Second hand for short and stocky

[GC_Canuck]

G'day!

I'm moving to the Gold Coast, Australia in less than a week and I'm going to buy my first board! I have taken a few lessons and have gone to surf camps in Portugal, Spain and Costa Rica while on vacay. I'm still definitely a beginner but had little trouble popping up on the massive longboard they provided on 3-5 foot waves while in Costa Rica which was over a year ago now.

I am 26 years old, 5 foot 9 inches and 200 lbs (90 kg). I plan on surfing between 3-5 times a week while in Australia. I think i might start with second hand but am open to all advice. If I left any information out please let me know.

Trading in my hockey skates for a surf board!

[still-learning]

Go long. 8.6' minimum x 22 wide x 23/4 thick or better yet longer.That should provide enough float i reckon (in my humble opinion). Don't worry about looking "cool". It is better to be riding the waves and having fun than failing at a short board (which is much harder to learn on)... Go second hand...i am sure you will be able to find something. Chat to the local surf shops. Also have a read through the site...there is plenty of advice regarding boards etc. Time in the water and determination is the key.

[IB_Surfer]

Yeah, at 200lbs you need a longboard, and if not, a fat wide funboard. The reason you had no problems standing up in Costa Rica is the big fat foam board they use. Once you get better you can go smaller, but for your first board going big means you catch waves right away liuke you did when on vacation, a small board means frustrating days. Go big, big fun!