Looking for a SUP for general cruising when it’s flat. I forsee 90 minute paddle sessions in Santa Cruz. I found an 11’0" Jonny Rice longboard for sale that current owner (who is 155lbs) has been using as a SUP. E’s going shorter. Price is right at $600. It’s 27" wide, 3.5 thick. Not sure of nose/tail measurements, but looks pretty tradtional longboard outline. I’m 185 lbs, very expereinced longboarder in good shape. Can this board work for me as a SUP for my intended purposes? The seller said he would let me try, I’ve only been out on a SUP a few times… what to look for as I’m paddleing. THoughts? Advice? Thanks!
Well, he's already been using it as an SUP, and he says its too big he wants to go smaller. You're 30 lbs. more than him, and experienced longboarding, and the seller says you can try it before you buy it. What more do you need to hear? I'm not a SUP'er, so I have no clue, but it sounds to me like you have all the info available to make a decision.
What to look for when you're paddling? I would say rocks, sharks, and Laird yelling "coming down!"
Give it a try… I had a hell of a time trying to SUP on a 24" wide 11 footer, 27" is better but still pretty “tippy” . The diference between 28" to 33" width SUP 9 feet long is amazing stability wise for paddling ease and wave stability. If you are on smooth glass you won’t have any problems. If there is any wind chop or small waves you will be spending a lot of time doing the hula or paddling on your knees.
Go and have a test paddle.
Then find a sup shop near you that has demos. Or used sups which you can take for a paddle before buying.
Tell them what kind of paddling you will be doing and take out their recommended demo or used sup.
Come back and tell us about your observations.
My recommendation is don’t touch the longboard with a barge pole.