What would you suggest?

[Toziongoesi69]

First time buying a brand new board dont want to mess it up and throw away 500+ dollars. I am 5'8 and weigh about 155-160 ranges between those two. I was looking into a 6'0 fish. I live on the gulf coast so we have smaller waves until hurricane season hits.

[scuba steve]

If you're a beginner don't buy a fish, they're good for mushy waves but you won't be able to stand up easily.

[Driftingalong]

Is it your first board or first brand new board?

[Toziongoesi69]

This is just my first new board. I have been surfing for like 4 years.

[Driftingalong]

I'm about 5'7" & 155lbs and I've got a 5'8" x 21½" x 2¼" retro fish style board. It's great for the type of waves you're looking at. I was amazed at how well it has been able to get into waves. Paddles pretty well too.

For a retro style fish I would recommend that the max. length to be about you're height.

[Toziongoesi69]

Yea i was looking at a G&S retro but its like 750 bucks.

[Toziongoesi69]

I got an Anacapa 5'11 fish pretty sick board merrick knows how to make them.