Beginner Longboard Questions (yeah yeah... another one!)

[twizzly]

age 31, 6 feet tall, about 185 pounds. really like the style and look of 8'+ long boards

I would prefer something lighter (only for sake of carrying it all the way out in santa monica). I'm a complete beginner. i have a 9' foamy now and it sucks. i get demolished trying to get out. don't get me wrong, i know i'm going to get wasted when i get my new shiny board, but hopefully i won't get "as wasted" or at least have the opportunity to get better over time.

I was thinking about a Surftech or a Southpoint -- but I have no clue about what model to go for, etc and I'm worried I"ll blindly choose some super aggresive shape and just wipe out nonstop.

Can someone recommend a specific model for me please? Thanks!

[A GUY WHO REALLY SURFS]

How good are u ??? How many waves can u surf per session ?? Have someone count with you. For example once u can consistantly get out & catch 30 -50 good solid waves per session. That's when u want to think about moving on to a new board. Get to know the likes & dislikes of your current board & go from there. Based on your size I'd say stay bouyant & wide at least 9'6 x 24 x 3 should be the dimensions u ride until u hit about 50 waves a sesh. Then go from there. As far as getting throttled tryin to paddle a big board out... I have a couple of 11' footers & that's all I ride is boats. Just wait for the "lull" it's the part that happens when u just sit there waitin 4ever 4 a wave to come along. Even on the biggest days just sit back & stretch....then when the lull comes CHARGE !!! & then u r all good. Capiche ??

[twizzly]

thanks for the cool pics and thoughts...

how good am i? i'm a complete beginner that has been struggling through my first 5 sessions with a lousy foamy board that i've been told is worthless.

trying to find something really nice to work with. I like the 9'6" advice and will start poking around and seeing what's possible at that size.

thanks again!

[A GUY WHO REALLY SURFS]

I have a 10'0" for sale. Otherwise, epoxy isn't a bad idea but If you go epoxy go even longer than that.