Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Hawaii - StandUpPaddleSurf.net

Chris wrote:

Hi, I’m sorry to bother you, but would you be able to help recommend a good beginner board for me? I’m trying to start standup paddling, and I’ve been reading this website as well as other forums, etc. trying to find a good board.

Based on all the reviews you’ve done, I figured you were the guy to ask. There’s so many different boards to choose from that I’m just making myself nuts trying to figure out the differences. I’m 6′3″, 235 lbs., and a novice surfer.

I’m looking for the most durable board possible, and I’m more interested in cruising than surfing with it. I’ll probably surf only occasionally, in knee-high waves. I was looking at the 11′6 c4 waterman from hawaiian south shore. I also inquired at psh, and Austin said they’d be getting in some 11′0 x 30 x 4 7/8 hand glassed boards in august. Would either of these boards suit me and be able to handle the abuse of a beginner falling/whacking it with a paddle every day? Or would you recommend an entirely different brand/board/model?

I like those two options I mentioned because both come with pad, fins, and paddle, which made them more economical for me. I’d like to stay in the 1400-1800 price range for the total package.

I’d really appreciate any advice or opinions you have, such as whether you’d recommend a molded sandwich board or a hand glassed one. I’ve been reading this site daily, and I love it. Thank you in advance for your time!

Durable, cruising and surfing occasionally in knee high waves…here’s what I suggest for your height and weight.

C4 Waterman 11′6″ standem
C4 Waterman Holoholo 12′
Surftech Laird 12′1″
Surftech Takayama 11′6″
Surftech Infinity 11′
Angulo 11′9″

Once PSH has their 11′ it will be worth a look.

All of the above are sandwich epoxy and durable. Tape your paddle blade and you shouldn’t have rail damage. You can demo all the boards above at Wet Feet Hawaii if you’re on Oahu. www.wetfeethawaii.com Tell them I sent you. I think Tropical Blends Surf www.tropicalblendsurf.com also demos boards and they’re the ones that make the Angulos. Tell Kamau or Jim there I sent you.

If you are definitely buying new then I highly suggest you demo/rent the board first to see if you like it. Most shops allow you to apply your rental cost to your purchase so you don’t lose anything by trying.

Since you’re just beginning I would suggest you go on www.craigslist.com and buy used. You can get something for $800-1200 for the board and a used paddle is around $200. You can also get a fiberglass paddle like the C4 one in the $200ish something range. Then once you get the hang of sup and decide if you want to continue you can sell your used one, not lose too much money and get exactly what you want. You’ll end up trying other people’s gear in the break and may find you want something smaller or different.

Aloha,
Evan