Surfing Waves

I may have just committed a cardinal sin, saying 'SUP.' If so, I apologize. I picked up my interest in surfing again last year, and I've referenced the board I have (6'6 single fin) before. Since then, I picked up orders, had to move, had surgery, and a couple of other things. Now, with summer coming on and things settling down, I have the ability to get back on the water. Here's the thing - I live on the FL panhandle, and waves around here are usually medium mush or choppy.

I'm considering buying a new (used) board to get in some water time. I want to be able to go as much as possible, have fun, that kind of thing. The charts that the website has are helping - I'm 150lbs at 5'8", so I match up pretty well with certain boards. But, given my area, I want to be sure that I'm going to get the most use out of the board I get. So, I'm torn between a SUP for surfing and a straight longboard. Anyone have any thoughts for someone my size and with the surf I deal with?

-X.

Do you want to surf or just float towards the shore...

How crowded is your surf? SUPs are a real pain/nuisance for everyone else when its busy.

SUPs arent really longboard replacements; they do sort of similar things but are really quite different. They are compromised in so far as 'surfing' goes (not as good as a proper board); but are able to do other things (like allow you to paddle around). So I guess its whether you want to 'surf' or want to be on the water.

Most of the surfboard web charts are designed for good waves; for mushy waves or for a beginner level they will often recommend a board that is too small. But if you were able to surf a 6'6 before then presumably you arent at beginner level; a good quality 9ft longboard seems appropriate; or maybe a thick egg/hybrid.

dtc - thanks for the reply, bossman.

Going to try and both answer your questions and explain my perspective without wandering off track. Stop me if I go wrong.

I'm not interested in just floating towards the shore. I want to surf. The surf around here is somewhat crowded, but not with surfers. SUPs are pretty common, and a lot of surf spots are 'family spots.' One of the main reasons I asked about the SUPs is wave size. Waves in Panama City are hilariously small some days. I didn't know if a hybrid board would let me get any practice on really mushy days. Back when I surfed before, everything was huge because I was 4ft nothing and 65 pounds.

So, being on the water is always better than not being on the water, but if there's a good board for shin-to-knee high days, that's what I'd rather have.

A big floaty longboard might be the answer - eg have a look at the Walden mega magic. If the waves are weak shin high, yes you may need a SUP to do anything; but I have seen beginners have fun in waves that size on softboards so its not out of the question.

My suggestion is to see if anyone is surfing your waves (rather than SUPing). If yes and they are going OK, then obviously its doable; if no then perhaps everyone has given up trying to surf and just gone for the SUP.

Honestly, you could go with a sub or a big longboard, at 150lbs both will catch almost any wave easily, it won't matter much. The basic difference will be wether paddling with an oar while standing sounds like fun or on your belly or knees more fun. I don't knock SUP'ers, most of my surfing buds don't but know a couple that converted.

So, if thinking about small waves, go with a 9ft SUP or a 10ft longboard, both will perform about the same and catch even ankle slappers. If you want a little more performance go with a 9ft longboard, but it won't catch as easily as a bigger board.