just getting into Stand up looking for a board 75kgs 5'7" 60 surfed for 20 years. Live at ocean grove Victoria so have a river ocean and surf looking to surf up to 3/4 foot and river and open water- sea close to shore paddle.last week nearly had a stardoard 9'5" but resold by time I had transport sorted. looking for a board that can do a bit of everything to start. Then get a couple of specialists boards. what is a good mix. 
Check out the Sunova Soul 9'5.
I have one and there is not much it can't do. I mostly surf beach breaks and it works in any size I'm game enough to have a go at plus it tracks and glides well and is stable.
It feels like a shorter board on the waves.
I'm 53 and 77 kg and an intermediate surfer.
It's also very light and has a nifty handle that pops out which is really handy in and out of the surf.
Thanks how does it paddle on flat water. Sun ova build quality looks quality. Would a bit longer make a big difference in the surf Say 10'
It's fine in flat water. Tracks well. For example I can do 6-8 strokes before changing hands. Glides ok too. Doesn't seem to push much water like some other "surf" sups I've tried.
For someone of your size and weight I wouldn't go the 10' board for the surf. Just a bit too far to step back to turn.
The Sunova XXX construction is top quality and looks a million bucks plus it's strong and light but flexes where it needs to.
Hey seashell
At the end of the day after checking all the options your going to get what suits you and the places you paddle and surf...having said that, why not drive five minutes up the road and talk to Simon Forward at 4D surfboards in Smithton Grove Industrial Estate...right next door to the car wash.
I have been buying customs off Simon for the last seven years and have never been disappointed...was in the shop yesterday and snapped a few photos of a couple of customs in the rack...check em out
These boards are seriously competitive in price at between fifteen to sixteen hundred depending on length...for to five week turnaround for a custom order and come with full deck grip and rail tape. There is a shop attached to the factory and they can sort you out with anything else you might need from, fins to paddles to board bags...these guys are a class act and are seriously heavy hitters in the Vicco surf scene
Again...its always going to be your call...but why buy a board thats mass produced by the thousands when you could sit down with the shaper...talk about your individual needs...and get a board thats uniquely yours.
Disclaimer: not a sponsored rider...just a seriously happy long term customer
Cheers
Sparx
I've always been a huge fan of inflatables for beginners (it's how I started too). It's a way lower barrier to entry, in terms of cost, and you don't need to worry about transport so much. Most roll up and are really easy to move around in something as small as a coupe.
If you're intersted, we've done some reviews on iSUPs on our site - our favorite has been the Aqua Marina Vapor:
www.standuppaddleboard.guide/reviews/inflatables/aqua-marina-vapor-isup-review
Good luck funding a board!
Listen to Sparx and you'll get two excellent boards for the price of one. Who'd want that?? 
. BTW Sparx is one of the best suppers on the coast. Check out some of his vids at a secret spot (rip bowl).
