Another board question

Perhaps a board like a Naish Nalu 10'6" would be perfect. And you'll always keep it in your quiver...

Basically every brand does a board like it. All are pretty good.

Use a single fin only for touring / flatwater, multifin (thruster/quad/2+1) for waves.

You could also look at a high peformance longboard SUP, which may paddle slightly slower, but as you progress in your skills, you'll appreciate the tweaks to the shape. JL Striker / Destroyer, Sunova Steeze / Style, Smik Stylelord etc

Especially as you aren't in the 'clydesdale' weight class, the high performance longboard shapes will rip on waves and still be very stable overall due to the wide nose and flatter rocker compared to pointy nose boards.

All of the boards mentioned above surf really well regardless of size, so there is no need to get the smallest size imaginable.

Honestly there wouldn't be much difference between a Nalu and a 10' Striker.

An 8' Striker is a different argument altogether.

As you go shorter on a Striker, you increase wave performance, but slow the paddle speed on the flat... it's all about what compromises are you prepared to make to suit each endeavour.

A 10' board is a perfect do everything type of board for waves up to (and above) head high, flat water etc. You really cannot go wrong.

Good luck!

Reddo - the nalu comes in a 32wide as well. I haven't personally ridden one but they appear to be a pretty common beginner / intermediate board. As others say its one you wont grow out of. Im guessing by your age, your balance probably isnt the same as some of the younger guys or ex-surfers that now sup so dont go too lean a board. Too lean and you will be working harder to paddle / balance and will likely lose the fun.

Find a local store and ask to demo a board

Goodluck on the quest

How wide is your Sidewinder? Personally I think a 30 wide is to narrow for you if you have never surfed, most comments are from surfers who have much better balance. Eventually you may be ok to go to a Nalu but I would buy a board 32-33 wide. I have a Sidewinder and a Naish Mana 10ft 33 wide and have a ball on smaller waves, I think you are better off doing something similar. However you need to demo the sizes and judge for yourself!!

My wife paddles my Mana and my Sidewinder is the same as yours, perfect combo if you ask me. I run the Mana as a single fin 9 inch and it tracks pretty well on flat and surfs ok straight down the line which is all you want to do to start with. If you can get a JL board at 10x32-33 it's just as good if not a bit better construction but I love the look of my Mana.

Although many will not agree with me I would suggest a different, rather unorthodox approach. Although it may be a little bit more challenging at the beginning it may get you surfing faster and save you some money in a longer term.

Very large surf SUPs or large all around shapes are only easier at the very beginning stages. After you develop better balance they will be in fact more difficult to balance in rough conditions (corky) and much more difficult to control when on a wave. And they tend to be pretty crappy for flat water paddling too.

I would suggest getting a high performance SUP longboard that is no more than 40-50l above your weight in kilograms. At 80kg you are lucky as there is a plenty of these shapes in 120-145l range. High performance longboard SUPs are very versatile and you will not outgrow one any time soon and they are almost as good for flat water as 32-34 inch wide "surf" shapes. They are also one of the most stable shapes.

Now the controversial part. Rather than venturing into waves immediately, spend a few weeks practicing in flat water - starting with easy smooth conditions and progressively moving to rougher chop and smaller waves. Don't try to surf. Work on you balance, changing directions, falling and getting up. Rather quickly you will get your "SUP legs" and will be able to transition to learning how to catch and ride waves - and at this stage your smaller, higher performance board will make it easier and more fun. And as an extra benefit you will not be stuck with a large, ungainly board you won't want to use anymore.

My 2 cents.

BigZ I also agree with you because that worked for you and it is sound advise, the hard question is what does Reddo want out of this.also how often do he and his other half paddle, how close to the ocean are they and how serious are they about paddling and advancing in the surf. OR do they just want to be casual paddlers who like to go out together from time to time.
I have been paddling for 4 years now and live no where near a beach but love to drive the hour or so and paddle as often as possible. I rarely have a chance to surf but this year I had 3 weeks down the beach and used my Mana as often as possible, it was my first board and it's still great fun to ride.
I only have space for 2 boards and have thought about getting a different surf sup but the Mana is just to much fun on small waves and I don't want to rip a wave I like to cruise now. Did the ripping as a Cripple when I was young, now I'm 59 I am not interested in doing that again.
if Reddo wants to advance and let it rip he should buy a performance sup YES but if not why bother with the steep learning curve, and his wife will also be using it so she needs stability too.
I used Strava when I got a Naish Glide and kept track of the speed between both boards and honestly there was not a huge difference, tracking was the biggest variable. A larger single fin set up made that easier and if you are doing a casual paddle it sis fine, my wife has no trouble paddling with me as long as it's not a race.

Another option is the Fanatic Allwave. I started on the 9'5 and loved it. Super stable and allowed me to progress my SUP surfing skills. Have downsized since but kept the board for flat water paddling or family fun with the kids.

Thanks Dave. Enjoy Noosa. Make sure you let me know further down the track what my next boards going to be!! Make another good choice please!