First board

[ny37]

Hello all, I am planning on buying my fist board soon and could use some ideas. I have no surfing experience, but I have been windsurfing for many years at a good level ( waves, high wind, ect.) I intend use the board in waves so flat water performance is not a major concern.

I would plan on using a paddle most of the time, so not planning on wave sailing it too often but a mast connection would be nice. I would like to stay away from the really big boards if possible even if the early days will be a bit more difficult. I am 6 ft. and 175 lbs and would use the board in the NE USA ( New Jersey / Long Island ) 

I know, I know demo lots of boards. I will but it would be great to get some ideas anyway.
Thanks for any help......

NY37

[tautologies]

Well, I'm not sure how much demoing a lot of boards help if have no surfing experience.

Just go get the 11'4 (or 11'6'') Naish Nalu. hehe.

No kidding aside. Look at what you want out of a board. What is practical for you. The Naish nalu series is the long board...I think the 11'4'' is one of the better big boards I have ridden due to it's easy paddling in flat water and choppy bumpy water and how it surfs. If you are worried about that size the shorter / wide mana series..something like the 9'5'' would work too.

Make sure you have enough volume. Oh and get a light paddle..don't even think about aluminum (IMO)

[crtraveler]

Hey NY - I think the Mana series would be a great first board also....if you want something shorter....I just picked up the 10, but at your weight the 9'5" would be a great match.  They are stable and offer very good surfability especially in NE wave conditions.  I got mine from Jim K at www.extremewindsurfing.com - He was awesome to deal with, and his pricing could not be touched.  let me know if you want his direct contact info.  He carries Naish and a bunch of others.

[exetersup]

get ready for a life change, bro! Paddleboarding is an eye-opening, full body, addictive experience. There's no better way to play on the water!
Check out the Coreban Icon. At 10'x30", its got plenty of floatation (volume), and if you plan to surf, you'll be psyched you have this board (length is key). It you want to paddle more flat water and only occasionally surf, then go bigger (like 11'+). Your hight and weight is a good match for the Icon. http://www.coreban.com/icon2010.html
A lot of folks on here like the Icon, too. And definitely get a lightweight paddle (carbon and/or kevlar from most brands).
If/when you're at it for a while, you'll be jonsin for the next board or paddle anyway, so whatever gets you on the water asap is good! I'm a year'round NH SUP guy, love the cold water. You're gonna be stoked!

[Dankine]

Hi

I have your profile and my weight is 185.  last summer I started on a Mana 9.5.  It was a great choice and have no regret.  The only negative point I find about the mana is the rocker. It's a bit slow for our East coast type waves.  However there is so many Positive point.  Stable, very turny, forgiving, come with a board bag etc etc..

Dan 

[AJR]

My only advice is buy something used and cheaper.  I guarantee if you like SUP you'll be wanting a new more progressive board within a year or even less...  I'm already wanting a 3rd board and I've been doing this for not quite 2 years!

[ny37]

Thanks for the info everyone, I will try to find a used board if I can. I am glad I don't need a giant 11' plus board to start with.

From most of the comments it seems at my size (6' 175 lbs) I could be ok on a 9.5' or 10' as long as it is wide. Some boards that may work?:

Starboard wide point 10' 5" X 32"

Starboard whopper 10' X 34"

Coreban icon 10'X30"

Naish Mana 10' or 9.5

Any more info would be great

Conditions are East coast waves New Jersey / Long island ( smaller stuff to start of course)

Thanks

[bean]

As a 5'10" 200lbs east coast surfer (NJ), I'll throw my 10' McTavish into the mix.  It feels light, it paddles well, turns great and with the multiple fin configurations, it will give you lots of versitility.

[lee]

I would say look at a starboard Drive 10'5"x30" I've been on the starboard blend 11'2"x30 lately I'm 200+ so I think the drive is Just a little small me .But I'm an experienced paddler and surfer.I haven't Sailed either of these boards but they both can be had with a mast insert.I'm anxious to try the 10'5 wide point but Seems like it has alot of volume at 186 lts?
The naish glide is the best board for windsurfing IMO to bad no more mast inserts in them!