First SUP for big guy

[cnski]

I have a mint condition 11 ft. C4 ULI for sale that is listed for $850. $1400 new. I weigh 240 lbs. This board would be great for that. I live in the Rockies.

[caseyg]

I bought a Randy French Surftech for my wife and kids (I ride a C4 11'6).  It is ridiculously stable.  I got the 10'6 model, and my friend got the 11'6 model.  I am 205lbs and the 10'6 is extremely stable.  The only thing I liked better about the 11'6 is it seems to glide a lot better.  Both boards are under $1000 new.  Not the best boards on the market, but I have been super impressed with it as a durable, stable beginner platform.  The other nice thing is, if you don't spend much on your first board, you don't feel guilty upgrading later (which you will do once you figure it all out). 

[Orion]

Thnaks for the advice guys.  I got a Jimmy Lewis Cruise Control 11.5 footer.  I've taken it out twice, like it a lot.

Pretty easy to balance on, for a change of pace I sometimes paddle it sitting down, do yoga-type moves on the deck, and sometimes I'll lay on my back just to chill out.

I also just ordered a utlity-pack for board fishing and other stuff.

[mountainpaddler]

Without a doubt try the new 11'6 Randy French Soft top from Surftech (if you can find one, they sold out fast and are now catching up on the overflow of orders). I am 6'4 and up to 215 at times and this thing works on any type of water. The hull surfs well and has a thruster fin option set up, its wide and stable and above all THICK! It is by far the most stable, manuverable and surfable board I have found and the material has stood up to everything I have smashed it into so far. Great for just about any type of water you want to get it on. I like it for the river but also take my kids out on it in the flats, race it on moving water and have started to fish off of it too. Plus when I take new paddlers out on it they are instantly hooked as they feel really confident and stablefrom the start. Make sure you at least try it before you buy one. You won't be disappointed. There is also a 10'6 but the extra foot is nice to have with the 11'6.
Here is a bit more info onthe site:  http://surftechsup.com/boards/11-6-softop/

hobie

[Old School]

I'm thinking about picking up a french 11'6" softtop.  Found a place in VA Beach that has a few in stock.  Have been borrowing friends' boards, but usually a struggle, since I'm about 6'4", 250.  Need a stable, thick flatwater board to cruise around with the kids, and I don't think I'll do much better.  Rented the french 11'6" and it was great.

However, the surftech 2011 catalog as a 12', 34" wide french softtop.  Not quite as thick as the 11'6", but I'm sure it doesn't have to be.  Waiting to hear from a dealer when they will be available.

Probably would already own the 11'6" if was little more attractive looking. 

What I really want is the 14' expedition, but can't justify that kind of cash (yet).