Hi guys, I am new to the forum and SUPing generally. Just getting into it now with my wife.
I have been out on hire boards 1/2 doz times, mainly on the flat in rivers. Staying in Byron so took a trip up the the Goldie to look at buying a board, after an allrounder.
I'm 78ks and sometimes take my 25 kg dog out on the river as well but I was looking for something that was surf friendly.
Saw a 2nd hand Nalu 10.6 advertised, I was super keen as it seemed to tick all the boxes and was in budget for my first board. I however took the sales guys advice and ended up taking a new 404 10.6' (31.5" wide v 30 for the Nalu) as it had more volume for when I have my pooch and in theory more stable and easier to get onto waves.
So far the 404 is super stable and seems a good all round board.
Any thoughts, can't find much online on 404 and even their website is lite on for info. Most of my SUPing, I'd say 80% will on rivers but I live on the coast and the surf is additive.
Have I done the right thing or should I have gone for a Naish as my first board when I had the chance to own one?
Crannie
(Welcome to the forum.)
Are you sure you want to know that answer? 
Actually, I think you have the right board - but we need more information.
Weight is a big deciding factor when buying a SUP, and width is also very important.
At 78kg you would buy one type of board, but if you want to add a 25kg dog, then you need a different type of board.
I don't know the 404 range, and I have not used a Nalu (but they come highly regarded), but you will appreciate the extra width of the 404.
Assuming it is the 404 "floater" it is approx 170 litres which is just 10 litres more than the Nalu. So the extra width and volume, albeit slight improvements, are in your favor.https://404sup.com/collections/boards/products/10-6-floater
I think the sales person sold you the right board..
Down the track you can upgrade or buy another board so you and your wife can paddle together and only use the 404 for paddling with with your dog..
IMO you will notice a big improvement with the Naish Nalu over the slightly wider 404 but for learning and paddling with your dog the 404 should be a good starting board..
