Need some advice on my first SUP.

[CBM60]

Hows it going? Im lookin to buy a flatwater/race SUP and need some advice. I am 6'5 270 and in good shape from football. I have been asking some shapers on what they recommended, one told me that I needed to go with an 18' X 30 and the other told me that a 14' X 30'-32' would be a good fit for a guy my size. I would like to go with the shorter route but the first shaper told me that it wouldn't be as fast/stable as an 18' board. I am willing to drop between $1500-1800 but dont want to have to pay the extra $$ for a longer board when i really dont need to. I also dont want to get stuck with something that im not happy with in the long run. What are some suggestions.

[DavidJohn]

I think the longer board would be better for you at your weight.

A 17' Naish Glide would work well for you even though they are not that wide they are stable and fast.

Try and demo one and check with your local dealers on price.

There's not much out there for big guys without going custom.

DJ