After learning to stand-up paddle (SUP)surf in Kauai over the summer, I was eager to try SUP surfing in Santa Cruz. However, the new stand-up paddleboards for surfing were extremely expensive.
After consulting with Oliver at Covewater Paddle Surf in Santa Cruz, I thought the best SUP model for me would be the Starboard Wedge 9'2" 160-liter model. However, it was priced at $1870 in Starline construction, more than I wanted to pay.
Since I couldn't test it (no demos were available), I consulted other shops, including Boardsports California and Cal Sup Outlet.
Rebecca at Boardsports California recommended the Naish and the Fanatic boards. The new 2023 Fanatic Allwave 9'3" model costs $1699.
Gordie at Cal Sup Outlet had a few used boards in stock. He only sells the local Cruz brand (which has mixed Yelp reviews).
I was looking for a lightly used Fanatic, Naish, or Starboard SUP. After a few months of searching, I found a gentleman selling his 2021 Fanatic Allwave 9'3" for $750 on Craigslist (in Aptos).
The Fanatic was scratched up but watertight. I decided to purchase it, as it would last me 1-2 years before I was ready for a smaller board.
After purchasing the board, I took it out for a session at the Hook. I could stand up, but I was more wobbly than I remembered in Hawaii. There were few waves to catch, so I paddled around a bit and focused on improving my J-stroke. I will get better at it and will start surfing soon.
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