Hi all,
I'm after some recomendations on a board to get for the summer 
The board will be used 90% of the time on flat water, mainly the Rosebud foreshore in Vic. Maybe the od small wave at times, rivers, lakes.
At this point I am considering an isup for easy storage and transport. We have about an 800m walk to the beach so I'm thinking this may be more convenient, but I'm open to other opinions.
The board will be used by myself solo and also with one of my kids upfront playing around. The kids will also be learing to use it. I need something that is robust and can handle the kids jumping all over it etc....
I like the sound of the Naish one, Starboard Astro, Hobie tour. Am I on the right track here or is there something better suited?
any opinions/recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks
If you want a good family board that you can paddle with kids on board you need something big.. and more importantly something wide..
Something like my 12'x34" Inflatable Glide..
Also check out the new range from Blue Planet, the 10'2 Easy Model would be a great family do it all board.
issuu.com:443/blueplanetsurf/docs/bp_1516_digital_cat
An inflatable would be best, kids can play with it without fear of hurting themselves.
I would perhaps look for a single skin board rather for a double skin, for less weigth to carry on long distances. Or check that the bag is confortable enough to carry.
As other said: big and wide will be fun... with a good pump to inflate this big volume: the new double action ones are quite efficient.
Gong (just for reefrence, it is not sold in OZ) makes specific "family boards" for 2 or 4 people that are quite fun: enough volume for multiple people, but narrow enough to be paddled solo (as in: you paddle and the missus sunbathe :-). Other brands may have the same kind of boards, such as the Naish glide above. And the volume makes them able to surf any ripple.
2 people: 10'2" x 340l www.gong-galaxy.com/magazine/pics/1-hour-4-boards/
4 people: 15' x 640l gongsupshop.com/epages/box1707.sf/fr_FR/?ObjectPath=/Shops/box1707/Products/GON5SUPINF15
An Isup is a great option I think. Cheaper on freight as well. We have just launched our Atlantis "Visionary" Isup - 10 x 32 x 4. My son loves this board and won't let me paddle anything else with him. They are from the same factory that does most leading brands and uses the latest drop stitch technology. Price has been kept low at only $849 and it comes with Bag, 2 way action Pump, repair kit and a few other things. Surfed it in 2 foot waves and it paddled in well and was suprisingly manouverable for an Isup - www.thesurfboardwarehouse.com.au/sups/brands/atlantis/
Yes mate we are doing a full range after securing production placement at this factory. I actually have a 14 foot demo that I have ridden Twice without logos. if your interested PM me and I'll shoot you images and specs. It will be around the same price because it's been on the water.
Thanks for the advice everyone.
How do you think the Naish one and Glide compare against each other for my intended use?
Is the one still capable of taking a passenger up front, or is it best suited for solo?
Select to expand quoteSako said..
Thanks for the advice everyone.
How do you think the Naish one and Glide compare against each other for my intended use?
Is the one still capable of taking a passenger up front, or is it best suited for solo?
They are very different with the Glide being much more stable.. because it's 2" wider..
If you are a lightweight and your kids are tiny.. and only be paddling in calm conditions the One would be fine..
But if you're not you will really appreciate the wider board..
My partner and I have 10'6" BIC Ace -tecs. Strong, stable a durable!
Great board, we use ours locally in the river great for doing distance and Ive used it in the surf on small days.
www.bicsport.com/language.html
Select to expand quoteSako said..
Thanks David.
Im about 70kg and kids are only young (4 & 6)
You're not heavy and your kids are light so you might get by with a 30" wide board.. But the 4" wider board (sorry about my poor maths before) might alow you to paddle with both kids on board at once.. You should demo first if you can.. I'd still recomend the wider option..
What are your thoughts on the 10"6 red board?
http://shop.redpaddleco.com.au/collections/boards/products/redpaddle-infl-sup-board-ride-106
Select to expand quoteSako said...
Hi all,
I'm after some recomendations on a board to get for the summer
The board will be used 90% of the time on flat water, mainly the Rosebud foreshore in Vic. Maybe the od small wave at times, rivers, lakes.
At this point I am considering an isup for easy storage and transport. We have about an 800m walk to the beach so I'm thinking this may be more convenient, but I'm open to other opinions.
The board will be used by myself solo and also with one of my kids upfront playing around. The kids will also be learing to use it. I need something that is robust and can handle the kids jumping all over it etc....
I like the sound of the Naish one, Starboard Astro, Hobie tour. Am I on the right track here or is there something better suited?
any opinions/recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks
Mate Im in rye and I got a ocean and earth soft top 10"2 sup from shq in rosebud second hand for $750 it's the best family board because it's soft top the kids can sit on the nose as I paddle the foreshore but I also take it to shoreham and catch waves with my boys on it. They sell them at the outdoor sports store at west rosebud go check them out also really solid and the soft top helps with the banging around from the kids my boys are 5 and 3 and love it I can paddle easy with both on the nose.. You don't need to spend heaps on a family board it will get hammered by the kids save the big bucks for a wave board for your self
[;
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Thanks slugga,
I'm not far from West Rosebud so I will drop in on the weekend to have a look.
