First Surfboard

[Atlantic]

Hey people! So I'm looking to buy my first surfboard this summer and I'm not sure exactly what I want. I don't have a lot of money so I'm looking at second hand boards and I'm hoping you can offer me some advice on what style, shape, size, volume etc.

Physique: I'm 184cm tall, 68kg (150), athletic build.

Experience: I've surfed for about 3 years (3 weeks per year). I'm a fairly strong swimmer that can take off on green waves and am attempting bottom turns (with mixed success). Last summer I was riding a 6"8 NSP minimal (fun board) although I'd like to progress my surfing skills. I could, just about, duck dive the 6'8 (approx.45L) board last summer although I'd like something that's easier to get out.

I usually surf in Cornwall (fistral beach) in the UK. Occasionally I also surf at my sisters in Norfolk where there's usually between 2-3ft waves (I borrow her 7" minimal while I'm there, which I'll probably continue to use because of the small surf). Generally though, in my summers, I'm surfing between 3-6ft waves.

I was considering getting a fish but wasn't sure what size to go for... how small could I realistically go with a fish? Maybe I should think about getting a slightly longer shortboard?

Also, I'm unsure on the whole epoxy/ fiberglass debate since I've never had the latter...

Thanks!

[dtc]

Do you feel comfortable on any of the boards you have mentioned? By that I mean paddling out, catching waves, popping up and being able to surf 'down the line' (across the face of the wave)? Even if you can't necessarily do any turns

If not, then stick with a board like the ones you have been using - a minimal of 7-8ft or so. Get better, get fitter then try a more advanced board. I know it seems expensive to get one board now and another one later on, but at 3 weeks per year there is no point getting a board you will struggle on for the entire three weeks, then do the same the year after and so forth. Get a board you can have fun on right now, have fun. Dont think too far ahead.

Read around on here about 'first surfboard', there are heaps of threads. Also read about buying a shortboard as a first board (there are also heaps of threads, some linked below)

If you really wanted to get away from the mal shape or believe you have 'advanced' from the minimal, I would go a 'hybrid' board rather than a fish (actually, some boards are hybrids but are called 'fish' simply because they have a swallow tail; a true fish is a different style). I would probably stick around the high 6ft - 7ft mark, give or take. eg firewire Addvance/dominator, 7S XL fish - to give you an idea and then you can find similar boards.

in terms of threads that may assist (and particularly pay attention to how hard it is to start off / transition too early to a short board) (ps: I'm only linking threads at random, there are plenty of others to help you out)

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=19819

viewtopic.php?t=23095

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=16072

[Atlantic]

Hey dtc, cheers for the advice bud.

I'm completely comfortable on my 7'2 minimal. Paddling out, catching waves, popping up and surfing down the line (trimming). On the 6'8 I found it quicker comparable to the 7'2 but was pretty comfortable on it and enjoyed how much easier it was to paddle out than the larger board, which was a tiresome sometimes getting out the back.

I've never tried anything other than a minimal/ fun board. I'm a really fit guy and I do a lot of exercise throughout the year (including swimming) so fitness is not an issue at all. I'll have a little look around and probably check out a 6'6 hybrid fish or something similar.

[dtc]

If you are comfortable on a 6ft8, then a 6ft6 or so hybrid is probably worthwhile or a 'fish'. Firewire make some fairly 'high' volume boards - hybrids I guess you would call them - around that size (such as the dominator). I only suggest those because Firewire has a good website and you can find out a lot of info and then use that knowledge to see if you think its the kind of board you want. Dont think Firewire is the only company making them by any means. For example, over here (Australia) the 'hypto krypto' is the in fashion go to board for those wanting something with a bit more volume (I dont have one but they are sure popular!). Also have a look at 'mark richards flying saucer' - not a board you can buy where you are, but it has a great shape for what you want (or even his 'hybrid'). Again, just for research purposes. Basically these are 'shortboard' shaped boards but with more volume up front/around the chest to help out paddling and wave catching and a flatter rocker to help out as well.

Sounds like you probably want something around 40-42l (based on what you said about the current board), although keep in mind that volume is not everything (eg rocker is very important in terms of 'paddle - bility', stability etc) A minimal will have a flat rocker, so you will notice that a higher rocker board, even of the same volume, will be harder to paddle (but perhaps easier to turn/less stable). The hybrids, as mentioned (and fish boards for that matter) usually have flatter rocker.

At times there isnt much difference between a board called a 'fish' and one called a 'hybrid' (or a 'high volume shortboard'), so you are really looking for the volume you like, fairly wide and thick and flatter rocker, probably with thicker rails (all relative to a shortboard). This might be a 'fish' or a 'hybrid' or whatever the shaper calls it.

You could even see if you can find a cheap shortboard around that length and give it a go if you want - you may find it difficult or may not; its really a matter of whether you want to struggle for a while (possibly) or just want to have fun. That said, you can certainly 'rip' on the hybrids

good luck