I'm interested in getting sup. I ride a 8'2 mini Mal surfboard. I'm 92kg and 2m tall. I'm wanting something to ride in the surf and maybe occasionally on the river. I'm thinking fanatic all wave maybe around 8'5'. Would this work? What do people think?
Hi Gregruss
If you like the way a mini Mal surfs, then I don't think the 8'5 is the way to go.
It is also a bit small for a 1st SUP, IMO.....
I really liked my 8'10 Allwave, it is stable for a big guy (I was 111 kg)
Turns easily and handles all conditions well.
Plus.... it noserides really well, so a nice match for a mini Mal (the 8'5 is more geared to shortboard style surfing)
Paddles well in flat-water... I paddled many miles on it weekly.
The Allwave is a great board to make the transition to SUP... and it will hold it's value for when you are ready to move on.
I would seriously consider and older version (wider nose) because that one is a real "Tip rider".... and there should be some around in the classifieds.
Enjoy the trip!
You will probably need to transition into riding a SUP in the surf. Try renting one or go to one of the demo days (lots on around now). But at 92 kg you may need to start with a board that is over 9'6", 32" wide and 170+ litres. But if you are a keen surfer now then you will get into it and soon you can move to a smaller board. I am the same weight and shorter (1.92 m) and I ride an 8'7" x 29" 120 litre board after about 2 years. If you start with a 2nd hand you can move through that stage without too much expense and there will be times that you may still ride it. It also depends on the surf. If it is often windy or choppy and you have to paddle out through waves then you'll need something bigger and more stable. In better conditions where you can paddle around the waves you can transition faster.
