Surf SUP choices

[lunchbox]

Is the Patterson more delicate than other like the NUGG

IMHO...oh yea! I've got foot wells in both, but I've already caught this little crack on the tail on the TP that I really have no idea where it came from. I'm pretty careful about staying away from rocks and don't surf any beach breaks. On days that throw hard and barrel, I wouldn't feel comfortable taking either board out really. But I would rather take out the NUGG over the PT for durability any day of the week. Granted, neither board is built like the Fanatics!

Is a low to mid 100 volume performance board that much more difficult to paddle vs something like the NUGG

Obviously, there's so much more than just volume but if you are referencing the 8.2 TP, then yes...the NUGG would be way way more stable! If memory serves correct, I think the 8.2 TP is 28" wide and that is really a big leap down in width, let alone the volume. It's one thing to get a fun board that you won't outgrow but not at the expense of getting frustrating because you're always falling down in anything but glassy conditions.

I would also think about glide and ease of getting into the waves as well. I often think about going smaller (my main go to boards are around the 9' range), but I like the fact that I can catch waves earlier and I don't have to sit in the pack to get waves. I find the 9' length gives me the length I need to get into waves easily and also gives me enough performance on the wave to be happy.

Just my $02.

[anonsurfer]

My question revolves around a deal I was offered on 2 Riviera SUPs.....from my reading it looks like you guys will recommend something else but the price is near wholesale I believe.

I have the oppurtunity to purchase a Surf SUP....my choices are the Nugg and Nugget. I am sticking to the Rivi b/c of price and thats all....I can upgrade down the line but for the money its a lower barrier of entry for me.


I weight 170-175 and I'm 5'10......

For a first surf SUP I think the 8' Nugget is much too small. 

For your weight, height and experience I'd recommend something in the 135L-150L volume range and 30"-31" width so while it is in the upper end of the volume range the 9'2" Nugg would be a good choice. 

You can loosen it up and make it more fun to ride by removing the center fin (ride it as a twin) or putting in a small area thruster fin set.  It's kind of fun to ride larger boards this way in small to medium surf.

[jimjimmy]

Thanks again everyone...this is awesome.

So the Nugget is out.....the Patterson 8' is out...

That now leaves me deciding between a Nugg/Turbo Nugg and a Patterson 9'. Since the Nugg is on the higher end of the volume specturm for me should I consider a Patterson 9' ? I currently have 2 Patterson prones....which is why I continue to include it.

Fun is really the name of the game but knowing that I can surf, performace enters the equation as well. I would love to hear more on durability as well if possible as well.

thanks again and I promise to close out this tread soon....LOL