SUP where to start for an all round family board

While I'm waiting on a container of boats to arrive so I can get on with choosing my next ski I have turned my attention to researching a stand up paddle board for the family.

As much as I try to encourage my 11 year old daughter to paddle she is attracted by the cool look of SUP and I think it would be good fun for the family too.

Anyone with any experience in this area, what sort of materials should I look for in a board that can take a knock or two from the kids carrying it, banging it with the paddle etc.

Simple, cheap.
The less you spend on an SUP, the more you can spend on your new ski

A suppier on the gold coast was bringing them in from that country chairman Rudd said we should "'use force against'" at about 50% of the locally produced price.I guess for a non racing board for mum and the kids they would do fine.Hey badboy, you may be surprised how many top ski paddlers ride these things[and outriggers] for cross training.Also I know of one who won a trip to Hawaii racing one

He's already got enough cross training to do, this is for the family remember.

Thx Aussie, is it a state secret who it is and what the brand of the boat they are bringing in is?

I am in WA so need to source locally.

Best I can find so far is $1100 for a Naish soft board (Foam and plastic construction), they then jump up to 13,14,1700 and more pretty quickly. On the websites over here I dont see one brand sticking out as being 50% cheaper so I dont know if anyone over here has bothered with the chinese imports

Seems the they are mainly kitesurfing/windsurfing business who just order in the boards from the same manufacturers who do the kiteboard and windsurfer boards.

www.suphq.com

Thanks for the info and PM's on SUP's.

Came across a great deal at BCF (Baoting Camping Fishing store) locally that had a 10ft 6 in SUP with leash and adjustable paddle for $699.

It's not going to win any races but it's perfect for finding out if the 11 year old is going to stick to it or lose interest after a few weeks.

In any case it wont be such a hole in the pocket if left in the shed for the odd beach visit or camping trip by the water.