Hi All, i have been SUP surfing over the last year maybe twenty or so times and I am hooked for life. I have rented a Starboard 8'10 WP in Maui a couple times and have no problem catching the clean waist to chest high slow rollers. Also rented a Kalama 9'6 icon in So Cal and have no problem. Back to home in the NW and its a different world. What the heck kind of board do you need for waves coming from all directions. i can barely make it past the break. Only once or twice have i been able to find waves that I could ride. It's also a two hour ride so that is another issue.
I liked the Starboard WP but there is no way in hell i could use it at home most of the time. i have been using a 10'11 x 30 Hala that is designed for small waves/all around but even that huge thing is a challenge. Board size and volume/stability is a bit confusing and all the recommended info from the manufacturer's differs a little from what i have read on forums.
I am 5'11 180# and above average shape for my old age. Above average balance. I usually spend an hour trying to fight through the break before giving up. Rest and try again making a complete fool of myself. Sometimes i make it and rest before i get pounded from the opposite direction. Learning to read surf reports but that's a challenge as well!
I really liked the Starboard so would going up in size help with stability? i read a lot of good reviews on the Allwave and they are reasonably priced too. I can get one for under 1k but price would not be an issue if i knew i could find one board i could travel with and use at home.
Recommended boards from online dealer:
Allwave 9'0x32 2019
Allwave 9'4 2016 model
Starboard WP 9'5 starshot 2016 model
Starboard Whopper 9'5 2019
Any info is greatly appreciated!
Welcome to the tribe!
First, you will have to choose your spot and conditions. Unlike prone surfing, SUP becomes insanely hard with chop and water movements, and getting through waves is the flip side of SUPing, which has many good aspects, but getting through waves is where you pay for them :-)
Learn to avoid onshore winds, and observe the spot to find ways to get around the breaking waves, even if it means a detour of half a mile. Learn to read the water to see the rips and use them. We cannot duck dive. And try to find sheltered breaks with smaller waves, you do not need big waves to have fun, and they will be less crowded.
And practice: your body will have to learn the balance in chop, it takes time.
On the gear, you will need:
- enough volume. More than 150 liters should be OK, you should not need a lot more.
- width. This is the key to stability, more than volume. At least 32"
- wide nose and tail, avoid the sleek pulled in shapes.
The boards you cite seem fine. But of course there are many others. I would advise to seek local advice if you can (shop, other SUPers that can see your balance and give you advice)
PS: As you discovered in Hawaii, everything works wonderfully in nice waves. "Real world" conditions is where the good gear shine.
Thank you, Colas; and to this site. it makes it a lot easier to find input but i agree with finding local input being valuable. i am not the very social type at reaching out but i definitely observe from the beach. Watching good surfers is fun too. The shops are helpful if you get the right person. I will work on that.
I wish looks didn't matter. i really like the look of the Sunova boards with the wood. maybe down the road...
I will go cheap until i get better. Allwave 9'4 173 L for a used price is most attractive.
More trips to Maui for sure!
Select to expand quoteCharlie22 said..
Thank you, Colas; and to this site. it makes it a lot easier to find input but i agree with finding local input being valuable. i am not the very social type at reaching out but i definitely observe from the beach. Watching good surfers is fun too. The shops are helpful if you get the right person. I will work on that.
I wish looks didn't matter. i really like the look of the Sunova boards with the wood. maybe down the road...
I will go cheap until i get better. Allwave 9'4 173 L for a used price is most attractive.
More trips to Maui for sure!
Hi Charlie, welcome to the Breeze and the SUP addiction 
Go for the 9'4 Allwave, if it is a good price you will be able to sell it on without too much trouble, when you get ready.
The Allwave is a great starter board and something you can grow with before needing an upgrade.
All of what Colas said is great info.
I would add that the length of the 9'4 Allwave will help you get outside a bit faster than your 8'10 WP.
I get outside fairly easily in most conditions by picking the right entry point, using the rip to my advantage and leave the beach just before the current set hits the beach, I grab all the distance I can before the set rolls over me, then I paddle out fast and hard between sets. The speed I can paddle gets me out before the next set.
I always tell people "If you want to learn how to get out on a bigger day, watch the older surfers, not the kids"
Old guys can't overpower the conditions, so we need to work with them in our favor
Get out there and stay stoked!
Thanks for the input supthecreek.
Your videos are inspiring and make me feel like I might have a shot at being half as decent as you are.
Yes...i sometimes think i can still hang with the kids. One of these days I will get wise. just the short amount of input I have received from you guys has helped a great deal and a good start.
i will reach out again i'm sure but will try not to be a nuisance..:)
