7'8" or 8'4"??

[surf patrol]

Hey guys,

Another (very) beginner surfer here, I'm from New Zealand, and I'm looking at getting a first board. I've been into a couple of shops and talked to the guys there about what kind of board I should be looking at. They've recommended anything from mini mals, to super fishes and a 7'9" short type board. Doing a lot of research, and I know I need, ideally a mini mal. Have been hiring boards from a surf school to get out amongst it. The one I've been hiring is a bic 8'4" mini mal. Which seems to be a common board as a first step, and have thought seriously about getting one. My question is, I've also seen a mal for sale at a well known New Zealand shapers website, Barron surfboards. It's only $100 dollars more than the bic. And would prefer it over owning a pop out. It's 7'8" 22" wide and 3" thick. Versus the bic at 8'4" 23.25" wide and 3.20" thick. I'm 5'10" and 80kg, very beginner, but can stand no probs on the bic. Would I notice much difference between them? Thoughts?

Cheers guys

[surf doc]

You'll feel a difference but that's still a good amount of board to learn on. I'm a big believer in loving your board. If it gets into the water more often it's worth it even it's a slight bit harder to learn on. Those dims are reasonable to learn with, any chance you can demo something similar before you make your purchase?

[Harveyp]

I'm not gunna be able to test the Barron board beforehand, I'm sure it'll have it's ups and downs vs the bic, number 1 being shorter, and 2 it can't be thrown around like the box. But I'm very keen to buy it still, being a local made board etc

[surf patrol]

Hi Harveyp, welcome to Surfing Waves!
Barron shape decent boards, I have one myself. Keep up updated on how you go.

[Harveyp]

Cheers surf patrol, I'll let you know how I go with it all

[Harveyp]

So I've ended up ordering the 7'8" Barron board just waiting on shaping and delivery. Much happier buying from a known and local shaper! Can't wait to surf it!

[jaffa1949]

[esonscar]

[surf patrol]

Let us know how you get on with it.

[Harveyp]

Just Received the board today! Very Happy, only a few weeks until i can jump on it ( due to a foot operation) and see how she rides. for now, all i can do is look at it.......

[surf patrol]

Ohh, imagine having a new board sitting there and having to wait a few weeks. The longest few weeks of your life

[Harveyp]

It's only been a couple days, and already feels like a life time! For now, I can only look, and smell the beautiful smell of a freshly shaped board in the room. It's a tease I tell ya!

[still-learning]

So Harveyp, how did you get on with the new stick?