Blackfin Model XL

“Normally this type of post would need to be in the monthly board buying thread, but I think it's important to bring up the point about sup weight capacities and what they do and do not mean. Will the 11' AA work for you? Technically yeah it has enough volume, but it's going to feel very unstable. Cheap boards on Amazon will be worse than the all around 11, even if they claim a high weight range. That's because weight capacities are often inaccurate and are often manipulated for marketing purposes. Weight capacities are usually either a "rider weight" limit where it's a recommended maximum rider size; a "performance" limit where it's the most weight before the board doesn't work as intended, or a "failure" limit, where that much weight will effectively swamp the board. The cheaper the board, especially really cheap ones, the more likely it's a "failure" limit and the more likely the brand isn't taking into account really critical things like shape and rigidity - both extremely important for stability. And sometimes weight limits are just pulled out of thin air. So while you might be able to find a board for very cheap on Amazon that claims a 300-400lb weight capacity, you'll likely end up with something that is going to feel like paddling a piece of wet lasagna and be extremely unstable. Right now the [Thurso Max](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-max-review/) is on sale for $650 and comes as a complete kit. It's essentially the same size and shape as the Blackfin XL. It's very rigid and would work well for you. If you do still want the Blackfin XL instead of the Thurso, by editing the kit options to get the older model paddle and no bag, that brings the price down to about $675. But the Thurso would be a better overall purchase at essentially the same price since you would get the full kit and a nicer paddle.”