Surfing Waves

I know you guys are prob fed up of these questions, so apologies!
I'm taking up surfing this summer, and will be doing a fair bit hopefully so want to get some gear.
I've read different things about which board, what size etc so thought I'd ask for help.
I'm 5'11" and weigh around the 250lb mark. Would a 7' foamie be ok to start on?
All suggestions appreciated!

Gary you're a big guy, that size you are going to be a sinker, go to a surf school or a rental set up have a try at various sizes.
I'd try a long 9ft or above soft top if that' what you want to do. A proper board is even better.
I'm 220 and that height I have surfed for a long time I can go down to 7ft custom but I really have to have my game together, and once up I can do it with the best of them but to catch a wave as the board size goes smaller is more and more difficult.
BTW no need to apologise, have a look further on this site and you'll see why I'm suggesting this approach.
But spare your wallet try before you buy. Your needs will change as you progress.

Any links as to wheres the best place to start looking for a 9 footer? I was hoping to spent not much more than £150 if possible

garybinosh wrote:Any links as to wheres the best place to start looking for a 9 footer? I was hoping to spent not much more than £150 if possible

craigslist, local surf shops, garage sales....

jaffa's right, rent one first. they're super cheep to rent for a few hours at most beaches.

garybinosh wrote:Would a 7' foamie be ok to start on?

Don't buy a foamie.
Foamies are really only good for the first couple of times you're out. Once you can stand up, you'll need a 'real' board.

And as said above, 7ft is way too small.
Hire a 9ft+ foamie the first few times, then think about buying a proper longboard.


(okay, okay, I know that foamies are good for surfing the shoredump, or for sneaking past over-zealous lifegaurds too...)

Cool, points taken. I'm going to rent a board with a day long lesson next week, then buy one after that for my beach holiday next month. Something like this might be ok I was thinking? http://www.boardshop.co.uk/aftrack.asp?ID=13&Req=/product/s8090-bl.asp Any thoughts?

What are your goals?

As mentioned above a foam board will only take you so far. If you have long term plans for your surfing I'd skip it and buy something you can grow into. If this is just a hobby or a phase for you and you want quick results then that board looks ok... though I'm not familiar with the brand. You could probably get a used one at a surf shop for a similar price and you'd be able to look it over.

garybinosh wrote:Cool, points taken. I'm going to rent a board with a day long lesson next week, then buy one after that for my beach holiday next month. Something like this might be ok I was thinking? http://www.boardshop.co.uk/aftrack.asp?ID=13&Req=/product/s8090-bl.asp Any thoughts?

EEEEK, I'd have serious doubts about that board it's not one to grow into but one you should use only at the surf school. With this board you can float , ride the whitewater well, you can't duck dive and esky rolling would be challenging,Even the BICs or NSP would be better than that, IMO you would seriously waste your money.
After your lessons go to some shops around where you learnt and have look at second hand regular long boards if you have any real desire to continue surfing.