Another what board question for beginner

[alleyoopster]

Hi,

Browsing through this looks like a friendly place to ask a question. I am trying not to get a reply with a head banging against a wall. That must hurt.

I have been learning over the last month on a friends minimal, which is an old Zuma Jay. It's a bit small for me and not floating very well. I am just under 170lb and 6'2". I am getting to stand up occasionally, but this board just doesn't feel stable.

I tried a 8' Schaper (South Point) minimal the other day in pretty poor conditions, but it felt much better. It is up for 450 euros (£320). It is second hand, but in excellent condition. I just wanted to pass this by the eyes of the wise and ask if this sounded like a sound first board. I wanted something I can progress on and plan on being in the water once or twice a week.

thanks for reading

[drowningbitbybit]

Browsing through this looks like a friendly place to ask a question. I am trying not to get a reply with a head banging against a wall. That must hurt.

That made me laugh sooo much
You wouldnt get a little head bangey man because you didnt mention buying a shortboard once.


At 6'2 and 170lb, an 8ft mini-mal will be about right.
£350 seems a bit steep though for a second hand mini-mal. You could get a brand new pop-out for that, or a touch more would get you a brand new custom.

If, on the other hand, its in more or less perfect condition and you're happy on it then it might be worth the money.

[alleyoopster]

Phew! Thats a relief. No sore head

It actually equates to about 320 sterling, not 350. Just edited the post. I will go and have another session with it this week and see how I get on. It is in mint condition, with lease. Has anyone had experience with these boards. Be nice to put away Zuma Jay and have something comfortable for the winter.

thanks for the advice

[RJD]

pff I'm 5'8" & 75kg's ( about 170llb?) and bought a 8' mini mal (after borrowing a longboard).

After 6 months i then bought a 9'2" longboard which is tons better.

Mebe I suck, I did get to a point where I could get out back & catch waves on the minimal butit was so much more effort it hurt my progession, one day I will go back to it.

[alleyoopster]

Yeah, well thats the thing - I have no crystal ball. My mate recommends a longboard, others recommend a minimal. If I want to look at shortboards down the line then I guess the mini is the way to go. I am sure it will take me a while to get any feel for what style I am into. I haven't even got a style at the moment, so any board I can ride is a bonus. If I get the chance to try a longboard I will. The other thing I may have to consider is traveling with the thing and I think there is a limit of length with most airlines.