Hi all,
Some advice would be appreciated from anyone who has a moment to spare...
i've got a friend who is interested in starting to SUP. He has tried my 9'5" naish mana which he struggled on (not surprisingly, at a guess he would be around 105-110kg and over 6 foot) He is built like a footballer and we all know how graceful they are 
There aren't many SUP'ers in this area and no shops so he's not able to demo a heap of boards.
What would be a good size board for him for flatwater paddling, not racing, just everyday cruising? occassionally with his 4 yo on the front. Yet not be too big for small surf? and can anyone recommend a value for money or entry level brand?
Cheers
Ezza
I'm a shade bigger than your mate and not at all nimble. I have a 12'0 Starboard Atlas which is excellent for the uses you describe, it's available at a couple of different price points.
Suggest also look at the NSP 11'6, 11'6 Nalu, 11'0 Fanatic Fly...hard to go wrong with those.
If he's not proud about pre-loved there's a handful of decent boards in the 11-12ft range that broadly fit the bill on the Buy & Sell.
have to agree with mr cartoon, from what he wants it for probably something at least 11 foot, starboard do make some nice big boards, definatley look at some second hand boards before you commit to buying brand new, there are bargains to be found,
Jarryd
Hi Ezza,
I put my brother on the 2012 Fanatic Fly 11'6" yesterday, and at 130kg, he's a big boy and it floated him OK, he was a bit wobbly, but more to do with his balance than the board. The 11'6" will catch small waves and it's a joy to paddle around on the flat stuff too.
I paddled the 11' Fanatic Fly yesterday with my daughter. I'm 90 kg and she's 23kg and the 11' was easy.
FWIW,
DM
For value for money on a New board the 10-6 Hull Paddler with a paddle for $1,199 and built to float the largest humans is hard to beat.
I'm 120kg and was a footballer (a long long long time ago) and have a naish nalu 11'6 and had my early reservations but have come to appreciate it, it does glide and is a good cruiser, and catches small waves
In case you can't appreciate how good looking she is (and confirming that it often exceeds my limited ability!!!)
Ive been using th 11-2 Starboard Blend for the last year its unreal Im 100kg and sometimes a bit plus of that. It does most things well cruises nice and rides waves well (better than I deserve anyway).
wow thanks heaps for all the responses, I now have a pretty good idea what to look for. 
haha nice one ShireSUP!! Very graceful 
The PSH & Fanatics seem very good value for money too. I love my Naish, but my friend reckons he doesn't want to spend that much
Thanks again everyone
