Surfing Waves

im new to surfing and looking at 2 used boards at the moment. One is an 8'6, 22" wide, 3" thick board and the other is a 9", 23" wide, and 3" thick. The 9' board is slightly more expensive. Im 5'10, about 175lbs and i plan on surfing only on the weekends. Any opinions/recommendations on which one to choose? Any noticeable difference if i choose one over the other? Thanks.

Here's the 9' board: (23" wide, 3" thick)


Here's the 8'6 board: (22" wide, 3" thick)

8'6 looks more like an overgrown shortboard.

IMo get the 9footer a lot more volume a lot more ridable unless its got whacky rails/rocker.

jstx1,
It's almost absolute that you will have more fun and surf while standing sooner with the long board. The less you will surf, the more you will need the advantages inherint in a long board -- if you want to have fun, that is.

ditto to the longboard. that 8'6 will have less stability due to the thruster shape. That said it sounds like it could float an elephant given those dimentions

jstx1,
what is the brand and price for the long board? Does it come with fin(s)?

It's good you are considering buying used eqipment. I get most of my stuff used. This includes my long board; wife's long board and hybrid board; wetsuits for me and wife; and one of the board bags.

Little stuff like booties, water hats, leashes, etc, I get new, although I have bought used fins.

If you are new to surfing, go with the longboard. Base on your size, you will need as much volume as possible. The difference in the board is paddling, stability and easy of getting up. Most importantly wave count.

If you can look at other boards, I would suggest a 9'4 or 9'6 instead. You will get alot more out of the board. Once you are dialed in, then go with a smaller board. Tools for success!

Thanks guys for the responses.

billie_morini, the longboard is a Douglas longboard by douglas bockman(?), comes with a single fin and its $395. The other board is by Rusty at $350 with detachable fins.

Of the two, I'd go 9'0"

As you are beginner...

I'd go for the smaller board. It's looks like it's a Rusty Mini-tanker - bit bigger than a Minimal but not quite a longboard yet. At 3" x 22" it's got loads of volume, more so than some performance longboards.

Its a wide, stable platform & encourages easy paddling and wave catching. There is no doubt that this shape is one of the best for the beginning surfer. It’s stable and trim oriented, fast and easy to paddle. The bigger board my be a little bit more difficult to handle as a beginner, also single fins take a little longer to get used too, and require some degree of surfing experience to get them going well.

Once you get the hang of it, you are then in a good position to decide whether you want to go longer or shorter.