first purchase of a surfboard?

Question

Hello,
I am looking at purchasing my first surf board. I have surfed longboards before, and can catch a wave, sometimes I get dumped, but not often, I can stand up, but it takes a bit of time before I release my last hand off the board, I am more comfortable even with leaving one foot on the board! I do however bodyboard quite a bit, and lately have been leaving my flippers/fins at home, not kicking my feet, and paddling as much as possible with my arms to build my upper body strength.
I am considering getting a 6.1ft board, 20" wide, and 2.5" thick. Do you think this board is suitable, or would you suggest I am not yet at this level of having such a board? Should I get a second hand board or a brand new board??
I appriciate your time, as it is a lot of money, I don't want to buy the wrong board.
Please give me your honest suggestions.
Thankyou muchly,

Answer 1

Considering your stated experience and size, I think a fun shape between 7 1/2 and 8 feet would e a better first board for you. Most female surfers your size have a board like this for smaller days, even if they are advanced. In your case, as you advance you can get a smaller board like the one you suggested. You will still be able to have fun with your first board.



By the way, buy a used traditional or SurfTech type board, not a cheap imported board. That way you will get a good shape with rails that will work for you as you get better. Many imported "knock off" type boards are made with rounded rails and a poor tail design that won't respond well in better surf.

Answer 2

I ride: 6'9" funshape w/ Swallowtail trifin and channel grooves ( which mayormaynot help speed. ) It's kinda my all around board. Not sure about width/thick. It's a little wider & thicker than avg.

I am: 5'6" around 120-130 lbs (and it changes) I consider myself decent at it.



Talk to a surfshop that buys from local shapers OR the shaper himself. Local shapers always have the best boards for the area. Tell them what you want, and buy used unless you're real rich. ( we could always use more slightly used boards for other beginners/surfers who aren't rich ) The soft-top boards tend to be a little less responsive than a traditional fiberglass or epoxy boards, but are also a good start. Don't forget a few bars of wax. They'll probably toss a few in anyway, but I forgot it on a brand new board and had to wait 3 hours for the nearest shop to open and get some!

Surfs Up!

Answer 3

My first suggestion is to read the open and resolved YA surfing questions. This question has been asked enough times before, but there is really only one true answer.



This question comes up a lot on YA Surfing, and it is impossible to answer it accurately on-line. Although I am sure you will get lots of "advice" the real BEST ANSWER is to go to a good local surf shop and discuss your skill level, your size and local wave conditions with the folks there. they will give you much better info than ANYBODY out here in cyberspace. And, please, don't waste your money buying something on-line. Avoid popouts , and boards made in sweat shops in China, and don't forget, there are always used boards for sale in every surf shop. After 42 years of surfing, I still get my surfboard buying advice at good local shops in the places where I surf.



And, I know there are lots of nice kids who want to share information with you on line. But don't take the advice from youngsters, who may know even less than you do about surfing, a surfboard is a big investment.



Anybody, on-line, who gives specific advice on what exact length, width or thickness board someone should buy is foolish. Anyone who takes that advice is more foolish.Good luck!



http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm

Boards made in far eastern sweats shops:

http://bp3.blogger.com/_hPACOtZKKko/RkSTwhvv9kI/AAAAAAAAAfg/QMqBFAtXzQ4/s1600-h/chinaboards.jpg

Answer 4

Used, between 7 and 8 feet. You got a ways to go, save money and try and borrow other friends boards to see what feels good and look into those further down the road.

Answer 5

Used boards are a good idea when you aren't sure what style of boards you like. I can't tell you if the board would be good without knowing your size body.