pretty inexpensive (about $700). The three sections are nine feet, but you can add a fourth to make it twelve feet long.

[Sup-position]

True there are many options in the All Around Category

Since you are "New" to paddle boarding we need to ask

What conditions will you paddle in..(glass, moderate chop, chop)
What is your location?
Ocean, bay, river or lake?
What is your weight?
How tall are you?
Do you have experience surfing?
What is your physical condition?
Any ailments or issues, Knee, foot, shoulder, balance, etc...
Any issues with carrying weight?
Budget consideration?

That is just a start to offer some suggestions..
Then it's on to the Demos...

[supthecreek]

Welcome Baha!

It won't be a shock to anyone that I would suggest a 2013 -  9'1 Allwave.

Allwave in general because they:
1 - are very stable, very durable
2 - paddle  well in flat-water - I have logged 100's of hours paddling my 8'10 , averaging 5 miles per session
3 - surf very well in all size surf
4 - reasonably light at 22.5 lbs
5 - excellent resale if decide to upgrade

2013 in particular, for several reasons
1- it is the original Allwave shape, with a slightly wider nose and tail than the newer model.... easiest for a new SUP'r
2- it is the 1st year with the ledge handle - much easier to carry
3- cool blue color

I've owned a lot of boards by a different companies, but Allwave is my easiest recommendation.
Here's a link to a surf vid on my 8'10 and follow-up discussion about the board:

http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,23128.0.html

and a few pics of my 8'10  (me = 215 lb + wetsuit)

[Bahamut5098]

What conditions will you paddle in..(glass, moderate chop, chop)

Moderate chop to some surf, mostly in rivers so moderate chop.

What is your location?

Vero Beach, FL. I live 5 minutes from the beach, and about 10 minutes from the river. I plan on moving soon where I would be close to rivers and farther from the beach. I plan on moving to Austin, TX in a month or two.

Ocean, bay, river or lake?

Rivers and lakes would be preferable, but it would be awesome if the board could handle waves when I'm at my parents house close to the beach.

What is your weight?

170lbs.

How tall are you?

6feet.

Do you have experience surfing?

I've kayaked before and have skimboarded on the beach for ten years or more. I suck at skiing/snowboarding if that helps.

What is your physical condition?

Athletic, toned. I recently completed the Insanity program and used to run cross country.

Any ailments or issues, Knee, foot, shoulder, balance, etc...

No issues whatsoever.

Any issues with carrying weight?

No issues with carrying weight.

Budget consideration?

Around $700 would be good.

[Sup-position]

I gonna say 140-160 Liters around 9'8-10'5" for starters..
30" + Wide ...

For your budget get a name brand used...Demo First...

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

I just heard that the Hydra is going to be delayed until April, so that might take it out of the running.

[Zooport]

This board that is for sale in the Zone classified section might be perfect for you:  http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?action=classifieds;sa=view;id=104  If had not just bought two boards, I might be interested in it. 

[jumpfrom13k]

Good paddle is almost important as a having a good board.

I think I much rather have a mediocre board with a super badass carbon paddle vs super awesome board with an aluminum paddle.

[Hodad]

Wht Jump said.  I went all out on my first board and just grabbed a paddle to use with it.  BAD MOVE!!!  Not until months later after I replaced the paddle did I realize what a difference they make.  JMHO, but something to consider.