Surfing Waves

Hey guys, I know I'm new here, so please bear with me. (I'll make this short and quick)

I'd like to surf smaller waves (US Gulf Coast), and I'm pretty much a beginner. I'm feeling a longboard is what I need.

Global Surf Industries is having an end of season sale, and now they're offering free shipping! That's almost $100 off the bill.

Does anyone have opinions on the boards they offer? (the Walden magic model longboard specifically and others)

I'll probably end up getting a used board at the surf shop, but this would be great future reference for me or anyone else.

Thanks very much!

Any longboard, except a nose rider, is perfect for a beginner. So, whether you buy it used (like I did) or buy one from Global Surf Industries, it'll be OK. One thing to note: when you buy a board from a generically named company or a big box store, you are likely getting an epoxy board pop out. These kinds of board surf well enough, but they buying one does negatively impact the surfing industry. You'd support the surfing industry better by buying a board from a local shaper. Experienced surfers will also tell you that the local shaper knows what contours to include in his boards to make them work better for local conditions. Frankly, a beginner only needs something that offers loads of floatation. Floatation is the primary element required for a beginner. So, an epoxy pop out is truly functional for a beginner. The call is yours to make.

Gloabal Surf Industries is a big company, but they do sell more than epoxy pop out surfboards. They sell a wide range of surfboards by many highly recognized shapers in epoxy and polyester (reg fiberglass). Yes it is true the shapes are duplicated from a master shaped board, but many U.S. Shapers are using this same technology. The truth is the surfboards are more consistent now, as no one wants to make a bunch of copies of a bad surfboard, and put their name on it. I think the computer cut blanks have helped take surfing to a higher level by providing surfers with more consistent surfboard shapes. Yes you can support your local shaper and that would be great! You can also buy from a recognized shaper as well. Like the earlier post said you have to make that choice. I hope you get a good new longboard! Yes I think a longboard is best for a beginner, as you need lots of float and stability to help you to catch lots of waves!

Tony
http://safaritownsurf.com

Global Surf Industries seem OK and appear to stand up to inspection here in Australia they have a reasonable range from a wide range of shapers so does Surf tech so do some of the other generic board companies .
Surf tech OK too,seems to be entirely in the epoxy range but has shapes from experty type boards to novice basicals as does GSI.
If you are really beginning I think there are two ways to go, good secondhander or a new board from the factory mass producers.

Secondhanders though can have water in them as extra weight and I think will be quicker to reach their use by date.
I'd tend to go finances permitting with a new board

Bear in mind that as you progress you will have ( hopefully) many boards pass through your hands and each will be a statement of your surfing evolution. Some may even be duds but hey you will have progressed enough to tell
IMO when the board is unequal to what you are trying to do, then it's time to change up.
At some stage you will form a relationship with a quality shaper maybe you might have even surfed with them, then the game gets better. Designs begin to be made for your specific needs and maybe even for your specific destinations when you go away.
Now about the good boards bit: think an adequate volume to make paddling easier but not at tanker level, a good glass or epoxy job for durability, a quality adaptable shape to give you an all round go at wide degree of surf conditions.
Specialise more as your skills getup.

Now the Walden Magic Model by its dimensions and and your east coast location could be a nice pairing to begin your journey.

Long answer I know but I get excited about people genuinely starting surfing