Paddle and Board....HELP!

Hi guys,

I have been paddle boarding for about two years just hiring boards etc. I am 5'3 and 63kg and I am finally getting around to buying a board and paddle. I have had so many suggestions on what board to buy and length etc. I am aware the wider the more stable but I am happy with a bit of a challenge. I will be cruising mostly in flat water, so I want a board that tracks well but also not something that is too hard to turn and I have found this with the 10'6 boards in rough weather or wake of the boat has been super difficult.

The advice I have been given so far for what I want is:

Buy a board that is light that I can lift onto my car....so that means I will stick under 10kg
Look at buying a 9'6 to 10' board
If I am the only one riding it, get a fixed paddle not adjustable
Test the boards and paddles (which at the moment is difficult to do)
Make sure the volume to weight ration is correct
If you want the board for a while consider sacrificing some of your board for a more expensive paddle

My biggest problem is that when I speak to a supplier or warehouse no-one seems to give me the same advice! Sunny King advised me on the 10'6 bamboo (as I like the look I suppose), Ride the Tide advised the 10' bamboo, my mate suggested no bigger than a 9'6 as I will get bored and so consider an evoke waterborn and my local paddle boarding shop who stock a massive range suggested a package to keep costs down and said go with the adventure 9'8 x 30 and upgrade my paddle.

My next issue with the paddle is I want something strong and relatively light, when I held all of them yesterday, the one that comes with the package was the heaviest and makes me think any package you get from a shop or online is going to give you a heavy paddle. So could any of you shed some light on how much a decent paddle should weigh keeping in mind I don't want to break my budget on the top of the line. If I upgrade my paddle at the SUP shop, I am up in the high $1500 range without any protective gear

I know it was a bit of an essay, but now I am really on struggle street as I also have to buy roof racks for the car setting me back $400, also I know many will suggest second hand boards and I can understand why, but I have been wanting to do this for two years now and I am not really a second hand person (apologies for sounding snobby).

Cheers

Hey chatterbox, Matt is pretty spot on. If you're keen to buy new and like the bamboo definitely check out the bamboo evoke and probably the 9'2. At your weight it will be heaps of float and I wouldn't go any longer. I have 2 mates who are 113kgs ish and that's the size they ride out surfing, so you shouldn't have any dramas if a larger friend wants a go. I ride a carbon 7'11 and I'm 94ish. I think your biggest hurdle will be getting it onto and off the car, especially if there is any breeze around, but they not that heavy.
You can also check out the "halo" which is a great board but again don't go any longer than 9'6" but I think it's a smudge dearer.
As for paddles, their range is really good too. I've been using them for a couple of years now and haven't snapped one yet. Their "awenoar" has the bamboo look to but if you can afford the "platinum", they are truely awesome and so light it's a joke and super strong. I use one surfing and can't rate it enough. Call the store and ask for Jarrod. You can't find a better, more helpful bloke who will happily answer any questions you have. Good luck.
Ps I don't work for the company but just a very happy return customer.