Landlocked paddler looking for waves.

[powermi]

hi everyone, after a few trips with my Starboard astro Racer 14x26, I would like to start trying wave sup surfing. The problem is that I am around 400 km from the sea and could enjoy the waves maybe just 20 - 30 days per year. So I would like a board that could use occasionally in flat water paddling in lakes with friends.
I was wondering if in my case and inflatable would be the way to go, or maybe a hard board would make sense even for a few days in the sea. BTW I would appreciate the suggestion about the right size for me, as I am 190 cm height and 85 kg.

thanks.

[nalu-sup]

While it is possible that I have not seen the latest innovations, from what I have seen so far, I would not consider getting an inflatable for use in the surf. There are two problems that I have seen. In the surf, the rail profile is very important for any kind of performance, and I have not seen any inflatables with what I would consider to be performance rails. The bigger concern is flex. Once you get halfway decent in the waves, you will realize that flexing your legs and then using that power to drive the board into turns is key. When I have seen people try to do this on inflatables, the softness of the board absorbs all of the drive from the surfer, and does not transfer it into the rails and the water. I have watched a few people try to take inflatables into the surf, some of whom were halfway decent surfers. and I have yet to see anyone get any kind of surf performance on a wave.

[2Rivers]

I agree with nalu-sup said about rail profile. This is especially important towards the tail section of a board. Almost all iSUPs have zero rail profile towards the tail section. However there are two exceptions that may interest you since they offer a "hybrid" design...

Pendalboard 9'6
http://pendleboard.com/en/home/

Uli Steamroller 10' w/ WikiRail
http://www.uliboards.com

[SlatchJim]

Next time you drive through San Bernardino, I'll be happy to wave at you 

Or you could talk Kelly Slater into building one of these near you.

[powermi]

thanks... I have the chance of buying a Starboard Blend Carbon 11x30 seems to be pretty useful while paddling on flat water and for small Mediterranean waves. Worth looking at something smaller?

[Fog City Rider]

If you are just learning how to surf & your closest waves are small, that carbon Blend sounds like a score. 

It's super lightweight for its size, built tough, stable for family & friends, and a real wave catcher.  I had a carbon 10'5 Drive for many years & always had a good time on it. 

[nalu-sup]

The board you described would certainly work well in flat water, and still be a good starter board in waves. 11' is really long for a board to be used in surf; even longboard SUPs are often not over 10'. It all depends on what you want to do on the waves, and what the waves will allow. If the waves are only knee high and you are going to just be trimming down the line, the board you described should work fine, and will catch waves easily. If you want to surf longboard style and develop your skills cross stepping up and down the board, it should be great for that as well. If the wave are big enough (hip high or larger) to be able to crank turns up and down the wave face (and that appeals to you), a board that long will hold you back. At 85 kilos I would think you might want to start on something closer to 9'0" to 9'6" X 31 for more maneuverability when the waves are hip high or larger. Anything much under 9 feet will not be much fun for lake paddling with friends. It all depends on what you want to be able to do in the surf, and what the quality of surf will allow.

[stoneaxe]

The Starbord blend was my second board....I regret selling it. Great noserider. I was 240lbs and a beginner at the time. At that weight it was a nice all around cruiser and fun to surf.

[powermi]

Thanks for the replies.. seems that the Blend is a nice board to have fun in safe small waves of the Mediterranean sea. I was just a bit worried too about the durability of this kind of carbon construction.

[Night Wing]

For another suggestion for small waves where you go if small waves where you are seem to be the norm, take a look at the Starboard 8'10"x32" Wide Point.

I have an 8'11" x31" sup (not a Starboard sup) and it does really well for flat water cruising during the very short time I've had mine.

[powermi]

Thanks for the advice, I have the chance of buying a 2015 SIC Fish 8,8 with only 111l, quite good price but maybe to "surfer" for a newbie on waves.

[powermi]

BTW I saw a really nice board that could match my interest in coastal cruising and small surf. It's a 11'2 x 29" Pacific Rad Sports. Here I have never heard nothing from this brand, anyone could advice me how would it perform?

[robcasey]

I live 3-5hours from ocean surf (Seattle) though we take advantage of every bump we find from wind, boat wakes, etc.  I'd recommend a 14' board so you can get the speed you need need on flat water for distance, less stress on your body but still some fun on those occasional waves. I'm currently enjoying the Imagine Connector CC 29" board (I'm big) and use it for flat water, tidal rapids, downwind and small surf up to 4-5' faces. But get what works for you, try before you buy and get out there!

[addapost]

thanks... I have the chance of buying a Starboard Blend Carbon 11x30 seems to be pretty useful while paddling on flat water and for small Mediterranean waves. Worth looking at something smaller?

I think your instincts here are spot on. The Blend will work great for both situations.