SUP board volume progression advice

I wouldn't go to a 32" wide board (if you're looking for something more sporty), and I wonder if the Mad Dog, which is pulled in and rockered if I understand right, will feel faster. I would think the Mad Dog could go faster if you pump it on steep waves (but not sure how easy that is at 9'), but if you want a board that cruises fast you prob want the performance version of their Nalu longboard, or a grovel type board with flat rocker and wider tail. The Mad Dog should be unstable for its volume if it's a 'pro' type shape. Performance longboard seems like a good option, like a 9x30, but dunno what kind of surfing you like/want to do or what waves you're on.

130L is just under 1.5L/kg so not overly ambitious. I would bet that it feels very difficult your first day because you've been on a generous board for so long -- but that's what you want. If it's easy or even doable but shaky on your first few waves, then you probably coulda gone another notch down.

As Kisutch says, depends on the waves u want to surf e.g sucky reef breaks, long point breaks, beach breaks.. & how far you have to paddle to get there. Do you like to cruise on a wave or surf vertically and push hard. Also how often will you be getting out? 7 years is a long time on one board..it sounds like once every few months or so?
Why limit yourself to just the Naish models? There are many boards in the 8'8 - 9'0 x 130L - 140L range. IMO you're better off getting a cheaper used model w dims in the right range than setting your sights on one type of board and buying it new..unless you're certain.

Hi mate, I am ten years older and five or so Kg's on top too.

I had a Naish 9x32 Maddog as my first surf shape board a few years ago. It was a great board and intro into serious surf shapes.

For me it was a board of two ends, the pulled in nose allowed me to paddle into any wave without the thought of catching it on late, steep drops. Its wide in the tail though and whilst it gave it great stability paddling around and catching waves I found it held the board back slightly. You can pump the board and it turns well, it just that your back foot and to be in the right place or it would balk at turning.

I also had at the same time the Naish Nalu 10x29, and from memory the tail on the Nalu was nearly two inches narrower and it allowed the board to turn so much easier.




Maddog at the top, Nalu below.

So if you already have found your feet in the surf and are looking for a better performing board the 8'11 Maddog would be my choice.
The narrower width might be a challenge in bumps, but the board should perform much better on the waves. If you need the stability the x32 has plenty and will allow you to catch anything and manage long surfs without being too trying.

I sold both of the Naish's and at the moment I ride a Smik Histper Twin 8'6x31.5, its width is in the nose rather than the tail and as a result it has the same stability but its surf ability is off the charts. It turns so much faster, gets speed out of nothing and is super fun to surf. If you surf more powerful waves the newer Hipster Twin Pin might be well worth a look. The board has a slightly pulled in nose as well as the pin tail compared to my Hipster Twin, so it should be "better" in faster, steeper waves.

The Naish Maddog 8'11 is on my list for my next board for better steeper waves, along with the Smik Spitfire 8'8 or 8'6.

Hope that helps.

Cheers.

Steve.