What board would suit me best?

[luknam1234]

Hello all, I'm planning on getting a surfboard but I'm not sure what to buy. I've been surfing for 3 years but only occasionally, I'd say I'm a beginner who's rather okay at this (ahahaha). I'm loving it so much I'd like to have my own gears.

My choices are as recommended from instructors and experience close ones, these includes Fish board, long board,short board and mini mal. I was wondering if you could he me choose and maybe say a short advantages/disadvantages for each one...It will be much appreciated. Because of certain aspects, price will not pay a huge role but if one board breaks easier than another then that'll be nice to know.

About me : I'm a female; 148cm (4'9") and 50kg (110 lbs). I want to take it more seriously as a hobby since after a while, I still practically know nothing about it. I've been using the 6'2 short board and 7'2 mini mal. Wave condition around my area are pretty inconsistent, i'lll be around Sumner Bar or Taylors mistake or near that area (Christchurch, New Zealand).

[drowningbitbybit]

Fish board, long board,short board and mini mal

No, yes, no, yes.
Although at 4'9 ( ), a shortboard will be almost like a longboard for you....

Very quick summary...
Fish (at least proper ones) aren't suitable for beginners. A longboard is perfect for learning, but would be a bit of a handful for someone your size. A shortboard isn't suitable for a learner, but again, because of your size you might be fine on at least a bigger one. A mini-mal is a good choice for the smaller learner, and also for someone who surfs at an inconsistent break.

I'd say a small mini-mal (6'10 to 7') would be good, or a funboard (halfway between a shortboard and a mini-mal). If you've nailed the basics (paddling, catching clean waves, some turns), go for the funboard at around 6'8 to 6'10 x 21 x 2 3/4. Loads of volume, but manageable, and plenty of scope to improve on.


Edit: ...Unless you could surf perfectly well on the 6'2. Then I'd say get a 6'2

[jaffa1949]

Kia Ora , to you Sumner Bar and the southern corner is pretty good for Mini Mals and fling boards , Dbbb's recommendation suits you and the breaks pretty well!

A graduation trip when you move up the skill chain would be Kaikoura for the sweeping rights there .

I really liked the crew at Sumner and the welcome I was given when I came across the ditch from OZ.
Unfortunately Taylor's didn't turn on for me.

Yum remembering Nin's Bin lobster with fresh bread and Marlborough Whites. Nice!

Enjoy getting thoroughly hooked on surfing