Updated - solid or inflatable. I've just started looking into SUPs, so I'm not that knowledgable. I would like an all rounder - learn to paddle, explore, play in small surf, exercise and balance. Tough and reliable. If someone could recommend a good paddle too - just good and tough and with a shaft that won't bend (not aluminium). I'm about 80kg and would probably take about 5kg of gear, because I usually do with everything else. I'm open to price up to $1000, but if something is just so good and costs not a lot more, of course I'd like to know. Thank you for your time and attention in reading this.
Recommend a Stand up Paddleboard (SUP) ?
poohduck on 25/01/2019 - 20:46
Last edited 26/01/2019 - 19:57
Last edited 26/01/2019 - 19:57
Comments
Thanks. I'm in Tassie. He seems to be focused on lessons and only sells a few boards, and they're old ads. I'd do one of his courses if I lived nearby, to get a better idea.
No, I didn't mean buy one from him, I meant send him an email and ask for advice.
OK, thanks
Look for second hand to start - all the people that got them for Xmas and have given up should be getting rid of them now.
That quickly after christmas? Oh, people are brutal :) It's a good idea, thankyou. I'd still like some recommendations though before I go looking for something.
Anything made of PE. They're very forgiving when going over rocks, dropping and mishandling in general.
Glass is class but not idiot proof.
I like your thinking - thanks
Don't get Adventure Kings
Howcome? I bought one last week as a newbie.
First 2 the valves leaked like a sieve, waiting for a 3rd one and then finally giving up.
I don't have storage space at home so I have an ISUP just bear in mind that everything is a compromise when it comes to inflatables. They will never surf like a hard board because they don't have rails and they will never have the touring speed of a glass board either.
Having said that if you want something tough and durable check out the Ride Paddle Co boards. I have a 9'8 which is ok in small surf and has done everything I want so far. Picked it up second hand for $1k. I'm 77kg and normally strap a 6 pack and some ice in a cooler bag to it.
https://redpaddleco.com/en-au/board/98-ride/
If you question their durability then have a watch of this
Just looking at these. I'm heavier than you so would probably go the 10.6. They have great reputations, and I can get it locally. I think you found a great isup.
Aqua Marina ISUP? Not sure if good but I've seen a few on the beach.
If I get an ISUP, it will probably be the 2018 aqua marina beast. Anaconda sell aqua marina, which could explain why you're seeing so many. They do have good reputations for cheap ISUPs. The beast looks perfect for a beginner's all rounder.
OK, my short list at this point; this is what I can get in Tassie with good reviews.
- aqua marina beast. iSUP. Looks like the best of the cheap iSUPs.
- Red paddle co ride 10.6 iSUP. Great reputation for high price iSUP.
- BicSport ace tech 10.6 performer - solid
- Naish Mana GS or GTW? Solid. GTW better but more expensive.
- Naish Nalu 10'6" 2019 Solid. Again GTW and GS.
I'm pretty much thinking I'm going to get a solid. At this point leaning toward the Naish Nalu.
If you've got the space and ability to transport a solid board then definitely go that route. Also if you're definitely serious about surfing on it then go for the GTW as it has the thruster fin setup.
Thanks. From what I understand GTW has laminate bamboo in the build, GS doesn't. This makes GTW a bit lighter. Design and other specs should be identical to equivalent GS model. Update: I take that back - just checked on Naish site, which gives 2 lots of different info. One thing that does look the same though is the weight? Also the deck is different and the gtw has a M8 fitting (whatever that is). Now the fins; in the sales blurb both have the 3 fin set up. In the specs table with all the models listed, gs has one fin, gtw has three. I'm guessing you know this from the real world, so I'll assume you're right and definitely go with the GTW. Interestingly, in various forums discussing differences between the two, all said GTW was lighter! Not a very good web site :)
I highly recommend inflatable. We’ve got 2 from eBay (loved the first one so bought another one for my wife) and cost around $300 which included a 20% sale which a few of them have. Something like this one and don’t forget cashrewards.
Gee, you got a lot of bang for buck there. It has all the specs. I'm kind of sold on a solid board now for a few reasons (no flex, not having to wash down, fold up or unfold, no punctures to deal with). After saying that, if I needed the portability of an inflatable, I believe that they are fairly tried and true at this point in time and remarkably good.
Yeah they're good value for money. The pumping up is the hardest part of inflatable but I see it as an extra workout haha Everything else is really easy and I've got a repair kit in case I do go over a sharp rock.
I hear you, if I had roof racks I'd prefer a solid too.
I use a hand pump all the time on cars, bikes and motorbikes. Usually bumping up pressure when carrying a load, or topping up after inactivity. On my motorbikes I carry a little bicycle pump (about 15cm long) for puncture repairs (I've had a few) or the transition between off road and on road rides (less off road, more on road). There is a lot less to fail with a hand pump and really you get into a rhythm and they're pretty easy.
@poohduck: Yeah there are great but the SUP in particular is the hardest I've come across. The ones I have recommend 15 PSI so it takes a lot of pumps to get there and the back is sore by the end of it (I don't have any back issues either haha). Thinking of getting a cordless pump to do the initial bit and then finish the rest manually.
@bobwokeup: Yes, of course you're right. Getting a paddle in is the whole point - do whatever it takes :)
I pulled the plug on a naish nalu gtw. The dealer here let me paddle a barge first then gave me a demo nalu. I'm not experienced enough to notice much difference. It was pretty stable though. I paddled 200m off shore then downwind for about a km, turned around and paddled back into the wind. Paddled into the beach a couple of times to practice getting on and off and up and cooling off with a dip. They have a reputation for being pretty good in small surf :) Anyway - it's one good thing about a climate heating up. It feels good to do something in water - my partner dives and snorkels; now I can do my thing too.
@poohduck: Yeah totally agree doesn't matter what you get it's all about getting out there and enjoying the water!
Ask Keith at this place. Top bloke.
http://gosurf.com.au/