I'm trying to decide what is the best fit for me out of these packages.
1) www.islesurfandsup.com/stand-up-paddle-boards/diamond-tail/
OR
2) www.islesurfandsup.com/stand-up-paddle-boards/classic-surf/
I occasionally rent SUP's to surf waves. I'm taking a trip to the coast and wanted to get my own. I've rented for the last 5 years. The shortest was a 8' 11" with a pointy not full nose. It was a bit harder to catch waves with but was a nice ride maneuverable board once on the wave. The last time a rented a similar board thruster at 10' 3". Caught waves easy but was a bit stiff.
I'm 77kg's. I'm wondering about the 9' 8" or the 9' 0".
Any advice?
I don't know much / anything about these boards, but if that's your price range id be looking at the atlantis runaway. they sound awesome for your weight.
So tricky choosing boards. I know zero about these boards, but here are some thoughts.
Seems to me you have three choices: 9'0 or 9'6 in Surf or 9'8 in the Diamond tail.
The real question is: how stable are you (how good is your balance), what will the conditions be like (lumpy, beach break or reef, much wind, etc.), and how important is fun on the wave versus the ability to catch more waves?
The 9'0 is only 29" wide and 134L so it will be the tippiest. It should also be the most manouverable, but you will have to accept that you may find it tippy and you won't catch as many waves as on the bigger boards. But at 77 kgs, that size of board will be plenty big enough - if you spend enough time on the water.
They seem to imply that the diamond tail is aimed at the surfer; even though it is a bigger board. Not sure what the idea is there...
So if you want to push yourself, and carve on the wave, go the 9'0. If you want to just compromise a bit, go the 9'6.
Although I like the shape of the diamond tail, I would only get that if your priority is catching waves, not slashing once on the wave.
But remember, I know zero about these boards.
Hope that helps!
I'd recommend that regardless of which package you go with, if you're planning to surf it, replace the 'coil' leash with a straight one before you go anywhere near the waves - you don't want 9ft+ of SUP anywhere near you when you bail/fall!