First Surfboard...

[LizzieWhite]

I know you all must see a lot of threads like this in the forum but I've been searching the internet for too long and I can't make up my mind!

In total, I have surfed for about 6 weeks (not much!) I can do the standard paddling, standing, turning and have simply fallen in love with the sport. I have only really surfed at two spots, Fristal - Newquay (England) and Spanish Point - County Clare (Ireland).

I'm pretty certain on both occasions I surfed on NSP 6'8" Betty Mini Mals and coped pretty well. I'm 5'8" and 63kg (around 10 stone). I'm not really interrested in buying a Betty Mini Mal purely because of its weight and size and I think I am looking for something a tad smaller - perhaps a fish surfboard.... but then again I have never used one. Basically I would like something light(ish) and I know that makes it harder to surf, and something of middle width.. also something I can develop on and not remian a total beginner!

I am also looking to spend within the region of £250-£350 as I am a very poor student!

All help would be appreciated

Lizzie

[CHarvey]

Well if you are doing ok and are feeling comfortable with your skill and ability (your able to pop up without going to your knees) then I would recomend going to a 6'6" short board squash tail thruster. They tend to be pretty stable, handle really well, and you can pretty much use the board no matter how good you get. I personally haven't surfed a fish before but from everything I have read and heard they are a bit more squirly and take a more experienced surfer to handle, as typically you want your fish to be at least 4" shorter then your normal board length. I surfed a 6'6" for the first 3 years and I found that no matter how much better I got at surfing the board could handle everything I wanted to do. Hope this helps.

CH

[Sillysausage]

fish not too much of a good idea due to the loose feel, could get a larger shortboard, it will still be like riding a shortboard just a slight bit more buoyant although might still take some getting into