If you have had success learning DW SUP would love to hear the equipment you used. Specifically:
Board - brand, model, length, width, volume
front foil - brand, model, size
mast length
paddle size
Any regrets you may of had on your journey or even equipment that wasn't on the market when you learnt.
Maybe also mention your location and typical conditions. Also your height and weight for reference.
Hi. Just passed the flatwater-paddle-up phase successfully. Armstrong 7'2 107L/Axis 1150/460 (quick lift/drag/slow/turns well) and 1310/350 (less initial lift/fast/less drag/larger radius for turns). Std-Fuse and Ultrashort. Mast in max rear. 78kg dry. Paddle 80sqi.
My thoughts:
75cm mast requires singnificantly more balance than 82cm. Blade size is not prio but stroke reach and frequency. For me, the key was the board volume in front of me which creates the pop.
Tried 0.4m swell by 2s in the Mediterrean. Unfortunately, backwash from rocky shore line. That's been a completely different game. 3 takeoffs out of 60 attempts. I' d love to have 5-10 Liters more volume currently.
(Appreciated your request very much as it is quite hard to find sophisticated recommendations for setups/upgrades for non-pros).
Just go big and long on everything , 7-10 to 8-0 x 22 120+ litres , just use your std paddle for now . Foil same deal go big 1300 png Axis , 76 HM mast (NOT ALI) big tail 475 ect and std short fuse. Don't fall for the trap of going skinny and short to learn on , you might be able to stand on it in the flat but no chance in the ocean. I'm a DC fan as you get exactly what you need for your sizer and skill level. but the new Naish & Axis also look great for learners but there is plenty out there. Kalamas are great but really limited supply and hard to get a wider one. Foil wise the AXIS has by far the best selection and tons around second hand. Here is a couple of videos on me on my DC 710 x 20 x 121 litres . You need aboard you can balance well on to learn , if you keep falling off you'll never learn and just hate it and quit like so many do. Don't be put off by the long boards they ride fine.
Using the 1150 75cm mast and freeride 440 tail, ~75kg wet and a 85sqcm paddle, conditions are mixture but too much ocean swell, only had success in 15kn wind swell. Tried Axis Hybrid 6'4x24 110L (too slow), DIY 6'4x21 110L (too slow), DIY 8'6 x 18'1/2 ~100L (easy!)
4 months ago very little SUP experience, first bump paddle ups and flat water start this week on the 8'6 and I'd say go long and skinny. I was able to paddle the smaller board into waves easily and generally able to balance in all conditions but I couldn't get it going fast enough AND get the timing right for bumps and paddle ups. The longer board made it much easier, I paddled up in TINY bumps on the 3rd go, and managed some very easy starts in good bumps, flat water paddle up this week too. Bit of a tank once up, I would love to go smaller and lighter but will first go smaller in foils as I think I could go quite a bit smaller. Tried the progression 140 yesterday and it almost worked in very light winds.
Gear: Advice would be to try as many boards ideally without buying them as you'll find within two or three sessions that something that felt impossible one day feels quite viable the next. >8' and <20" I believe is worthwhile
Technique: Coaching and or video, just a quick session with someone who knew what they were doing was very useful, there are lots of things going on and impossible to help without seeing what you are doing wrong.
Conditions: Absolutely avoid cross direction swell and chop, also any backwash or rebound from cliffs as it makes it a nightmare. When white caps are showing then it is ideal, but going when it is light makes it easier to get the rhythm of the sets, they are always bigger than they look from the beach.
