Standup Zone Forum

Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Alec on August 03, 2012, 02:30:34 PM

Title: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Alec on August 03, 2012, 02:30:34 PM
I'm stumped between these 2 - http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12281581 (http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12281581) and http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/spo/3181180512.html (http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/spo/3181180512.html)

Which one would you pick?

I'm in South Florida, and will be using mainly for flat ocean and small waves. Thanks! (Please don't tell me to get a more expensive board, this is my price range at the moment  :P)
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: PilonSUP on August 03, 2012, 03:21:49 PM
Whats behind curtian #3?
sorry.
I would pic the inflatable.Though.... i do dig swallow tails ???

wow! this is a tuff one...least your paddling.

good luck
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Fishman on August 03, 2012, 03:30:13 PM
Yeah I'd say nether.
I'd say save up to around $600, in south Fl they do have some good used boards in that price range. Unless you are a light weight you may find both of those i bit difficult to paddle and get frustrated with the sport.

But of the 2, I'd go with the inflatable also. At least the price is right and you won't loose money if you want to resell it later. Inflatable's do have thier place were they shine.
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Alec on August 03, 2012, 03:41:50 PM
Well I am 130lbs  ;D
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Bulky on August 03, 2012, 03:49:24 PM
I'm all for not spending a fortune on entry-level stuff, but I'd go along with the general tone here and say "neither".  But if those are the two choices I'd agree on the inflatable.  However, I'd be watching Craigslist like a hawk for $500, you can get some quality used stuff.  Good thing about being your size is that there's many more options you can make work as an entry-level board (us big guys don't have the same pleasure).
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Alec on August 03, 2012, 04:50:00 PM
Well I'll take the advice and wait for a decent used board to pop up. I'll probably just have to wait till Christmas. Thanks for all the help!
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: stoneaxe on August 03, 2012, 05:24:13 PM
I think if you wait until fall you might do OK. Check ads as far as you're willing to drive not just local.
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Celeste on August 03, 2012, 06:01:31 PM
You can do national searches of Craig's List and specify a given distance from a zip code, I use Search Tempest, but there is also Dailylister and others I am sure.
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: SoFlaSUP on August 03, 2012, 07:39:44 PM
I picked a decent condition 11'6 Isle on CL for $525 about a month ago. Just keep checking!!!
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Fishman on August 03, 2012, 09:48:16 PM
I know finding a good used boards  in South Fla is a real treasure hunt. But it is possible. In Ga and a lot of other states it is almost an impossibility. The west coast has a huge used SUP market by comparison. I bought a used board shopping the west coast & even paying $200 for shipping, it is still cheaper than i can find a great board for around here. 

Also look at you may look at Ebay i found my first boards that way, 2 very nice all arounder New Hulakai SUP's under $650 shipped. Jk surf was the seller.

At 130lbs you might be good with that inflatable in flat water. And at $300 you could use it while you save for a good board. Unless you damage it somehow you probably can resell it for $250-$300 when you are ready to buy your good board.
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Reid SUP'd on August 04, 2012, 03:43:50 PM
I agree I wouldn't buy either, you can definitely find a better used board in florida for a bit more, the riviera 10'6 or 11'6 are great boards for the price also
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: Dave J on August 04, 2012, 06:43:46 PM
I have a 10'6" epoxy board, my first board, that I would let go for $450 with paddle. Surfs decent and is great on flatwater for someone your size. Haven't wanted to get rid of it bad enough to post on Craigs list. If you are interested PM me and I'll send some pics. I am located in Orlando. It was a great first board for me.
Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: gringo jim on August 05, 2012, 06:52:43 AM
Out of the two, go with the inflatable. At 130 lbs, it'll work awesome! Plus perfect on what you want it for.

Try Costco. They had a soft top, named Wave-Storm. Not sure if they still carry it. Cost about $450'ish. Bet ya if looked on Craigslist, might find one really cheap. Might want to post an ad that your looking for one at $200, and see what happens.

Extremely stable, easy to paddle and safe, surfs small waves fine. Perfect for a newbie.



Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: K1SUP on August 06, 2012, 03:49:31 PM
I only paddle flat water and whitewater so far (have not made it over to the coast to try the surf yet).  But I would say that the inflatable is definitely better than that other thing.  I have an inflatable that I use in whitewater and the convenience of being able to put it in the car is very nice.  That inflatable should be so so on flat water and I would assume so so for surfing (I really have no surfing experience so am just guessing).   I would think if you are new to surfing an inflatable would be nice to learn on though because you dont have to worry about getting bashed in the head or doing same to someone else (at least it shouldnt hurt as much).  That being said, you are not going to be completely happy with either of those boards for very long.  The inflatable could be a decent back up board for friends to play around with after you get another board.  If you do buy something off craigslist or similar make sure you see it with your own eyes first.  I know some people do buy stuff and have it shipped to them without first seeing it but I wouldnt take the chance myself. 

Title: Re: Which (cheap) board for 1st SUP
Post by: SUP Viking on August 06, 2012, 03:57:40 PM
Quote from: Dave J on August 04, 2012, 06:43:46 PM
I have a 10'6" epoxy board, my first board, that I would let go for $450 with paddle. Surfs decent and is great on flatwater for someone your size. Haven't wanted to get rid of it bad enough to post on Craigs list. If you are interested PM me and I'll send some pics. I am located in Orlando. It was a great first board for me.

Boom. Steal deal.
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