Hello All, its been a while since I have taken my windsurf break and been out. The kids are growing like little weeds and my wife and I are looking into getting a SUP for some family fun. I know nothing about them but know a few of the Bigwavedaver's SUP and was wondering what you would reccomend for a "family" Sup board (dragging kids around, Suping and it being a water toy.)
Thanks any info would be great
Jason

Hi jason! i'll tell you - you might need 2 boards! my 8 yr old loves to paddle the 9'8" i bought this spring. luckily at his size, a cheap canoe paddle works great. just make sure you get a mast track so you can sail it- not all boards have one. I bought a starboard Element with a full deckpad so it can take some abuse. Ive also borrowed a 12' board which seems crazy huge but we could tandem paddle and even surf it which was insane. try a forum search, this topic has come up a few times.

You may want to call Ocean River Sports and Epic Surf Co (Herald St) to see if they have any demos or clearance boards right now.

I ordered my 2 boards from Edmonton, The Easy Rider. I noticed on their website that they have a sale on right now. Call Warren there, 780-413-4554. He has a large selection of brands, types, and price points.

DWD is likely right about 2 boards.

Depending what you are doing, an older longboard or a Kona One (full deckpad) might work as the second board for you or the kids too. I was out for an hour plus on my Kona in the Gorge last night, back to my dock just about dark - lovely paddle/workout circle between the Selkirk Trestle and up above the Gorge Paddle Club. (I love having my own dock!!) You don't really need (and kids even less) the extra width of most SU paddleboards if you stay on flatwater. I wasn't even close to tipping even experimenting with kayak-type edging (a reverse J stroke, with a feathered pull one way on the nose at the start of the stroke worked way better).

Hi,

I have 2 boys (aged 12 and 14) and am thinking of one of the JP windsurf SUPs as it comes with either a dagger board (10'9") or with a powerbox centre fin (8'10" Young Gun version). JP also has a 9'9" widebody SUP that takes a centre fin. This centre fin would be really useful as a learning windsurf board for them or a light wind touring board for me at Hornby Island.

I currently have a Starboard Whopper SUP for learning to SUP surf in waves and a Starboard Element SUP that takes a windsurf rig, but it has no centreboard so I am selling it. It is also a bit tippy for surfing as I do not get out much. I have thought about adding a centre fin to the Element SUP but would feel bad cutting into that pristine wood deck!

Here are the JP SUPS.....other brands make similar models (ie Starboard SUPers) with centre fins. I think a SUP with a centre boards/fins would save me having to buy a Go Board for them to learn basic windsurfing skills. Here is a link....I think these run around $1,300 -$1400 CDN new for the 10'9"....the kids Young Gun version would be cheaper?

http://www.jp-australia.com/2012/WINDSU ... 085.0.html

And I know it costs more $ but I agree with dwd and think that a family needs 2 SUPs.....as it is very boring to SUP on your own in flat water. This summer my sons/wife and I did a ton of flat water SUPing at Hornby early each morning and late in the evening. Flat water SUPing is a much better sport when you have someone to talk to.....plus the kids won't get of the darn thing so you need one for yourself!

Keith

Hey,

Just found this 9'9"x32" JP widebody SUP with padded softtop deck, and it has a centre powerbox fin option, takes a windsurfing rig too.

This would cover every possible use a family would have.....9'9x32" is enough to float anyone in flat water.

$999 price seems decent. Shipping likely around $250?

http://www.silentsports.com/store/produ ... -9%279%22/

Now I am selling gear I do not even own!

Keith

NICE to see JP putting mast mounts on boards..
Starboard has a 600$ upcharge between basic 'AST white' and a sailable silver version.. Boo! i know windsurfing is a declining market but still..

I remember awhile back someone got a quote to add a mast track or bung... forget what that price was.

In related news - a 9' 6" Surftech is on for $699 at Ocean River right now.... any reviews? It's a bit kooky and thick, but still surfy enough, I want a mast track, but at that price? Hmmm.

a mast track is a pretty easy install, im sure you could get it done for under $100 or do it yourself for closer to $50. the problem is few would consider hacking away at a brand new board, trashing deckpad and voiding any warranty. if you can score a decent used board it makes more sense. im sure the added cost for starboard to get it done at the factory though is probably 10 bucks or so.
ps. nanmoo u should keep an eye out for a nice woody with a bunch of KC777 stickers...