What to Get

[Youngblood]

I surf here and there. Im looking to surf 2-3 times a week. Im a beginner and I can catch some waves. I want a surfboard that I can have for a few years. Money isn't really an issue. Maybe a rocket 9 or black and white. I honestly have no idea and would be open to anything. I'm 5'6 and I weigh 130-140 pounds. If someone could help me out with measurements that would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I live in Huntington CA if that helps with anything.

[surfingsocal1201]

I personally use a Lost Puddle Jumper 5'6 and it's amazing in how it performs. So sensitive and reactive while catching waves like a champ.
Hypto Krypto by HS 5'6- this board catches everything like a longboard while performs like a shortboard.
Rocket 9 is good as a step down from a beginner board but I think it still might be too under volumed for you. Generally, get something wider (at least 19.5, preferably 20 inch), thicker (2 3/8 or 2 1/2) and match it to your height. Also, what style of surfing do you like? Let me know, thanks!

[dtc]

If you got a rocket 9 then it will certainly last for a few years, because you probably won't have caught very many waves and likely given up in frustration

Get a second hand mini mal over 7ft. Surf that for 6 months, sell it and buy something mid 6ft. Repeat until you get to the board you want

[Big H]

Only board that catches waves like a longboard is........a longboard. Believe me when I say this since I'm standing and on the wave when I'm calling off still prone Hypto Krypto paddlers......

BTW I'm with DTC on the mini mal tip....that's the way to go to get some surfing skills.....until you do that a board's "sensitivity" will be a minus not a plus since that is just another way to describe less stable.

I'd forget about that few years idea for a single board if you're going out 2-3 times a week. If you're young you'll fill out and get bigger and need something different.....if you're fully grown you'll improve and want something different.....or you'll just want something different along with what you have already. My advice is to buy for now.....not something that will "grow with you" or that you'll grow into. Buy something you can use right now and then if you tire of it, outgrow it, snap it, wear it out you can get something different.


Buying used makes this process relatively inexpensive since you can often sell a board on for nearly (or exactly or sometimes a bit more) than what you paid originally.

At least that is what I tell my wife.... ....it is true actually but the issue seems to be that I buy more than I sell.

[YungGrom]

I personally use a Lost Puddle Jumper 5'6 and it's amazing in how it performs. So sensitive and reactive while catching waves like a champ.
Hypto Krypto by HS 5'6- this board catches everything like a longboard while performs like a shortboard.
Rocket 9 is good as a step down from a beginner board but I think it still might be too under volumed for you. Generally, get something wider (at least 19.5, preferably 20 inch), thicker (2 3/8 or 2 1/2) and match it to your height. Also, what style of surfing do you like? Let me know, thanks!

Hytpo might catch waves but nothing compared to what Hayden Shapes projects let alone a longboard, you have no show on 5.6 hypto with 28L without the wave pearling or curved you cannot catch that wave... definitely doesn't catch everything.

[waikikikichan]

I was thinking of getting the Rocket9 myself, really. It's a board designed for CI rider Tanner Gudauskus. Do you surf like him ? Now of course I've never seen you surf, but really if you need to ask ( and are a beginner as you stated yourself ) , then you aren't ready for either board. If you've been using one of the other "easier" CI models like the Average Joe, High Five, MINI, Pod, ...... or even the New Flyer, then I would say the Rocket9 will be a great board to move up to.
Question, what model CI boards are you buddies using ? Ask their opinion. They know you better ( and your true level ) better than us. Do any of them own a Rocket9 or Black and White ?

[Namu]

Get a longboard, 8'6" to 9' long, 22" wide, 2-3/4" to 3" thick. Get a 2+1 fin system so you have lots of options for fin setups.

Why?

http://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/1227 ... -longboard