What size board for me

[Aquila]

I have been a sailboarder since 1983. Maybe a little slack getting out there in the last few years but now sup boarding takes my fancy. I'm 6'2" medium build and weigh 85kg that's 187 pounds. My local area is small to flat surf so there won't be major wave riding.  What size board should I start with and what size board ends up being the most popular over all?

[swell]

Try something 30' wide and with at least 160 liters volume.

have fun

[squiby]

If you're distance paddling, longer is better. A longer waterline leads to more glide and speed. Hull speed, which is dictated by the length of the board, is only exceeded when riding a wave. So if there is no real swell to ride in your area, I would go with a displacement oriented board. My Bark Competitor 12'6 is a great compromise. It glides well and can still catch small surf. It's a bit tricky on a wave with sharp rails but it's a great all around board if you live in an area without big surf and it's reasonably stable. There is now a surftech version of the board which is only a little heavier but should be much more durable. When the surf is up, I'm on 9'6 or 7'11 surf oriented shapes but if there's no surf, I really enjoy the distance board. You feel like you're piercing through the water rather than plowing. Good luck with choosing a board.