MUST READ!!!
With the current trend of going shorter and narrower, we seem to be forgetting what the sport of SUP is and has done for us. Whether it?s flat water, downwind or surf I think we have lost sight of the versatility and enjoyment that first attracted us to the sport. The bottom line is, YES you will sacrifice some performance by staying wider but you retain your comfort and versatility. Although this is not an expensive sport in comparison to many others, $1000- $3000 is a considerable amount of money for anybody. As an example, if we could surf 4-6 glassy perfection every session we would all be on sub 9'0 or even 8'0ft boards? But the reality is, unless you are cruising the islands around Indo or any other reef atolls full time, like the rest of us, you need to take the sloppy mushy stuff far too frequently.
Due to the relative youth of this great sport, we are suffering from a serious lack of education. SUP has opened up the world of surfing and water sports to a mass of people that otherwise may have never felt the joy of that awesome wave or the thrill of linking runners for hundreds of metres. The problem is, this is where the education breaks down. Every man and his dog, has (and some still are) trying to make a quick buck out of a growing industry. Regardless of what sport or activity you do there has always been the "cheaper" alternative. Unfortunately (and it?s not just the guys doing the Chinese gear), people are being sold boards that are completely wrong for them. Ladies are being sold boards that they can?t even lift on to their roof racks or people are being sold surf- orientated boards when they have never paddled before. All this makes the experience far less enjoyable.
I have personally been lucky enough over the years to ride more boards than I?d like to count. In doing so, I have built a great skill set that I am happy to share with anyone who has the time. With the position I am currently in, I am hearing far too often the likes of
?I need something less than 28inch".
WHY??!! The majority of us are not elite paddlers or surf pros. If you are having to climb back on to your 23-24 inch board multiple times in a downwind session, are you really benefiting from an "elite" board?
If you?re out in the surf with a 10-15knt cross breeze or back wash and every second wave that jacks up, you fall off because you can?t comfortably turn or reposition quickly, is performance really that important? Just think about these things!!!
For the most part we are all primarily in this for fun just as much as anything else. When it comes time to buy your new board or upgrade, go and have a chat to your local shops, do your research and stick with the big brands!! If your local shop is half decent they will guide and support you as well as do their best to educate to ensure you get the most out of your board and the sport!!!
Stay Stoked
SeaFreaks
thanks for the info seaFreaks, it would be nice if profit comes last and proper pro-fit comes 1st.
You are dead right. I see people round here performing far less well than they could, because they have a board that is too skilled up for them.
But people are vain. And while I'm sure you are right that some unscrupulous retailers or used board sellers are lying to customers in order to get a sale, equally they are aided and abetted by the purchaser's own inability to admit their true level of ability. It's a continual fight with one's ego to buy the optimal board, not the aspirational but unrealistic purchase. The other factor is the marketing blurb where every board seems to be perfect for pretty much everyone in every condition, and shapers who live in eg. Hawaii, or paddle virtually windless California. They should come here and really test their design skills trying to produce boards that flatter the rider in the kinds of windy mush we have 95% of the time. But they are never gonna do that, are they? It wouldn't be fun and they'd look like dorks out there on their designs optimised for OH reef break glass in boardies. Give me a board that performs well in beach-break waist-high onshore mush in 18 knots when you are weighed down by 5mm of neoprene, boots, hood and gloves, and then I really will shake your hand and call you a master shaper.
Each to their own.
Sure, if you are on too short a board then frustration will set in. Some combination of ego and optimism can waste money.
But I am not personally out for a paddle and a giggle on a comfortable board. I want to push my limit. I am a crap surfer, but I want to pull off the best turns possible. And that means shorter and/or narrower.
But if you are talking about complete neophytes, then I agree. Keep some length and width while you build your skill and confidence.
Select to expand quotecantSUPenough said...
I am a crap surfer, but I want to pull off the best turns possible. And that means shorter and/or narrower.
Only if copying - badly - what shortboard surfers do is your aim. There are other styles (not to mention big wave riding) - it's just that we haven't yet largely had the confidence, creativity, or good sense to judge competitions according to anything other than (pretty much) short board surf criteria.
I'd love to see more longboard SUP comps. I think the scoring criteria and style would lend itself much more to SUP. No matter how good Kai Lenny gets on a SUP, he's never going to get even in the same ball park as Kelly Slater on a shortboard. It's like creating a race competition for off-road vehicles that uses the same format and rules as F1. It is always going to be a poor relation to F1 because you are not maximising what the equipment is best at.
Don't get me wrong, watching a giant snap off the lip or big floater over a section is super cool and the few that most of us actually pull off are unreal. The flow and grace of a well ridden longboard is just as impressive not to mention, honing your skills on a longer board teaches you to move on the board and gain a better understanding of how a wave works. You have to think ahead, look down the line and time every maneuver. I'm not saying that everybody should be riding big boards. I just want people to remember that this is sport!! its meant to be fun. Its Christmas, Hope everyone stays safe and nails some awesome waves.
STAY STOKED
I agree with you.
Im from wind/kitesurfing.
Windsurfing, we all tried to drop volume to get on that radical all wave, when most of the time it was off shore flat, gusty wind.
Spent a lot of time sat waiting for the right conditions not the local condition.
same with the kite, rush to get small boards and high AR kites, spent a lot of time getting ragged around.
You are right, maybe keep that first board for flat days and fun, compliment it with the radical shport skinny board.
Select to expand quoteArea10 said..cantSUPenough said...
I am a crap surfer, but I want to pull off the best turns possible. And that means shorter and/or narrower.
Only if copying - badly - what shortboard surfers do is your aim. There are other styles (not to mention big wave riding) - it's just that we haven't yet largely had the confidence, creativity, or good sense to judge competitions according to anything other than (pretty much) short board surf criteria.
I'd love to see more longboard SUP comps. I think the scoring criteria and style would lend itself much more to SUP. No matter how good Kai Lenny gets on a SUP, he's never going to get even in the same ball park as Kelly Slater on a shortboard. It's like creating a race competition for off-road vehicles that uses the same format and rules as F1. It is always going to be a poor relation to F1 because you are not maximising what the equipment is best at.
But that brings me back to my point - each to their own. I personally do want to copy what shortboarders do, and I accept that I will do it badly. I would do it badly whether I was on a shortboard or a short SUP (actually, I would do it worse on a shortboard). But I will have fun trying. Likewise I could try to be a longboarder, and I will do that badly in comparison to the pros.
It is all fun. I am very fortunate to have enough boards that I can look at the conditions and decide which board makes sense. Personally I don't care about what Kai does or anyone else.
Probably the only thing I care about (other than having fun) is whether SUP riders gain any respect in the line-up. Sure, it does not really matter, but I'll be honest and say that it does annoy me that we are treated as third-rate citizens. Being a clown on a short SUP probably does not help the image of SUP surfers, but I don't think it matters what we do (other than following proper etiquette).
Select to expand quotecantSUPenough said..Area10 said..cantSUPenough said...
Probably the only thing I care about (other than having fun) is whether SUP riders gain any respect in the line-up. Sure, it does not really matter, but I'll be honest and say that it does annoy me that we are treated as third-rate citizens. Being a clown on a short SUP probably does not help the image of SUP surfers, but I don't think it matters what we do (other than following proper etiquette).
This is part of the "lack of education issue" There are a lot of people out there that just don't understand!! I still ride a short board from time to time as I have done all my life. I understand all to well the frustration other board riders have for SUP's. People need to understand that at times they are entering an environment with (whether you like it or not) unspoken rules. You could never expect someone that has only just gotten in to the line up to understand these and that's fine. But think about it for a second, If your out at your home break, you surf it every day. Then along comes someone on a much bigger/heavier board that they struggle to control, How would you feel.
The people in this sport that do understand and do the right thing need to help us all educate people. It doesn't matter what brand, size or shape they are on. We need to help each other out. There is nothing wrong with paddling up to someone and just saying!! Hey, quick tip! its probably worth paddling around the line up on your way back out. We don't have to be nasty about it and if they take it on board happy days, if not, you tried (that's just one example)
Whether its in the water or in daily life, WE ALL need to remember, Respect is earned!!!
Lets make this sport better for everyone by trying to make a conscious effort to help each other out and keep the sport growing.
I'd love to know what you said.
You are right, we need to educate the newbies. But it goes deeper than that.
It's a bit like the surf industry calling surfing a sport. For some it's a way of life, etc. For me, sport suggests some kind of organised activity with an inevitable competitive element. SUP has events and so forth, but to the vast majority it is an activity, pastime, whatever you call it. But a sport? Reminds me of Tim Winton's book Breath, where he describes the disbelief/confusion feeling of watching men surfing and doing something "pointless". It's all so much more than sport.
Select to expand quoteTang said..
It's a bit like the surf industry calling surfing a sport. For some it's a way of life, etc. For me, sport suggests some kind of organised activity with an inevitable competitive element. SUP has events and so forth, but to the vast majority it is an activity, pastime, whatever you call it. But a sport? Reminds me of Tim Winton's book Breath, where he describes the disbelief/confusion feeling of watching men surfing and doing something "pointless". It's all so much more than sport.
Sure it is a sport or at least can be to those that wish it so, however to most I'm sure it is "recreation" which comes from re create
to me this is a time of refreshing or invigorating the soul. By whatever means just being in and on the ocean is like being renewed or recreated.
At the moment I enjoy riding a board that challenges my balance. Who knows what I may ride in the future.
Interesting points and all valid, I've never windsurfed so my opinion is all surf related.
Having surfed most of my life, growing and evolving with surf trends, having taught my children and now my grandchildren has me in the opinion that this is a lifestyle. I have never competed in a competition nor do I wish to. Competition implies sport.
The connection I have when riding a wave is an extension of how I feel within, commonly refered to as "soul". What we ride and why we ride are all linked to our own happiness if that means challenging yourself with different types of surfcraft so be it. If you tie yourself to current trends or the influence of those around us when you are surfing a location, local or travelling etc, then you limit yourself from feeling that inner connection. I agree we all surf for different reasons, this is just my own experience. 
Bottom line is ride what you feel that makes you happy but not at the exspence of others.
Stay stoked!
It all depends on what you want to get out of it in regards to your SUP surfing
I went really short there for a while and worked my way back up to an 8'3" x 29" x 4" - 110L Flick Knife which I am more than comfortable on (I am 6'4" & 100kg)
But lately I Can't get off my 10ft J-Hawk Noserider. I frickin love the thing and even use it at my favourite hollow right hand reef break. I am enjoying the glide and flow of it but do still like to mix it up with a few shorter boards. (benefits of being a shaper)
I do agree with Seafreaks that many are getting the wrong boards as their first purchase, whether that is based on price or the wrong advice from friends or sales assistants who knows, but I do see it a lot.
When I was younger, I also falled into the trap with prone surfing: "If my turns are crappy, it is because of my board. It must be too big". Thus I ended up staying a mediocre surfer, groveling on a fashionable 5'11" with my 90kg+
I had the luck of having a stellar shaper (Gerard Dabbadie) see me surfing and advising me to use 7'2" minimals... what a relief!
So in SUP, I always stayed confortable. This means that you can go short and enjoy a 7' board, but with enough width and volume to stay on the fun side. Or low-volume or narrow boards, but long enough (9'+).
So you can stay confortable without limiting yourself to barges.
I am in love with my latest board: a moderate "Tomo" nose, hyper confortable width (31"), and an agressive tail, similar to Kelly Slater "Scifi" Tomo models, with a moderate length (7'5") and volume (120l for my 95kg). The 2017 Gong Fatal. It is worlds apart in terms of fun from my traditional shaped 7'4"x28", and the performance does not seem limited. So I guess, as most of you, going to extremes allows to finely tune the ideal board for each of us, and just some inches can be the thin border between fun or suffering
Whatever floats your boat.
Variety keeps it fresh,
Choices help with fun factor.
Challenge for mind and body however you choose to find it is all good stuff.
Over the years, I have watched many SUPsters go through enthusiastic "Board Reduction".
But..... I have also noticed that many of them surf exactly the same.... regardless of board size.
They just work harder.
That is not necessarily a bad thing.
As an older guy, I appreciate the added workout of a smaller board... it has greatly improved my overall fitness.
but..... I still really like, the ease of a "comfort board" from time to time.... whether it be a "Mal" style or a wide 9'5.... the good ones rip!
so... how do I feel on this subject?
Since most SUPers I know have only one board...
I think they would be happiest, if they found a good quality board, that realistically matched their skill level.
They would surf better and improve faster.
-----------------------------------------------
I was in the line-up, talking to a longboarder friend,
behind him, a SUPster fell over with a loud splash....
My buddy, closed his eyes and said with a big contented grin:
"that's my faaavorite sound" 
I must make him very happy.
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..
Over the years, I have watched many SUPsters go through enthusiastic "Board Reduction".
But..... I have also noticed that many of them surf exactly the same.... regardless of board size.
They just work harder.
That is not necessarily a bad thing.
As an older guy, I appreciate the added workout of a smaller board... it has greatly improved my overall fitness.
but..... I still really like, the ease of a "comfort board" from time to time.... whether it be a "Mal" style or a wide 9'5.... the good ones rip!
so... how do I feel on this subject?
Since most SUPers I know have only one board...
I think they would be happiest, if they found a good quality board, that realistically matched their skill level.
They would surf better and improve faster.
-----------------------------------------------
I was in the line-up, talking to a longboarder friend,
behind him, a SUPster fell over with a loud splash....
My buddy, closed his eyes and said with a big contented grin:
"that's my faaavorite sound"
I must make him very happy.
Board reduction can be like buying the last pair of shorts on a sale that might just fit if you lose a few kilos.(got a drawer full of them.} 
Counterpoint: The pendulum swings both ways. Started like most with the original 'surf' style boards. After a couple years, I chucked them all for ever increasingly longer, narrower and faster race boards. A couple years of bliss and suddenly I sold off everything for the simplicity of an all around 9'5" x 32" and a shorter surf only SUP. What's the state of my SUP satisfaction on my current quiver? Wholly unsatisfied and the pendulum is swinging back to something, longer, narrower and faster. I prefer surfboards to SUPs, so surfability is not the main focus, but fast is.
I agree with STC about benefit of working harder. One thing I learned on my easy rider, is it makes you lazy and slow. I was shocked at how unstable my old raceboard felt after tooling around on the 32". And that was a board that is super stable.
An simple solution is to keep a quiver of boards to suit all conditions and mood swings :)I,m 90-93kg (seasonal depending 
) and in Holland I have 5 boards right now.
For paddling on the canals and lakes I have a 14x25 wide Starboard Race. its wobbly but its also fast and because the water on the canals is pretty flat and the only waves are wakes from boats that is no big deal. Today it was +5C and I paddled 10km on it in my running cloths because with such flat water you don,t need a wetsuit and I really love how it slices through the water, but its a board that is for me rather specialised so I wold never bring it on a holiday..For more adventurious tours and downwinders I bought last winter an old 2th hand 14x28 Coastrunner. That board was cheap and it paddles rock solid. On the canals its almost boring and not fast enough but for long tours and open water or exploring its a blast to own and really confident to paddle when its subzero+ a great holiday/explore in everything you can imagine board!For the waves I have a Starboard pro8.5 2015. With my weight this board is most of the days in holland too small. Our waves are seldom fast enough and its too unstable except for those rare "'perfect""'days (conditions I would give a 5.5 out of 10 in France), but I have 6 weeks for Holidays and in those 6 weeks i,m paddling as much as I can in good conditions like France, Ireland, Cornwall and the Canaries. At that kind of spots I LOVE my 8.5For me its a performance board, but that challenge can be very rewarding.
But at home...my big fat 8.8Airborne is my to go board. Easy, wide, keeps speed on crappy waves and turns reasonably tight....but its way too wide and fast in Cornwall. if I needed to go for a smaller quiver I probably opted for something inbetween the 8.8AB and 8.5Pro instead of choosing between on of both, but having this luxury is awesome.Board number 5 is also a 2th hand.A 9.4 Gong Longboard sup. Al that ripping and slashing is fun, but relaxed cruising, walking the nose and gliding on the shoulder of the wave can be sometimes priceless and a great variation on the more agresive stuff.
Having this quiver makes it easy for me to adapt to all kind of different conditions as well moods altough I never need o bring the whole quiver. :)
