What size fanatic fly?

[Crabbydude]

New to forum. I live in panama city, fl. 6'0" and 200 lbs. I'm interested in SUP'ing  in the bay for fitness, would like to learn to surf our waves ( usually small) and am interested in the fly's ability to windsurf in lower wind conditions. I have never surfed, and only rented SUP a couple of times.  I know that no board is perfect for everything. I would pick the board out mostly for the bay and the small waves. (80 percent of the time....... I think) Which size fanatic fly would be the Best for me and why.  I willing to struggle in the beginning,  because i don't want to get another board for awhile. One other thing- I have limited range of motion in my right ankle because of a bad break.
10.5' by 31 Vol. 171
11' by 32 vol 217
11.5 by 33 vol 236
I think all of these come with a box for a center fin ( but no daggerboard)

I've been watching for a good used board...... But have not really found one yet. I will demo them soon.... Just need some experienced guidance.

[SUPcheat]

Sounds like from weight and height you are in the 171L, 10'5" x31" range.  Should be plenty of float, easy learning curve, good glide for bay cruising and you could still use it to learn surfing with reasonable ease and flexibility.

[Crabbydude]

How did you come up with the 171l. What exactly does that number mean?Do  I need at least 171 liters , or is that my ideal volume for a certain type of boarding? What is the downside to getting one of the larger boards? I worry that the 10.5 will not be as stable for flat water paddling?

[Leroy]

I'm 6'2" and 110kg and paddle the 11' Fly. It has more than enough float for my weight, so would guess you'd be fine on the 10'6".  It may start off a little more difficultwith less volume,  but I think you'd get used to it reasonably quickly. My 11' goes pretty good on the flat for fitness and I'm doing my best to learn to surf it!

[Area 10]

Crabbydude, you will generally get steered towards a board in the 10-6 kind of range if you mention surfing because it takes skill to surf big boards well. I have surfed the 11ft fly and I really liked it. But I like big boards and am a fairly experienced SUP surfer. Several of my friends tried it and found it was too much board for them to control in the surf. I have not tried the biggest size Fly but that is a gargantuan board that would take a lot of weight and skill to surf well. You'd really need to be in the 250lbs+ category before people are likely to be recommending that for surfing for you.

If your enquiry had not emphasised surfing but had mentioned almost exclusively flat water paddling, fishing, or eg. taking kids or a dog with you then you'd more likely get recommendations for the 11ft Fly. But to be able to move a board around in surf (eg. do cutbacks and the like) you need to be able to sink a rail, and that is hard with big boards. Even experienced surfers who are trying SUPing for the first time often find big boards hard to turn. Many beginners actually find the All Wave easier to surf than the Fly.

So that is why you will likely get most recommendations for the smaller Fly of the ones you mention. 10-6 or thereabouts is probably the most popular size in the world for people who want an all-round board which includes both surfîng and some flatwater paddling. For that reason you would also find a 10-6 to be easiest to sell on once you find out after a while what more specialist board is right for you.

[Bean]

How did you come up with the 171l. What exactly does that number mean?Do  I need at least 171 liters , or is that my ideal volume for a certain type of boarding? What is the downside to getting one of the larger boards? I worry that the 10.5 will not be as stable for flat water paddling?

It refers to the volume (of water) that the board would displace if completely submerged.  But, it also directly relates to the maximum weight capacity.  One liter of volume will support one kilo of weight (2.2lbs) so 171 liters will float 171 kilos.  But don't get too hung up on numbers, a 200 lb person could easily ride SUPs in the 100-280+ liter range depending on if they are surfing or flatwater paddling.

[Crabbydude]

Ok. So 10.5 sounds like the best option if I'm going to learn to surf it. Would it be enough board for  flat water paddling or taking out for longer paddles in the gulf on flatter days? I assume a smaller board would just take a little longer to master.

[Bean]

From my personal perspective, at 205lbs my 10' 160L board is fine for a fun paddle.  The 10' 6" should cover a broad spectrum of paddling for you.

[Crabbydude]

Thanks. You can get a us box for center fin in the fanatic 11.5. How important is that in sailing upwind ( I have never windsurfed). I'm having a hard time finding a 10.5 but can find plenty of 11 and 11.5. Can't demo any of them around here though.
Which starboard would suit my needs the best-- i tried a rental whopper ASAP and felt like it sat very low in the water, but maybe that is normal for that board. I don't have a lot to compare it to, yet.

[supthecreek]

Other boards to consider, because they surf and paddle well, and also offer the windsurf option you are looking for.

JP Australia Fusion 10'8 x 34 at 193 liters
I owned one of these when I was 265 lbs... I loved paddling it.... very stable and easy to paddle long distances.
It  surfed really well.
It comes with the windsurf insert.
It is sexy looking and a pleasure to use.
http://jp-australia.com/2014/sup/products/sup-boards/fusion/

The Fanatic Allwave 9'10 x 33 at 191 liters
Is another board I think you should consider.
I traded in the 10'8 Fusion for this board, because it surfs better.
It is just as stable as the Fusion... perhaps, even more stable, due to it's thicker rails and wider nose.
It paddles VERY well. I did lots of 6 mile tours on mine
It is also fairly indestructible, had a great handle and will hold it's value.

Fellow Zoner JimK has both these brands and gives ALL Zoners a full 20% discount on EVERYTHING he sells.
http://www.extremewindsurfing.com/
I know I sound like a broken record about the Allwave.... and JimK.....
But both have earned my loyalty...
ps... he'll get you a great deal on the Fly as well....

Give Jim a call.... he has been in the windsurfing and SUP business a LONG time and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here's some pics of my boards.... Cabrinah became JP Australia.... same board

[Area 10]

If you are going to get a board over 32" wide I think you need to try them first. Some people find them too wide. IMO 32" is pretty wide, and my balance is iffy. The wider you go the harder it is to get a proper stroke, and the poorer tracking is (for a given length). You really need to be quite heavy and tall (or have very poor balance) before over 32" wide brings much benefit IMO.

[Crabbydude]

The 11' Fly comes with only 1 fin. How important are thruster fins in SMALL surf?

[komsup]

re - how important is thruster (taken to mean 3 vs single) fin setup for surf: if waves are broken (ie in whitewater) you will get a LOT more control from thruster. for quick cutbacks & hold in steep waves (both unlikely on 10'5" board with beginner on top) 3 fins rule (or quads for a different feel). for speed, early "cruiser" ins, single fin works fine with more depending on what fin & which board (shape, profile, etc). Generally for mass produced boards (all you have mentioned) they are offered in configurations that work. for the record I surf my 10'5" stbd drive as a 1+2 (type of thruster) arrangement and it goes great.