New board advice

[Drandy]

Hi everyone

Sorry, I am sure this has been asked a million times, but I guess the answer is not always the same!

I am looking for another board for the quiver but am not sure what to go for.

I currently have a longboard which is great, but good for the right conditions. I have a 7'11" Mal which was my first board and use when I think it may get damaged! I have just about managed to surf my daughter's 5'6" foamie, though not sure that counts.

I really enjoy the ease of the longboard and cruising, but found myself taking the Mal out alot recently and like that it has a bit more maneuverability. I think maybe I finally am less rubbish and working the board a bit better.

Therefore am looking for a board to allow a bit more progression but to not work agaisnt me. Easy to catch and move about, bit not super twitchy.

I surf on the south coast of the UK where surf is average and sloppy often and I don't get out that much due to life in general. I guess I would say I am somewhere between beginner and intermediate. 5'8", 70kgs incase that helps.

Thanks in advance:)

Drandy

[steveylang]

I'm surprised no one has answered! I think in general as long as you don't go down too far in size you will be fine. If you can surf the Mal pretty well then something in the 7' range shouldn't be hard to adjust to (also depending on shape, width, rocker, etc.)

A few months ago I was on a 7'6" 50L thruster shape, and then went down to a 7' 46L board and it was pretty easy getting used to it. By the end of the first session I was completely comfortable with the new board and have been on it for 3-4 months. I'm about 5'10" 73 kg, and this board feels very neutral to me- not too big, but not twitchy either. Plus I find I can surf it in various conditions fine.

[Drandy]

Cheers:)

I think you are right, I have been looking at higher volume shorter boards even in 6ft something range, it seems there are quite a few, especially fish, around 45litres

Thanks for the advice:)

[Shredder15]

I would drop down to a shortboard in the range of 6'6" to 7'0". A board of this length is still going to have enough volume to paddle into just about anything, but will also offer a good degree of manoeuvrability. You could go for a foamie in this size or a traditional PU board, which i would say is preferable.

[Drandy]

Great cheers shredder!