New to paddle boarding NSP 11'6" ?

[junglejim]

Looking to purchase a board. Beginner Any opinion on the NSP boards.  My weight 180lb 5'10"  A couplel of  people have recomended this board. Your thoughts anyone?

[PaddlesurfRMI]

IMO If you get the chance, Try before you buy!
Go to your local SUP Shop and try 2-3 different boards/ paddles, or borrow a buddy's board before you buy.

[junglejim]

Tryed  the NSP today and a  starboard 12' Both paddled well. Looking to cruise with them and fish a little bit.
Thanks,

[esskay1000]

I have the NSP 11'0" and love it.  Granted, it's kind of a jack of all trades, master of none.   But that's why I love it.   Plus, you can get it with a leash included for under $900.  It's tough as nails too, you can't go wrong with the board....

[AJR]

My first lesson was on an 11' NSP; I was 6'1" & 240 lbs (lost a little since then) and it was crazy stable.  After about 15' I was up & paddling with no problems (only falling a little when turning around).  My advice would be to try the 11' & 10'6" versions & see what you think; the 11'6" might be a little big for your weight (especially if you have any inclination to surf it).

Isle surfboards would be another good beginner brand to look at...

[AJR]

FYI the Isle glider SUP's (11' and 12') are on sale + have free shipping and a free carbon paddle (I don't work for Isle BTW - just recommend them since I had one as my first board)...  $765-$785 for the package is a pretty good deal for a new board!

http://www.islesurfboards.com/isle-glider-series-xps-stand-up-paddle-surfboards.aspx

[Shark]

Unless you want to bring along the kids, the dog and a picnic lunch, the 11' NSP (or similar size board in other brands) would definitely be a better board for your height and weight than the 11'6". 

[Iss]

Go 11' more than enough board!!

[adidasonmyfeat]

I started with an 11 ft nsp and I love this board.  It's super stable and great for a beginner and I surf it all the time.  It's also really sturdy and can take alot of pounding and falling and hitting rocks and paddle hitting the side and still is fine.  11 ft is more than enough for you. 

[junglejim]

Thanks for all your comments.  I am planning on bringing a dog on board with me and also maybe a little fishing with some gear such as a milk crate set up once in a while.

[joelt]

I am no expert but I like the 11'6"
I got the 11'6" NSP and take my daughter on surf and my dog on flat water with it.
It is a little big in surf but I have had it in chest high waves and had fun with it. (I am about 190 lbs)
I think it is a great beginner all around board and when you get better I have been told you will get a specialized higher end board for whatever you decide to focus on.  Then you can keep this one for your dog kids and or teaching friends.

We learned this with Kite boarding 10 years ago.  It was best to start out with very large boards then we kept them for light wind days and teaching friends later and ended up buying specialized smaller boards for the type of kiting that we ended up focusing on.

See ya
Joel

[esskay1000]

As others said, the 11'0" is plenty stable, I fish from it all the time and don't have to even worry about most boat wakes etc.  I think 11'6" may be too much board, but I've never had a dog on a SUP so I can't speak for balancing that out!

[Bulky]

several have already said it.  11'6" is on the long side for your weight, unless you're cruising alot on flatwater and regularly bringing gear and others along.  I second Isle products as a good entry pricepoint, but if you're not balking at NSP for your 1st board, go for it.  I do think you'll eventually settle on something a bit more specifically designed for what you like to do the most (surf/fish/cruise)--but always good to have a nice long board around then to introduce a friend.