A guy at the local surfshop, when asked that question, replied, “It depends.” How unhelpful is that? A whole bunch of unhelpful, is what. So: the question stands. What’s a good starter SUP?
It used to be the Jimmy Lewis 11′ was the answer, but that’s changed some. I like the Starboards, as do a few of the guys at www.seabreeze.com.au. Check out what a poster on that site recently said:
I totally agree with you blokes in regards to learning SUP. But the thing I really like about Starboard is that the boards are all 30″ wide. Both the 11’2 and 9’8 would be sweet to learn on ….
only the 9’8 would take a bit more time to adjust to and wouldnt really be an allrounder as Brooko suggests. Its the outcome and overall performance of the two boards that differ. I love the 11’2 because I can use it for flat water paddling with the kids but also take it in the surf for longboard style wave riding. You will find that once you get dialled into the 11’2 it has many many sweet spots and the ability to ride all sorts of waves from ankle to head high plus. The 9’8 on the other hand may struggle with putting kids on the nose for a paddle but definately has the ability to really shine in the surf. Could be a bit more tippy for a newbie but sure wont take long to get it wired. Single fin or thruster, the 11’2 works very very well in the surf. Im only a feather weight at 65 kg’s and love what the 11’2 can actually do in the surf as a single fin. Tracking or paddling straight in the surf becomes easier to do with experience if on a single or thruster set up. Only the wood model comes with the thruster option. This was a deciding factor for me as I didnt want to wax the nose for the kids to sit on. The full tufskin lets you go wax free.
Sorry about the blab and hope it makes sense
As you know there has been a lot of discussion of this on the forums. It’s not an easy question to answer because of all the variables. What needs to be answered is the size, weight, intended use, and sport background (surf, ski, skate?..etc.) of the user before any recommendation can be made. Even then they should demo as many boards as possible.
I’m partial to the Starboards as well and learned on their 12-6 x 30. A great board, especially for big guys like myself (6’4″ – 250lbs).Full disclosure…I just became a team rider/ambassador for Starboard to do demos in the northeast (mostly southeastern Mass and the Cape).
I just got my new 11-2 and 9-8 today. (Thanks for the rides Erik.) At my size the 11-2 will be my go to board for most surfing conditions. The 9-8 is primarily for my wife but I’ll keep trying it occasionally (if I keep losing weight maybe it won’t be a SUPmarine with me on it).
Anyway…it all depends on the individual. Ask someone knowledgable that isn’t just trying to sell you the brand they carry. Go on the forums and read the threads that are there already or register and post one that is particular to your size, abilities and intended use. The Standupzone is the primo place to ask questions. Ke Nalu’s board and paddle showcase is an unbiased look at most of the boards that are out there.
Great info, Stoneaxe. Thanks for sharing it!