Hi All, first time poster, long term lurker. This topic has probably been answered but I cant find any specifics. I have just sold my Walden 10'10 which I used for mainly flat water and I have started to catch the odd easy wave, but still very beginner/novice in the surf. I am looking to buy my second board, and am tossing up between the Widepoint and the Mana. Both to me seem like they are geared towards surf, however I wish to lend it to my partner as well who is just starting out in the flat water. She is approx 5'4 55kgs and I am 6'2 95kgs. My questions are :-
1. How do people find these boards for flat water paddling? Are they more surf designed and a nightmare in rivers/creeks?I found my walden very tippy but was only 1' thinner than both these boards
2. Personal opinion, which do you recommend as a novice in the waves?
Thanks in advance!!!
I give the nod squarely to the Mana.
Really good flat-water board, plus it surfs great and is user friendly for beginners.
My personal recommendation is to find a 2013 version, because it is a much better flat-water paddler than the newer model, more stable and still surfs great in waves up to shoulder high. (I have owned and loved both versions)
Both are good for what you propose...but the Widepoint more surfing orientated, the Mana (especially pre-2014 model), more towards flat water.
Not sure about the Widepoint as I have never used one. Another vote for the Naish Mana, I am 6' and 85KG and found the 9'5" very stable on the flat and a very relaxing and comfortable board to paddle. In small waves it was very easy to catch them and turns nicely.
Your partner at 55KG I believe will love the Mana too and it will be really stable for her to learn on. I really think you could not go wrong with the Mana. Is there somewhere close to you that you can demo these boards?
Select to expand quoteMike82 said..
Hi All, first time poster, long term lurker. This topic has probably been answered but I cant find any specifics. I have just sold my Walden 10'10 which I used for mainly flat water and I have started to catch the odd easy wave, but still very beginner/novice in the surf. I am looking to buy my second board, and am tossing up between the Widepoint and the Mana. Both to me seem like they are geared towards surf, however I wish to lend it to my partner as well who is just starting out in the flat water. She is approx 5'4 55kgs and I am 6'2 95kgs. My questions are :-
1. How do people find these boards for flat water paddling? Are they more surf designed and a nightmare in rivers/creeks?I found my walden very tippy but was only 1' thinner than both these boards
2. Personal opinion, which do you recommend as a novice in the waves?
Thanks in advance!!!
I'm 6'4'' and also 95''kg.. IMO you should consider the 9'5'' Mana.. I love mine and I find it very stable.. and it will be much more suitable for your partner than the bigger options.. Here's a couple of recent vids of mine so you can see how well it floats me.. You will be amazed at how much better these new boards are compared to your old 10'10'' Walden.. 
Thanks so much for the advice Guys, and as always legendary videos DavidJohn. Glad there is another bloke with a Suzuki swift with a sup on the roof, although it looks like someone messed with the design of a Cessna! It looks like the mana gets a good wrap, with a bit of planning should be able to demo one in next week or two. cheers!
Update...Bought a Naish Mana from Ocean Addicts, Maroochydore today. Absolutely stoked, took it out this afternoon and loved it. Just streets ahead of the walden. First time at ocean addicts and the guys there are great, will definitley be buying my next board and accessories there. Can't recommend enough. Thanks for your help lads!
