Confused newbie - I'm 61 years old 105kg and 5'10. I surfed most of my life up until 10years ago when I blew a knee out and had to stop for a while. Spent the last 10 years kayak fishing and I'm a bit over it. I'm keen to get a SUP board which will be used for surfing and flat water cruising/fitness. I have done quite a bit of research and trialled a limited amount of boards owing to where I live - and my head is spinning. From what I can work out it seems I need something 31'' + for stability and 185litres + for flotation as a beginner paddler. I want something I can turn, trim and walk on knee to head high waves, but also tracks OK if I'm cruising the harbour or lake - I know the perfect board that doesn't exist
I I have tried an Odysseus which I could paddle OK and some no name inflatables from the hire place. I was wondering whether the Nalu 11' or 11'4" would be good boards that I could work my way into. The Wopper and Avanti were 2 others I have had reccomended - not much choice around here - although the Avanti seems very wide. I liked the Odysseus, just not sure how it would surf. Any assistance gladly received - thanks.
Select to expand quoteCharlieF said..
Confused newbie - I'm 61 years old 105kg and 5'10. I surfed most of my life up until 10years ago when I blew a knee out and had to stop for a while. Spent the last 10 years kayak fishing and I'm a bit over it. I'm keen to get a SUP board which will be used for surfing and flat water cruising/fitness. I have done quite a bit of research and trialled a limited amount of boards owing to where I live - and my head is spinning. From what I can work out it seems I need something 31'' + for stability and 185litres + for flotation as a beginner paddler. I want something I can turn, trim and walk on knee to head high waves, but also tracks OK if I'm cruising the harbour or lake - I know the perfect board that doesn't exist I I have tried an Odysseus which I could paddle OK and some no name inflatables from the hire place. I was wondering whether the Nalu 11' or 11'4" would be good boards that I could work my way into. The Wopper and Avanti were 2 others I have had reccomended - not much choice around here - although the Avanti seems very wide. I liked the Odysseus, just not sure how it would surf. Any assistance gladly received - thanks.
I will say that the Odysseus certainly surfs okay, considering its size. Perhaps its more like "riding a wave" than surfing, but I suspect thats what you are after? As you have tried one, I think you can tell they are extremely stable - and are better priced than your other suggested options. The longer Nalus would be one step more towards a surfable board - but longboard style - and I personally have no experience with the other models, and only know what you probably have read. I bought an Odysseus last year when they first came out, and have it as a loaner for newbies or for times I want to get out in the bay and do some fishing or snorkeling. I have sold and traded a few boards since then - but the Odysseus wont be going anywhere. Recommended!
I agree about the Odysseus.. I also have one and it's an awesome board.. and it's not just for heavier people.. 
If you are coming from a surfing background I would steer you toward something more more like the Nalu.
I had a Odysseus 'copy' - another brand, but almost identical. The 33" width made it extemely stable and a good intro board, but in the surf was a bit of a tank and quite hard to do a real turn. I also found it slowish on flat water, and did not like to track very straight due to the width.
My experience with more longboard shaped boards like the Nalu is they surf 100% better, and are also better on flat water.
You could also consider a bigger Fanatic Allwave? Super stable, and surf good too.
Not a dealer or shop owner, just a satisfied customer (and 100 kegs, my 9'6 Allwave floats me piece of piss, reckon I could also fit the grommie on in a year or 2 once he's old enough to sit up)
JP Fusion 10'2 would also be worth a look if you're heading in a more surfy direction but there are options more capable flat water for flatwater cruising that surf well ( 11' Nalu, for example, or Starby 11'2 Blend, or a JP Allround)
I started SUP life on an Avanti... I still respect that board, it surfed amazingly well in everything for such a big board. I was over 120k at the time.
I think that the 10 x 34 Whopper would suit you well, They have stood the test of time.
The 9'10 x 33 Allwave would be a great choice as well, you have to paddle it to believe how stable it is. The Allwave surfs really well. I was on a 9'6 Allwave by the time I was at your weight, but I had a year of SUP under my belt.
Select to expand quotesharpie said..
just get yourself a whopper.......
Too many whoppers might be part of the problem thanks for all the advice. Have looked up the options suggested and arranged some demos with dealers in Auckland in a weeks time. One dealer has a special on a couple of JP Wide Bodies a 10" and a 10' 2", they are a package with JP paddle and leash. 2014 models he wants move on - minor shop dings that have been repaired. Anyone have an opinion on them? The price is pretty sharp.
Mean time its off to Taupo for the weekend and cruising the lake on hire SUPs. Need to get up t speed so I can back into some waves. Cheers.
thanks for all the advice. Have looked up the options suggested and arranged some demos with dealers in Auckland in a weeks time. One dealer has a special on a couple of JP Wide Bodies a 10" and a 10' 2", they are a package with JP paddle and leash. 2014 models he wants move on - minor shop dings that have been repaired. Anyone have an opinion on them? The price is pretty sharp.
Select to expand quoteLordKuz said..CharlieF said..
Confused newbie - I'm 61 years old 105kg and 5'10. I surfed most of my life up until 10years ago when I blew a knee out and had to stop for a while. Spent the last 10 years kayak fishing and I'm a bit over it. I'm keen to get a SUP board which will be used for surfing and flat water cruising/fitness. I have done quite a bit of research and trialled a limited amount of boards owing to where I live - and my head is spinning. From what I can work out it seems I need something 31'' + for stability and 185litres + for flotation as a beginner paddler. I want something I can turn, trim and walk on knee to head high waves, but also tracks OK if I'm cruising the harbour or lake - I know the perfect board that doesn't exist I I have tried an Odysseus which I could paddle OK and some no name inflatables from the hire place. I was wondering whether the Nalu 11' or 11'4" would be good boards that I could work my way into. The Wopper and Avanti were 2 others I have had reccomended - not much choice around here - although the Avanti seems very wide. I liked the Odysseus, just not sure how it would surf. Any assistance gladly received - thanks.
I will say that the Odysseus certainly surfs okay, considering its size. Perhaps its more like "riding a wave" than surfing, but I suspect thats what you are after? As you have tried one, I think you can tell they are extremely stable - and are better priced than your other suggested options. The longer Nalus would be one step more towards a surfable board - but longboard style - and I personally have no experience with the other models, and only know what you probably have read. I bought an Odysseus last year when they first came out, and have it as a loaner for newbies or for times I want to get out in the bay and do some fishing or snorkeling. I have sold and traded a few boards since then - but the Odysseus wont be going anywhere. Recommended!
ive just done 2 years on a starboard whopper love the board hard to falt ,just get the whopper if ya have coin must have carbon fiber easer to carry etc.
Thanks for all the advise guys - this is a great site! I ended up getting a great deal on a new NSP 10'2" board, paddle, leash and bag. It's wide and fat and stable as. I got the whole package for quite a bit less than the cost of the next board I was looking at. I've paddled it at Lake Karapiro, which is 15 minutes up the road, been out to Raglan twice, once paddled across from the Manu Bay Boat Ramp to Ngarunui Beach with my mate Rangi and managed to ride a few waist high dribblers and the other time hired an inflatable and my wife and I spent a couple of hours exploring some quiet bays in the harbour. Went back to the lake tonight with Rangi and 3 others from work who are keen to get into SUPs. Everyone loved the NSP as a learner board - I figure I'll grow out of it at some stage, hopefully by then I will have lost a few Ks and then I'll be looking for a higher spec board - softening up my lovely wife already
The fishing kayak might have to go!
glad youre having fun and have some buyers lined up for the nsp already. it might even be a keeper instead of the fishing kayak
Select to expand quoteCharlieF said..
The fishing kayak might have to go!
Ah yes...when I started SUP my 'yak stayed hanging on the fence for three years (only taken down occasionally to hose the spider poop off of it), until it went the way of eBay.
