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Paddle Board
updated: Oct 08, 2012, 10:15 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

Want to get a stand up paddle board for myself and my wife, and also want to surf it when the waves are small (away from crowded line ups). Any suggestions on dimensions, brands, how much I should look to spend, etc?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

AQUAHOLIC	2012-10-08 10:17 AM
Blueline.
COMMENT 329214	2012-10-08 10:20 AM
$0.00 It's a fad. don't do it. It's like rollerblading.
COMMENT 329218	2012-10-08 10:23 AM
Maybe rent one and find your own preference.
COMMENT 329222	2012-10-08 10:27 AM
Don't buy new, scoure craigslist for a deal, plenty will be offloading here as we approach winter. As for size smaller is better for surf, but palling a small board will be a paid. I'd say decide which of the two you like more, then get the appropriate board for that type. Don't spend more than $900. Wider will be more stable but harder to maneuver usually. Glad to see you are aware of the surfing hazards and hope you enjoy the small days out there.
COMMENT 329227	2012-10-08 10:38 AM
329214 - I thought the same thing until I saw hundreds of them for the first time at the S. Jersey beaches last July. This may be a "fad", but it's one that is just starting to grow and will last quite a while.
COMMENT 329237	2012-10-08 11:01 AM
Go talk to Sam at A-Frame Surf Shop in Carpenteria (Santa Claus Lane)! He often has used rentals this time of year, that were used over the Summer. He's a super honest stand up guy! (no pun intended :) Very knowledgeable ....... been doing business with them for years!
COMMENT 329243P	2012-10-08 11:12 AM
you won't actually learn to "surf" on a paddle board. get a longboard if you want to learn to surf, get a paddle board if you want to go paddling. there's fundamental skills you need to learn IN the water before you start trying to paddle over a line up of surfers.
COMMENT 329253	2012-10-08 11:26 AM
Must be really fun with 100's of paddleboards trying catch pitiful east coast waves during the summer. Do they have a medical clinic right there on the beach to deal with injuries from collisions, or do they truck you to the nearest hospital using the board as a stretcher? I hope Laird Hamilton is happy with what he did.
COMMENT 329274	2012-10-08 11:54 AM
329253 - When I was there the waves in Jersey were unusally large... bigger than anything you see in Santa Barbara. And most of the SUP riders weren't catching waves anyway. They were just out there chillaxin.
COMMENT 329323	2012-10-08 01:34 PM
SUPs need to go home.
COMMENT 329341	2012-10-08 02:23 PM
227 - King Kamehameha just rolled over in his grave.
COMMENT 329345	2012-10-08 02:31 PM
OP here. 214 - it won't be a fad for me. I'm an experienced surfer. It's gets you out on the water when the surf is dismal. 243P - when I said I wanted to surf it, I meant standing up w/ paddle. I already know how to surf and I have a longboard. My wife doesn't surf, but loves getting out on the water with a stand up board. My kid's love to tag along as well. It's fun for the family. All the SUP haters can wank all you want, but they are here to stay and they are perfectly acceptable outside of a crowded lineup (like I said). I don't get the hatred. Or maybe you already have one and just don't want anyone else out on YOUR ocean.
COMMENT 329348	2012-10-08 02:36 PM
Maybe you can get it outfitted with an iPhone 5 dock too lol
COMMENT 329359	2012-10-08 02:51 PM
To the OP, check out this video from my buddy in Dana Point. It's called Supsquatch, an inflatable SUP. Too bad we don't have the same consistent waves. Looks like good family fun. http://vimeo.com/49429416?action=share And to the haters, I don't SUP, but here's another video for y'all. World record party wave of SUP's, again in Dana. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B04K0zI_1FE#!
COMMENT 329373	2012-10-08 03:22 PM
Wouldn't an experienced surfer know where to buy paddle board?
COMMENT 329378P	2012-10-08 03:27 PM
OP- if you're an experienced surfer then you know EXACTLY why there's so much hate. sure, there's plenty of bad apples on shortboards and longboards, but SUPs represent a disproportionate population of beginners who grab a paddle and charge the lineup with no clue about surf etiquette, or how to handle such a large and dangerous watercraft in breaking waves. If you haven't been run over by an out of control SUP at your favorite point break yet, you will. it gets even worse when folks who get a little paddling aptitude think they should ride every wave they can catch. there's a middle aged clown who's always at leadbetter, he shouts teenage girls off waves while he paddles as hard as he can over flat sections, he doesn't even surf the waves, just catches them and paddles as hard as he can to run away from the pocket.
COMMENT 329384P	2012-10-08 03:37 PM
oh by the way, many of us surfers have figured out ways to deal with SUPers who wave hog and shoulder hop (see video in the link) http://vimeo.com/34879285
COMMENT 329403	2012-10-08 04:06 PM
373 - I ask advice, it's what I do. It's smart. 378 - my question stated I would not be buying it for crowded lineups... why do I torture myself on edhat.... haha thanks to the couple of you who were actually helpful... peace out... smile in the lineup...
COMMENT 329439	2012-10-08 05:03 PM
378p, I've been surfing since I was 7 years old. I turn 40 next week. I've also won a couple of local championships when I was in my 20s. I would consider myself an experienced surfer. I have no problem with SUPs. I think it's the people who don't know what they're doing in general who cause problem, including other surfers! Also, beware of calling people middle aged clowns. You will be one someday and chances are you'll know better than you think you do now! Back off this guy and stop giving the REAL local surfers a bad name.
COMMENT 329451	2012-10-08 05:32 PM
I have no problem with stand up paddleboards - other than it's a fad and like the Rubik's Cube everyone all of a sudden things they need one, and all of a sudden everyone is a "professional" paddleboard surfer. You should be able to pick these up left and right at garage sales this winter.
COMMENT 329458	2012-10-08 05:52 PM
Please know surf ettiquette and basic safety techniques before going into the water. You too, UCSB kids with soft-tops!
COMMENT 329460P	2012-10-08 05:54 PM
Just like you can pick up a surfboard at a garage sale. 50 years ago surfing & skateboarding was a fad.
COMMENT 329463P	2012-10-08 06:09 PM
really 439? back off the guy who's clearly having a crisis? he shouts at children, threatens to whack people with his paddle and shows no respect for anyone else in the water. if you've been surfing so long you should know that the best surfer is the one with the biggest smile on their face, regardless of age or experience. this guy is all dark clouds and it turns everyone's smiles into frowns real quick. i've only been surfing a few years and i understand, you should know better. if you want to be agro in the water and paddle battle people, put on a jersey again and compete.
COMMENT 329466P	2012-10-08 06:13 PM
Wow, surfers sure do have a lot of problems/issues, what a bummer.
COMMENT 329475	2012-10-08 07:10 PM
I'm 439, 463p and I meant back off the OP for asking a question. Jeez, talk about aggro. You didn't even understand what I was talking about. But thanks for the insults. I think you proved your point better than I ever could!
COMMENT 329478	2012-10-08 07:16 PM
Stand ups should go paddle around Sand Bar. I hear the seals have been thin there lately.
COMMENT 329483	2012-10-08 07:32 PM
What's all this Hullabaloo about Bedwetter Point ? The last time I saw a pocket there it wasn't deep enough to hold one red cent.
COMMENT 329486P	2012-10-08 08:16 PM
exactly 483, no reason to bring a heavy attitude to a place where people are trying to enjoy a good time with their families.
TWOBITS	2012-10-08 10:03 PM
The wider the board, the easier and more stable it is. However, not too speedy. I think Blueline will let you demo different boards. SUP-ing is excellent exercise! Have fun!
JEDHAT	2012-10-09 06:44 AM
Blue line lets you demo. I took 2 out in one day. If you are an experienced surfer, why are you surfing Ledbettor? There are a few breaks in SB perfectly suited for SUP's. I remember when people started surfing longboards again in the early 90's, and they were scoffed at by "real" surfers too. Now every actual surfer has a longboard for smaller days.
COMMENT 329513	2012-10-09 07:18 AM
Jedhat, I never said I surfed Leadbetter. Where's Ledbettor btw lol? Even so, if you are an experienced surfer you know that occasionally Leadbetter gets really good and will surf it if you happen to be in the area.
COMMENT 329522P	2012-10-09 07:35 AM
On Saturday, 10/20, there will be a Surf Fest and Swap Meet at SBCC parking lot across from Leads. There are always SUPs there for sale, new and used, along with tons of other stuff. That's the best pl;ace to get one. For a new store bought one, I ditto the Blueline and A Frame suggestions.
COMMENT 329528	2012-10-09 07:55 AM
Contact Paddle Sports in the SB Harbor
COMMENT 329530	2012-10-09 07:57 AM
i still rollerblade
HEATHER	2012-10-09 08:44 AM
Whew, I'm exhausted just reading this! Are there some people who get up in the morning and think,"How can I be mean and nasty on Edhat this morning?" The OP asked a simple question. Take your rant elsewhere.
COMMENT 329570	2012-10-09 09:43 AM
Where in California to you expect to find a lineup that is not crowded?
COMMENT 329576	2012-10-09 10:02 AM
the OP didn't say they were looking for a lineup! try Dev middle reef at dawn. You'll be by yourself.
COMMENT 329601	2012-10-09 11:14 AM
Wayne Rich, a local board shaper, has nice ones for reasonable price. A-Frame carries his line or contact him on his website. I got two this spring for me and my wife and they are good for touring and surfing
COMMENT 329618	2012-10-09 11:58 AM
Yes, Wayne Rich is the man! I don't SUP but several female friends do and they love WR boards. Going to the Surf Fest is a good idea, too. I think I'll do that ...
COMMENT 329684	2012-10-09 02:08 PM
head down to aframe...you can rent then put rental price towards buying...great system, try before you buy!!
SDP	2012-10-09 06:34 PM
When I saw rollerblades, I said 'Now there's a sport for me'...still have them/use them 20 years later. When I saw SUPs, I said the same thing. Fad? I don't think so. I don't particularly like 'surfing' the waves as much as paddling around for exercise and looking at stuff, so don't pay any attention to those killjoys.

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