webber afterburner advise sort

[easty]

Hi all,
Im about to take the leap and move to the next level with my surfing , Ive been riding a 7 6 mini mal for 2 yrs and now Im looking at getting a short board.
I have been offered a 2ndhand webber afterburner , 6'6, this is jan2005 model.
Im 6ft and weight 154lbs,and have no problems standing , and doing long arcs, I suppose Im wondering if this is really the right board for me to go to, after all its $350 aussie , as oppossed to $700,brand new Im just wondering weather I will find it too difficult to get to grips with. As you know a lot of surf shops just tell you want you think you should buy as oppossed to what you really need.
So comments on the webber afterburner , and the size/ratio me, difficulty would be great, I know its going to be a totally different ride , but should I be going for something else or just a brand new 6'8 , 6 '10

regards Rob

[sinistapenguin]

Hi

To be honest, I think if you've mastered the basics, you should be OK. The only warning I would have is about the thickness/ width of the board.

If it's got a bit of volume to it, it would be better as you may find it limits the conditions you can use it in - it WILL be harder to get moving when you paddle for a wave.

Once you're up though I think you'll be fine.

Cheers

Sinista

[Brent]

Perfect; size wise it's perfect.
Just remember though catching waves will (for awhile) be an all-out aggressive paddle frenzy...until you get the hang of it. The trick is to get the trim thing sorted while you're lyin on it...nose just out of the water & no more...and arch your back to trim the board as you paddle normally....and when you get moving when paddling for a wave...then as your paddle speed increases lower your arch to decrease the trim & paddle hard. Kick too. But the good thing is you'll be able to catch steeper waves easier. All good. Enjoy!

[easty]

Just to let you know I picked up the board this weekend, and on my 4th wave I was up and being fired along !!! totally awesome board

R