pop out boards

[justice]

I have been looking to get a new board. I am not a great surfer so I am scared to go with fiberglass. I would kill it putting in my truck let alone in the water. I have a used bic which is what I am learning on. I don't know if I should keep trying to advance on this board or go with something else. I was looking into epoxy but a lot of people say they are harder to surf on than a real fiberglass board. Any advice? Also I have been to my surfshop and they are loaded with popout boards why are some people negative about these boards. If someone is learning to surf wouldn't a cheap popout be the way to go? I couldn't imagine paying a shaper to make a board for me that I would destroy learning on. Thanks

[billie_morini]

justice,
first off, epoxy boards are fiberglass boards. It's still glass fabric and the resin ("glue") is epoxy. What a lot of people call a fiberglass board is glass fabric that has polyester resin.

Next facts: epoxy boards are harder than polyester boards. They take more abuse, but they don't flex as much. Can a beginner tell the difference? Not really Does the lack of flex make it harder to learn to surf on an epoxy board? No. What level surfer really can tell the difference and benefit from it? Intermediate. Would it be harder for you to learn on an epoxy board than a polyester board? No.

Related commentary: instead of buying a new board from a shaper, you can buy a used board from a shaper, shop, or private party. Unless you are an unusual hulk and terminally careless, I doubt you'd destry a board while learning to surf. People harbor negative impressions about pop-out boards because they are mass produced, take business away from skilled craftsmen, and sends our hard earned money to an overseas producer.

Advice: continue learning on the BIC.

[justice]

thanks, very informative. I think I will keep the bic this year and keep peaking at craigs list for a used board

[drowningbitbybit]

Just to add to Billie's post...
Not all pop-outs are equal. Cheap mass produced plastic rubbish (often sold cheaply in non-surf shops) are not worth your money, but the high end epoxies that are the same dimensions as hand-shaped classics are well worth it.
They're much stronger than fibreglass boards, and lighter - the downside is that they dont flex and therefore feel "a bit odd" but nothing you wont get used to.

Ive got a surftech in my quiver thats now about 8 years old, and I still use it regularly. Sure, its beaten up, but it still surfs fine

[justice]

thanks and I was looking into surftech boards. I really want an epoxy board. I was looking at solana surf boards they carry epoxy and I do not think they are crap, they are in California and have good reviews. I'm going out tomorrow and can't wait. I live in NJ and my surf buddy and I finally have some time and the waves to go! the weather is warming up and the ocean temp is 50 yay!

[jaffa1949]

Justice has been served , now enjoy!

[justice]

haha like the reply from jaffa thanks to all that gave their opinion!