Surfing Waves

Hiya folks, I am 42 and just getting into this surfing bug. I have just picked up a new Roger Cooper 7"6 minimal and have had it out 4 times now and took a right old beating 3 out of 4 (the other day was flat and I just practised paddling and sitting on it). I have kayaked both river and surf for over 20 years so have a bit of water experience but really under estimated how hard it was to surf. I am 6 foot and and 13.5 stone on a good day and beginning to think a longer board may have been a better option. Hope to see some of you guys out on the water.
Regards
Mark.

Hi Ya Marks, you'll probably get by with this board with a lot of water time and practice the shape and build on as the website says up to 13 and a half stone means that you are at the limit of the recommended weight I would suggest if you can get an 8ft or 8ft 6" sounds silly but that extra foot will make life easier in learning.
Here's some thought from earlier in the forum
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=11341

Have a read around the forum in other spots and see why it is suggested longer!

Hi Marks1969, welcome to Surfing Waves!
Get used to taking beatings, it's all part of learning to surf. Yes, something bigger would be more suitable, but don't let that stop you getting in the water.

Thanks guys, hopefully now the kids are back to school I will be able to get back out on the mountain bike again and with more time in the water should be able to drop back to just under 13 stone like I was a couple of month ago, just need to cut out the chocolate
Good to see lots of positive reviews on the board and yeah just need to focus on training with what I have and not thinking about what else is out there.
Thanks again
Mark.

Marks1969 wrote:but really under estimated how hard it was to surf. I am 6 foot and and 13.5 stone on a good day and beginning to think a longer board may have been a better option.

So many people do. The number of first time posters we get on here saying, "i am a good snowboarder, skater, windsurfer" etc etc i want to shortboard, which board should i get as i don't want to waste money on getting a bigger board! Well done for getting a sensible sized board first and welcome.

KS