total novice!

[sazza]

hi,

i'm learning to surf and i really want my own board so i can practise whenever i want but i've no clue what to buy, i've been learning so far on a 8ft foamie the surf school gives me, i've been looking at the mini mals but dunno what size to get, i'm only little (5ft1, 120lbs)and i have a habit of nosediving, i'm getting better but didn't know if part of the reason for this is its too big for me!

any suggestions?

thanks

[oldiebeginner]

hi sazza, i am also a beginner in surfing and have tried using a shortboard after using learner boards, but it feels like you are getting nowhere fast . i think it is better to still use a board with a bit of volume to help with stability (mini mal) try looking at the BIC company, good boards and prices.
i used an 8ft mini mal which suited me, but i'm a bit taller and heavier than you (6ft/210lb) it's all muscle of course, you might not need one as long.
hope this has helped also try looking at the beginner's equipment guide on this site.

[Newdude]

Yea same here...I'm about 5'7-5'8 or so and I'm lookin for a board that can handle a range of wave conditions so I'm thinking malibu but I'm not sure how big it should be and what manufacture..Oh and my 6' dad will probaly use it to...Thanks for the help

[donna]

Hi there, I'm 5 71/2 female beginner & use an 8' board now & love it. I've been learning on a heavier board, but it's just not right. I heard, from Frieda Zamba in an e-mail, that a surfer will know if a board is right for them just by picking it up. She's right! She does boards now, that's why I e-mailed her.
donna

[sinistapenguin]

You should all buy mini-mals!

Sorry, but everyone on here's used to me ranting about how great they are.

I surfed a shortboard for about 13 years, but then I got my Mini-mal and I'm flying.

If you want a board that can handle small stuff as well as bigger surf, I would go mini-mal.

Look around 7 1/2 to 8 foot ish, get one with some volume too.

I think NSP and Bic have there place but they're still not 'real' surfboards. You can't beat a hand shaped and glassed board - they just feel nicer, both to hold and to surf.

You will know if you pick the right board - and on that note, wait, don't buy a board out of impatience, wait for the right one to come along. I rode a board that was too small for most of those 13 years and it held me back seriously.

Get a mini-mal = have fun!!

Sinista

[Newdude]

About how much volume do you think I'm pretty light about 120 and my dad is around 200 so that's pretty big difference I think we should get 2 lol...Thank you for the help

[bigboy]

Sazza,
It's difficult when you're first beginning to decide which way to go longer or shorter. It's all your prefence in style. As a beginner: Shorter=less pearling + less waves, but you can learn to be a strong paddler with alot of practice. Longer=more waves + more time actually surfing developing skills to avoid rookie mistakes like pearling. It's all about timing and finding the sweet spot on the board, I was taught long ago to mark my sweet spot with my wax or scratching a line in the wax. Good luck and always have fun!