Obviously you are limited as the most efficient boards will be considerably longer. Things to look for to get more glide and efficiency in a shorter board are allrounder characteristics.
- Straighter outline
- Flatter rocker line.
I would suggest you look at something like the 9'6" Fanatic FLY - www.fanatic.com/product/fly-7/
Out of interest and inspired by STCs photo editing analysis .....four potential boards at 9'5 to 9'6 length:
Naish Mana GT 9'5 , 32, 163 L, 4.75
Sunova Ecotec 9'5, 32, 160 L, 4.75
Fanatic Fly HRS 9'6, 31, 151 L, ? Thickness
Blue Planet Waikiki Nose Rider Noosa 9'6, 30, 153 L, 4.25
Researching is half the fun
How about going about this completely differently!?
Replace your short iSUP with a nice long iSUP optimised for longer flatwater tours. Like a Red Paddle Race or Elite (the 14’ Elite is as fast as any race board). They’ll fit in your car no sweat (deflated). Then get a rigid SUP optimsed for surfing that fits in your car! Makes more sense.
Let’s be honest here: size does matter, and frankly, iSUPs aren’t really the best for surfing.
Love my isup because of its versatility but to be honest you don't want to go to deep or far in an isup due to risk of deflation . Also not to keen on inflating / deflating a 14 footer at the beach.
Maybe in 5-10 years technology will take ISups
to a new level in terms of safety mechanisms re possible deflation and improved pumping or self inflating systems.
Also I am still a beginner .
Only started in December.
Have only surfed very small waves. Flat water is what I enjoy now but would like to progress . No rush . I am enjoying the journey
Just spent a week on the Gold Coast and having the use of my mates Sunova Surf Ecotec 9'5, I can reccomend it. A great all rounder that surfs incredibly well. Very stable and fast on flat water. Catches waves easily and surfs and turns well on small to shoulder high waves. Good value for money too.
