Fairly new to SUP'ing---wanting to buy board, not sure where to start

[Supholly]

 I'm fairly new to Sup'ing-- have done it, now I want my own board! Im a tiny gal, just at 5ft and 100lbs so I'm not real sure what size would fit me best, I have a board in mind, an NSP betty board but before I make the purchuse I want to get some input! Thanks

[Old School 213]

Where do you want to paddle? I mean lakes, river or ocean? Do you plan on touring/recreation? racing? ...surfing? Yoga? A little forethought will lead you to better decision and more fun! 

[Supholly]

Touring, travel, mostly rec on ocean and lakes. Not liable to be doing any yoga or racing.

[supthecreek]

Hi Supholly
If you live within a reasonable distance of a SUP shop, I urge you to go and carry a few around.
At your size and weight, volume and stability probably won't be much of an issue.
Carrying and loading it might be your biggest concern.

I looked up the "Betty"... I didn't see one under 10'2... that seems a bit big for you.

A good dealer should be a great place to start. They are usually super helpful and should help steer you in the right direction.

Get a good paddle.

I'm sure more folks will chime in here soon.

[Supholly]

Thanks, I do have one fairly close, about an hour so I will do that tmrw. Orginally I was thinking 10'6" but now more along the line of 9-10 with 10' being tops.

[robon]

For someone your size interested in touring and open water paddling, a board over 10 feet is NOT too big for you. Consider width, weight, and design as well as length. Several options exist for women now, and you aren't restricted to buying what is essentially a SUP surfboard, which is the common referral on these forums for women. A sub 10' surf SUP may work just fine, but there are options available.

Don't pigeon hole yourself by only considering 10' or under right off the bat. This doesn't mean you should be on a wide 12'6" touring board, but you shouldn't be limited to going 10' or under when there are women around your size doing just fine on SUPs over 10' long. See what's out there in your area and do some research. i have paddled with women who were originally going to get tiny little surf SUPs for touring, but they ended up being very happy with a longer, more purpose driven SUP.

Imagine Siren. 10'6" X 30" with built in inserts for strapping down gear. Around 17 pounds which is very light.

http://www.imaginesurf.com/?post_type=imaginesurf_product&p=2727

Tahoe Bliss designed for women and is available in 11'6" and 12'6" lengths. 24 pounds in 11'6" and 28" wide with inserts for gear.

http://www.tahoesup.com/portfolio/bliss/

Board works Raven 10'6" is 29" wide, around 25 pounds, with inserts for gear.

http://boardworkssup.com/boards/bws.php

Amundson TD 11'4", 29" wide, 27 pounds with built in inserts for strapping down gear.

http://www.amundsonsup.com/?p=1641

LPC Betty. 11'6", 30" wide 19 pounds with built in inserts.

http://lpc-sup.com/wp/?gallery=betty-board

[Boludo]

Just my opinion but if you are going 10+, I would not go over 28 wide. At your height and weight 30 inches wide is WIDE.  Your paddling will be more natural without the extra width.

[lanikaipaddler]

My suggestion- try a friend's board, demo a shop board, or first buy a used one.  Good to feel it out before dropping serious cash. 

Some of the shops in my area let you essentially rent the board for the day to try it out before buying. If your craigslist market has boards, people may also let you try it out.

Also, you gotta be abe to handle it alone, otherwise getting from A to B will be a total hassle.  Pick 'em up!

[JeanG]

If you're riding mostly flat water, I'd highly recommend trying a race/touring board too.

[XLR8]

Supholly you've gotten a lot of good advice.  I especially like the tip to get a good paddle now.  That means light, light, light.  I think light should be one of your priorities. And I bet you could go way narrower than has been mentioned.   In the right race/touring model that might mean 26 or 27".  I wouldnt tolerate a board that weighed over 18 lbs.  The siren is light but too wide I think.  I think you should consider a custom carbon fiber board.  Or maybe one of the new, narrow Starboards. 

If it is a surf style board you want I would still go low volume and maybe 28" wide.  But demo, demo, demo is the real answer.

[robon]

Here is a thread from awhile back from someone close to your size. Similar questions, similar answers. Jill Ride provides some good insight and advice.

http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=16799.15

[Supholly]

Thanks for all the replies, will be demo'ing different boards, I can't make a decision without trying them first! I have my eye on 9-10', def plan on sticking on a lower width